In cropping systems, land serves as an operational foundation and an object of labor with productivity. The definition of land productivity can be a specific property—soil fertility, which proves land as an undisputed primary means of agricultural production that largely dictates the efficiency of crop production. The following study aimed to determine global trends, national challenges, and prospects for sustainable soil resources management in Central Asia. The research, comprising main theoretical concepts, especially involved problems of soil degradation. Comparative and correlation analysis of indicators and sub-indicators of the Global Food Security Index took place for the TOP 10 countries and Central Asian countries. These sought to determine the place of Central Asian countries in the world food security ranking, including the state of soil resources, and to establish the impact of the state of soil resources on food security. An expert survey succeeded in identifying relevant measures to manage the risks related to soil resources. The study concluded with proposed measures against soil resource risks. These responded with soil degradation, pollution, violation of the optimal land use ratio, and the unsatisfactory phytosanitary condition of crops, which can help prevent negative consequences for crop production in Central Asia.

Keywords: Crop production, land resources, soil resources, soil degradation, sustainable management, state of soil resources, Central Asian countries

Key findings: Based on the comparative analysis of Global Food Security Index (GFSI) indicators, the study identified soil degradation and low soil organic matter as the most critical constraints to crop production and food security in Central Asian countries. Expert assessment showed that integrated soil management measures—combining sustainable tillage, optimized crop rotations, soil remediation, and balanced land-use structure—can substantially reduce soil degradation risks and improve long-term crop productivity.

Increased production of high-quality feed with reduced cost is an important direction in the development of animal husbandry. Perennial leguminous grasses can fulfill the 80% requirements of livestock for roughage. Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) has the valuable nutrient composition that enriches the protein component of animal diets, as well as high productivity and adaptability to various growing conditions. This research aimed to analyze the green mass yield, as well as evaluate the biochemical composition and nutritional values of alfalfa forage with the application of biological preparations. The variant with Organit P + Organit N + Biodux outperformed other treatments, reaching a green mass yield of 160.0 g/m², which represented a statistically significant increase of 11.8 g/m² (or 8.0%) compared with the control. The use of biopreparations had a noticeable effect on crude protein content, which ranged from 13.73% to 17.75% on the dry matter basis. In the variant with pre-sowing seed treatment using biological preparations (Organit N + Organit P + Biodux), the carotene content was the highest (89.8 mg/kg of feed) and exceeded the control sample by 17.3 mg/kg. The highest crude fiber content (26.4%) recorded was in the variant (Organit N + Organit P + Biodux) versus the control (23.3%).

Keywords: Alfalfa (M. sativa L.), seed inoculation, biological preparations, forage quality, correlation, biochemical composition, protein content, crude fibers

Key findings: In alfalfa (M. sativa L.), the highest digestible protein content resulted in the pre-sown seeds treated with biological preparations Organit N (12.3%) and Systemica M (12.1%), exceeding the control by 1.69% and 1.43%, respectively. Overall, forage quality and economically valuable traits enhanced by 10%–20%.

Unlike other cereal crops, maize (Zea mays L.) kernels do not shatter and fall on the ground upon reaching maturity. This feature develops constructive conditions for the complete collection of maize grains. However, at this point, kernel growth ceases. At the beginning of the milk-wax maturity stage, ear moisture remained 40% to 50%. Such ears require drying either in the field or in special dryers. For seed production, maize harvest occurs at the complete physiological maturity stage. Synchronized harvesting with kernel separation is an option as and when kernel moisture content remains 2%-30%. However, the entire harvesting operation should be final within 10–15 days. Grain maize harvesting can proceed once the dry matter content exceeds 60% in the kernels. At this stage, a distinct black layer appears at the point where the kernel is attached to the cob. For the preparation of ear-kernel mixtures, harvesting is considerably optimal when the dry matter content of husked ears reaches 50%–60%. However, the harvested material must not stay in the field until late autumn. Once frosts begin, the germination capacity of high-moisture maize kernels declines rapidly. These results provide essential information for the designing and adjustment of maize harvesting and postharvest equipment.

Keywords: Grain maize (Z. mays L.), maize harvesting, ear and kernel traits, postharvest technology, ear deformation, kernel moisture, seed quality, drying technology, kernel separation, coefficient of variation

Key findings: Maize’s (Z. mays L.) full mechanical harvesting is possible due to the nonshattering nature at maturity; however, improper combined settings cause substantial losses. Maize optimal harvesting for grain begins at milk-wax maturity; however, full maturity is necessary for seed production purposes.

Desert poplar (Populus euphratica) is a key tree species in riparian ecosystems, significantly contributing to ecological stability, biodiversity conservation, and the protection of desert landscapes in Central Asia. However, natural populations and vegetation, including those in the Zarafshan National Park, Samarkand, Uzbekistan, have gained increasing effects from defoliating insect pests, especially Apocheima cinerarius, which belongs to the family Geometridae and order Lepidoptera. The larvae feed actively on poplar leaves, causing severe defoliation during outbreak periods. Defoliation reduces photosynthetic capacity, weakens tree vitality, and increases vulnerability to environmental stress conditions. Recurring foliage damage may result in reduced growth, crown thinning, and limited natural regeneration, ultimately disrupting the ecological balance of arid riparian forests. Field surveys conducted from 2021 to 2025 across riparian lowlands, river terraces, and semi-arid zones, revealed clear spatial and seasonal variations in larval density and foliage damage. Larval abundance peaked in late spring and early summer, with the highest defoliation observed in lowland forests, while semi-arid zones experienced less damage. A significant (p < 0.05) correlation between larval density and defoliation (r = 0.62) highlighted the important role of population size in leaf loss. This study provides field-based insights into population dynamics and supports the strategies in sustainable pest management.

Keywords: Desert poplar (Populus euphratica), Apocheima cinerarius, defoliation, forest pests, riparian ecosystems, ecological monitoring, integrated pest management

Key findings: Defoliation by Apocheima cinerarius in Populus euphratica populations revealed an irregular distribution across the Zarafshan National Park. The intensity of foliage damage varied with ecological conditions and season. The highest defoliation occurred in lowland riparian areas during late spring and early summer, when larval feeding activity peaked.

The subsequent study aimed to determine the humus stock variations with diverse utilization of arable gray-brown soils in the arid subtropical zone. Based on the results, significant variations were prominent in humus stocks of gray-brown soils with diverse arable land uses under arid subtropical conditions. Climate change also considerably contributes to intensification of this process. Field and laboratory analyses revealed that the humus content in the topsoil ranges between 2.13% and 2.48%. The recording of lower humus levels appeared with cotton and maize crops, whereas relatively higher values were evident with alfalfa and winter wheat. The highest increase in humus content surfaced under alfalfa (0.26%), while the lowest increase was in the maize crop (0.05%). The input of plant residues varied, reaching 94 t/ha under alfalfa and 3.59 t/ha under vegetable crops (tomatoes). Over the last 15 years, mineralized humus under alfalfa reached 1.60 t/ha, while the lowest value (1.05 t/ha) emerged under vegetable crops. In the 0–30 cm soil layer, the humus stock balance was 28.58% for alfalfa and 2.60% for silage maize. Overall, a positive balance was notable with alfalfa, winter wheat, and grain maize, whereas a negative balance occurred for silage maize, cotton, and vegetable crops.

Keywords: Arid subtropics, gray-brown soils, humus loss, mineralization, humus balance

Key findings: Crop type was distinctively the main factor in the management of humus dynamics, with perennial crops (alfalfa and grasses) enhancing humus accumulation, while intensive crops (cotton, maize, and vegetables) contributed to its depletion. Overall, sustainable humus management requires the inclusion of perennial crops for improved residue return to the soil.

This study aimed to evaluate the ripening parameters of seven grape (Vitis vinifera L.) cultivars, Shiraz, Rkatsiteli, Sauvignon Blanc, Traminer, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and Bayanshira, cultivated in the mountain-marine zone of Aghbash Village, Shabran District, Azerbaijan. They sustained assessment through physicochemical properties of wines produced from these grape cultivars during 2024. In grape berries, determining the mass concentration of sugars, titratable acidity, and pH succeeded. In wine samples, ethanol volume fraction, residual sugar, titratable acidity, volatile acidity, extract content, total and free sulfur dioxide, total phenolic compounds, anthocyanins, and tannins underwent analysis. The results revealed the combined influence of mountains and marine factors significantly affects the grape’s biochemical composition and wine quality parameters. The highest sugar concentration resulted in cultivars Cabernet Franc and Bayanshira (23.4 g/100 cm³), whereas the highest titratable acidity emerged in the cultivar Rkatsiteli (7.0 g/L). The pH values of the studied grape cultivars were within the optimal range. The physicochemical parameters of the wines complied with current regulatory requirements. The red wines exhibited the highest levels of total phenolics, anthocyanins, and tannins compared with white wines.

Keywords: Grape (V. vinifera L.) cultivars, grapes’ biochemical composition, wines’ physicochemical parameters, grape maturity, Caspian Sea, Greater Caucasus Mountains

Key findings: The interaction of topographic factors, sea breezes, solar radiation, and temperature played a key role in shaping the sugar-acid balance of grapes (V. vinifera L.). The mountain-sea terroir of the Shabran Region developed favorable ecological conditions for the production of high-quality industrial grapes and wine products, confirming the potential for sustainable development of the industry in this region.

Maize (Zea mays L.) cobs’ cleaning from husks is one of the most important stages in seed production for obtaining high-quality seed material. In this process, the diameter, surface shape, friction properties of cleaning rollers, and forces generated during contact with the cob play a key role. The study revealed the optimal diameter of the rollers and the contact angle with the cob to ensure the effective grasping and removal of husks in maize cobs. The theoretical and experimental analyses of cob deformation and friction forces have enabled the justification of structural variables of working organs. In this research, the mathematical models of husk removal in maize cobs have succeeded in their development, having accelerated the process efficiency by calculating the compression and tension forces developed between the rollers. According to results, the parameters, such as the cob deformation angle and the impact radius of the compression mechanism, have reached optimization, which considerably minimized the risk of mechanical damage to seeds and enhanced productivity by 20%–30%. The proposed technological solutions will develop a scientific basis for designing the new generation cleaning machines in the seed industry and contribute to resource conservation.

Keywords: Corn (Z. mays L.) cobs, coating cleaning, cobweb, friction properties, deformation, force analysis, seed technology, seed material

Key findings: The rollers’ diameter and surface shape were the most important constructive parameters in removing the husks from maize (Z. mays L.) cobs. Keeping the contact angle between the cob and roller closer to a right angle enhanced the efficiency of husk gripping. Determining the optimal parameters of working units can result from calculating cob deformation and friction forces.

Carrot (Daucus carota L.) is an important food crop; however, its productivity reaps considerable effects from poor seed germination and challenging climatic conditions. Although pre-sowing seed treatment with biological stimulants has proven effective, this approach has not yet reached studies in Kazakhstan, highlighting the relevance of this research. The concerned study aimed to determine the effect of hydropriming with complex biological preparations on seed germination energy and rate, resistance to fungal pathogens (Alternaria dauci and Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. Сarotae), biochemical characteristics, plant morphometric parameters, and carrot root yield. The study comprised six treatments, including the control with four replications, carried out during 2024–2025. The results revealed the pre-sowing treatment of carrot seeds with complex biological preparations accelerates plant growth and development through the formation of uniform and viable seedlings. Likewise, pre-sowing treatment enhances resistance to both abiotic and biotic stresses and contributes to a 1.5–2-fold reduction in using plant protection products. Improvements in laboratory and field parameters manifested with an increase in germination (6.3%–15.15%) and proportion of healthy seedlings (11.71%–20.61%), along with a simultaneous increase in productivity (18.34%–30.55%) and improved quality indicators compared with the control.

Keywords: Carrot (D. carota L.), hydropriming, complex biopreparations, germination, fungal diseases, plant morphological traits, productivity, quality, Southeastern Kazakhstan

Key findings: Carrot (D. carota L.) seed treatment with complex biological preparations considerably increased the germination and germination energy, enhanced resistance to fungal pathogens, accelerated plant growth and development, and improved productivity and root quality.

This study aimed to assess the impact of mineral fertilizer’s doses, seeding rates, sowing dates, and cultivation technologies (conventional and no-till) on the yield of grain sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.). The research took place in 2024–2025 under moisture-deficit conditions of the Almaty and Kyzylorda regions, Kazakhstan. The mineral nutrition established became a determining factor in the formation of grain yield in sorghum. By applying mineral fertilizers at the rate of N₁₀₀P₆₀ in the Almaty Region, the grain yield reached 6.17 t/ha, while without fertilizers, it did not exceed 2.3–3.97 t/ha, providing an increase of 2.2 t/ha. In the Kyzylorda Region, by applying mineral fertilizer (N₁₂₀P₆₀), the grain yield reached 4.18 t/ha, while without fertilizers, it only reached 1.81–2.75 t/ha, providing an increase of 1.43 t/ha. The optimal seeding rate (180,000 plants/ha) showed the highest productivity, while the increased planting density (300,000 plants/ha) obtained a 0.3–0.6 t/ha decrease in grain yield. Sowing time also has a significant impact, and the maximum yield (3.92–4.18 t/ha) occurred when sowing in the third 10-day period of May, depending on the nutrient levels.

Keywords: Sorghum (S. bicolor L.), climate change, drought stress conditions, mineral fertilizers, seeding rate, sowing time, grain yield

Key findings: The establishment of mineral nutrition, along with optimum seeding rate and sowing time, has been successful as a key factor in determining yield in grain sorghum (S. bicolor L.). The proven agrotechnology can significantly improve grain sorghum productivity under moisture-deficit conditions.

This research aimed to determine the morphological and genetic diversity in 12 local cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.) accessions obtained from Bangka Belitung, Indonesia. The results revealed that cocoa accessions observed with the highest variations for morphological and productivity traits, including fruit and seed weight and fruit skin thickness, are selection opportunities for yield improvement. All accessions exhibited favorable upright branching. Accessions of the Lampur and Pedindang series displayed superior profiles, combining good vigor, upright branching, and heavy fruiting. Cluster analysis yielded three groups, and Clusters 1 and 2 owned the accessions with the highest vigor and potential for low-risk crossbreeding, while Cluster 3 (Cupat and Teladan) offered unique genetic diversity. According to molecular analysis, 10 out of 12 accessions (except RB and PDH) were notable with the DREB2 gene, indicating greater potential for drought resistance. The results confirmed that the Bangka Belitung cocoa germplasm has a promising genetic potential. This research aims to conduct selection that combines superior morphological characters and DREB2 gene expression, as well as develop a crossing strategy based on genetic cluster proximity to produce adaptive, productive, and drought-resistant cocoa.

Keywords: Cocoa (T. cacao L.), genetic resources, morphological and genetic diversity, cluster analysis, coefficient of variance, DREB2 gene, mahalanobis

Key findings: The Bangka Belitung cocoa (T. cacao L.) accessions emerged with the highest yield potential and the DREB2 drought resistance gene, such as accessions of the Lampur, Pedindang, and Bembeng series.