BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan, February 3. The Ministry
of Agriculture of Kyrgyzstan has developed a new method for the
rapid assessment of pasture conditions across the country, Trend reports via the press
service of the ministry.
A dedicated methodological guide has been introduced to enable
timely and accurate evaluation of pastureland quality.
The main assessment indicators include the condition of
vegetation cover, signs of land degradation, and the spread of
weeds and shrubs, as well as the degree of soil stoniness.
Assessing a single pasture plot takes approximately 30-40 minutes
and allows specialists to determine its condition with a high level
of accuracy.
Research findings indicate that the pastures of the Susamyr
Valley are generally in good condition and are classified as areas
with rich forage vegetation. At the same time, certain sections
have shown active spread of the caragana shrub (altygana), an issue
that was initially raised by local residents.
Experts have tested both chemical and mechanical methods to
control the shrub. On fenced and level areas, the use of
low-toxicity glyphosate-based herbicides has produced positive
results. After the removal of caragana, forage vegetation remains
intact and, provided the pasture is given a rest period, recovers
within one year. A mechanical approach is also applied, involving
uprooting the shrubs followed by the sowing of perennial
grasses.
The ministry emphasized that measures to combat caragana are
implemented selectively and without harming the ecosystem. Ensuring
the dominance of forage grasses on pastures is essential, as
caragana restricts free livestock grazing and poses safety risks.
Work in this area will continue to preserve pasture resources and
prevent further degradation.
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