Steppe Zone Research Articles

The link between the normalized difference vegetation index in major crops and meteorological factors

Normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) is frequently used in monitoring of meteorological events. The goal of this study was to establish the relationship between the spatial NDVI with air temperature and precipitation amounts in major crops cultivated in the steppe zone of Ukraine, namely, winter wheat, winter rapeseed, grain corn, soybeans, and sunflower. The study included the croplands of eight regions: the Crimea, Kherson, Mykolaiv, Odesa, Zaporizhzhia, Dnipropetrovsk, Kirovohrad, and Kharkiv. The yield data were retrieved from the official bodies of the State Statistical Service of Ukraine. The meteorological data on monthly air temperature and rainfall were retrieved from regional hydrometeorological centers. The NDVI values were retrieved from the GIMMS Global Agricultural Monitoring System, which provides Terrain MODIS NDVI 8-Day smoothed time series with 250 m resolution. The study was performed for the 2021-2022 for winter rapeseed and sunflower; 2017 and 2020 for grain corn; 2022 for winter wheat; and 2017 for soybeans. We found almost no or weak correlation between monthly NDVI values of the studied crops and rainfall amounts. A stronger correlation was found for air temperature, with the greatest values of the correlation coefficient of 0.76, 0.72, –0.72 for sunflower, soybeans, and winter wheat, respectively. The linear regression models, developed to predict NDVI based on the air temperature for the mentioned crops, provided good prediction accuracy with the relative error within 10–20%. The best overall fit and accuracy was produced by the model of sunflower’s NDVI. Only winter crops were observed to have a negative correlation with air temperature, suggesting that the cultivated varieties of these crops are heat-intolerant.

Productivity of forage crops in the system crop rotation and permanent cultivation in the steppe zone of the Southern Urals

Productivity of forage crops in the system crop rotation and permanent cultivation in the steppe zone of the Southern Urals

Variation of winter wheat grain quality traits in the Steppe zone of the Rostov region

Variation of winter wheat grain quality traits in the Steppe zone of the Rostov region

MODERN PROCESSES IN THE BEADED CHANNELS OF STEPPE RIVERS OF THE KHOPER-BUZULUK PLAIN

Beaded-shaped channels (or chain-of-ponds), characterized by alternating lake-like extensions and narrow runs, are widespread on small rivers of the steppe zone of Russia. Extensions of channels - beads (pools or ponds), with a depth of up to 5-6 m, are of great importance for cattle breeding, providing a watering place during the dry periods of the year, when the flow of small rivers stops. However, the mechanisms of their specific channel shape formation are still debatable: it is explained by uneven siltation of channels, formation of whirlpools, groundwater discharge, karst processes or relict thermokarst. The aim of the study was to assess the role of water flow in the formation and support of the beaded shape of river channels. The tasks were to reveal the hydrological regime of the Kardail and Kupava rivers, determine the hydrodynamics of the flow in beads and runs, describe the characteristics of erosion and accumulation processes and the sediment transport, as well as to identify relict elements of the channel and floodplain structure that do not correspond to modern water state. Water flow of the studied rivers shows a long-term decrease in snowmelt flood, as evidenced by the rare flooding of the high-level floodplain, low rates of bank dynamics, and the discrepancy between the size of meanders and the width of the channel. The annual sediment load of the studied beaded rivers is low, estimated at 6,05 t/km2 in 2023. The reason is a low supply of sediments from the catchment area and low rates of erosion of channel bed and banks built of clay and silt. The present-day dynamics of water flow do not help the deepening and expansion of the beads. The flow reaches maximum speed (up to 1-1,3 m/s) in channel runs, while in channel extensions flow speeds drop to 0-0,3 m/s, supporting the sediment accumulation, despite the presence of whirlpools. A significant part of channel extensions is located on sites of former pools of the ancient meandering channel, inherited by the modern watercourse. On the former riffles the channel narrowed and a low-level floodplain was formed. Deep channel extensions were preserved due to the low sediment load and its fine composition, which prevents its rapid settling from the suspension. The results of the study suggest possible contribution of other factors to the formation of original deep pools, including the cryogenic ones.

Results of Epizootiological Survey of the Territories of the Republic of Crimea and Sevastopol in 2015–2022

Introduction: Systematic studies of endemic zoonotic diseases on the Crimean Peninsula resumed in 2015 after a long break. Objective: To specify boundaries and determine epizootiological activity of the natural foci of infectious diseases in the Crimea and to update the list of possible reservoir hosts and vectors based on the results of field studies conducted in 2015–2022. Materials and methods: Counting and trapping of small mammals, ixodid ticks and mosquitoes, collecting of pellets of birds of prey, sampling of water and other zoological and entomological materials were carried out in the Crimea in the years 2015 to 2022. Results and discussion: According to the results of epidemiological and epizootiological monitoring of the Crimean Peninsula, the samples tested positive for tularemia were collected on the territory of 14 administrative entities, leptospirosis – 21, hantaviruses – 12, tick-borne encephalitis – 2, Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever – 7, Lyme borreliosis – 21, West Nile fever – 3, Q fever – 2, Marseilles fever – 6, monocytic ehrlichiosis – 1, and granulocytic anaplasmosis – 8 entities. A new hantavirus was identified in the Leninsky district. Positive findings of markers of the Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus were registered not only in the main vector, but also in other species of ixodid ticks. True boundaries of the natural foci of Lyme borreliosis in the Crimea were much wider and ran through both forest and steppe zones. A stable reproducing population of epidemiologically significant Ae. albopictus mosquitoes was found on the southern coast of Crimea. Conclusions: Based on the findings, we specified the boundaries and confirmed the activity of natural foci of infectious diseases during the study period, updated sources of infections, reservoir hosts and vectors, and compiled the “List of enzootic (endemic) territories of the Crimea, on which circulation of infectious agents common to humans and animals was found based on the results of field material studies in 2015–2022,” all facilitating managerial decisions on prevention of natural focal infections.

On craniological markers of western migrations to Eastern Europe in the bronze age (the case of the Abashevo culture)

Craniological materials from the Abashevo culture are rare. A selection of skulls from the Pepkino mound in Chuvashia has long been known. Relatively recently, craniometric data of Abashevo culture bearers from the territory between the Volga and the Urals have been published. These are all the samples available today, with the exception of a few individual skulls from other sites. The origin of the Abashevo culture based on archaeological data is ambiguous: it may go back to the preceding Fatyanovo culture of the Upper Volga region or to some local groups of the Pit Grave (Yamnaya) culture, or else it may be the result of western migrations. The article deals with the question which of the archaeological hypotheses does not contradict the patterns of craniological variability of the European population of the Neolithic, Chalcolithic and Bronze Ages. The author employs craniometric data on a large number of European groups to search for the influence of migrations on the composition of the Abashevo population and other Bronze Age populations of Eastern Europe. It is argued that there are similarities between the series of skulls from the Fatyanovo sites and the eastern local groups of the Corded Ware culture. At the same time, there are no Western features in the craniometric characteristics of the two Abashevo series. The closest analogies of the latter can be observed among the population of the steppe and forest-steppe zones of Eastern Europe of the Chalcolithic and Bronze Ages.

Эколого-биологические методы формирования устойчивых лесомелиоративных комплексов в степных и полупустынных ландшафтах европейской территории России

The arid region of the European territory of Russia includes a zone of dry steppe (dark chestnut soils) and a semi-desert zone (light chestnut and brown soils). There is practically no woody natural vegetation in the region on elevations and plains, and on the prevailing complexes of zonal soils, forest plantations are characterized by low durability. Materials and methods. The work used the results of field (expedition) and laboratory studies of the growth, condition, durability, productivity of protective forest plantations of tree and shrub species in various soil and hydrological conditions of the dry-steppe and semi desert zones. Results and discussion. The author’s developments made it possible to recommend a reliable range of trees and shrubs for the creation of forest-reclamation plantations in each agroforestry area and soil ecological niche. It was revealed that when selecting the assortment, a significant role should be given to selection and genetic methods of using seed and planting material well adapted to local conditions (drought-, salt- and frost-resistant and healthy genotypes). The main reason for the early drying of protective plantations on complex light chestnut soils of the dry-steppe and semi-desert zones has been established. Taking into account the extremely arid conditions and the main causes of their drying, the concept of increasing their stability and effectiveness in adverse growing conditions is given. Agroforestry zoning and groups of soil forest suitability by type and classification, as well as groups of longevity of the main tree species are given. Conclusion. The large diversity of soils contributes to the formation of a stepped profile in adult cereals. Woody species shrink when their root system comes into contact with salt horizons. Ecological techniques are reduced to the correct selection of tree species that correspond to a specific ecological background. The technological use of differentiated agricultural cultivation techniques involves the use of moisture-saving technologies. Biological measures include biological reclamation of unsuitable soils and methods of breeding and genetic improvement of the qualitative composition of forest reclamation plantations. Suggestions for practical applications and directions for future research. The results of the work can be used by managers and specialists of forestry enterprises, researchers, graduate students, students of educational institutions. The assortment of trees and shrubs can be used in the design of plantings of various types on different soils.

Анализ распределения видов флоры по высотным поясам бассейна реки Аргун

The Argun River is the largest river in the Sunzha basin. It originates on the Main Caucasian Ridge near the Chokismta-Matura peak (3189.7 m) in Georgia (historical region of Khevsureti). Before crossing the Lateral Ridge, it receives a large right tributary of the Andaki River (31 km long), whose sources are also on the Main Ridge near the Mal. Barbalo peak (3136 m). The length of the Argun River is 148 km, the total area of the basin is 3390 km2, it flows into the Sunzha River, a right tributary of the Terek River. In the upper reaches before the confluence with the right tributary, the Sharo-Argun River is historically called Chanty-Argun. Materials and methods. Materials and methods of research. Flora species and floristic complexes with different habitats within the Argun River basin were selected as the object of study. The material for the study was obtained during expeditionary trips for observations and herbarium collections in the period 2020–2023 in various altitudinal zones of the Argun River basin. Results and discussion. As a result of the research carried out in the Argun. Results. River basin, we recorded three groups of floras in the study area: plain-foothill, mid-mountain and high-mountain, the uneven distribution of floristic complexes in which made it possible to distinguish 6 floristic regions; More than half of the flora territory is located in the protected area system (2 reserves of republican significance, one of federal significance), 116 species are listed in the Red Books of the federal and regional levels, and another 16 species are proposed for protection. Discussion. The presence of narrow-local endemics in the flora also emphasizes its originality. It is advisable to include the entire Itum-Kalinsky floristic region in the territory of the Sovetsky biological reserve. Thus, many “Red Book” species, most of which are found only in this area, will be taken under real protection. These are Astracantha denudata, Berberis vulgaris, Сeltis glabrata, Cerasus incana, Cladochaeta candidissima Clenmatis integrifolia, Colutea orientalis, Cotynus coggygria, Crambe grandiflora, Dianthus daghestanicus, Ephedra procera, Fumana procumbens, Galanthus caucasicus, Gentiana grossheimii, Hippophaer hamnoides, Iris pumila, Gladiolus tenuis, Juniperus oblonga, Mandenovia komarovii, Medicago daghestanica, Notholaena maranthae, Omphalodes rupestris, Scabiosa rotata, Stipa caucasica, S. pennata, S. pulcherrima, Xanthobrychys majorovii. Conclusions. The total number of flora elements is significantly greater than the number of species in this area, since many of them are ecologically flexible and can be found in two or three vegetation zones, less often in four. Most species are confined to the steppe and forest zones, where the highest percentage of ruderal-segetal and alien species is observed, i.e. the quantitative composition is associated with anthropogenic impact on natural phytocenoses. The least number of species is in the subnival zone, where only petrophytes live, mostly endemics and subendemics.

Итоги сравнительного испытания зарубежных сортов масличного льна в условиях Восточно-степной зоны земледелия Монголии

The purpose of the research was to evaluate oil flax (Linum usitatissimum L.) varieties originating from different geographical and ecological regions based on their yield formation and biological properties in conditions of the Eastern steppe zone of Mongolia. Mathematical and statistical analyses were performed on yield and its component parameters. According to the study results of 2019–2022, early maturing oil flax varieties such as Flanders and Norine-67 demonstrated a seed yield of 2.02–2.22 t/ha and oil content of seeds 37.0–38.2%. Their seed yield was higher by 0.97–1.17 t/ha compared to the control and other varieties. The late maturing variety Blatall demonstrated a seed yield of 1.36 t/ha and 40.7% oil content of seeds, with a seed yield higher by 0.01–0.54 t/ha compared to the control and other varieties. Due to our results, early maturing oil flax varieties can be cultivated in the soil and climatic conditions of crop production zones in Mongolia, achieving a high yield (1.05–2.22 t/ha).

Ландшафтно-экологическое территориальное зонирование (на материалах Акмолинской области)

Introduction. Modern human activities in nature are subject to increasing regulation and restrictions, which should be reflected in systems for the use of natural resources, primarily in agricultural production. The problem under consideration is of particular relevance for the regions of Northern Kazakhstan, since the natural landscapes of the region have been radically changed and transformed into natural and agricultural complexes with a disturbed landscape-ecological balance.From the point of view of modern natural science, the organization of the rational use of rural areas should be solved by applying a concept based on the landscape-ecological approach. The purpose of the study. Territorial zoning of the agricultural landscape to optimize the use of agricultural land based on the landscape-ecological approach. Research methods. Cartographic materials used as the basis for the creation of diagrams and design developments, obtained on the basis of data from the virtual information system of the land cadastre of the Republic of Kazakhstan and processed using the ArcGIS program. Research results. Based on materials from the steppe zone of the Akmola region of the Republic of Kazakhstan, an analysis of landscape conditions and ecological stability of agricultural landscape systems was carried out. Analysis of territorial landscape zoning allowed us to conclude that the predominant part of the field landscapes of the steppe eons of this region is occupied by natural-territorial complexes of watershed spaces and watershed slopes, and the most common form of relief is slope surfaces. Ecological zoning of agricultural landscapes in the Akmola region revealed that the most common agricultural landscapes are characterized by weak stability and unstable agricultural landscapes. The article proposes a methodology for territorial zoning of agricultural lands on a landscape-ecological basis in the conditions of the Akmola region. It includes the following procedure: drawing up a landscape map. identification of homogeneous ecological zones; agrolandscape microzoning. As a result of research at the research object, a scheme of territorial landscape-ecological zoning for land use of agricultural formations was compiled, which is based on taking into account the paradynamic landscape structure of steppe landscapes and the degree of their anthropogenic transformation. At the same time, relatively homogeneous landscape-ecological microzones were identified, within which the elementary landscapes of the steppe catena were differentiated according to measures that stabilize the stability of the agricultural landscape. Conclusions. 1. On the territory of the Akmola region, natural landscapes have been transformed into agricultural production modifications. with a low degree of sustainability, requiring measures to maintain landscape-ecological balance. 2. The methodology for territorial zoning of steppe agricultural landscapes should be based on taking into account the paradynamic landscape structure of steppe landscapes, i.e. its catenary device. 3. Application of the results of territorial landscape-ecological zoning in design developments for the use and protection of land will allow the selection of optimal directions that ensure the sustainability of agricultural landscapes.

Anthropogenic impact on agricultural landscapes of the Akmola region of the Republic of Kazakhstan

The relevance of research topic is confirmed by the presence of environmental problems of steppe land use and the need for its rationalization. The article examines the issues of ecological stability of agrolandscapes of the steppe zone in agricultural circulation and determines environmental and economic damage that occurs when their functioning is disrupted. The goal is to assess the degree of anthropogenic influence when using agricultural landscapes based on the example of the Akmola region. The content of research topic determined the choice of the following methods: historical, logical, statistical, system analysis, graphic modeling. Results - taking into account factors that destabilize the landscape-ecological balance, ecological zoning was carried out in the region, the degree of stability of steppe agricultural landscapes under anthropogenic influence was determined, based on mathematical model of erosion process, intensity of washout was calculated, environmental and economic losses arising in connection with violation were indicated, self-regulation of landscapes, environmental protection (antierosion) measures have been developed. The amount of residual flushing after they are carried out characterizes the effectiveness of reducing the water flows. Conclusions - field agrolandscapes of agricultural enterprises of the Akmola region, specializing in production of crop products, can be classified as anthropogenically disturbed with low degree of environmental stability, which is due to the significant plowing of their territory. One of the main factors of environmental destabilization in steppe agricultural entities is the spread of water erosion on slope arable land, environmental damage from which is confirmed by the loss of soil layer. The proposed measures to support landscape environmental stability can be applied when planning the use of land resources and developing on-farm land management projects.

STUDYING THE DIVERSITY OF LENTIL VARIETIES BY ALLELES OF THE EARLY FLOWERING GENE LcELF3 USING MOLECULAR MARKERS

Lentils are one of the most widespread leguminous crops in the world and now Kazakhstan is also experiencing a significant expansion of acreage. Howev-er, late sowing is unacceptable for this crop, since in this case the photoperiod effect and drought lead to loss of crop samples if the flowering period of lentil plants is not optimized. The genes controlling early flowering (EFL3) are associ-ated with the rate of growth and the beginning of flowering and are independent of the length of daylight. In this study, the presence of the early flowering gene LcELF3 was analyzed in 76 collection samples of lentils. As a result of PCR am-plification and sequencing of the LcELF3 gene using the Sanger method, genetic polymorphism was detected and codominant SNP (Single Nucleotide Polymor phism) markers were developed. Further testing of collection samples of lentils by ASQ genotyping allowed us to identify 36 samples with homozygous geno-type aa (late flowering) and 40 samples with homozygous genotype bb (earlier flowering). The use of factor analysis of the productivity elements of lentil sam-ples bearing favorable bb alleles of the early flowering gene LcELF3 made it pos sible to conduct a visual analysis for the studied years. Thus, using the example of lentils, the possibility of sampling samples containing favorable bb alleles of the LcEFL3 gene, controlling early flowering, which are necessary to increase its yield in conditions of prolonged spring and short summer season in the dry steppe zone of Northern Kazakhstan, is shown.

Preventive Archaeological Research in Overhead Electric Power Line’s Construction Zones

The article is dedicated to archaeological research within the limits of projected and existing overhead power lines in Ukraine. Based on the experience of the Scientific and Research Centre “Rescue Archaeological Service” of the Institute of Archaeology, the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, the results of such works were summarised and monument protection measures for avoiding or mitigating the negative impact on the archaeological heritage during the overhead power lines construction were proposed. In 2008–2024 the Center’s employees surveyed 1507.3 km of power lines 220‑750 kW and 2642 hectares of area within the 14–21 m wide right of way; 444 new and known archaeological objects were localised; monument protection measures for 342 objects were developed; 8946 m2 were excavated in places where supports installed on 40 archaeological sites; 30 archaeological sites were supervised; accounting documentation for 78 monuments was developed. According to the survey results the average archaeological objects occurrence index per one kilometer of the overhead power lines planned route was determined as 0.251. It has been confirmed that in the steppe zone and adjacent areas of the forest-steppe mounds and mound groups occur more often than the settlements that prevail in the forest and forest-steppe zones. The regularities in which each stage of research defines the task for the next and gradually narrows the scope of development areas have been determined: at the Feasibility study stage an area of more than 1200000 hectares was developed; at the Project stage 2642 ha were archaeologically surveyed; at the stage of Construction monument protection research is planned on an area of 28.27 hectares. The same trend applies to the archaeology objects number covered 1358, 444 and 342 objects respectively. Despite the research areas decreasing, their resource consumption and the cost of the archaeological methods used are increasing.The United Energy System of Ukraine is one of the largest in Europe. According to its promising development program it was planned to build a thousand km of new overhead power lines. However, the war made its corrections and to the new planning construction were added hundreds of kilometers of destroyed overhead lines and dozens of ruined electrical substations. Comparing such linear objects as highways or main pipelines a much smaller volume of earthworks is processed during the overhead lines construction and they too can potentially have a significant negative impact on the environment including cultural heritage. Therefore, preventive measures developed on the mitigation hierarchy principles should be implemented at all construction stages. Each cycle’s phase corresponds to a certain type of archaeological research: planning → preliminary archival and bibliographic research; design → archaeological investigations (surveys); construction → archaeological monument protection research; exploitation → monitoring. Such approach using ensures the optimal management adoption decisions and helps to avoid and/or reduce the potential negative impact on cultural heritage even at the first stages of the investment project development.

Short-period variations in microphysical characteristics of aerosol nanoparticles in the dry steppe zone of southern Russia in summer

Short-period variations in microphysical characteristics of aerosol nanoparticles in the dry steppe zone of southern Russia in summer

Harmozica ravergiensis (Gastropoda: Hygromiidae) in Western Ukraine as part of anthropogenic expansion of its range

In September 2023, a large population of the Caucasian snail Harmozica ravergiensis was discovered in a newly built residential complex in Lviv. This is its second record in Western Ukraine, with an interval of almost 20 years, as well as the westernmost known locality of the species. Adults of H. ravergiensis from Lviv had larger shells compared to samples from other introduced Eastern European populations of this species, measured by us personally or described in the literature. Another 16 species of land molluscs, mostly alien to Ukraine or its western part, were found in Lviv together with H. ravergiensis. The latter includes a snail of Crimean origin, Monacha fruticola, which is still rarely recorded north of the steppe zone of Ukraine. In the studied area of Lviv, H. ravergiensis and M. fruticola often formed joint aggregations, which had never been observed before in Ukraine. Possible ways of penetration of H. ravergiensis and some other introduced molluscs into the studied area are discussed. Now H. ravergiensis is most often found in Eastern Ukraine, especially in the Donetsk region (the earliest known record dates back to 1990). There are also a few reliable finds in Western (since 2006) and Central (since 2015) Ukraine. In general, in the late 20th and early 21st centuries, the range of H. ravergiensis expanded significantly, reaching the Tver region of Russia in the north, the southern Ural in the northeast, Central Asia in the southeast, and Western Ukraine in the west. Here, we analyse for the first time the extent of this expansion based on personally studied material, published data, and images in two citizen science databases.

Mycogenic xylolysis processes in artificial forest plantations in the steppe zone of the Orenburg region (Southern Urals)

Mycogenic xylolysis processes in artificial forest plantations in the steppe zone of the Orenburg region (Southern Urals)

Genetic and morphological differences among relict marginal occurrences of Stenobothrus eurasius (Orthoptera)

Steppes form large zonal habitats in Asia but only consist of localised outposts in Europe. An ideal subject for the study of differences within species between the main steppe zone and the localized more western outposts is the Orthopteran Stenobothrus eurasius, widespread across the Siberian and Central Asian steppes but present only in isolated relic populations at the western edge of its area. We used genetic and morphological analyses to detect possible differences among these relic populations. We carried out a study on morphological parameters of wings in parallel with the comparison of four DNA fragments (cytochrome c oxidase subunit I, 12S rRNA and the mtDNA control region, cytochrome B, nuclear internal transcribed spacers plus the 5.8S rRNA region) involving 15 extrazonal populations of the species. St. nigromaculatus was used as an outgroup taxon in the genetic analyses. Variability of the morphological characters of St. eurasius individuals was higher within the regions than amongst the regions. The two Stenobothrus species were not separated based on the CR gene. Samples of both Stenobothrus species were separated on the COI, cytB and ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 phylogenetic trees with high support (PP = 1) in Bayesian analyses but clear genetic lineages were not revealed, and populations of the focal species were not grouped according to their geographic locations. The similarity of this species in different steppe outposts supports the hypothesis that St. eurasius was widespread in the more extensive steppe areas that were once present, but the extension of agricultural landuse reduced the steppe habitats resulting in the current patchy distribution of St. eurasius limited to the remaining habitats.

Features of mineral nutrition of mustard in the conditions of the steppe zone of Northern Kazakhstan

The article gives an assessment of one of the promising and valuable oilseeds – mustard, the cultivation of which is provided for by the program of diversification of grain production in Kazakhstan, in particular, crop production. It was revealed that the conditions of mineral nutrition of mustard in the steppe zone of Northern Kazakhstan have not been studied. Therefore, field experiments were conducted to study the optimization of mustard mineral nutrition conditions. A 14-variant scheme is presented for creating different levels of phosphorus and nitrogen in the soil in order to determine the quantitative relationship between the level of nutrients in the soil and the productivity of mustard varieties. During all the years of the study, mustard developed in conditions of phosphorus deficiency in the soil, average nitrogen supply and increased potassium only. The application of nitrogen-phosphorus fertilizers contributed to an increase in the nitrogen content of nitrates and mobile phosphorus in the soil by 2-3 times and was determined by the amount of fertilizers applied. The productivity of mustard on a naturally non-windy background was low, it depended on the dose of fertilizers, soil moisture, and the initial content of nutrients. This explains the ambiguous reaction of mustard to the application of the same types, doses and combinations of fertilizers.

The Effect of Fertilizers and Growth Regulators on the Productivity of Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) in the Dry Climate of Russia

Background: Safflower is an oilseed crop capable of forming seeds in extreme conditions, so it can be used as an alternative to sunflower, because their growing technologies are similar. Increasing the yield of safflower seeds can be achieved intensively using agrochemicals. The proposed research results provide information on the use of mineral, micro fertilizers and growth regulators. Methods: Research was carried out in the dry steppe zone of chestnut soils. In the spirit-factor experiment, which was located on a field with an area of 300 m2, in triplicate, using two sorts of safflower. Mineral fertilizers were applied to the soil during sowing and by foliar treatment during the “budding” phase. The obtained yield results were processed by analysis of variance. Result: As a result of the research, elite safflower seeds were obtained using one of the experimental options Ultamag Bor 30 g + Biostim Growth 30 g/10 liters of water of the Alexandrite variety with a yield of 1.8 t/ha with the highest profitability of their production of 414.2%. Analysis of variance of the yield data from the experiment showed that 87% of the yield of safflower seeds depended on the use of mineral fertilizers, 0.62% on the plant variety and agro technical measures for growing safflower plants-11.8%.

The influence of herbicide systems and methods of basic tillage on grain productivity of peas in the conditions of the steppe zone of Kabardino-Balkaria

The influence of herbicide systems and methods of basic tillage on grain productivity of peas in the conditions of the steppe zone of Kabardino-Balkaria