Scientists from the Crimean Agricultural Research Institute (SII Crimea) have developed and will soon release improved soil processing devices.
He explained that due to the unstable moisture regime, Crimea is a risky area for agriculture. In 2023, a combined seedbed cultivator KSA-3.8 "Svarog" was created and tested, demonstrating excellent results.
"In 2024, based on this unit, an improved version was developed - KSA-3.8M "Svarog" with an enhanced soil finishing system. Another soil processing module - the combined unit APK-3.8M - was created this year. Its design feature is an experimental section of elastic rotary harrows that, during operation, form furrows increasing the erosion resistance of the field surface," Pashetskiy explained.
The head of the institute explained that currently Crimean scientists, in collaboration with their industrial partner, LLC "Rostov Agricultural Machinery Plant," are developing a pre-sowing combine KP-7.2 "Crimea" as part of an import substitution program. This combine is designed for field preparation before sowing. It performs several working operations in one pass, allowing to level the field surface and compact it optimally. In loose soil, capillarity is restored, and a suitable depth of the sowing bed is created.
In addition, the institute's scientists are addressing the issue of frequent accumulation of soil moisture due to excessive soil density between the rows of vineyards. This leads to root system asphyxiation and regressive processes. Excessive compaction occurs due to repeated passages of tracked and wheeled vehicles in the field.
"To solve this problem, the institute is collaborating with the agribusiness firm 'Zolotaya Balka' to develop a soil loosener RVN-1.3 for vineyards. In one pass, this unit loosens the soil in the root habitat zone of the grape plant, improving microbiological processes, soil water regime, and root growth conditions," Pashetskiy shared.