NITROGEN FERTILIZERS ROLE IN GRAIN CROPS PRODUCTIVITY IN SOUTH-EAST KAZAKHSTAN

Abstract

Seeking to improve the efficiency of nitrogen fertilizers for grain crops led to conducting this study on developing methods using 15N in 2015–2017 at the Kazakh Research Institute of Agriculture, Almalybak Village, Almaty Region, Southeastern Kazakhstan. Nitrogen use efficiency using the stable isotope 15N in microfield experiments revealed that the assimilation of nitrogen fertilizers by grain crops largely depends on the norms, timing, fertilization method, and varietal parameters of the concerned crop. Based on morphophysiological methods of monitoring plant development conditions, the nitrogen fertilizers’ role based on the development has been affirmative, with the optimal timing of their application also determined. Results show that grain crops use nitrogen productively with partial application at the beginning of tillering and tubing, respectively, and stages III and V of organogenesis. With the use of nitrogen fertilizers, the significant varietal differences were evident. The help of an isotope label established the accurate nitrogen utilization coefficients of fertilizers based on the options ranging from 14.7% to 32.2%. Using the isotope method provides an opportunity for further development of practicing the most efficient techniques of applying fertilizers, which is an imperative method for determining the effectiveness of nitrogen fertilizers.