Innovative technology and technical means for the cultivation of row crops in the southern region of Kazakhstan

Studies were conducted to adapt an innovative technology for cultivating row crops using plastic mulch film under irrigated conditions in the southern region of Kazakhstan. The effects of different types of mulch films on soil temperature and moisture regimes, as well as on agrophysical soil properties and crop yield, were investigated. A technological machinery system was developed to facilitate the implementation of this technology in agricultural production. Soil mulching with plastic film is an effective agronomic practice that enables integrated regulation of soil moisture, temperature, and nutrient regimes. Various types of polyethylene films were used for soil mulching. The results of the study on temperature and moisture regimes under black and transparent films demonstrated that all tested films contributed to soil warming, moisture conservation through reduced evaporation, and maintenance of loose soil structure. The main advantage of black film is its ability to suppress weed growth. Elevated temperatures under the mulch film, prevention of soil desiccation, and optimal soil density promoted earlier seedling emergence by 3-4 days and accelerated the onset of the fruiting stage by 12-14 days compared to the control. Crop yields under film mulching increased by 1.6-1.8 times relative to open-field conditions. Increasing film width from 40 cm to 90 cm resulted in yield increases of 35% for cucumbers and 25% for tomatoes. When using 180 cm wide film, melons were sown with row spacing of 360 cm and intra-row spacing of 60 cm; their yield increased by 109% compared to open-field cultivation. Reduced soil surface evaporation allowed a decrease in the number of irrigations: for cucumbers and tomatoes, from seven under open-field conditions to five when using 40 cm film and to four when using 90-cm film. For melons, irrigation frequency decreased from five to four under film mulching. For large-scale implementation of this technology in irrigated areas of southern Kazakhstan, a technological machinery system was developed, including a vertical rotary cultivator for shallow soil milling (VRC-2.8) prior to film laying, and a combined seeding unit (CSU-2) for drip tape placement, film laying, and simultaneous seed sowing under drip irrigation. Performance analysis showed that these machines ensured optimal conditions for the growth and development of sugar beet and soybean. The application of the developed machinery system increased yields of sugar beet and soybean by 73% and 36%, respectively, and reduced seasonal irrigation water requirements by 36% and 61%. Thus, the application of mulch film technology combined with the developed machinery system is highly relevant and promising for irrigated agriculture.