Optimization of Macro- and Microelement Content in Soil for Sunflower Cultivation Under Unstable Moisture Conditions of the Central Ciscaucasus Region

Abstract

Introduction. In the risky farming zone of the Central Ciscaucasus region, the deficiency of available nutrient forms in leached chernozems is a limiting factor for sunflower productivity. Existing fertilization systems do not always account for regional soil fertility characteristics, necessitating the development of adaptive crop nutrition technologies.
Aim. To optimize the content of macro- and microelements in the 0-30 cm layer of leached chernozem to achieve the target yield of the Aris sunflower hybrid under unstable moisture conditions in the region.
Materials and methods. Field studies were conducted from 2021 to 2023 at the experimental farm of Stavropol State Agrarian University (southern Russia). The effectiveness of different NPK doses (control, recommended and calculated doses for target yields of 2.5 and 3.5 t/ha) and micronutrient fertilizers (Zoloto Polei “All Inclusive" and WUXAL "Boron pH") was evaluated.
Results. The application of calculated mineral fertilizer doses combined with micronutrient fertilizers significantly increased sunflower productivity. The highest crop yield was achieved using fertilizer doses calculated for the target productivity level. Particularly effective was the application of mineral fertilizers calculated using the authors’ methodology for a sunflower yield of 3.5 t/ha, which provided a reliable yield increase across all studied nutrition backgrounds. Improvement in soil agrochemical indicators was also noted, manifested in increased content of available nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium forms in the soil.
Conclusions. The developed fertilization system increases sunflower productivity by 6-54% compared to conventional technology. The obtained results have practical significance for agricultural producers in the Central Ciscaucasus region, allowing optimization of mineral nutrition costs for crops.

To cite: Al-Attafi M.K.R., Yesaulko A.N., Kotova A.S. Optimization of the content of macro and micro elements in sunflower crops in the conditions of the zone of unstable moisture of the central circaucasus. Agrarian Bulletin of the North Caucasus. 2025;15(2):74-84. https://doi.org/10.31279/2949-4796-2025-15-2-74-84