Issue 1 (7)-2025

Abstract. The article provides a review of the literature on the development of scientific and preservation of the creative heritage of P.A. Kostychev - soil scientist, agrochemist, agronomist, microbiologist. Knowledge of the scientist's works will help to delve deeper into the problems of today and apply theoretical knowledge and practical skills in soil science, agronomy, agroecology in work.

The problem and purpose. In the modern world, agricultural specialists face the same problems as 200 years ago, including first of all, the preservation and restoration of soil fertility, secondly, the fight against drought, thirdly, the fight against weeds, etc. The purpose of the work was to review the scientific heritage of P.A. Kostychev and show the connection of his works with modern concepts of agricultural science.

Methodology. To achieve the purpose an analysis of domestic and foreign literature was used. The methods used included logic, generalization, comparison, and conclusion.

Results. The scientific works of the scientist and practical recommendations were compared with modern problems of agriculture and their solutions.

Conclusion. Developing the scientific and preserving the creative heritage of P.A. Kostychev, there is an opportunity to apply the scientist's ideas in practice to solve agricultural problems, primarily the preservation and restoration of soil fertility.

Abstract.

The problem and purpose. In order to meet the huge demand for food for steadily growing population, agriculture must be highly efficient, using, among other things, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and digitalization tools that perform a wide range of agricultural tasks from spraying to mapping fields. At the same time, awareness and agroconsulting of the UAV sector for agricultural enterprises in Russia are not developed, enterprises often do not understand how and where to use these tools, with what efficiency, which hinders the introduction of modern agrodrones and their services. The purpose of these studies was to identify the features and areas of use (areas of application with examples) of modern agrodrones and their main advantages and disadvantages in the agrochemistry system and in general in agriculture in Russia.

Methodology. A monographic method was used, as well as methods of analysis, systematization, comparison, generalization. The collection of factual data was carried out through consulting and the work experience of Russian firms providing agrodrone services, catalogs of equipment for UAVs. The study and analysis of information sources on this topic were conducted in search engines and scientific electronic libraries: the ResearchGate portal, eLibrary.RU, CyberLeninka.

Results. It was found out that areas of agriculture where agrodrones are successfully used include mapping, performing spraying (irrigation) and pollination of crops, measuring parameters of agrobiocenoses, automation of agricultural process management systems and others. At the same time, the main advantages of using agrodrones are ease of use, reduction of time and cost of processing crops, wide functionality, night work, inexpensive maintenance, availability of technologies, etc. The main obstacles to the use of agrodrones include limits of their flight time (up to 40 minutes), cargo weight (up to 12 kg on average), the volume of the working tank (up to 12 liters on average), weather dependence, time spent on preparation, problems of the herbicide concentration and its perception by crops, the high price of technologies and others.

Conclusion. Modern unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) can significantly increase the efficiency of agriculture, replace manual labor, especially for small and medium-sized farms, fruit orchards, grape terraces, etc. However, it is not yet possible to completely and fully replace ground-based, "classic" agricultural machines with agrodrones due to their limited flight time and small payload.

Abstract. The article presents the results of 6 years of work in 5 stages to increase the fertility of solonetz soils and preserve pasture grass.

The problem and purpose. Irrigated lands of Northern Kazakhstan are characterized by an unsatisfactory ecological and meliorative state due to the widespread occurrence of saline soils, which require the use of new methods and technologies for their restoration. The purpose of the research was to substantiate complex measures to increase the fertility of saline soils and preserve pasture grass in Akmola region of Northern Kazakhstan.

Methodology. To solve the task, studies were conducted aimed at studying the main factors affecting soil fertility and substantiating optimal leaching rates on the studied lands of Northern Kazakhstan. The methodology was based on the assessment of such indicators and indices that characterize the state of fertility of degraded soils and allow for a comprehensive agrochemical characteristic of the soil cover. In order to regulate the air and water-salt regime of saline lands, methods for studying the hydrothermal regime were used, with the help of which the leaching rates were substantiated.

Results. The level of environmental hazard equal to the criterion of very dangerous was calculated. Over 6 years of research, all activities carried out were pre-divided into 5 stages. At the 1st stage, soils of varying degrees of salinity were washed. At the 2nd stage, surface improvement was carried out. The 3rd stage included work on combining plots for rational mechanization and grazing. The 4th stage involved creating a drainage network in the agrofirm to drain water and prevent soil erosion. At the 5th stage, soil cultivation methods were assessed and the optimal one was selected. All activities were supported by a sufficient number of performed analyzes and calculations, statistical processing.

Conclusion. Based on the results of the work, an assessment was made of complex measures to increase the fertility of solonetz soils and preserve pasture grass in Akmola region of Northern Kazakhstan. All activities were highly appreciated by the management of the agrofirm due to the improvement of all solonetz regimes and contributed to the preservation of pasture grasses from trampling and irrational grazing.

Abstract.

The problem and purpose. Gray soils make up more than half of the area of Northern Kazakhstan and are unproductive due to the low humus content, which does not allow obtaining high yields of fruit crops. The purpose of the research was to improve the agrochemical properties of gray soil under an apple orchard on a dwarfing rootstock with drip irrigation and the introduction of a biomeliorant.

Methodology. Field experiments were conducted on low-yielding gray soils of Northern Kazakhstan. A biomeliorant based on cattle manure, phosphogypsum and camel thorn was developed and introduced into the root layer of the soil simultaneously with irrigation water through droppers. The research methodology was generally accepted. The objects of research were gray soil and apple trees on dwarfing rootstocks.

Results. The introduction of a biomeliorant together with irrigation water in a ratio of 1:20 at a dose of 15...19 t/ha followed by the addition of phosphogypsum at a dose of 1...3 tons enriched the soil with nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, sulfur, microelements, etc.), its physical properties, water and air regimes improved, the harmful effect of soil acidity on plant growth and the vital activity of microorganisms decreased, and the supply of carbon dioxide to plants improved. The results of field studies showed a noticeable effect of drip irrigation with the introduction of a new biomeliorant on the yield of apple trees on a dwarf rootstock, which increased threefold. The conducted correlation analysis revealed the priority of factors influencing the yield of apple trees.

Conclusion. The results of the conducted research on low-yielding gray soils of Kazakhstan showed that the introduction of a biomeliorant with irrigation water created favorable conditions for the development of fruit crops and contributed to an increase in their productivity. The implementation of the proposed technology led to an improvement in the water-air and food regimes, the accumulation of a number of valuable nutrient biogenic elements in the root zone.

Abstract. The article evaluates 30 varieties of African millet Pennisétum glaucum (L) R. Br) and, based on experiments, identifies promising varieties.

Problem and purpose.

Problem and purpose. Millet is one of the few crops that are suitable for cultivation in the arid regions of the Lower Volga region. The VIR collection is used to create new varieties. The purpose of the research was to study varieties of African millet (Pennisétum glaucum L.) from the VIR collection in conditions of the Lower Volga region.

Methodology. The research was conducted on a variety testing site. The object of the study included 30 varieties of African millet from the VIR collection of plant genetic resources. The methodology was traditional for the region.

Results. The duration of the interphase period of emergence – paniculation varied from 30 to 61 days. The shortest interphase period of emergence – paniculation was found in variety sample k-157. The height of the plants of the African millet varieties varied from 71 cm to 220 cm. The highest values of height over 200 cm were noted in the following samples: k-66 (215 cm), k-79 (220 cm), k-365 (216 cm), k-192 (200 cm). The range of variation in the panicle length was from 14.0 to 20.1 cm. Varieties k-37, k-157, k-359, k-543, k-551, k-549 were noted for the panicle length of about 20 cm. The varieties differed in height, the average value of which was approximately 55 cm. The greatest panicle length, equal to 20 cm, was noted in varieties: k-37, k-157, k-359, k-543, k-551, k-549. Based on the results of the research of the African millet collection, promising varieties were identified for further breeding work to improve the biochemical composition of the aboveground biomass: k-66, k-125, k-149, k-157, k-162, k-192, k-549, k-551, k-562, k-567, k-569.

Conclusion. The height of plants and the length of the panicle varied in the African millet varieties, so further research will be continued in order to breed productive varieties. This crop is obviously quite suitable for cultivation in regions with arid climatic conditions. The results obtained will be further used in the breeding work of the Research Institute.