The environmental feasibility of transitioning to no-tillage farming in Karakalpakstan
Abstract
The aim of the research was to study the effect of no-till technology on soil parameters, in particular on humus content, reduction of soil salinity, structure and biological activity of the soil. The studies were conducted on medium loamy light gray soils of the northern districts of Karakalpakstan. The article presents the results of scientific and practical work on the use of no tillage on sowing sesame on salinized irrigated lands in the northern districts of Karakalpakstan. One of the main conditions of Conservation Agriculture is to ensure the most complete soil cover with plant residues. Therefore, it is recommended to cultivate crops that leave more stubble and straw, such as wheat, barley, oats, triticale, and rye, in the first year. Preserving stubble and straw is beneficial for the soil and the life of soil microorganisms. Plant residues, as they decompose, increase the content of soil organic matter, reduce the bulk density of the soil, improve the water-holding capacity of the soil, and, acting as mulch, help to preserve soil moisture and reduce evaporation, and therefore reduce the seasonal accumulation of salts, especially in the upper soil horizons. During two years using the no-tillage technology, soil indicators improved, soil biological activity in the soil increased, and seasonal accumulation of salts in the upper soil horizons decreased due to straw mulch. Qualitative soil assessment using the visual soil assessment method showed that over two years use of no-tillage, soil properties improved, including structure, compaction, from 17 to 22 points.