Soil Cultivation Methods Research Articles

The productivity of selected soybean cultivars grown using various cultivation methods

Soybean is an important legume crop globally due to its rich protein, oil content, and functional components. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the yield of selected soybean cultivars depending on cultivation methods. The three-year field experiment, conducted from 2018 to 2020 at the Agricultural Experimental Station in Kępa-Puławy, Osiny farm (Institute of Soil Science and Plant Cultivation – State Research Institute in Puławy), investigated these variations. The first experimental factor was the soil cultivation method: A – conventional tillage, B – reduced tillage, and C – strip tillage. The second variable was soybean cultivar: ‘Aldana’ and ‘Merlin’. The soybean cultivars were selected for their differing maturity rates: ‘Aldana’ (000) is an early cultivar, while ‘Merlin’ (000++) semi-late cultivar. The field experiment utilised a split-plot design on Luvisol soil with sandy loam texture, belonging to a good rye complex, class IIIb–IVa, and was replicated four times. The study showed that the productivity (seed and protein yield) of the ‘Merlin’ cultivar grown in the central-eastern part of Poland was approximately 8% higher than that of the ‘Aldana’ cultivar. The cultivation method had a relatively minor influence on soybean yield, the content of selected nutrients, morphological features, and elements of the yield structure. The soil in strip-tillage method was more compact than the soil cultivated with a plough. After harvesting soybeans at a depth of 30, and 40 cm, the compactness of soil in strip-tillage or with reduced tillage was much lower than in spring, highlighting a positive effect of soybean cultivation on loosening the arable layer.

ИЗУЧЕНИЕ ВЗАИМОСВЯЗЕЙ МЕЖДУ ГЛУБИНОЙ, СПОСОБАМИ ОБРАБОТКИ ПОЧВЫ И УРОЖАЙНОСТЬЮ КАРТОФЕЛЯ В ГОРНОЙ ЗОНЕ РСО-АЛАНИЯ

Depth and methods of soil cultivation for potatoes are among the most important agrotechnical techniques that allow increasing the yield of tubers without significant additional costs. The studies were conducted from 2020 to 2023, in the mountain-meadow subalpine zone in the Dargavs basin of the Republic of North Ossetia-Alania at an altitude of 1450 m above sea level (Dargavs village). The soil of the experimental site belongs to the mountain-meadow subalpine leached with a humus-illuvial horizon loamy on the eluvium of clay shale. Meteorological conditions during the years of the studies were noted as contrasting. Temperature conditions in the spring were relatively favorable, but during the flowering phase a decrease in air humidity and an increase in air and soil temperature were noted. Potatoes of the Farn variety were planted in the first ten days of May, harvested in the second ten days of September. Moldboard-less tillage methods do not significantly affect soil moisture, accumulation of available nutrients, crop yield and its quality compared to moldboard ones, but weed infestation increases. Plowing of mountain chernozems of the Republic of North Ossetia-Alania should be carried out to a depth of no more than 25 cm. Increasing the plowing depth to 35 cm or decreasing it to 15 cm causes a decrease in crop yield (subsoil tillage). Economic efficiency with moldboard plowing to a depth of 25 cm: profit from sales per 1 ha amounted to 283.1 thousand rubles. Increasing the plowing depth to 35 cm reduced profit to 56.1 thousand rubles, and decreasing it to 15 cm to 52.2 thousand rubles. The level of economic profitability amounted to 141.4; 165.7 and 147.2 %, respectively. When applying fertilizers at a dose of N60P60K60 and cultivating the soil with a flat cutter to a depth of 25 cm, the profit amounted to 247.1 thousand rubles per 1 ha with an economic profitability of 152.2 %.

Development and implementation of energy-saving technologies for growing sunflower hybrids in the south of Ukraine

The development and implementation of energy-saving technologies for growing sunflower hybrids is a relevant area of research to ensure sustainable development of the agricultural sector and environmental protection. The study aimed to analyse the impact of different tillage methods on sunflower yields in southern Ukraine. To achieve this goal, a field study was conducted in the fields of the Educational and Research Centre of Mykolaiv National Agrarian University in 2021-2023. The study determined that the method of soil cultivation has a significant impact on its density, moisture reserves and structural stability. Reducing the intensity of cultivation, especially when using no-till, preserves moisture in the soil more effectively, but increases its density. With no-till, before sowing sunflower, it was 1.11 g/cm³ at a depth of 0-10 cm and 1.21 g/cm³ before harvesting, while with conventional tillage, the soil density was 1.02 g/cm³ and 1.1 g/cm³, respectively. In addition, no-till tillage provided the best sunflower productivity indicators, including 1000-seed weight (47.3 g), basket diameter (20.2 cm) and yield (2.6 t/ha). No-till cultivation also improves the quality of the sunflower crop, increasing the content of oleic acid (86.5%) and crude fat in the seeds (48.3%). The obtained results contribute to the development of integrated approaches to the introduction of energy-saving technologies in the cultivation of sunflower hybrids in southern Ukraine, which will increase production efficiency and reduce production costs

Efficacy and selenium enrichment of Lycium barbarum in hydroponic and soil conditions in the Ararat valley

Background: It is known that 60-80% of the population affected by various diseases, such as heart attack, stroke, and oncological diseases is associated with selenium (Se) deficiency. Therefore, enriching agricultural crops with Se is considered a current issue. Objective: This study investigates Se enrichment of Lycium barbarum (Lb) and its effectiveness in hydroponic and soil conditions in the Ararat Valley. The research focuses on the impact of adding exogenous Se on plant productivity, Se accumulation, and the content of biologically active substances (BAS) in Lb berries and leaves. Methods: The experiments were conducted from 2021 to 2023 using hydroponic and soil cultivation methods with varying Se concentrations in nutrient solutions and foliar nutrition. Results: The results demonstrate that Se enrichment significantly increased Se and BAS levels in both leaves and berries of Lb, with hydroponic cultivation exhibiting higher accumulation compared to soil conditions. Foliar feeding with a 0.005% Se solution and exogenous Se addition to nutrient solutions at 1.0 mg/L resulted in notable improvements in Se content and plant productivity. Furthermore, the analyses revealed significant differences between hydroponically and soil-grown Lb, emphasizing the potential of hydroponic cultivation for producing Se-enriched plant material with enhanced BAS content. Conclusion: Hydroponic cultivation supplemented with Se and foliar nutrition is recommended for obtaining Se-rich Lb plant material, which is suitable for medicinal and functional food purposes. These findings contribute to the development of biotechnologies for Se -enriched plant production and addressing health and nutritional needs. Keywords: Goji, berries, biologically active substances, flavonoids, phenolic acids, tannins, carotenoids

Improvement of methods of rational use in conditions of land degradation in the Almaty region, Karasai district

The study was aimed at identifying the potential of modern methods of rational land use in the Karasai district of the Almaty region of Kazakhstan, taking into account their intensive degradation. The research methodology was represented by the methods of statistical observation, comparison, analytical-structural grouping and forecasting. The priority goals of modernisation of agriculture of the Republic in the technological aspect have been analysed. It was established that innovative approaches to land use have the potential to increase the level of efficiency of the agrarian sector, improve the state of local and regional landscape. The concept of improving the state of degraded lands, including a system of management measures and practical activities, has been developed. It was proved that it should be based on the synergy of economic efficiency and environmental safety, with the mandatory introduction of modern innovative technological approaches. The effectiveness of methods of rational use of degraded lands as an effective tool for the transformation of the agrarian sector has been determined. It was proposed to intensify the development of organic agricultural production, which is positioned as the gentlest for degraded landscapes. It was proved that the implementation of sustainable management of landscape complexes in the innovative context implies the use of information monitoring technology, which anticipates the diagnosis, genesis and forecasting of the state of the studied ecosystems. Such measures will make it possible to develop programmes for the restoration of ecological functions of natural landscapes, which is an integral part of sustainable development programmes. Actualised the situation in the context of ecologisation of land use in Kazakhstan, predicted further destruction of ecosystems of agrarian landscapes in case of use of aggressive methods of soil cultivation. The necessity of introduction of improved methods of rational land use is substantiated, and the specificity of the introduction of organic and biological technologies of agricultural production is outlined, with an indication of tangential risks and challenges in the economic realities of Kazakhstan. The study substantiated that the application of integrated management and ecosystem approach have a synergistic potential to ensure the rational use of land in the Almaty region, the Karasai district in the conditions of their degradation

Studying Methods of No-till in the Garabagh Plain

The research results are presented and a comparative assessment of the methods of no-till soil cultivation in the Karabakh Plain is given. The advantages and disadvantages of moldboard tillage, direct sowing and the effect of hoeing a plowed or milled field on the loss of NPK per 1 ha as a result of erosion were studied. The author concludes that direct seeding is one way to reduce erosion. This must be used along with other soil erosion control methods.

Assessing the effect of soil cultivation methods and genotypes on crop yield components, yield and soil properties in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and Rice (Oryza sativa L.) cropping system

BackgroundThe rice-wheat cropping system is the prevailing agricultural method in the North-Western states of India, namely in the Indo-Gangetic plains. The practice of open burning of rice residue is frequently employed for expedient land preparation, but it has significant adverse impacts on both the environment and human health. These include the emission of greenhouse gases, loss of nutrients, elevated concentrations of particulate matter (PM), and disruption of the biological cycle. This research aims to investigate the implementation of effective management strategies in the rice-wheat cropping system, namely via the use of tillage-based crop cultivation techniques, stubble retention, and integration approaches. The objective is to enhance soil health features in order to augment crop yield and improve its attributes.ResultsThe research was carried out using a split plot experimental design, consisting of three replications. The main plot consisted of four different cultivation methods, while the subplot included three genotypes of both rice and wheat. The research demonstrates the enhanced efficacy of residue application is significantly augmenting soil nutrient concentrations compared to standard tillage practices (P < 0.05). This was accomplished by an analysis of soil nutrient levels, namely nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), and organic carbon (OC), at a depth of 0–15 cm. The implementation of natural farming, zero tillage, and reduced tillage practices resulted in decreases in rice grain yields of 34.0%, 16.1%, and 10.8%, respectively, as compared to conventional tillage methods. Similarly, the implementation of natural farming, zero tillage, and reduced tillage resulted in reductions in wheat grain yields of 59.4%, 10.9%, and 4.6% respectively, in comparison to conventional tillage practices.ConclusionRegarding the individual crop genotypes investigated, it was continuously observed that Him Palam Lal Dhan 1 and HPW 368 displayed considerably greater grain yields for both rice and wheat during the two-year experimental period. Furthermore, when considering different cultivation methods, conventional tillage emerged as the most effective approach for obtaining higher productivity in both rice and wheat. Additionally, Him Palam Lal Dhan 1 and HPW 368 exhibited superior performance in terms of various crucial yield components for rice (such as panicle density, grains per panicle, panicle weight, and test weight) and wheat (including effective tiller density, grains per spike, spike weight, and 1000-grain weight).

Features of the application of soil cultivation methods in the cultivation of soybeans in the forest-steppe zone

Features of the application of soil cultivation methods in the cultivation of soybeans in the forest-steppe zone

Bacterial Community Structure Responds to Soil Management in the Rhizosphere of Vine Grape Vineyards.

The microbial communities of the rhizospheres of vineyards have been subject to a considerable body of research, but it is still unclear how the applied soil cultivation methods are able to change the structure, composition, and level of diversity of their communities. Rhizosphere samples were collected from three neighbouring vineyards with the same time of planting and planting material (rootstock: Teleki 5C; Vitis vinifera: Müller Thurgau). Our objective was to examine the diversity occurring in bacterial community structures in vineyards that differ only in the methods of tillage procedure applied, namely intensive (INT), extensive (EXT), and abandoned (AB). For that we took samples from two depths (10-30 cm (shallow = S) and 30-50 cm (deep = D) of the grape rhizosphere in each vineyard and the laboratory and immediately prepared the slices of the roots for DNA-based analysis of the bacterial communities. Bacterial community structure was assessed by means of PCR-DGGE analysis carried out on the v3 region of 16S rRNA gene. Based on the band composition of the DGGE profiles thus obtained, the diversity of the microbial communities was evaluated and determined by the Shannon-Weaver index (H'). Between the AB and EXT vineyards at the S depth, the similarity of the community structure was 55%; however, the similarity of the D samples was more than 80%, while the difference between the INT samples and the other two was also higher than 80%. Based on our results, we can conclude that intensive cultivation strongly affects the structure and diversity of the bacterial community.

Grass cover and shallow tillage inter-row soil cultivation affecting CO2 and N2O emissions in a sloping vineyard in upland Balaton, Hungary

Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions can accelerate the current climate change trend, resulting in higher soil temperatures and changes in soil water contents. The aim of the study was to investigate to what extent different cultivation methods and sampling positions on the slope (location along the slope) are affecting soil GHG emissions in vineyards. In the study, different inter-row soil cultivation methods were investigated including shallow soil tillage (ST) and grass cover (GC) inter-rows. Intact soil columns were collected and different soil water contents were applied under a laboratory environment to simulate different precipitation conditions. Our findings showed significant differences in the emitted CO2 and N2O between the cultivation methods, where the GC soil had 2.9 times higher average CO2 and 6.1 times higher N2O emissions compared to the bare, ST soil. The amount of initial and longer term soil water content significantly influenced soil-derived GHG emissions, with the highest averaged values observed for the continuously high water content soil samples (0.377 mgCO2 m−2 s−1 and 0.076 μgN2O m−2 s−1). For the GC inter-rows, we also observed significant differences in the GHG emissions among the different sampling positions of the investigated slopes. We found that besides the different soil water contents, the main causes for these differences could be the variances in the soil physical and chemical properties. The findings of this study can be used to better estimate soil GHG emissions at various water contents, for different inter-row soil management cultivation methods, and potentially mitigate some adverse effects of global warming by reducing the amount of GHG released into the atmosphere.

Effect of Previous Crop on the Structure of Bacterial and Fungal Communities during the Growth of Vicia faba L. spp. minor

The aim of this study was to assess how soil use and the cultivation of Triticum aestivum spp. vulgare L. (Sw), Triticum aestivum spp. spelta L. (Ww), Zea mays L. (M), and Brassica napus L. (Wr) impacts soil microbiota. This study consisted of a pot experiment over 120 days, until Vicia faba spp. minor seeds and pods reached the developmental stage of growth. This study showed that T. aestivum spp. vulgare L. grown in the soil sown with faba beans had a beneficial effect on the development of organotrophic bacteria, actinobacteria, and fungi. Regardless of the previous crop and soil cultivation method, r-strategists were found among the organotrophic bacteria and fungi, whereas K-strategists were found among the actinobacteria. All soils sown with faba beans were primarily colonized by bacteria belonging to the phylum Actinobacteriota (represented by the genus Cellulosimicrobium) and fungi belonging to the phylum Ascomycota. In the soil sown with field faba beans from the cultivation of Sw and Wr, the soil was dominated by Mortierella genus fungi; that of Ww was dominated by Cladosporium, and that of M was dominated by Alternaria. The results of this study provide new insights into the influence of previous crops and further cropping with faba bean on the quantitative and qualitative composition of the soil microbiota.

Status of Soil Health Indicators after 18 Years of Systematic Tillage in a Long-Term Experiment

Long-term cultivation experiments are gaining more attention due to the possibility of following the changes in soil parameters (e.g., soil organic carbon (SOC), stock and soil health indicators, etc.). Our objective was to assess the status of soil in an 18-year-old tillage experiment after almost two decades of systematic tillage. In this research, soil physical (bulk density, moisture content), chemical (pH, SOC), and biological properties (soil microbial respiration, abundance, biomass, species composition of earthworms, yield) were used as indicators in three soil cultivation methods representing different degrees of disturbance (no-till—NT; shallow cultivation—SC; and ploughing—P). Based on our results, there were significant differences in bulk density (NT &gt; SC, P) in 0–10 cm, and NT &gt; P in deeper layers (10–20, 20–30, 30–40 cm), while the SOC content in 0–10 cm was the highest in NT (2.5%), followed by SC (2.4%) and P (2.0%). Soil microbial respiration was significantly greater in NT than in SC and P. The abundance and biomass of earthworms was the highest in NT (189 ind m−2, 41.26 g m−2), followed by SC (125 ind m−2, 36.9 g m−2) and P (48 ind m−2, 7.4 g m−2). We concluded that NT offered a beneficial habitat for earthworms and microorganisms and a high SOC storage capacity; however, bulk density was less convenient due to soil compaction in our experiment. Therefore, SC can be used as an alternative approach for sustainable soil tillage.

Study of the Sustainability of Ecological and Chemical Indicators of Soils in Organic Farming

Organic farming is often seen as a sustainable alternative to intensive agricultural systems. The studies conducted in this direction analyze various factors, as well as their assemblies, and show contradictory results. In order to assess the impact of the organic method of soil cultivation on the stable composition of the most important mineral and organic substances in the production process, the organic agriculture procedure was implemented with an agrochemical analysis for 12 years. The content of mobile phosphorus, exchangeable potassium, and humus in the soil was determined. An elemental analysis of soil samples was conducted for a more in-depth analysis of its composition. It was established that the soils of the farm contained a sufficient amount of exchangeable potassium and humus. The content of these components remained stable during the study period. It was discovered that the soils of the farm have a low content of mobile phosphorus, which also remained stable during the study period. In the studied farm, the applied farming technologies contribute to the stable content of the main nutrient components of the soil. But to correct the content of mobile forms of phosphorus, additional agrotechnical measures are required.

Tillage techniques in grass crop rotations in Western Kazakhstan

The transition to new technologies is predetermined by global and domestic scientific and production experience and general trends in the development of agriculture. The basis of grass crop rotations is the general biological principle of the different effects of perennial grasses on the soil. To the problem of forage production for the conditions of the arid steppe of Western Kazakhstan with an annual rainfall of 250-300 mm, a method of using forage crops based on grass crop rotation is proposed. Periodic change of different crops in crop rotation plays a positive phytosanitary role in clearing the soil of weeds. The article discusses three types of soil cultivation techniques based on the principles of sustainable production of grain crops and stabilization of soil fertility in the conditions of Western Kazakhstan. The research was carried out on the basis of the Ural Agricultural Experimental Station LLP. The purpose of the research is to develop methods of soil cultivation in grass crop rotations for the accumulation, conservation and rational use of soil moisture in resource-saving technologies for cultivating basic field crops, ensuring the preservation of soil fertility, improving the phytosanitary condition of crops in the dry steppe zone of Western Kazakhstan. The objective of the research is to study the influence of methods for processing turf of perennial grasses in the structure of crop rotations in order to stabilize soil fertility and the phytosanitary condition of crops. Three types of processing were used in the studies: flat cutter, slotting + cultivation, cultivation. Grass crop rotation was sown over a layer of perennial grasses and included the following forage crops: sorghum, corn and millet. The best results in terms of yield were observed based on the joint interaction of technologies for factor B (slotting + cultivation).

ПРОГНОЗНЫЕ СТАТИСТИЧЕСКИЕ МОДЕЛИ ПОВЕРХНОСТНОГО СТОКА ТАЛЫХ ВОД НА СКЛОНЕ В ПРИАЗОВСКОЙ ЗОНЕ РОСТОВСКОЙ ОБЛАСТИ

Purpose: to conduct a statistical analysis of the relationship between a number of natural factors and snow evaporation, melt water surface runoff during the snowmelt period on a slope with ordinary chernozem in Rostov region for various agricultural backgrounds (winter wheat and fallow) for the period 2008–2022. Materials and methods. Methodological recommendations for accounting for surface runoff were used. Statistical data analysis was performed using the MathCAD and Statistica packages. The significance of regression equations was determined using the Fisher criterion. Results. The use of statistical analysis to process the results of multifactorial studies made it possible to identify the influence of individual natural and anthropogenic factors on erosion processes and their interaction. It has been determined that the value of surface runoff on winter wheat crops depends most of all on the amount of precipitation (correlation coefficient r = 0.72...0.80), more with moldboard tillage, and on stubble plowing – on water reserves in snow (r = 0.40...0.45), also more with moldboard tillage. Conclusions. The equations of the relationship between factorial and resultant indicators of various types are presented, allowing to increase the accuracy of forecasting the surface melt water runoff value in crop rotations depending on the influencing factors with different methods of primary soil tillage, within the limits of the obtained experimental data use, which makes it possible to use methods for regulating negative erosion processes timely. The obtained regularities, reflecting the influence of soil cultivation methods and agricultural background on the value of water balance elements during snowmelt, can be used to predict the melt water surface runoff value and application of anti-erosion agrotechnical measures.

The Effect of Various Tillage Methods and Meliorants Application against their Background on the Dynamics of Macronutrients Accumulation in the Winter Wheat Plants and their Output via Crop Yield

The article presents the results of two-year investigations related to the effect of different soil cultivation methods, application times of equal doses of mineral and organic fertilizers and bio-humus with bentonite application against their background on the dynamics of macronutrients accumulation and their removal/ output through the crop yield. Considering the changes in the winter wheat growth, development, and yield capacity under the effect of different soil tillage methods, as well as the applied fertilizers and bentonite in rainfed conditions, and also the nutrition characteristics, to get high and sustainable yield the cultivation of winter wheat should be implemented only through loosening method, while fertilization should be implemented by introducing natural rock bentonite into the soil either on the background of mineral fertilizers (N60P60K60) or bio humus (3.5 t/հa) in autumn, as a result of which the soil air, nutrition and humidity regimes improve, favorable conditions are created for the regular growth and development of the plant and 48.8-52 c/ha grain and 89-96 c/ha straw yield is ensured.

ВЛИЯНИЕ ОБРАБОТКИ ПОЧВЫ И УДОБРЕНИЙ НА УРОЖАЙНОСТЬ ЯРОВОЙ ПШЕНИЦЫ В УСЛОВИЯХ ЛЕСОСТЕПИ СРЕДНЕГО ПОВОЛЖЬЯ

The research was conducted in 2019-2021. in the Ulyanovsk region in order to study the influence of soil cultivation methods and organomineral fertilizers on the productivity of spring wheat. The soil of the experimental plot is leached, medium-thick, medium-loamy chernozem with a humus content in the 0...30 cm layer of 5.61%, mobile P2O5 and K2O according to Chirikov - 178 and 121 mg/kg, respectively, pHsol. . – 6.3, sum of absorbed bases – 46.4 mEq/100 g. In the experiments, methods of soil cultivation were studied (factor A) – dump to a depth of 23...25 cm; without dumps by 15...16 cm; flat 10…12 cm; organic and mineral fertilizers (factor B) - without fertilizers; N16P16K16 for sowing + N34 for cultivation + N10 for winter wheat straw; manure 20 t/ha; manure 20 t/ha + N16P16K16 for sowing + N34 for cultivation + N10 for winter wheat straw; winter wheat straw; winter wheat straw + H10 + N16P16K16 for sowing + H34 for cultivation; green manure; green manure + H10 + winter wheat straw + H10 + N16P16K16 when sowing + H34 during cultivation. Non-mouldboard and flat-cut processing had an advantage over moldboard processing in terms of moisture reserves in the 0...30 cm layer by 3.8...4.7 mm, in the 0...100 cm layer by 8.6...10.2 mm. mm. The aftereffect of fertilizers contributed to an increase in the content of nitrate nitrogen in the 0...30 cm layer compared to the control by 3.9...18.1 mg/kg under plowing, and by 1.0...13.1 - under plowing. non-mouldboard processing and 4 - for flat-cut processing. ,4…15.1 mg/kg. The yield of spring wheat against the background of manure 20 t/ha + NPK and green manure + NPK with no-moldboard tillage increased by 0.89 and 0.90 t/ha, under plowing - by 0.90 and 0.90, with flat-cut soil - by 0.95 and 0.89 t/ha compared to the option without fertilizers.

THE IMPACT OF HUMAN ACTIVITY AND CLIMATE CHANGE ON THE FARMING CULTURE

For the first time, the changes in the qualitative characteristics of the soil in the conditions of the lowering of the underground water level of the Ararat valley were investigated and compared as a result of the influence of human activities and natural phenomena. It was revealed that long-term use of land and the lowering of the underground water level led to the deterioration of the quality characteristics of the soil, in particular, to secondary salinization of soils and decreasing fertility. In order to prevent land degradation and desertification processes, it is recommended to limit the unaccountable use of underground water in the Ararat valley, to change the technologies and methods of soil cultivation, plant care and irrigation.It is necessary to enrich the soil with organic and mineral fertilizers and mulch it.

Basic cultivation of crops by irrigation

An analysis of the results of field studies on the cultivation of crops against the background of various methods of soil cultivation is presented: agrophysical and agrochemical indicators, water and food regime of the soil. The purpose of the research is to study and develop improved agrotechnical techniques for growing crops using various methods of tillage, ensuring the improvement of agrophysical, agrochemical properties and preventing the development of degradation processes in irrigated lands of the Volga region. The object of research was the main and pre-sowing tillage for the crops of the link of irrigated crop rotation. The work methodology included studies that were based on the analysis of literature using a systematic approach, theoretical developments, generally accepted methods for laying and conducting field work. Studies were carried out in the Volga region on irrigated lands of the experimental production facilities of the Moscow Research and Development Institute in 2021-2023, where multifactorial field experiments were delivered and carried out. The issues are considered and justification is given for the existing resource-saving methods of soil cultivation. Based on the comparative characteristics, it has been proven that various methods of soil cultivation make it possible to identify their influence on agrophysical and agrochemical properties and fertility. It was found that the use of flat and fine tillage did not increase the compaction of the arable layer compared to plowing, however, in the lower layers (10-20 cm) there was an increase in soil density by 0.12-0.18 g/cm3. In the 0-10 cm layer, the greatest losses of soil structure were observed. Due to the lower impact on the soil during flat cutting, the proportion of water-reinforced aggregates in the upper horizon was higher compared to plowing with the formation turnover. However, in the 0-10 cm layer, prolonged use of this formulation by spraying and deflation resulted in a 1.1% reduction in agronomically valuable aggregates. Therefore, it is advisable to alternate dumping, flat cutting and minimal treatment in the irrigated crop rotation to optimize the composition of the arable layer and prevent erosion processes.

SOIL CULTIVATION METHODS’ IMPACT ON SOIL WATER-PHYSICAL PROPERTIES UNDER RAINFED CONDITIONS OF SOUTHEAST KAZAKHSTAN

For the rational use of rainfed lands in Southeast Kazakhstan, the practical study aimed to determine the influence of different cultivation methods on the water-physical properties of the soil. The results revealed that, on average, for two years, the reserve of productive moisture in the ground during the spring with plowing at 20–22 cm was 127.8–146.4 mm, with minimal tillage at 8–10 cm (132.3–157.0 mm), and with zero tillage (122.2–140.8 mm) for all studied crops. With insufficient rainfall in summer, the moisture reserve decreased to 21.5–26.2 mm with plowing, 23.5–28.0 mm with minimal tillage, and 27.8–37.6 mm with zero tillage. In the studied crops, the soil density in the arable soil layer (0–30 cm) showed significant variations depending on the methods of soil cultivation. In spring, the soil was in a loose and weakly compacted state (1.17–1.22 g/cm3), and during harvesting, it increased and became dense (1.29–1.32 g/cm3), especially with zero tillage. Soil tillage methods provided the best structural aggregate condition (58%–71%) during the growing season of the studied crops of agronomically valuable aggregates (0.25–10 mm). However, the maximum content of structural aggregates (69%–71%) was evident with zero tillage by sowing safflower, spring barley, and Sudan grass. It indicates the excellent aggregate state of the soil under natural conditions with these crops. However, its minimum amount (58%) occurred with plowing (20–22 cm) under safflower. The water-resistant aggregate content was highest in no-tillage variants of the studied crops, varying between 17.6%–18.9%. With plowing, the water resistance of aggregates decreased to 13.1% under different crops. Over two years of research, the highest average yield of spring barley (2.42 t/ha) emerged with minimal tillage, while the lowest grain yield of Sudan grass (0.67 t/ha) came from plowing. As a result, the highest grain yields of spring barley, peas, and safflower emanated with minimal tillage, while in the Sudanese grass, with zero tillage.