Kilyazova noted that organizations such as Kyrgyzpasture, the Institute of Pastures and Forage, and the Veterinary Service of Pastoral Agriculture under the Ministry of Agriculture participated in the creation of this methodology.
“The methodology includes several indicators, such as the condition of the vegetation cover, the presence of degradation processes, the number of weeds, stoniness, and the presence of shrubs. Assessing one monitoring site takes 30–40 minutes, which allows for a quick determination of whether the pasture is in good condition or degrading, and what factors are influencing this,” she explained.
According to Kilyazova, the pastures in the Susamyr Valley are generally in satisfactory condition and are characterized by rich vegetation. However, in some areas, there is an active spread of the shrub Caragana, also known as altygan.
“Local residents note that Caragana has begun to spread actively and climb up the pastures. The first alarm signals were recorded from the residents of Susamyr, who are eager to get rid of this shrub,” she added.
Kilyazova mentioned that during Soviet times, Caragana was destroyed everywhere, including through the use of chemical methods. Today, chemical, biological, and mechanical methods are used to combat the shrub.
“We assessed the condition of the pastures and applied mechanical and chemical methods to fight Caragana. We selected two less toxic glyphosate-based herbicides, which were used on fenced areas of the pastures in the valley, avoiding slopes and proximity to rivers,” she reported.
According to the specialist, the tests conducted showed positive results.
“Caragana is being destroyed, while the forage vegetation remains untouched and recovers within a year if the pasture is given time to rest,” Kilyazova noted.
Additionally, a mechanical method of control was tested—uprooting the shrub followed by sowing perennial grass.
“This method is more environmentally friendly but requires significant costs for seeds and resources. Nevertheless, it allows for the creation of sown cultural pastures and prevents further degradation,” she added.
In response to a question about natural control methods, Kilyazova emphasized that Caragana poses a serious threat to livestock grazing.
“This thorny shrub can reach a height of 1–1.2 meters and form dense thickets. In such conditions, it is difficult for animals to move, they can injure their mouths, and young animals sometimes get lost and die without finding a way out,” she reported.
Kilyazova also noted that measures to eliminate Caragana are applied selectively.
“We focus our efforts on flat areas of the pastures where Caragana does not perform soil retention functions. Pastures should be filled with grasses. We understand that Caragana also plays a role in the ecosystem, but its absence on pastures would be preferable,” she concluded.
