Evaluating Perennial Wheat as a Strategy for Biodiversity Conservation and Soil Fertility Improvement in Kazakhstan

Abstract

This study sought to establish the agro-biological foundations for the cultivation of perennial wheat in agricultural agrocenoses in the South and South-East of Kazakhstan, aiming to preserve soil fertility. To achieve this objective, a three-year field study was conducted, during which the morphological characteristics, growth, development, and yield formation of wheat were systematically examined. Field condition trials revealed an average seed similarity of 70.55% for perennial wheat. Optimal planting times were identified as the end of September to beginning of October for autumn and mid-April for spring. The ideal plant spacing was found to be up to 15 cm within rows and up to 30 cm between rows. In its first year of cultivation, perennial wheat demonstrated the capability to compete with weeds, an efficacy that improved in subsequent years, concurrently suppressing the growth of undesirable vegetation. Notably, the cultivation of perennial wheat contributed to the maintenance of initial agrophysical soil properties and a reduction in erosion on irrigated soils. These findings underscore the potential role of perennial wheat cultivation in preserving soil fertility, mitigating erosion, and managing weed competition. The implications of this research could be significant for sustainable agricultural practices, not only in Kazakhstan but also in other regions with similar environmental conditions.