1.2 Contact details of resource persons and institutions involved in the assessment and documentation of the Technology

Name of the institution(s) which facilitated the documentation/ evaluation of the Technology (if relevant)

Public Fund CAMP Alatoo (Public Fund CAMP Alatoo) - Kyrgyzstan

1.3 Conditions regarding the use of data documented through WOCAT

The compiler and key resource person(s) accept the conditions regarding the use of data documented through WOCAT:

Yes

1.4 Declaration on sustainability of the described Technology

Is the Technology described here problematic with regard to land degradation, so that it cannot be declared a sustainable land management technology?

No

Comments:

Crop rotation is one of the most important and necessary techniques in agricultural production, which leads to improved soil fertility, reduced water and wind erosion, and plant diseases and pests, and thus, promotes high agricultural crop yields

2.1 Short description of the Technology

Definition of the Technology:

Organizing crop rotations as a way to use land efficiently, taking into account the economic interests of landowners and land users, as well as ecological and economic factors.

2.2 Detailed description of the Technology

Description:

In Kyrgyzstan, land degradation and desertification is a pressing problem that poses a threat not only to ecosystems but also has a negative impact on living standards and economic development. The agrarian reform carried out in 1991 had both positive and negative aspects. One of the positive aspects of the reform was the creation of equal starting conditions: every rural resident, whether employed or unemployed, infants or pensioners, doctors or teachers was entitled to receive the share of land and property. As a result of the reform, 510,000 families received land shares, and most farms today consist of a single family. The country is dominated by small-scale peasant farms, which cannot obtain large incomes. The main costs are associated with production, transportation, and marketing of agricultural products.
In addition, a lack of knowledge about land cultivation, growing suitable crops, and the small size of land plots have led to negative consequences such as decreased soil quality and fertility, erosion, and other problems. Centuries of accumulated agricultural experience show that continuous cultivation of almost any crop results in a significant decline in yields, erosion, contamination, and soil salinization.
Crop rotation plays an important role in addressing the issue of maintaining soil fertility. To restore and improve soil fertility, a crop rotation system has been introduced at the farm level. This technology was implemented within the FAO/GEF project “Sustainable Management of Mountain Forest and Land Resources under Climate Change Conditions.” To facilitate its application, training seminars and workshops were held for farmers, and a demonstration plot was selected.
The demonstration plot is relatively small: 1 ha, divided into three almost equal sections of 0.3–0.4 ha each. These sections are used for the alternating cultivation of different crops and the performance of necessary agricultural activities. To restore the soil and ensure good harvests, it is important to follow a planting plan.

Crop rotation plan
Crop alternation by year

Plot Year 1 Year 2 Year 3
1 (0.3 ha) Maize Cabbage Potato
2 (0.4 ha) Potato Maize Cabbage
3 (0.3 ha) Cabbage Potato Maize

Land users noted that applying crop rotation has had a positive impact on farm income by providing additional products. In addition, costs for pest and disease control, application of mineral and organic fertilizers, and weed management have decreased.

Biofertilizer Fitop-Flora-S was used to improve growth and increase yields. This product provides a comprehensive approach, enhancing soil fertility and improving crop yields.

2.3 Photos of the Technology

2.5 Country/ region/ locations where the Technology has been applied and which are covered by this assessment

2.6 Date of implementation

Indicate year of implementation:

2017

If precise year is not known, indicate approximate date:

• less than 10 years ago (recently)

2.7 Introduction of the Technology

Specify how the Technology was introduced:

• through land users' innovation
• during experiments/ research
• through projects/ external interventions

Comments (type of project, etc.):

The implementation of technologies is carried out with the support of international projects. With the support of the FAO/GEF project "Sustainable Management of Mountain Forest and Land Resources in the Context of Climate Change", theoretical and practical training of farmers is carried out, and soil and water conservation technologies are being implemented at the farm level.

3.1 Main purpose(s) of the Technology

• improve production
• reduce, prevent, restore land degradation
• conserve ecosystem
• create beneficial economic impact
• create beneficial social impact

3.2 Current land use type(s) where the Technology is applied

Land use mixed within the same land unit:

No

3.3 Has land use changed due to the implementation of the Technology?

Has land use changed due to the implementation of the Technology?

• No (Continue with question 3.4)

Land use mixed within the same land unit:

No

3.4 Water supply

Water supply for the land on which the Technology is applied:

• full irrigation

3.5 SLM group to which the Technology belongs

• rotational systems (crop rotation, fallows, shifting cultivation)
• improved ground/ vegetation cover
• integrated soil fertility management

3.6 SLM measures comprising the Technology

3.7 Main types of land degradation addressed by the Technology

3.8 Prevention, reduction, or restoration of land degradation

Specify the goal of the Technology with regard to land degradation:

• reduce land degradation
• adapt to land degradation

Comments:

Crop rotation helps to replenish nutrients in the soil, protect it from water and wind erosion, prevent the spread of weeds, diseases and pests of agricultural crops, and obtain high-quality yields.

4.1 Technical drawing of the Technology

4.2 General information regarding the calculation of inputs and costs

Specify how costs and inputs were calculated:

• per Technology area

other/ national currency (specify):

soms

If relevant, indicate exchange rate from USD to local currency (e.g. 1 USD = 79.9 Brazilian Real): 1 USD =:

69.7

4.3 Establishment activities

	Activity	Timing (season)
1.	Plowing	Spring
2.	Leveling and compaction of the topsoil	Spring
3.	Application of organic fertilizers	Spring-Summer
4.	Planting/sowing	Spring
5.	Irrigation	Spring-Summer
6.	Hilling	Summer
7.	Weed control	Spring-Summer

4.4 Costs and inputs needed for establishment

	Specify input	Unit	Quantity	Costs per Unit	Total costs per input	% of costs borne by land users
Labour	Plowing, leveling and compaction of the topsoil	ha	1.0	8000.0	8000.0	100.0
Labour	Planting potatoes	ha	0.4	3000.0	1200.0	50.0
Labour	Planting corn	ha	0.3	1000.0	300.0	50.0
Labour	Planting seedlings	ha	0.3	2500.0	750.0	50.0
Equipment	Weeding potatoes	times	1.0	500.0	500.0	50.0
Equipment	Weeding corn	times	2.0	1000.0	2000.0	50.0
Equipment	Weeding cabbage	times	2.0	1000.0	2000.0	50.0
Equipment	Application of mineral fertilizers	times	3.0	800.0	2400.0
Equipment	Cultivation (potatoes, corn)	times	2.0	800.0	1600.0
Equipment	Hilling	times	2.0	800.0	1600.0	50.0
Equipment	Irrigation (potatoes, corn, cabbage)	times	5.0	500.0	2500.0	100.0
Equipment	Application of bioorganic fertilizers	times	3.0	800.0	2400.0	100.0
Plant material	Spraying against diseases and pests (potatoes, cabbage)	times	3.0	800.0	2400.0	100.0
Plant material	Harvesting (potatoes, cabbage, corn)	times	1.0	5000.0	5000.0	100.0
Plant material	Transportation costs	times	10.0	500.0	5000.0
Plant material	Potato seeds	kg	1200.0	20.0	24000.0
Plant material	Corn seeds	kg	8.0	100.0	800.0
Plant material	Cabbage seeds	pack	1.0	1500.0	1500.0
Fertilizers and biocides	Mineral fertilizers (corn, potatoes, cabbage)	kg	700.0	20.0	14000.0
Total costs for establishment of the Technology					77950.0
Total costs for establishment of the Technology in USD					1118.36

If land user bore less than 100% of costs, indicate who covered the remaining costs:

Contribution from Land user - 55.1%, contribution from project - 44.9%

4.5 Maintenance/ recurrent activities

	Activity	Timing/ frequency
1.	Crop rotation	3 years - each growing season
2.	Irrigation	5 times per growing season
3.	Weeding	2 times during the growing season
4.	Application of mineral fertilizers	3 times during the growing season
5.	Application of organic fertilizers	3 times during the growing season
6.	Spraying against diseases and pests	2 times
7.	Harvest	in autumn
8.	Transportation	in autumn

Comments:

Crop rotation is applied on the plot over a three-year period, and it is necessary to follow the rotation of cultivated crops to prevent the spread of plant diseases and pests. After completing this short-term three-year crop rotation cycle, a new scheme can be developed with the selection of other crops.

4.6 Costs and inputs needed for maintenance/ recurrent activities (per year)

	Specify input	Unit	Quantity	Costs per Unit	Total costs per input	% of costs borne by land users
Labour	Application of bioorganic fertilizers	ha	1.0	800.0	800.0
Labour	Application of organic fertilizers	ha	1.0	800.0	800.0
Total costs for maintenance of the Technology					1600.0
Total costs for maintenance of the Technology in USD					22.96

If you are unable to break down the costs in the table above, give an estimation of the total costs of maintaining the Technology:

22.96

If land user bore less than 100% of costs, indicate who covered the remaining costs:

FAO/GEF Project "Sustainable Management of Mountain Forests and Land Resources under Climate Change"

4.7 Most important factors affecting the costs

Describe the most determinate factors affecting the costs:

Selection of agricultural crops that are suitable for the application of technology. Timely irrigation, spraying, weeding and fertilization will have a positive effect on crop yields and income.

5.1 Climate

5.2 Topography

Indicate if the Technology is specifically applied in:

• not relevant

5.3 Soils

5.4 Water availability and quality

Is water salinity a problem?

No

Is flooding of the area occurring?

No

5.5 Biodiversity

5.6 Characteristics of land users applying the Technology

5.7 Average area of land used by land users applying the Technology

5.8 Land ownership, land use rights, and water use rights

Land ownership:

• individual, titled

Land use rights:

• individual

Water use rights:

• communal (organized)

Are land use rights based on a traditional legal system?

Yes

5.9 Access to services and infrastructure

6.1 On-site impacts the Technology has shown

Socio-economic impacts

Production

Socio-cultural impacts

Ecological impacts

Soil

6.2 Off-site impacts the Technology has shown

6.3 Exposure and sensitivity of the Technology to gradual climate change and climate-related extremes/ disasters (as perceived by land users)

Gradual climate change

Gradual climate change

	Season	increase or decrease	How does the Technology cope with it?
seasonal rainfall	summer	decrease	well

Climate-related extremes (disasters)

Climatological disasters

	How does the Technology cope with it?
heatwave	well
drought	well

Other climate-related consequences

Other climate-related consequences

	How does the Technology cope with it?
extended growing period	moderately

Comments:

Climate change can have both positive and negative effects. It will influence all four dimensions of food security: food availability, access, stability, and consumption. A longer growing season and an extended frost-free period may improve agricultural conditions and help reduce post-harvest losses. However, negative impacts include changes in precipitation patterns, causing sudden fluctuations in moisture levels, as well as periodic droughts or heavy rainfall events.

6.4 Cost-benefit analysis

How do the benefits compare with the establishment costs (from land users’ perspective)?

How do the benefits compare with the maintenance/ recurrent costs (from land users' perspective)?

6.5 Adoption of the Technology

• 11-50%

Of all those who have adopted the Technology, how many did so spontaneously, i.e. without receiving any material incentives/ payments?

• 0-10%

Comments:

After the seminars, land users did not start applying this technology immediately. It was only in the second year, after they saw the technology’s impact on crop yields and the farmer’s income, that they began to adopt it.

6.6 Adaptation

Has the Technology been modified recently to adapt to changing conditions?

No

6.7 Strengths/ advantages/ opportunities of the Technology

Strengths/ advantages/ opportunities in the land user’s view
An increase in crop yields has a positive impact on the socio-economic conditions of land users. In addition, the use of this technology benefits the environment as a whole. The technology is accessible to land users, and after receiving the necessary information (through seminars), they can apply it independently.
The use of crop rotation to maintain soil fertility gives a positive effect in a relatively short period. Improvement of soil quality, prevention of erosion and soil degradation.

Strengths/ advantages/ opportunities in the compiler’s or other key resource person’s view
The use of crop rotation in vegetable growing, rational use of mineral organic fertilizers, prevention of pests and diseases, weed control and prevention of soil depletion.
Increase of crop yields
The technology is available to land users

6.8 Weaknesses/ disadvantages/ risks of the Technology and ways of overcoming them

Weaknesses/ disadvantages/ risks in the land user’s view	How can they be overcome?
Purchasing quality seeds	Market research
Lack of knowledge on the application of technology	Participation in trainings and seminars

Weaknesses/ disadvantages/ risks in the compiler’s or other key resource person’s view	How can they be overcome?
Lack of knowledge on growing the appropriate plants	Conducting trainings
Lack of knowledge on pest and disease control	Raising awareness by conducting trainings and seminars

7.1 Methods/ sources of information

7.2 References to available publications

Title, author, year, ISBN:

Вальков В.Ф. Казеев К.Ш. Колесников С.И. Почвоведение, 2004. ISBN 5-241-00405-X

Available from where? Costs?

Москва: ИКЦ «МарТ», Ростов н/Д: Издательский центр «МарТ»

Title, author, year, ISBN:

Кузнецов М.С., Глазунов Г.П. Эрозия и охрана почв, 2004. ISBN: 521104901, 5953202474

Available from where? Costs?

Издательство: МГУ, КолосС

Title, author, year, ISBN:

Учебное пособие по органическому сельскому хозяйству. ФАО, 2017. ISBN 978-92-5-409968-8

Available from where? Costs?

Рим

Title, author, year, ISBN:

Севооборот и его значение в повышении плодородия почвы и защите почв от эрозии. ФАО и ОФ "Центр обучения, консультации и инновации" ФАО и ОФ "Центр

Available from where? Costs?

Бишкек, 2018

7.4 General comments

The Kyrgyz Republic has relatively limited agricultural land resources. Land reform increased the number of private farmers and landowners, which has led to land fragmentation. This has become one of the causes of inefficient agricultural production. At present, under traditional land-use practices, farmers constantly face problems such as the gradual degradation of their land, declining soil fertility, and an increase in crop diseases and pests. Therefore, implementing crop rotation in farming is one of the ways to overcome this negative situation.

The use of this technology in a demonstration short-term crop rotation plot showed the following positive results:
- Improved soil structure, soil air and water regimes. The roots of different plants penetrate to different soil depths, absorbing nutrients, binding the soil, and creating small pores, which allow air and water to enter the soil.
- Better control of weeds, pests, and diseases. Planting the same crop season after season encouraged the development of certain weeds, insects, and diseases. Crop rotation disrupted the life cycles of these pests, diseases, and weeds, resulting in relatively high yields of good quality: potatoes (18.9 t/ha), maize grain (9.0 t/ha), and cabbage (35.0 t/ha).
- Increased soil fertility through the use of diverse crops in rotation combined with organic fertilization.
- Production of different types of agricultural products. As is well known, the classical crop rotation scheme includes the use of fallow fields. The role of fallow in crop rotation is highly important, and there are plans to introduce fallow fields in the future.