Project Manager
Kussainova Maira
Candidate of Agricultural Sciences, Associate Professor
Scopus Author ID: 57195638186
Researcher ID: V-3043-2019
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9800-6093
About the project
Relevance
The relevance lies in the urgent need to combat climate change and its adverse consequences. Global warming and the increase in greenhouse gases in the atmosphere pose a challenge to the preservation of ecosystems, agriculture, and the pursuit of sustainable development. Evaluating the effectiveness of different land-use systems is crucial for carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas absorption, as well as for increasing albedo – the surface property to reflect solar radiation. Proper land use can significantly reduce humanity's carbon footprint.
Objective
To evaluate greenhouse gas emissions (CO2, CH4, N2O) and albedo in arable soils on the example of Almaty region when using fertilizers (manure, mineral fertilizers and control) with different types of basic tillage for different crops (wheat, corn and rye).
Achieved results
The main objective of this research was to assess the impact of various fertilizer application methodologies on CH4 and N2O emissions in different agricultural crop systems within the geographical context of Kazakhstan. Based on the results of scientific research measuring greenhouse gas emissions using static installations to assess GHGs (CO2, CH4, N2O) during the cultivation of corn, wheat, and barley with the use of mineral, organic fertilizers, and without fertilization in the plowed fields of the Almaty region, the following conclusions can be drawn.
The use and evaluation of various devices for collecting and analyzing greenhouse gas emissions in Kazakhstan are a new initiative. Different measurement methods were employed, and affirmative methodology is still under study due to several influencing factors. Debates arose during the research, such as whether to cut plants every time before emission measurement, whether to cover the chamber with light-reflective material or a complete lid, and which chamber diameter is more suitable for emission measurement. Nevertheless, ongoing studies show that emissions during spring and summer were insignificant compared to the three scheme variants, with the variant involving organic manure showing relatively higher emissions.
Winter wheat, barley, and maize are the primary crops in Kazakhstan, providing a basis for determining the influence of greenhouse gas emissions on climate change. As the research is ongoing, monthly samples are collected, allowing for regression analysis of greenhouse gas effects.
The use of unique devices enables international-level research collaboration. Although the methodology is still in the practical study stage, future collaboration with scientists worldwide, especially in plant science, is anticipated.
Reducing greenhouse gas emissions through optimal nutrient, water, and organic waste management on arable lands will not compromise crop yields. It will contribute to transitioning agriculture to a sustainable, highly efficient, and environmentally friendly trajectory. Unidentified synergies or compromises between mitigation methods, incomplete cost-benefit considerations, and uncertainties may limit precise assessments of greenhouse gas emission reductions.
Despite these limitations, this preliminary study provides transparent and valuable reference information for decision-makers, offering feasible approaches to expedite the mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions and soil carbon sequestration on arable lands in Kazakhstan, aligning with national goals of carbon neutrality and food security.
Evaluated effectiveness of various land-use systems, such as implementing agro-technical methods, vegetation cover, etc., to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Determined the impact of different land-use systems on increasing surface albedo, contributing to solar radiation reflection and atmospheric cooling.
Published research results in scientific articles to share data with the scientific community and the public.
Trained project participants in the use of measurement containers and instruments for collecting data on greenhouse gas emissions and albedo.
Plan to prepare new research proposals for the continuation of greenhouse gas emission studies considering the project's results.
List of publications and patents
1. Kussainova M. Greenhouse gas emissions from Kazakhstan’s croplands: sources and mitigation potential // 22nd World Congress of Soil Science, 2022-07-31. P-733 (in English)
2. Kussainova M., Syzdyk A., Nurgali N., Orazakhmet A., Tamenov T., Toishimanov M. Evaluating the effectiveness of various land cover/use systems to mitigate climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and increasing albedo // International Symposium on Managing Land and Water for Climate Smart Agriculture. P.330 (in English)
3. Kussainova M. The effects of excessive water use and agricultural intensification on Aral Sea shrinkage: socioeconomic-environmental systems (SES) dynamics within the Syr Darya River Basin // Proceedings of the SCERIN-9 Workshop. P.4 Link (in English)
4. Kussainova M.D., Tamenov T.B., Toishimanov M.R., Syzdyk A.B., Iskakova G., Nurgali N.D. Dynamic monitoring of NDVI in agronomic trials of crops using an unmanned aerial vehicle // Bulletin of Science of the Kazakh National Agrarian Research University named after S. Seifullin. -Astana. -2023. –No2(117). –P. 148–161. DOI: 10.51452/kazatu.2023.2(117).1386 (article in Russian)
5. Kussainova, M., Toishimanov, M., Tamenov, T., Syzdyk, A., Jikuan, C., (2023). Study of the effectiveness of different land use systems for climate mitigation through greenhouse gas emission measurements // Central Asian Journal of Water Resources Research. – N 9(2), - P.17-34. Link (in Russian)
6. Kussainova M., Toishimanov M., Iskakova G., Nurgali N., Chen J. Effects of different fertilization practices on CH4 and N2O emissions in various crop cultivation systems: A case study in Kazakhstan // Eurasian Journal of Soil Science. – 2023. – N 12(4), - P. 363–370. Link (in English)
7. Kussainova M., Toishimanov M., Syzdyk A., Tamenov T., Nurgali N., Chen J. Influence of the conditions of the year and time of day on the soil temperature indicators in Kazakhstan // Caspian Journal of Environmental Sciences (CJES). Vol. 21, No. 5, Special Issue 2023 (in English)
8. Patent of the Republic of Kazakhstan for a Utility Model No. 7738 dated March 13, 2023. Title: 'System for Measuring the Concentration of Greenhouse Gases in Soil'. Authors: Kussainova M.D., Toishimanov M.R., Tamenov T.B., Nurgali N.D., Syzdyk A.B., Yespolov T.I.