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The cultivation of legumes in Ukraine is key for agriculture and the economy, as they are strategic crops for food security, export potential and sustainable development of the agricultural sector. The study aimed to examine the current state of legume cultivation in Ukraine and identify the main aspects that determine their production. Gross harvest, yields, planted areas, export dynamics and prices of such legumes as soybeans, chickpeas, beans and peas for 2015-2023 were analysed to address the set aim. The results of the study showed the stability and potential growth of legume production in Ukraine. Despite changes in the level of soybean exports, production and processing from year to year, there is a general upward trend. In 2023, soybean exports reached a record high of 3.6 million tonnes, a significant increase from the lowest level in 2021, when only 1.4 million tonnes were exported. As for peas, chickpeas and beans, their production in Ukraine reflected fluctuating trends. Pea production peaked in 2018 at 755 thousand tonnes, chickpea production reached its highest level in 2021 (93.4 thousand tonnes), and beans in 2020 (65 thousand tonnes). In the period from 2021 to 2023, prices for legumes in Ukraine showed steady growth, with chickpeas at 21.6 thousand UAH/t, beans at 33-35 thousand UAH/t, and peas at 8.1 thousand UAH/t. The price dynamics of soybeans also showed an increase to the level of 17.2-17.4 thousand UAH/t. The strategic directions identified in the study point to the need to invest in research, technological progress and infrastructure to ensure sustainability in legume production

Agroecological substantiation of cereal crops cultivation technologies becomes especially relevant in conditions of insufficient moisture, as it requires sustainable and efficient agro-production systems that ensure high yields and preserve natural resources. The aim of the study is to determine the impact of nitrogen fertilisation on the growth and development of winter wheat in an arid climate. To achieve this goal, a field study was conducted at the fields of the Educational and Research Centre of Mykolaiv National Agrarian University to study mineral nutrition and the impact of different nitrogen rates on the structure and quality of winter wheat grain yield. The study found that increasing nitrogen fertiliser rates has a positive impact on crop growth and yield. The application of higher nitrogen rates, in particular N60 and N80 in spring fertilisation, increases plant height by 3.8 and 4.6 cm, respectively, compared to N30. In addition, a double increase in nitrogen fertiliser rates resulted in a 3.5% increase in the number of productive stems and a 13.6% increase in the weight of 1,000 seeds. Mineral fertilisers also had a significant impact on winter wheat yields, with Р30К30+N60 and Р30К30+N80 yielding 51.8 and 49.3 c/ha, respectively. The results of laboratory studies confirmed that nitrogen fertilizers in an increased amount lead to a decrease in the starch content in winter wheat grains, while simultaneously increasing the protein content. Correlation analysis showed a tendency to increase the yield of winter wheat with higher application of nitrogen fertilizers, however, in order to avoid deterioration of the quality of crop products, it is important to follow the recommendations. The practical significance of the obtained results lies in optimizing the cultivation of grain crops, as well as increasing their yield in conditions of limited water resources and the threat of drought