Perspectives for cultivation of diversified crops in a rice (Oryza sativa L.)-based crop rotation in the Kyzylorda region, Kazakhstan

Abstract

In the Aral Sea basin of Kyzylorda region, Kazakhstan, rice (Oryza sativa L.) is a main crop and annually occupies more than 45% of the total area of agricultural crops. However, about 90% of Syr Daria River waters is consumed for agricultural purposes, mainly for irrigation of paddy fields. In addition, there is an annual variability in the volume of water during the growing season, which creates certain threats to ensuring guaranteed water supply to irrigated lands and may pose a desertification risks. In addition, in the studied region, due to insufficient application of phosphorus fertilizers nutrient imbalance has been observed in the soil. The aim of the research was to develop sustainable production of rice by introduction of diversified cultures such as barley, soybean and rapeseed: Hordeum vulgare (L.), Glycine max (L.) and Brassica napus (L.), respectively, in a rice-based crop rotation and application of the different doses of mineral fertilizers in the Kyzylorda region. The results of the study showed that application of phosphorus as the main fertilizer at a dose of 90 kg ha-1 gives a significant increase in yield. Studied barley and rapeseed crops showed better adaptability to the specific agroecological conditions. These crops are recommended to be introduced into the rice crop rotations in order to produce rice using environmentally friendly technology.