Baltic Journal of Economic Studies 357 Vol. 11 No. 4, 2025 This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution CC BY 4.0 1 Vinnytsia National Agrarian University, Ukraine E-mail: vd-palamarchuk@ukr.net ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4906-3761 ResearcherID: L-5320-2018 2 Vinnytsia National Agrarian University, Ukraine (corresponding author) E-mail: romanlohosha@gmail.com ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6462-5083 ResearcherID: L-8376-2018 3 Vinnytsia National Agrarian University, Ukraine E-mail: mykhaylo.skakun@kws.com ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7947-9493 DOI: https://doi.org/10.30525/2256-0742/2025-11-4-357-366 ECONOMIC EFFICIENCY OF MAIZE CULTIVATION USING DIGESTATE IN UKRAINE* Vitalii Palamarchuk1, Roman Lohosha2, Mykhailo Skakun3 Abstract. This article presents the results of a study on the economic efficiency of growing corn for grain, silage, and biomethane production, with the corresponding quality of the products obtained. The research was conducted on the experimental field of Vinnytsia National Agrarian University under ORGANIC-D TOV conditions in 2023-2024. The cultivation techniques included elements that are generally accepted for the cultivation area, with the exception of the factors under study. The yield of grain and green mass, the quality of the products obtained, and the yield of biomethane from corn silage were determined in accordance with established methods. Harvesting and yield accounting were carried out manually on each experimental plot. The fertilisation options studied involved the use of mineral fertilisers (N90P90K90), micronutrients (Nanovit corn) and digestate obtained through anaerobic fermentation in biogas plants. Digestate was applied at different times: basic, pre- sowing fertilisation and top dressing at a rate of 60 t/ha. It was established that the indicators of the gross grain production value, by the studied maize hybrids, averaged as follows: Amaros (FAO 230) – 51,380.3 UAH/ha, P 8754 (FAO 240) – 52,521.5 UAH/ha, Bigbit (FAO 290) – 69,193.7 UAH/ha, Bohatyr (FAO 290) – 79,784.3 UAH/ha, KWS 381 (FAO 350) – 80,730.6 UAH/ha, KWS Intelligence (FAO 380) – 84,515.9 UAH/ha, DN Anshlag (FAO 420) – 83,875.8 UAH/ha, and P 0217 (FAO 460) – 84,088.8 UAH/ha. The application of digestate from biogas plants increased the gross production value of grain maize by 8,621–19,392.9 UAH/ha (14.6–26.5%) and of silage maize by 5,448.5–9,804.3 UAH/ha. The use of mineral fertilisers in combination with the microfertiliser “Nanovit Corn” increased these values by 10,270.5–18,954.5 UAH/ha (16.4–27.6%) and 3,359.0–8,804.0 UAH/ha, respectively, compared to the control where no fertilisers were applied. The highest profitability of grain maize cultivation was recorded with triple digestate application (main, pre-sowing, and top dressing): Amaros (FAO 230) – 103.7%, P 8754 (FAO 240) – 118.5%, Bigbit (FAO 290) – 150.3%, and Bohatyr (FAO 290) – 191.6%. For KWS 381 (FAO 350), KWS Intelligence (FAO 380), and P 0217 (FAO 460), the maximum profitability values (186.7–195.5%) were obtained when digestate was applied only as a pre-sowing fertiliser. The hybrid DN Anshlag (FAO 420) demonstrated the highest profitability (183.5%) under the mineral fertiliser + microfertiliser “Nanovit Corn” scheme. A similar trend was observed for the cultivation of silage mass of the studied maize hybrids. The biogas yield from 1 hectare of the studied maize hybrids, corresponding to the respective green mass productivity, ranged from 6,645 to 10,111 m³. Such variations in biogas volume also affected the value of the produced output. The highest profitability indices for cultivating silage maize for biogas production were recorded under triple digestate application (main, pre- sowing fertilisation, and top dressing). For the hybrids, these values amounted to: Amaros (FAO 230) – 200.6%, P 8754 (FAO 240) – 209.0%, Bigbit (FAO 290) – 189.6%, Bohatyr (FAO 290) – 221.8%, KWS 381 (FAO 350) – 237.3%, KWS Intelligence (FAO 380) – 224.8%, DN Anshlag (FAO 420) – 208.8%, and P 0217 (FAO 460) – 210.3%, * Research conducted as part of the second stage of the applied research project "Development of environmentally friendly technologies for growing bioenergy crops to ensure energy independence and soil conservation for climate neutrality" (state registration number 0124U000483, completion date 2024-2025), which is being carried out at the expense of the state budget. Baltic Journal of Economic Studies 358 Vol. 11 No. 4, 2025 which exceeded the level of the control variant without fertilisers by 40.6–67.3%. From the point of view of economic feasibility, medium-late maturity hybrids are the most effective for growing silage maize. Keywords: maize, yield, digestate, mineral fertilisers, grain, green mass, profitability, profit, cost price, micro- elements, fertilisation, biogas. JEL Classification: O13, Q16, Q42 1. Introduction Ukraine currently plays an important role in the global economy as a producer of agricultural products. The production of large quantities of agricultural products creates favourable conditions for converting some of it into alternative energy. In order to maintain and strengthen Ukraine's position as an important player in the global agricultural market and a producer of renewable energy, it is necessary to improve crop cultivation technologies, increase their productivity, reduce production costs, and improve economic efficiency indicators. Scientists note ( Jaime A. Teixeira da Silva, Koblianska, Kucher, 2023; Palamarchuk, Krychkovskyi, Rudska, Kolisnyk, 2023; Arreyndip, 2025) that Ukraine is one of the three largest corn producers in the world. The large volumes of corn production are due to favourable soil and climatic conditions, socio-economic indicators, and the availability of technological resources. Stable demand for agricultural products from Ukraine on the global market is driven by competitive prices and the country's favourable geographical location relative to major importing countries (Maliarchuk, Kotelnykov, Shepel, 2016; Lohosha, Mykhalchyshyna, Prylutskyi, Kubai, 2020; Hontaruk, Furman, Bondarenko, Riabchyk, Nepochatenko, 2024). Literature review. One of the reserves for increasing corn productivity is optimising the supply of nutrients to plants through the use of traditional and alternative types of fertilisers. Optimal provision of plants with macro- and microelements, as well as the creation of favourable agrophysical conditions for their growth and development, taking into account the principles of resource conservation and environmental safety, contributes to increasing the potential productivity of modern grain and silage corn hybrids (Palamarchuk, 2019; Lohosha, Palamarchuk, Krychkovskyi, 2022; Lohosha, Palamarchuk, Krychkovskyi, 2023). The importance of these issues has grown particularly in the context of a shortage of traditional organic fertilisers, the high cost of mineral resources, the deterioration of soil fertility due to intensive mineralisation of humus, and the increase in erosion processes, which have been significantly exacerbated by Russia's military aggression against Ukraine (Honcharuk, Gontaruk, Pantsyreva, 2024; Lohosha, Lutkovska, Pidvalna, Pronko, Kolesnyk, 2025). In a system where plants are provided with nutrients through fertilisation, increasing the cost-effectiveness of mineral fertilisers and irrigation water, as well as reducing the consumption of fuel, lubricants and other resources, is becoming increasingly important in modern crop cultivation technologies. This is particularly relevant in the context of growing water and energy shortages (Pasternak, 2015; Adamchyk, Kravchenko, Kolisnyk, Aralova, Protasov, Dubovyk, Dubovyk, Stavytskyi, 2024). It should be emphasised that improving the economic efficiency of agricultural production is only possible if the technological processes involved in growing crops are improved, in particular by optimising individual elements of the technology, taking into account the biological characteristics of maize (Ushkarenko, Vozhehova, Holoborodko, Kokovikhin, 2014). In order to prevent the irrational use of production resources when developing corn cultivation technology, it is advisable to take into account the specifics of production, its main tasks and the available resource potential of agricultural enterprises, which determines their orientation towards intensification or resource conservation. For example, resource-saving technologies aim to achieve maximum efficiency in resource use, ensuring the highest return on investment, while intensive technological approaches are aimed at maximising profits while maintaining a sufficient level of production profitability  (Kaminskyi, Saiko, Dushko et al., 2017; Kaminskyi, Asanishvili, 2020; Tokarchuk, Pryshliak, Tokarchuk, Mazur, 2020). For large commodity producers, it is important to ensure the possibility of obtaining uniform quality products based on the development and implementation of modern cultivation technologies, taking into account the type and specialisation of the agricultural enterprise and its resource base (Kaminskyi, Asanishvili, 2020; Talavyria, Furman, Alexandrov, Drabovskyi, 2025). High corn productivity is primarily based on increasing the intensity of production, which involves the rational use of resources and the introduction of effective agricultural technologies (Kaminskyi, Asanishvili, 2020; Koval, Atstaja, Filipishyna, Udovychenko, Kryshtal, Gontaruk, 2025). Among the means of intensification in the structure of variable costs in corn cultivation using intensive technologies, the largest share is accounted for by fertiliser costs, Baltic Journal of Economic Studies 359 Vol. 11 No. 4, 2025 which is due to this crop's high demand for macro- and microelements to achieve significant yields (Baliuk, 2010; Kaminskyi, Asanishvili, 2020). 2. Materials and Methodology Field studies were conducted during 2023-2024 at the experimental field of the Department of Plant Growing and Horticulture of the Faculty of Agronomy, Horticulture and Plant Protection of the Educational and Scientific Institute of Agrotechnology and Nature Management of Vinnytsia National Agrarian University, based at Organic D TOV. The results of the final round of agrochemical testing showed that the farm's grey forest soils have an acidic and slightly acidic soil solution reaction (pH 5.4–5.9). In this regard, to improve the mobility of nutrients, it is advisable to combine fertiliser application with chemical reclamation, in particular liming. In 2023, climatic conditions differed significantly from the long-term average, particularly in spring, during the first and second decades of April, when temperatures dropped, limiting the possibility of early corn sowing. As a result, corn hybrids were sown in the third ten days of April and the first ten days of May. Throughout April, there was a moisture deficit, which negatively affected the uniformity of plant emergence, although subsequently there was almost no difference in development between plants. Unlike 2023, the climatic conditions of 2024 were significantly below optimal in terms of temperature and precipitation distribution during the growing season, which ultimately had a negative impact on the productivity of all agricultural crops, including corn. A gradual increase in temperatures and uniform precipitation was observed in the spring, but starting in June, there was a sharp rise in temperatures and a prolonged absence of precipitation until September. Already during the July–August period, the temperature values reached 42–47 °C, which in maize plants was often accompanied by loss of turgor and wilting of the leaf blades in the lower leaf layers. Field trials were conducted in accordance with generally accepted recommendations set out in the "Methodology for conducting field trials with corn" (Lebid, Tsykov, Pashchenko et al., 2008). The accounting area of the plots used in the studies was 25.0 m². The variants were arranged using the randomised block method with four repetitions. The grain and green mass yield of maize from the study area was recorded in accordance with the requirements of the methodology developed by V. V. Vovkodav (2001), V. O. Yeshchenko (2014) and the methodology for maize (Lebid, Tsykov, Pashchenko et al., 2008). The biological yield of corn hybrids was calculated using the following formula (1) (Avramenko, Tsekhmeistruk, Hlubokyi et al., 2011): Yb = М×К:1000000 (t/ha), (1) where, M is the weight of grain from one economically valuable (productive) cob; К is the number of economically valuable heads per 1 hectare, pcs. To determine the volume of biogas output from 1 hectare of agricultural crops, the following equation (2) is used: F = U*c*q 100 (2) where, F is biogas output, thousand m³/ha; U is the yield of green mass, t/ha; c is the dry matter content in plants, %; q is the specific yield of biogas from 1 kg of dry matter, m3/kg (corn silage 0.4-0.6 m3/kg) (Medvedovskyi, Ivanenko, 1988; Hrabovskyi, Vakhnii, Khakhula et al., 2021). The economic efficiency of growing the studied corn hybrids, taking into account different fertilisation systems, was assessed using technological maps that contained a detailed list of costs, including fertilisers, seeds, pesticides, fuel and lubricants, and also took into account yield and other indicators. All costs were estimated based on 2024 prices. The cost of production was taken at the actual selling price (10,150 UAH/tonne) at the end of 2024 and beginning of 2025 (Kaminskyi, Saiko, Dushko et al., 2017; Opria, 2011; Kovalchuk, 2018; Kamenshchuk, 2020). The experiment employed the conventional maize cultivation technology typical for the soil and climatic conditions of the region, except for the elements under study (fertilisation variants). Soybean served as the preceding crop. After its harvesting, the primary tillage included stubble cultivation with a heavy disc harrow BDT-7, followed by ploughing with a mounted three-bottom plough PLN-3-35 in combination with a DTZ-1204 tractor (120 hp). To ensure uniform and rapid maize emergence, pre- sowing soil preparation was carried out using a soil compactor AKPK-3 (Europack type) with a working width of 3 m and an operating speed of 10–12 km/h. A single pass of this unit provided soil crushing, levelling, loosening, and the formation of a seedbed at the required depth. The studies involved maize hybrids from the companies “Pioneer” and “KWS”: early- medium – Amaros (FAO 230), P 8754 (FAO 240), Bigbit (FAO 290), Bohatyr (FAO 290); medium – KWS 381 (FAO 350), KWS Intelligence (FAO 380); and medium-late – DN Anshlag (FAO 420), P 0217 (FAO 460). Sowing was carried out when the soil temperature at the seed placement depth reached 10–12 °C, using an eight-row pneumatic seeder John Baltic Journal of Economic Studies 360 Vol. 11 No. 4, 2025 Deere 7000 at a seeding rate of 70,000 kernels per hectare. The fertilisation options studied involved the use of mineral fertilisers (N90P90K90), micronutrients (Nanovit corn) and digestate obtained through anaerobic fermentation in biogas plants. Digestate was applied at different times: basic, pre-sowing fertilisation and top dressing at a rate of 60 t/ha. The studies used digestate obtained by 14-day anaerobic fermentation of pig manure in a biogas reactor. The manure came from pigs raised on a probiotic diet without the use of antibiotics, which contributed to the more active development of methanotrophic microorganisms. The resulting digestate had a balanced content of macroelements (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, sulphur) and microelements (copper, zinc, manganese, iron, molybdenum), and was also characterised by a favourable microbiological composition. Nanovit Corn is a liquid complex microfertiliser suitable for use on sorghum and corn crops. It contains macronutrients (nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P₂O₅), magnesium (MgO), sulphur (S)), microelements (zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu)), and the biologically active complex "NANOAСТIV". In addition, this microfertiliser contains 15 L-amino acids (glycine, lysine, proline, alanine, cystine, valine, methionine, isoleucine, leucine, tyrosine, tryptophan, histidine, phenylalanine, glutamine, glutamic acid), phytohormones, monosaccharides, and organic acids. In addition, Nanovit Corn microfertiliser contains a polysaccharide adhesive. The crops were treated with Nanovit Corn microfertiliser at the 5-7 leaf stage of the crop at a rate of 1.5 l/ha, simultaneously with the application of Melagro herbicide (active ingredient – nicosulfuron) in combination with Trend adhesive to control annual and perennial dicotyledonous and grass weeds at a rate of 1.25 l/ha, using a backpack sprayer with a working solution consumption of 5 l per 100 m². Spraying of the experimental plots was carried out in the morning or evening using a backpack sprayer, with a working fluid application rate of 5 l/100 m². The experiments were carried out in accordance with stage II of the applied research project "Development of environmentally friendly technologies for growing bioenergy crops to ensure energy independence and soil conservation for climate neutrality" (state registration number 0124U000483, completion date 2024-2025), which is funded by the state budget. 3. Research Results An analysis of the economic feasibility of using different fertilisation options for silage and grain corn hybrids of different maturity groups, depending on the application of digestate from biogas plants and the use of mineral fertilisers in combination with Nanovit Corn microfertiliser, was carried out based on actual production costs on the farm. The calculations were made in accordance with technological charts and analytical data collected over years of research, reflecting the volume of costs, production results and sales of the products obtained. During economic calculations for corn cultivation, the cost of production was determined based on current sales prices for the current year – 8,350 UAH/tonne of grain and 1,800 UAH/tonne of green mass. The price of biogas was calculated by equating it to the exchange value of natural gas on the ICE (London) platform, which in March 2025 was 520 EUR per 1,000 m³. The calculation of the economic efficiency of corn cultivation technology for green mass, grain and biogas under different fertilisation options is presented in Tables 1-3. On average, over two years of research, the grain yield of the studied hybrids varied between 5.05 and 11.55 t/ha. Such fluctuations in yield led to differences in the value of gross production per hectare, which was due to the biological characteristics of the hybrids and the fertilisation options used. The indicators of the gross production value, by the studied maize hybrids, averaged as follows: Amaros (FAO 230) – 51,380.3 UAH/ha, P 8754 (FAO 240) – 52,521.5 UAH/ha, Bigbit (FAO 290) – 69,193.7 UAH/ha, Bohatyr (FAO 290) – 79,784.3 UAH/ha, KWS 381 (FAO 350) – 80,730.6 UAH/ha, KWS Intelligence (FAO 380) – 84,515.9 UAH/ha, DN Anshlag (FAO 420) – 83,875.8 UAH/ha, and P 0217 (FAO 460) – 84,088.8 UAH/ha. The application of digestate from biogas plants increased the value of gross production by 8,621-19,392.9 UAH/ha (14.6-26.5%), and the use of mineral fertilisers in combination with the microfertiliser Nanovit Corn increased it by 10,270.5-18,954.5 UAH/ha (16.4-27.6%) compared to the control, where no fertilisers were used. Production costs in cultivation technologies with different fertilisation options ranged from 24,970.0 to 32,950.0 UAH/ha. The conditional net profit of the studied maize hybrids, corresponding to their respective yield levels, amounted to: Amaros (FAO 230) – 23,719.5 UAH/ha, P 8754 (FAO 240) – 25,129.8 UAH/ha, Bigbit (FAO 290) – 40,217.0 UAH/ha, Bohatyr (FAO 290) – 49,620.9 UAH/ha, KWS 381 (FAO 350) – 50,653.1 UAH/ha, KWS Intelligence (FAO 380) – 54,122.6 UAH/ha, DN Anshlag (FAO 420) – 53,529.1 UAH/ha, and P 0217 (FAO 460) – 53,771.3 UAH/ha. The application of digestate from biogas plants increased the conditional net profit by 5,905.1-17,022.9 UAH/ha, while the use of mineral fertilisers in combination with the microfertiliser Baltic Journal of Economic Studies 361 Vol. 11 No. 4, 2025 Table 1 Economic efficiency of corn hybrid cultivation technology for grain under different fertilisation options (average for 2023-2024) Hybrid name Fertilisation option Grain yield, t/ha Gross production value, UAH/ha Production costs, UAH/ha Cost of 1 tonne of products, UAH. Conditional net profit, UAH/ha Profitability level, % Amaros (FAO 230) 1 (К) 5,26 43921,0 25270 4804,2 18651,0 73,8 2 6,85 57197,5 28080 4099,3 29117,5 103,7 3 6,04 50434,0 27955 4628,3 22479,0 80,4 4 6,33 52855,5 27960 4417,1 24895,5 89,0 5 5,95 49682,5 27950 4697,5 21732,5 77,8 6 6,49 54191,5 28750 4429,9 25441,5 88,5 Р8754 (FAO 240) 1 (К) 5,05 42167,5 24970 4944,6 17197,5 68,9 2 7,48 62458,0 28580 3820,9 33878,0 118,5 3 6,08 50768,0 27970 4600,3 22798,0 81,5 4 6,85 57197,5 28410 4147,4 28787,5 101,3 5 5,69 47511,5 25670 4511,4 21841,5 85,1 6 6,59 55026,5 28750 4362,7 26276,5 91,4 Bigbit (FAO 290) 1 (К) 6,46 53941,0 25630 3967,5 28311,0 110,5 2 9,47 79074,5 31590 3335,8 47484,5 150,3 3 8,79 73396,5 29520 3358,4 43876,5 148,6 4 8,84 73814,0 29630 3351,8 44184,0 149,1 5 7,65 63877,5 28010 3661,4 35867,5 128,1 6 8,51 71058,5 29480 3464,2 41578,5 141,0 Bohatyr (FAO 290) 1 (К) 7,69 64211,5 27990 3639,8 36221,5 129,4 2 11,28 94188,0 32300 2863,5 61888,0 191,6 3 9,55 79742,5 30100 3151,8 49642,5 164,9 4 9,98 83333,0 30250 3031,1 53083,0 175,5 5 8,88 74148,0 29980 3376,1 44168,0 147,3 6 9,95 83082,5 30360 3051,3 52722,5 173,7 KWS 381 (FAO 350) 1 (К) 7,75 64712,5 28120 3628,4 36592,5 130,1 2 10,70 89345,0 32180 3007,5 57165,0 177,6 3 9,84 82164,0 29990 3047,8 52174,0 174,0 4 10,35 86422,5 30140 2912,1 56282,5 186,7 5 9,40 78490,0 29650 3154,3 48840,0 164,7 6 9,97 83249,5 30385 3047,6 52864,5 174,0 KWS Intelligence (FAO 380) 1 (К) 8,29 69221,5 28440 3430,6 40781,5 143,4 2 11,55 96442,5 32950 2852,8 63492,5 192,7 3 10,33 86255,5 30130 2916,7 56125,5 186,3 4 10,66 89011,0 30240 2836,8 58771,0 194,3 5 9,34 77989,0 29970 3208,8 48019,0 160,2 6 10,56 88176,0 30630 2900,6 57546,0 187,9 DN Anshlag (FAO 420) 1 (К) 8,48 70808,0 28750 3390,3 42058,0 146,3 2 11,16 93186,0 32630 2923,8 60556,0 185,6 3 10,17 84919,5 30090 2958,7 54829,5 182,2 4 10,23 85420,5 30110 2943,3 55310,5 183,7 5 9,90 82665,0 30070 3037,4 52595,0 174,9 6 10,33 86255,5 30430 2945,8 55825,5 183,5 Р 0217 (FAO 460) 1 (К) 8,77 73229,5 28840 3288,5 44389,5 153,9 2 11,19 93436,5 32590 2912,4 60846,5 186,7 3 9,90 82665,0 29960 3026,3 52705,0 175,9 4 10,71 89428,5 30260 2825,4 59168,5 195,5 5 9,40 78490,0 29510 3139,4 48980,0 166,0 6 10,41 86923,5 30385 2918,8 56538,5 186,1 Note: Fertilisation option: 1 – Control (without fertilisers); 2 – Basic fertilisation with digestate (60 t/ha) + pre-sowing application of digestate (60 t/ha) + top dressing with digestate (60 t/ha); 3 – Top dressing with digestate (60 t/ha); 4 – Pre-sowing fertilisation with digestate (60 t/ha); 5 – Main fertilisation with digestate (60 t/ha); 6 – Application of mineral fertilisers (N90P90K90) in combination with Nanovit corn microfertiliser (phase 5-7 corn leaves, application rate 1.5 l/ha). Baltic Journal of Economic Studies 362 Vol. 11 No. 4, 2025 Nanovit Corn increased it by 6,790.5-16,764.5 UAH/ha compared to the control without fertilisers. The profitability level of cultivating the studied maize hybrids, depending on the fertilisation systems, ranged from 68.9 % to 195.5 %. The highest profitability was recorded under the triple application of digestate (basic, pre-sowing, and top dressing): Amaros (FAO 230) – 103.7 %, P 8754 (FAO 240) – 118.5 %, Bigbit (FAO 290) – 150.3 %, and Bohatyr (FAO 290) – 191.6 %. For KWS 381 (FAO 350), KWS Intelligence (FAO 380), and P 0217 (FAO 460), the maximum values (186.7–195.5 %) were obtained when digestate was applied only as a pre-sowing fertiliser. The hybrid DN Anshlag (FAO 420) demonstrated the highest profitability (183.5 %) under the treatment combining mineral fertiliser with the microfertiliser "Nanovit Corn". Table 2 shows the economic efficiency of growing silage corn hybrids depending on the fertilisation option. The corn hybrids involved in the research were suitable for grain and silage production. Over the years of research, the average green mass yield of these hybrids ranged from 42.91 to 72.49 t/ha. The gross output value of green mass among the studied maize hybrids was as follows: Amaros (FAO 230) – 87,033.0 UAH/ha, P 8754 (FAO 240) – 91,038.0 UAH/ha, Bigbit (FAO 290) – 99,969.0 UAH/ha, Bohatyr (FAO 290) – 108,420.0 UAH/ha, KWS 381 (FAO 350) – 115,911.0 UAH/ha, KWS Intelligence (FAO 380) – 119,550.0 UAH/ha, DN Anshlag (FAO 420) – 121,377.0 UAH/ha, and P 0217 (FAO 460) – 125,697.0 UAH/ha. It was established that an increase in the vegetation period (FAO) contributes to the rise not only in green mass yield but also in the gross product value. In particular, hybrids of the medium- late maturity group (FAO 420–460) exceeded the values of medium-early hybrids (FAO 230–240) by 12,957.0–34,344.0 and 17,277.0–38,664.0 UAH/ha, respectively. Therefore, the use of such hybrids is more appropriate for silage production compared with medium-early hybrids with a low FAO index (230–240). The costs of growing silage maize of the studied hybrids ranged from 45,150 to 51,320 UAH/ha. An increase in costs was recorded for variants with the application of digestate and mineral fertilisers, which is also associated with their effect on the pre- harvest moisture content of the grain. The cost price of the grown green mass ranged from 707.96 to 1052.20 UAH/t. The increase in the yield of vegetative mass of the studied hybrids contributes to a reduction in the cost price of the produced products. The analysis showed that the conditional net profit of different maize hybrids varied considerably depending on their biological characteristics. The average profit indicators were as follows: Amaros (FAO 230) – 39,610.2 UAH/ha, P 8754 (FAO 240) – 43,043.0 UAH/ha, Bigbit (FAO 290) – 51,400.7 UAH/ha, Bohatyr (FAO 290) – 59,401.7 UAH/ha, KWS 381 (FAO 350) – 66,547.7 UAH/ha, KWS Intelligence (FAO 380) – 69,866.7 UAH/ha, DN Anshlag (FAO 420) – 71,662.0 UAH/ha, and P 0217 (FAO 460) – 75,372.0 UAH/ha. The application of digestate from biogas plants resulted in an increase in net profit of 5,448.5-9,804.3 UAH/ha, while the use of mineral fertilisers in combination with the microfertiliser Nanovit Corn contributed to an increase in profit of 3359.0-8804.0 UAH/ha compared to the control without fertiliser application. The highest level of profitability was observed under the triple application of digestate (basic, pre-sowing fertilisation, and top dressing) across all studied maize hybrids, averaging: Amaros (FAO 230) – 99.0 %, P 8754 (FAO 240) – 102.4 %, Bigbit (FAO 290) – 112.8 %, Bohatyr (FAO 290) – 127.0 %, KWS 381 (FAO 350) – 141.5 %, KWS Intelligence (FAO 380) – 146.6 %, DN Anshlag (FAO 420) – 150.3 %, and P 0217 (FAO 460) – 154.3 %. In the control treatment without fertiliser application, the profitability level was 1.5–14.7 % lower, amounting respectively to 71.1 %, 82.7 %, 102.7 %, 119.9 %, 128.4 %, 133.9 %, 136.4 %, and 142.4 %. In the present study, the economic efficiency of silage corn cultivation as a raw material for biogas production, contingent on the fertilisation option, was calculated (see Table 3). As with the cultivation of corn for bioethanol production, growing corn for biogas production is more profitable than for grain and feed purposes, as evidenced by the profitability levels obtained. The biogas yield per hectare of the studied corn hybrids, with the corresponding green mass yield, ranged from 6.645 to 10.111 m³. Such fluctuations in biogas volume also affected the cost of production. It should be noted that significant increases in yield and, accordingly, biogas output were accompanied by an increase in resource intensity of production, which led to some growth in production costs. The total costs of growing green corn mass and producing biogas amounted to 62,680-69,320 UAH/ha (see Table 3). The average level of conditional net profit for the studied period was as follows: Amaros (FAO 230) – 108,959.3 UAH/ha, P 8754 (FAO 240) – 113,196.7 UAH/ha, Bigbit (FAO 290) – 108,091.8 UAH/ha, Bohatyr (FAO 290) – 130,655.2 UAH/ha, KWS 381 (FAO 350) – 136,090.8 UAH/ha, KWS Intelligence (FAO 380) – 134,842.5 UAH/ha, DN Anshlag (FAO 420) – 127,834.8 UAH/ha, and P 0217 (FAO 460) – 128,585.5 UAH/ha. The application of digestate from biogas plants contributed to an increase in net profit by 18,409.5- Baltic Journal of Economic Studies 363 Vol. 11 No. 4, 2025 Table 2 Economic efficiency of silage corn hybrid cultivation technology under different fertilisation options (average for 2023-2024) Hybrid name Fertilisation option Grain yield, t/ha Gross production value, UAH/ha Production costs, UAH/ha Cost of 1 tonne of products, UAH. Conditional net profit, UAH/ha Profitability level, % Amaros (FAO 230) 1 (К) 42,91 77238 45150 1052,20 32088,0 71,1 2 53,92 97056 48765 904,40 48291,0 99,0 3 48,27 86886 47820 990,68 39066,0 81,7 4 51,45 92610 47895 930,90 44715,0 93,4 5 45,83 82494 46997 1025,46 35497,0 75,5 6 47,73 85914 47910 1003,77 38004,0 79,3 Р8754 (FAO 240) 1 (К) 45,91 82638 45240 985,41 37398,0 82,7 2 55,34 99612 49210 889,23 50402,0 102,4 3 52,44 94392 48620 927,15 45772,0 94,1 4 53,49 96282 48690 910,26 47592,0 97,7 5 46,83 84294 48150 1028,19 36144,0 75,1 6 49,45 89010 48060 971,89 40950,0 85,2 Bigbit (FAO 290) 1 (К) 51,43 92574 45680 888,20 46894,0 102,7 2 59,05 106290 49950 845,89 56340,0 112,8 3 56,68 102024 49120 866,62 52904,0 107,7 4 57,09 102762 49220 862,15 53542,0 108,8 5 52,63 94734 48150 914,88 46584,0 96,7 6 56,35 101430 49290 874,71 52140,0 105,8 Bohatyr (FAO 290) 1 (К) 56,23 101214 46030 818,60 55184,0 119,9 2 63,58 114444 50420 793,02 64024,0 127,0 3 60,85 109530 49350 811,01 60180,0 121,9 4 62,47 112446 49825 797,58 62621,0 125,7 5 58,31 104958 49100 842,05 55858,0 113,8 6 59,96 107928 49385 823,63 58543,0 118,5 KWS 381 (FAO 350) 1 (К) 59,45 107010 46850 788,06 60160,0 128,4 2 68,34 123012 50940 745,39 72072,0 141,5 3 65,38 117684 49530 757,57 68154,0 137,6 4 66,87 120366 49910 746,37 70456,0 141,2 5 61,77 111186 49280 797,80 61906,0 125,6 6 64,56 116208 49670 769,36 66538,0 134,0 KWS Intelligence (FAO 380) 1 (К) 60,96 109728 46920 769,69 62808,0 133,9 2 70,06 126108 51130 729,80 74978,0 146,6 3 67,36 121248 49670 737,38 71578,0 144,1 4 68,79 123822 50480 733,83 73342,0 145,3 5 64,56 116208 49580 767,97 66628,0 134,4 6 66,77 120186 50320 753,63 69866,0 138,8 DN Anshlag (FAO 420) 1 (К) 61,79 111222 47050 761,45 64172,0 136,4 2 71,00 127800 51050 719,01 76750,0 150,3 3 68,20 122760 49860 731,09 72900,0 146,2 4 69,49 125082 49950 718,81 75132,0 150,4 5 66,40 119520 49710 748,64 69810,0 140,4 6 67,71 121878 50670 748,34 71208,0 140,5 Р 0217 (FAO 460) 1 (К) 63,62 114516 47240 742,53 67276,0 142,4 2 72,49 130482 51320 707,96 79162,0 154,3 3 71,32 128376 50980 714,81 77396,0 151,8 4 71,61 128898 51090 713,45 77808,0 152,3 5 69,70 125460 50950 730,99 74510,0 146,2 6 70,25 126450 50370 717,01 76080,0 151,0 Note: Fertilisation option: 1 – Control (without fertilisers); 2 – Basic fertilisation with digestate (60 t/ha) + pre-sowing application of digestate (60 t/ha) + top dressing with digestate (60 t/ha); 3 – Top dressing with digestate (60 t/ha); 4 – Pre-sowing fertilisation with digestate (60 t/ha); 5 – Main fertilisation with digestate (60 t/ha); 6 – Application of mineral fertilisers (N90P90K90) in combination with Nanovit corn microfertiliser (phase 5-7 corn leaves, application rate 1.5 l/ha). Baltic Journal of Economic Studies 364 Vol. 11 No. 4, 2025 Table 3 Economic assessment of growing silage corn hybrids for biogas production depending on fertilisation options (for 2024) Hybrid name Fertilisation option Grain yield, t/ha Gross production value, UAH/ha Production costs, UAH/ha Cost of 1 tonne of products, UAH. Conditional net profit, UAH/ha Amaros (FAO 230) 1 (К) 6,645 152835 63150 89685,0 142,0 2 8,725 200675 66765 133910,0 200,6 3 7,435 171005 65820 105185,0 159,8 4 7,655 176065 65895 110170,0 167,2 5 7,092 163116 64997 98119,0 151,0 6 7,939 182597 65910 116687,0 177,0 Р8754 (FAO 240) 1 (К) 6,658 153134 63340 89794,0 141,8 2 9,030 207690 67210 140480,0 209,0 3 7,872 181056 66620 114436,0 171,8 4 8,395 193085 66690 126395,0 189,5 5 6,860 157780 66150 91630,0 138,5 6 7,935 182505 66060 116445,0 176,3 Bigbit (FAO 290) 1 (К) 6,722 154606 62680 91926,0 146,7 2 8,305 191015 65950 125065,0 189,6 3 7,597 174731 64930 109801,0 169,1 4 7,787 179101 65220 113881,0 174,6 5 6,815 156745 64150 92595,0 144,3 6 7,851 180573 65290 115283,0 176,6 Bohatyr (FAO 290) 1 (К) 7,597 174731 64030 110701,0 172,9 2 9,572 220156 68420 151736,0 221,8 3 8,386 192878 67350 125528,0 186,4 4 8,820 202860 67825 135035,0 199,1 5 7,972 183356 67100 116256,0 173,3 6 9,220 212060 67385 144675,0 214,7 KWS 381 (FAO 350) 1 (К) 7,771 178733 64850 113883,0 175,6 2 10,111 232553 68940 163613,0 237,3 3 8,510 195730 67530 128200,0 189,8 4 9,124 209852 67910 141942,0 209,0 5 8,084 185932 67280 118652,0 176,4 6 9,475 217925 67670 150255,0 222,0 KWS Intelligence (FAO 380) 1 (К) 7,724 177652 64820 112832,0 174,1 2 9,620 221260 68130 153130,0 224,8 3 8,573 197179 67670 129509,0 191,4 4 9,153 210519 68480 142039,0 207,4 5 8,380 192740 67580 125160,0 185,2 6 9,335 214705 68320 146385,0 214,3 DN Anshlag (FAO 420) 1 (К) 7,587 174501 65050 109451,0 168,3 2 9,271 213233 69050 144183,0 208,8 3 8,264 190072 67860 122212,0 180,1 4 8,787 202101 67950 134151,0 197,4 5 8,022 184506 67710 116796,0 172,5 6 9,082 208886 68670 140216,0 204,2 Р 0217 (FAO 460) 1 (К) 7,625 175375 65080 110295,0 169,5 2 9,353 215119 69320 145799,0 210,3 3 8,435 194005 68980 125025,0 181,2 4 8,785 202055 69090 132965,0 192,5 5 8,204 188692 68950 119742,0 173,7 6 8,959 206057 68370 137687,0 201,4 Note: Fertilisation option: 1 – Control (without fertilisers); 2 – Basic fertilisation with digestate (60 t/ha) + pre-sowing application of digestate (60 t/ha) + top dressing with digestate (60 t/ha); 3 – Top dressing with digestate (60 t/ha); 4 – Pre-sowing fertilisation with digestate (60 t/ha); 5 – Main fertilisation with digestate (60 t/ha); 6 – Application of mineral fertilisers (N90P90K90) in combination with Nanovit corn microfertiliser (phase 5-7 corn leaves, application rate 1.5 l/ha). Baltic Journal of Economic Studies 365 Vol. 11 No. 4, 2025 24,627.5 UAH/ha (or by 15.6-25.1%), while the use of mineral fertilisers in combination with the microfertiliser Nanovit Corn increased it by 23,357.0- 36,372.0 UAH/ha (or by 21.3-26.7%) compared to the control (without fertiliser application). A similar trend was observed in profitability: the highest indicators were recorded with three applications of digestate (basic, pre-sowing fertilisation and top dressing). For the hybrids, the values were as follows: Amaros (FAO 230) – 200.6 %, P 8754 (FAO 240) – 209.0 %, Bigbit (FAO 290) – 189.6 %, Bohatyr (FAO 290) – 221.8 %, KWS 381 (FAO 350) – 237.3 %, KWS Intelligence (FAO 380) – 224.8 %, DN Anshlag (FAO 420) – 208.8 %, and P 0217 (FAO 460) – 210.3 %, which exceeded the profitability level of the control treatment without fertiliser by 40.6–67.3 %. 4. Conclusions The profitability level of maize hybrid cultivation technologies for grain under different fertilisation treatments ranged from 68.9 % to 195.5 %. The highest profitability values for grain maize were recorded under the triple application of digestate (basic, pre- sowing fertilisation, and top dressing) for the following hybrids: Amaros (FAO 230) – 130.7 %, P 8754 (FAO 240) – 118.5 %, Bigbit (FAO 290) – 150.3 %, and Bohatyr (FAO 290) – 191.6 %. It was established that prolongation of the vegetation period (FAO) positively affects not only the green mass yield but also the gross product value. In particular, for the medium-late maturity hybrids DN Anshlag and P 0217 (FAO 420–460), the value was higher by 30,339.0–34,344.0 UAH/ha and 34,659.0–38,664.0 UAH/ha, respectively, compared with the medium-early hybrids with the lowest FAO indices (230–240). Therefore, the use of such hybrids is more advisable for silage production than the cultivation of medium-early hybrids with low FAO values. The application of biogas plant digestate increased the conditional net profit from silage maize cultivation by 5,448.5–9,804.3 UAH/ha, while the use of mineral fertilisers combined with the microfertiliser "Nanovit Corn" contributed to an increase of 3,359.0–8,804.0 UAH/ha compared with the control treatment without fertilisation. The biogas yield per hectare of the studied maize hybrids, corresponding to their green mass productivity, ranged from 6,645 to 10,111 m³, which also influenced the overall product value. Thus, in maize cultivation technologies for both grain and silage, fertilisation systems involving biogas digestate and mineral fertilisers in combination with the microfertiliser “Nanovit Corn”, although requiring higher input costs, prove to be the most profitable due to increased plant productivity. References: Palamarchuk, V. D., & Kolisnyk, O. M. (2022). Modern corn cultivation technology for energy- efficient and environmentally safe development of rural areas: monograph. Vinnytsia: TOV Druk, 372 p. http://socrates.vsau.org/repository/card.php?lang=uk&id=31508 Jaime A. Teixeira da Silva, Koblianska, I. & Kucher, A. (2023). Agricultural production in Ukraine: An insight into the impact of the Russo-Ukrainian war on local, regional and global food security. Journal of agricultural sciences (Belgrade). Vol. 68, № 2. Р. 121–140. DOI: https://doi.org/10.2298/JAS2302121T Arreyndip, N. A. (2025). The Russia-Ukraine Conflict: A global impact assessment in the corn and wheat sectors. Agriculture. № 15. Р. 550. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture15050550 Maliarchuk, M. P., Kotelnykov, D. I., & Shepel, A. V. (2016). Economic efficiency of grain maize cultivation using different methods of soil cultivation and fertilisation in crop rotation under irrigation. Irrigated Agriculture. I ssue 65. P. 44–45. Lohosha, R., Mykhalchyshyna, L., Prylutskyi, A., & Kubai, O. (2020). Institutionalization of the agrarian market in Ukraine and European economic community: genesis, evaluation and analysis. Independent Journal of Management & Production. Vol. 11. № 8. P. 727–750. DOI: https://doi.org/10.14807/ijmp.v11i8.1232 Hontaruk, Y., Furman, I., Bondarenko, V., Riabchyk, A., & Nepochatenko, O. (2024). Production of biogas and digestate at sugar factories as a way of ensuring the energy and food security of Ukraine. Polityka energetyczna – energy policy journal. 27(2). Р. 195–210. DOI: https://doi.org/10.33223/epj/185210 Palamarchuk, V. D. (2019). Economic evaluation of corn hybrids depending on foliar fertilisation. Agriculture and Forestry. No. 1 (12). P. 18–27. DOI: https://doi.org/10.37128/2707-5826-2019-1-2 Lohosha, R. V., Palamarchuk, V. D., & Krychkovskyi, V. Yu. (2022). The Economic and Bioenergy Efficiency of Use of the Biogas Plant Digestate in the Cultivation of Agricultural and Vegetable Crops in the Context of European Integration of Ukraine. Business Inform. No. 9. P. 40–52. DOI: https://doi.org/10.32983/2222-4459- 2022-9-40-52 Lohosha, R., Palamarchuk, V., & Krychkovskyi, V. (2023). Economic efficiency of using digestate from biogas plants in Ukraine when growing agricultural crops as a way of achieving the goals of the European Green Deal. Polityka Energetyczna. Vol. 26, Issue 2. P. 161–182. DOI: https://doi.org/10.33223/epj/163434 Pasternak, O. (2015). The prospects for corn in Ukraine. Agribusiness Today. Kyiv. No. 7(230). P. 24–29. Baltic Journal of Economic Studies 366 Vol. 11 No. 4, 2025 Adamchyk, Y., Kravchenko, N., Kolisnyk, O., Aralova, T., Protasov, O., Dubovyk, O., Dubovyk, I., & Stavytskyi, A. (2024). The efficiency of urea-ammonium nitrate application in inter-row feeding in maize cultivation. Modern Phytomorphology. Vol. 17. Р. 113–117. DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.200121 Ushkarenko, V. O., Vozhehova, R. A., Holoborodko, S. P., & Kokovikhin, S. V. (2014). Field experiment methodology (irrigated agriculture). Kherson: Hrin D. S., 448 p. Kaminskyi, V. F., Saiko, V. F., Dushko, M. V., Asanishvili, N. M. et al. (2017). Scientific foundations of the efficient use of production resources in various models of cereal crop cultivation technologies: monograph. Kyiv: Vinichenko Publishing House, 580 p. Kaminskyi, V. F., & Asanishvili, N. M. (2020). Economic efficiency of corn cultivation technologies of varying intensity levels. Ukrainian Black Sea Region Agrarian Science. Iss. 3. P. 27–34. DOI: https://doi.org/10.31521/2313- 092X/2020-3(107) Tokarchuk, D. M., Pryshliak, N. V., Tokarchuk, O. A., & Mazur, K. V. (2020). Technical and economic aspects of biogas production at a small agricultural enterprise with modeling of the optimal distribution of energy resources for profits maximization. INMATEH – Agricultural Engineering. Romaniavol: Bucharest, Vol. 61. № 2. Р. 339–349. DOI: https://doi.org/10.35633/inmateh-61-36 Talavyria, M., Furman, I., Alexandrov, D., & Drabovskyi, A. (2025). Assessment of agricultural biomass potential in sustainable biofuel production. Economics ecology socium. 9, 109–123. DOI: https://doi.org/10.61954/2616- 7107/2025.9.2-8 Koval, V., Atstaja, D., Filipishyna, L., Udovychenko, V., Kryshtal, H., & Gontaruk, Y. (2025). Sustainability assessment and resource utilization of agro-Processing waste in biogas energy production. Climate. Vol. 13, Issue 5. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/cli13050099 Baliuk, S. A. (2010). Soil resources of Ukraine: current state and measures for improvement. Bulletin of Agricultural Science. No. 6. P. 6–7. Lebid, Ye. M., Tsykov, V. S., & Pashchenko, Yu. M. et al. (2008). Methodology for conducting field trials with corn. Dnipro, 27 p. Vovkodav, V. V. (2001). Methodology for state variety testing of agricultural crops (cereals, grains and legumes). Kyiv, 64 p. Fundamentals of Scientific Research in Agronomy: Textbook. / Edited by V.O. Yeshchenko. Vinnytsia: Edelweiss and K Private Enterprise. 2014. 332 p. Avramenko, S., Tsekhmeistruk, M., Hlubokyi, O. et al. (2011). Biological yield of row crops. Agroexpert: practical guide for farmers. No. 7 (36). P. 22–24. Medvedovskyi, O. K., & Ivanenko, P. I. (1988). Energy analysis of intensive technologies in agricultural production. Kyiv: Urozhai, 205 p. Hrabovskyi, M. B., Vakhnii, S. P., Khakhula, V. S., Fedoruk, Yu. V., Pravdyva, L. A., Panchenko, T. V., Ostrenko, M. V., Kozak, L. A., & Horodetskyi, O. S. (2021). Methodological recommendations for calculating biogas yield and biogas from bioenergy crops. Bila Tserkva, 28 p. Opria, A. T. (2011). Statistical methods of crop and yield analysis: features of comprehensive use in the conceptual definition of yield as an economic category. Scientific Works of the Poltava State Agrarian Academy. Series: Economic Sciences. Iss. 2. Vol. 1. P. 181–193. Kovalchuk, O. V. (2018). Economic efficiency of crop production. Rozvytok ekonomiky, pidpryiemnytstva, torhivli ta birzhovoi diialnosti v umovakh hlobalizatsii. No. 15. P. 58–63. Kamenshchuk, B. D. (2020). Ways to improve the efficiency of grain corn cultivation. Kormy i kormovyrobnytstvo. Iss. 89. P. 85–92. Honcharuk, I., Gontaruk, Y., & Pantsyreva, H. (2024). Economic Aspects of Using the Potential of Bioenergy Crops for Biogas Production and Advanced Technologies for Digestate Application. Baltic Journal of Economic Studies. Vol. 10, Issue 2. P. 68–77. DOI: https://doi.org/10.30525/2256-0742/2024-10-2-68-77 Lohosha, R., Lutkovska, S., Pidvalna, O., Pronko, L., & Kolesnyk, T. (2025). Ecological optimisation of vegetable production as a factor of the industry capitalisation. Agricultural and Resource Economics-International Scientific E-Journal. Vol. 11, Issue 1. P. 74–101. DOI: https://doi.org/10.51599/are.2025.11.01.03 Received on: 29th of July, 2025 Accepted on: 27th of September, 2025 Published on: 29th of October, 2025