The efficiency of growing narrow-leaved lavender (Lavandula angustifolia Mill.) with different planting densities in the conditions of the Left Bank Forest Steppe of Ukraine

Abstract

Goal. To determine the influence of the density of planting out plants on the productivity of narrow-leaved lavender, to justify their optimal density according to economic criteria, and to establish the payback period for the costs of planting production crops. Methods. Field, laboratory, and calculation. Narrow-leaved lavender was planted at a density of 14,000 plants/ha, 20,000, and 28,000 plants/ha. Harvest accounting was carried out during the period of mass flowering of plants, the content of essential oil in racemes was determined using the Clevenger apparatus by the method of steam distillation. Economic calculations were performed at prices as of the beginning of 2024. Results. A tendency to increase the yield of lavender essential oil with an increase in the density of planting plants was established. The calculation of the economic indicators of the cultivation of narrow-leaved lavender showed that the largest amount of direct costs was in the year of establishment of the plantation in connection with the purchase of seedlings. In the 2nd year of cultivation, the costs were the lowest for the entire calculation period, but with each subsequent year, they increased due to the increase in the costs of collecting racemes and distilling essential oil. The highest economic indicators were obtained at a density of 28,000 plants/ha, where the yield of essential oil was the highest. The payback period for the establishment of a production plantation of narrow-leaved lavender was determined. For densities of 14,000 and 20,000 plants/ha it was 6 years. With the increase in planting density to 28,000 plants/ha, costs increased significantly, but the yield of essential oil also increased. The payback period for investments in the establishment of production plantations of narrow-leaved lavender was reduced to 5 years. Conclusions. The conducted economic calculations indicate that narrow-leaved lavender in the conditions of the Left Bank Forest Steppe of Ukraine should be planted with a density of 28,000 plants/ha. From the 6th year of vegetation, the profit is UAH 121,000/ha with a production profitability of 158%. Therefore, the cultivation of narrow-leaved lavender as a perennial essential oil and medicinal plant from the economic point of view is a profitable investment project with a payback period of 5–6 years for establishing industrial plantations.