EVALUATION OF THE EFFICIENCY OF MINERAL FERTILIZERS AND PLANT PROTECTION PRODUCTS ON THE YIELD OF 'VEKHOVSKAYA' LENTILS IN THE AKMOLA REGION

Abstract

The article presents the results of field studies conducted in 2025, aimed at a comprehensive investigation of the effects of mineral fertilizers and chemical plant protection products (PPPs) in combination with a biostimulant on the yield and individual yield components of the ‘Vekhovskaya’ lentil variety. The relevance of the study is determined by the need to improve the efficiency of grain legume cultivation technologies under conditions of unstable and uneven moisture availability, as well as varying degrees of weed infestation in agrocenoses, which are characteristic of Northern Kazakhstan and adjacent regions. The experimental part of the study was conducted in the Zerendinsky District of Akmola Region. Field experiments were established on two contrasting agrocenotic backgrounds: a weed-free site and a site with a pronounced weed- infested preceding background. This experimental design made it possible to more comprehensively assess the crop response to competitive pressure from the weed component. The agrotechnological practices included the application of starter mineral fertilizers at a rate of N12P52, as well as an integrated plant protection system involving chemical agents in combination with the growth regulator ‘Fulvik’. During the study, systematic phenological observations were conducted, morphometric characteristics of the plants were analyzed, yield components were assessed, including pod formation and seed productivity, and final biological yield was determined. The results demonstrated that the combined application of mineral nutrition, PPPs, and the biostimulant had a pronounced positive effect on the growth processes and productivity of lentils. More synchronized and accelerated progression through the phenological phases was observed, with crop maturity occurring 2-5 days earlier compared with the control treatments. An increase in stem growth, improvement in plant architecture, expansion of the photosynthetic apparatus, and more effective formation of generative organs were also recorded. These changes were accompanied by a reduction in the abortion of reproductive organs and an increase in overall crop productivity. The maximum biological yield of the ‘Vekhovskaya’ variety reached 28.0 c/ha under the weed-free agro background and 28.8 c/ha under the weed-infested background. The minor difference between the treatments indicates the high plasticity and competitive ability of the variety. The obtained results confirm the high technological responsiveness of the crop to intensive cultivation practices and demonstrate the stability of yield formation under different agroecological conditions. The findings can be used in the development and improvement of resource-saving, adaptive, and environmentally oriented cultivation technologies.