The conducted research studied the soil samples from a depth of 0–90 cm from vineyards and determined the soil characteristics and the corresponding classification of soil quality located in the territories of Shamakhi and Ismailli Districts, Mountainous Shirvan Region, Azerbaijan. The results revealed the soil quality index (SQI) varied with a range of 0.52–0.88. According to the SQI values, 62 out of 100 soil samples received a very suitable classification, with 25 as suitable, 11 as partially suitable, and two as unsuitable classifications. The SQI values of the analyzed samples had a significant positive correlation with the soil organic matter, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, zinc, iron, manganese, molybdenum, and boron (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Zn, Fe, Mn, Mo, and B, respectively). Meanwhile, other values enunciated significant negative correlation with the soil pH, chloride (Cl), sulfate (SO₄), and calcium carbonate (CaCO₃). The results further showed the majority of soil samples at a depth of 0 cm had a fine-grained structure. At a depth of 20 cm, it was sandy-clayey; at the depth of 40–80 cm, it was fine-grained; and at the depth of 90 cm, it was sandy-clayey.

Keywords: Viticulture, soil analysis, soil composition, soil elements, soil quality index, Mountainous Shirvan

Key findings: Considering that the territory of the Upper Shirvan Region experienced soil erosion, it received proposals to apply protective tillage methods to improve the soil quality in the existing vineyards. Similarly, recommendations to apply green manure, manure, and compost manure will improve the physical structure of the soil and enhance the soil organic matter.

The effect of various combinations and dosages of nutrients on agrobiological and quality traits of technical grape (Vitis vinifera L.) cultivars grown in the Garabagh region was the main focus determined by this research, being a viable viticulture of Azerbaijan. The local grape cultivar Khindogni and the introduced grape cultivars, Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir, were the selected objects of the study. Experiments comprising different fertilizer applications proceeded in four variants. In the experimental four variants, obtaining positive results was successful on various traits of the studied grape cultivars. For three grape cultivars, the following combinations and pattern of fertilizers proved to be most optimal for quality, yield, and economic efficiency. For the cultivar Khindogni, these were N₁₂₀P₁₂₀K₁₂₀ (under the roots) + 2.5 kg/ha NPK 20:20:20 (on the leaves) and 8.5 kg/bush; for the cultivar Cabernet Sauvignon, data were N₁₂₀P₁₂₀K₁₂₀ (under the roots) + 2.5 kg/ha NPK 20:20:20 (on the leaves) and 7.7 kg/bush; and for the cultivar Pinot Noir, these were N₁₅₀P₁₅₀K₁₅₀ (under the roots) + 3.0 kg/ha NPK 20:20:20 (on the leaves) and 7.6 kg/bush.

Keywords: Grape (V. vinifera L.), cultivars, fertilizer combinations, productivity, quality, nutrition

Key findings: The successful determination of optimal fertilization methods for quality, yield, and economic efficiency of the technical grape (V. vinifera L.) cultivars Khindogni, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Pinot Noir resulted in the Garabagh Region of Azerbaijan.

Current research based on advanced technologies and innovative approaches can better save time and investment and appear more compatible with field studies. Based on remote sensing and ArcGIS technologies, the following research comprised the analysis of the natural and anthropogenic landscape variations in natural conditions. These were a result of the development of the agriculture sector in the 20-km buffer zone along the banks of the Kura and Araz rivers, Azerbaijan. In this regard, this study’s main purpose sought to analyze the problems that arise during the intensive exploitation of the territory and provide information about the future forecast. Modern technology employment succeeded, processing the materials of Landsat 5, 8, and 9 satellites. The results revealed the rapid growth of population has caused soil salinization, drought of the water basins, expansion in construction areas, and an overall reduction in the agrolandscape area.

Keywords: Kur-Araz plain, climate action, remote sensing, agriculture, NDVI, NDMI, NDWI

Key findings: Studies integrating multi-temporal satellite-derived vegetation and moisture indices (normalized differences in vegetation, moisture, and water indices [NDVI, NDMI, and NDWI]) with GIS analysis revealed pronounced variations in the vegetation dynamics, soil moisture, and surface water availability in the Kura–Araz Plain, Azerbaijan. These explained spatial patterns of agricultural suitability and highlighted enhanced risks to sustainable land use under intensive exploitation.

This research sought to investigate the pollution by heavy metals in soil and plants (hazelnut trees and grass plants) in natural biotopes of the Oguz Region, Azerbaijan. Besides the influence of pollution, the study considered variations in fluorescent parameters. The main task was to identify the most sensitive tree species to pollution indicators. An integrated approach to the analysis of pollution from transport gases and solid industrial waste seemed crucial and relevant for the selected hazelnut fields. The decreased ratio of Chl a+b/carotenoids in both hazelnut cultivars (Oily Hazelnut and Ata Baba) authenticates that carotenoids perform a protective function from the natural and anthropogenic factors. More sensitive cultivars of hazelnuts (Oily Hazelnut and Ata Baba) used for research mainly served landscaping purposes (as informal hedges, windbreaks, and erosion control). The study advised planting these cultivars away from roads and even in the second row after bushes as more resistant species to pollution. This is because with increased pollution from exhaust gases (CO₂, CO, and HC), trees become weaker than those away from the roads.

Keywords: Heavy metals, chlorophyll, bioindicators, soil samples, carotenoids, environmental pollution

Key findings: The results revealed the tree species, particularly cultivars Oily Hazelnut and Ata Baba, proved sensitive to environmental pollution in Azerbaijan due to heavy metals and air pollutants. These tree species entailed studies for morphological, physiological, and biochemical variations under polluted conditions and succeeded in their identification as useful bioindicators for environmental monitoring.

The presented research aimed to investigate the variations in agrocenoses parameters (soil and commercial yield) under biologized soil conditions of viticulture in the Shamakhi and Ganja regions, Azerbaijan. In the grapevine cultivars with varied salt tolerance, studies on the development of shoots and roots during their cultivation in salt solutions succeeded. Intensive monoculture production disrupts the small biological cycle of nutrients, reducing the productivity of agrocenoses. The said problem can reach an effective solution by the introduction of an eco-biological soil management system through green manuring, inter-row grassing, and the effective use of biofertilizers (live microbial inoculants) and agrobiological stimulators such as microorganisms. In Azerbaijan, for the first time, a comparison occurred between soil cultivation systems using a sod-humus substrate and a control option (bare fallow).

Keywords: Viticulture, eco-monitoring, environmental risks, erosion, landscapes, antropogenic factors

Key findings: The implementation of an eco-biological soil management system (using green manure, inter-row grazing, and biostimulants) can combat the negative anthropogenic effects of intensive monoculture farming and increase viticulture productivity.

Sainfoin (Onobrychis Adans.) is a valuable perennial legume widely cultivated in mountainous areas; however, its minimal productivity often results from degraded mountain gray-brown soils with low fertility and poor structure. The relevant study aimed to evaluate the effect of mineral fertilizer application on root development, productivity, and forage quality of sainfoin for three consecutive years under mountain gray-brown soil conditions. Field experiments had different mineral fertilizer compositions laid out in moderately and severely eroded mountain gray-brown soils for three years to evaluate their impact on the root biomass and morphology, plant growth, yield, and nutritional quality. The results showed balanced mineral fertilization significantly improved the root system, enhancing nutrient uptake and plant stability. Fertilizer application also stimulated the plant’s vegetative growth and development with increased green and dry matter yields compared with the unfertilized control. Forage quality parameters, including crude protein content and fiber composition, also displayed considerable improvement under optimized fertilizer regimes. On average, moderate and well-balanced fertilizer doses provided the best combination of enhanced root development, higher yield, and improved forage quality. Mineral fertilizer application significantly enhanced the sainfoin productivity and feed value and offered practical recommendations for sustainable pasture management in degraded and eroded mountain gray-brown soils.

Keywords: Sainfoin (Onobrychis Adans.), legume crops, mineral fertilizers, root development, forage quality, productivity, eroded mountain gray-brown soils, soil fertility, sustainable pasture management

Key findings: Balanced mineral fertilizer application significantly improved the root development, green and dry matter yields, forage quality, and crude protein content in sainfoin (Onobrychis Adans.) under eroded mountain gray-brown soils. Moderate fertilizer doses proved most effective, offering the best balance between productivity, forage nutritive value, and sustainable soil management.

The pioneering research comprised modern biogeological studies of the soil. The study based on soil microorganisms and natural vegetation in the mountain cliffs of the Sheki-Zagatala economic region (Sheki Region), Azerbaijan, emerged as innovative in environmental research of the said area. Rocky soil compositions were specific to extreme ecosystems, which contribute to the formation of special communities of microorganisms. With weathering crust of rocks, actinomycetes were considerably less abundant and biomass-rich than other microbial groups. The highest content of prokaryotes in the finer fraction of samples (less than 1 mm) evidently occurred to be closely associated with its mineral composition. The presented research can serve as a modern literary source in the fields of biology and soil science. This innovative research focused on the exploration of microorganisms and vegetation in the extreme ecosystems found in the mountain cliff soils of the Sheki-Zagatala Region, Azerbaijan.

Keywords: Rocky soil compositions, extreme ecosystems, microorganisms, vegetation, biogeological parameters, biomineral complex, phytomass, landscapes

Key findings: The results highlighted the unique microbial communities adapted to rocky soil compositions and extreme environments, which proved to be valuable resources in the fields of biology and soil science. Actinomycetes appeared significantly less abundant and biomass-rich than other microbial groups in the weathering crust of rocks.

The application of entomophages and entomopathogens for biological control of harmful insect pests was the focus of this study, carried out from 2020 to 2024 through field experiments, laboratory analyses, and review of scientific literature in Uzbekistan. In total, four key biological control agents underwent assessment, such as Trichogramma chilonis, Coccinella septempunctata, Beauveria bassiana, and Metarhizium anisopliae, for controlling three major insect pest species (Helicoverpa armigera, Aphis gossypii, and Bemisia tabaci) across Uzbekistan’s multiple agroecological zones. The study comprised diverse environmental and cropping systems, including irrigated farmlands, semi-desert regions, and mountain foothills. Field observations revealed the combined application of entomophages and entomopathogens effectively reduced pest populations (by 65%–80%) compared with untreated control. Statistical analysis (ANOVA) confirmed these reductions were significant at the P < 0.05 level. The highest efficacy was notable during spring and early summer, corresponding with peak pest activity in cotton and vegetable crops. In addition to classical biological control methods, the study integrated precision monitoring and environmentally safe pest regulation techniques to enhance sustainability. The results contribute to the understanding of biological pest control ecology and support the development of modern and eco-friendly plant protection strategies in Uzbekistan and other similar agroecosystems.

Keywords: Biological control, entomophages, entomopathogens, Beauveria bassiana, Trichogramma chilonis, Integrated Pest Management (IPM)

Key findings: The combined use of entomophages and entomopathogens significantly reduced populations of major insect pests by 65%–80% across different agroecological zones of Uzbekistan, with the highest effectiveness observed in spring and early summer. The integrated application of Trichogramma chilonis, Coccinella septempunctata, Beauveria bassiana, and Metarhizium anisopliae proved to be environmentally safe and sustainable. These results confirm the high potential of biologically based and precision-supported pest management strategies within integrated pest management (IPM) systems.

This study evaluated the morphological and biochemical responses of potato genotypes to polyethylene glycol (PEG)-induced osmotic stress conditions. Using different concentrations of PEG solution assessed the adaptive response of genotypes in stress conditions. All potato genotypes exhibited reduced root and shoot length, a smaller leaf size, and decreased levels of photosynthetic pigments (chlorophyll a and b and carotenoids) under PEG treatments. However, an increase was evident in key indicators of oxidative and osmotic stress such as malondialdehyde (MDA), hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), and proline levels. Among the tested cultivars, Telman showed the highest sensitivity to PEG-induced stress, while the cultivar Ugur maintained relatively stable productivity and exhibited adaptive traits. Despite considerable initial growth, the cultivar Vagif displayed a weaker adaptive response under prolonged stress conditions. A significant negative correlation was notable among the proline, MDA, and pigment contents, while a positive correlation was between the stem diameter and pigment levels. Among the traits, the highest coefficients of variation revealed genotypic differences in stress responses. The results enunciated that PEG-induced osmotic stress affects the physiological traits differently across the genotypes, providing valuable insights for identifying drought-tolerant potato cultivars. The findings provide a sound base for future breeding programs aimed at developing drought-resistant potato cultivars.

Keywords: Potato (S. tuberosum L.), polyethylene glycol, malondialdehyde, proline, hydrogen peroxide, photosynthetic pigments, morphological and biochemical traits

Key findings: PEG-induced osmotic stress caused significant morphological and biochemical variations in potato (S. tuberosum L.) genotypes and revealed genotypic differences in drought response. The cultivar Ugur exhibited relatively stable adaptive traits, while the cultivar Telman was highly sensitive, and the genotype Vagif showed limited long-term tolerance. The results can provide a greater support in the selection of drought-tolerant potato genotypes

The study comprised a comparative evaluation of 29 accessions of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) in the control nursery and 21 accessions in the competitive nursery versus the standard cultivar Damu-12 during cropping seasons of 2023–2025 in Turkestan Region, Kazakhstan. Among the 29 accessions tested in the control nursery, 11 accessions (M-2515, M-2520, M-2521, M-2532, M-2579, M-2584, M-2587, M-2588, M-2562, M-2572, and M-2589) significantly exceeded the standard cultivar Damu-12 in green and dry matter yields. These accessions excelled the standard genotype by 110.2%–115.5%, achieving dry hay and green mass yields of 22.7–23.8 t/ha and 127.1–131.9 t/ha, respectively. In the competitive nursery with 21 accessions, 11 accessions (M-2572, M-2584, M-2532, M-2566, M-2537, M-2522, M-2579, M-2552, M-2582, M-2881, and M-2545) revealed the highest green and dry mass yields. Their green and dry mass yields outperformed the standard cultivar Damu-12 by 110.2%–122.9%. Cluster analysis categorized the accessions into three distinct groups: Cluster 1 (high-yield intensive type), Cluster 2 (high forage quality and dry matter), and Cluster 3 (stable/low performance). Clusters 1 and 2 were distinct as primary genetic resources for developing transgressive hybrids that combine rapid biomass accumulation with enhanced nutritional values.

Keywords: Alfalfa (M. sativa L.), breeding nursery, competitive varietal testing, stem height, leafiness, green mass yield, dry matter yield

Key findings: The relevant study identified the high-yielding irrigated alfalfa (M. sativa L.) genotypes through control and competitive nurseries. These promising accessions can be useful in future breeding programs for developing high-yielding cultivars for the Turkestan Region, Kazakhstan.