The development of the methodology was carried out in collaboration with the organizations "Kyrgyzpastbishche," the Institute of Pastures and Forages, as well as the veterinary service for pasture management. The main criteria for assessment include the condition of vegetation, signs of degradation, the level of weed and shrub proliferation, as well as the presence of rocky areas.
The process of assessing one pasture area takes from 30 to 40 minutes and allows for a detailed determination of its condition. Studies have shown that the pastures in the Suusamyr Valley are generally in good condition and are characterized by rich vegetation. However, in some areas, there is active proliferation of the shrub Caragana (altygana), which has drawn the attention of local residents.
Specialists conducted tests of various methods for combating Caragana, including chemical and mechanical methods. The use of low-toxicity glyphosate-based herbicides on flat, fenced areas yielded positive results. Destroying the shrub allows for the preservation of forage vegetation, which recovers within a year provided that the pasture has a rest period. A mechanical method is also employed—uprooting the shrub followed by sowing perennial grasses.
The ministry noted that the fight against Caragana is conducted in a targeted manner, without harming the ecosystem. The main focus should be on forage grasses, as Caragana hinders free grazing of livestock and poses a safety threat. Work in this area will continue with the aim of preserving pastures and preventing degradation processes.
