BUCKWHEAT: AN ESSENTIAL CROP FOR A SUSTAINABLE NECTAR-BEARING CONVEYOR IN THE STEPPE ZONE OF THE AKMOLA REGION

Abstract

This article examines buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum) as a promising agricultural crop that contributes to the formation of a sustainable nectar-bearing conveyor in the steppe zone of the Akmola region. The study aims to assess the potential of buckwheat as a key nectar-producing crop for increasing grain yield and ensuring the sustainable development of beekeeping. The main objectives of the research include evaluating the degree of buckwheat pollination, analyzing the impact of pollination on seed setting, and its effect on yield. Experimental studies were conducted on a 0.448-hectare plot at the A.I.Barayev Research and Production Center for Grain Farming LLP, using the Shortandinskaya-4 variety and Carpathian honey bees. The results indicate that bee pollination significantly increases both honey production and grain yield. In steppe conditions, especially in drought years, there is a noticeable decline in the population of bees and bumblebees, necessitating the presence of 9,000–12,000 wild bees per hectare for effective pollination. Organizing buckwheat pollination becomes essential when the number of wild pollinators is low. Due to its high drought resistance and adaptability to unfavorable conditions, buckwheat plays a crucial role in the region’s agroecosystem, contributing to food security. The article also examines the economic feasibility of integrating buckwheat into crop rotation and its impact on biodiversity, emphasizing the need for further research to optimize its use in the steppe zone.