A special methodological guide has been developed for the rapid assessment of the condition of pastures in Kyrgyzstan. This was reported by Natalia Kilyazova, head of the Pasture and Feed Department of the Kyrgyz Scientific Research Institute of Animal Husbandry and Pastures, which is subordinate to the Ministry of Water Resources, Agriculture, and Processing Industry.
The methodology was created in collaboration with Kyrgyzpasture, the Institute of Pastures and Forages, as well as the Veterinary Service of Pasture Management. The main indicators used for the assessment include the condition of vegetation, signs of degradation, the presence of weeds and shrubs, as well as the level of stoniness.
Analyzing the condition of one pasture area takes 30 to 40 minutes, allowing for accurate data collection. Studies have shown that the pastures in the Susamyr Valley are generally in satisfactory condition and are characterized by diverse vegetation. However, in some areas, there is active spread of the shrub Caragana (altigan), which was first noted by local residents.
Specialists tested both chemical and mechanical methods for controlling Caragana. The use of low-toxicity herbicides containing glyphosate on flat, enclosed areas yielded positive results. Destroying the shrubs helps preserve forage vegetation, and with a rest period provided for the pasture, it can recover within a year. Mechanical methods are also employed, such as uprooting shrubs followed by sowing perennial grasses.
The ministry noted that measures against Caragana are implemented selectively and without harming the ecosystem. It is important to maintain the predominance of forage grasses in pastures, as Caragana complicates livestock grazing and poses a safety threat. Work in this direction will continue to preserve pastures and prevent degradation processes.
