APPLICATION OF SAPONITE-CONTAINING BASALTIC TUFFS IN THE CULTIVATION OF VEGETABLE CROPS
Saponite-containing basaltic tuffs, given their mineralogical and chemical composition, are prospective silicate raw materials in industry. They can also be used as broad spectrum ameliorant in agrobiocenosis, natural sorbent of heavy metals and radionuclides as well as for neutralization and deferrization of water. The paper presents the results of research on the effectiveness of application of saponite-containing basaltic tuffs in the cultivation of green beans ( Phaseolus vulgaris L.) and basil ( Ocimum basilicum L.) on sod-podzolic sandy loamy soil with an average content of exchangeable magnesium (110-120 mg / kg of soil). Pre-plant application of saponite-containing basaltic tuffs in Mg doses of Mg<sub>20-80</sub> increased yield of green beans by 14.2-16.2 dt / ha, green mass of basil - by 0.18-0.24 kg / m<sup>2</sup> with better agronomic efficiency in case of application of Mg<sub>40</sub> (green beans) and Mg<sub>20</sub> (basil) against the background of complete mineral fertilizing.