No 1 (2025)

The street greening is a means of improving the urban environment and is of great ecological importance. At the same time, anthropogenic stress leads to a decrease in the living condition of plantings and their resistance to adverse factors of the urban environment, including pathogens and pests. The presented study provides the vital condition analysis of woody plants growing along Karl Liebknecht Street in Yoshkar-Ola (Mari El Republic) in 2024. The object of the study was plantings on landscaping strips along the roadway. The sanitary condition was assessed according to the 5-point scale given in the Rules of Sanitary Safety in Forests (2020). The main part of the plants (87%) belongs to the second category of sanitary condition. 28 dead specimens (3%) were found, they must be removed and replaced with new plants. In general, the living condition of the studied plantings at this facility is assessed as weakened, which indicates a good environmental situation on K. Liebknecht Street. The most frequent damage to tree trunks are gnarled hollows and deadwood, various species of aphids are most widespread on the leaf apparatus. A negative fact is the forced pruning of birch trees located under power lines because it negatively affects the vital condition of plants and reduces decorative effect. Rowan plantations are severely weakened, and the condition of maples, apple trees, and lime trees is slightly better. The shrubs on the surveyed street are generally in better condition than the trees. It is necessary to carry out agrotechnical measures for the care of plantings to increase their viability. Studies of plantings condition of K. Liebknecht Street were conducted for the first time, in the future similar studies will be carried out on other streets of the city.

Agriculture is the foundation of the sustainability of any economy. It plays a key role in long-term economic growth and structural transformations. In the process of achieving the goal of maximizing yield, the agro-industrial complex faces numerous challenges, including inappropriate soil treatment, disease and pest infestations, low productivity, and gaps in knowledge between farmers and technologies. The main concept of applying AI in agriculture is based on its flexibility, high productivity, accuracy, and economic efficiency. Currently, there are several legal regulatory issues regarding AI systems in agriculture that require clarification from lawmakers, as existing legal norms, both at the international and national levels, are not sufficiently detailed and do not cover all aspects of AI implementation in agriculture. Today, the AI market in agriculture is most developed in three promising areas: machine learning, computer vision, and predictive analytics. Various countries are developing strategies for agricultural practices using artificial intelligence, which should mark the beginning of the development of legal regulation in this field at the international level. Both state and international levels should actively support innovations in AI by creating favorable conditions for the development and implementation of new technologies, as well as ensuring their safety and transparency. Artificial intelligence has high potential to transform the agro-industrial complex, allowing for optimized production, increased yields, reduced resource costs, and minimized environmental damage. However, to realize this potential, several technical, legal, and ethical issues that exist in the regulation of information technologies and artificial intelligence in particular must be addressed.

Modern agriculture faces numerous challenges related to the need to enhance productivity and ensure the sustainability of agro-systems. One of the critical factors influencing crop yields is the correct and efficient use of fertilizers, which are aimed at improving soil nutrient balance—particularly nitrogen compounds—and optimizing conditions for healthy plant growth. In the specific context of the Anninsky municipal district in the Voronezh region, where grain crops constitute a significant portion of cultivated land, it became essential to investigate how different approaches to fertilizer application impact overall crop yields and productivity levels. Based on comprehensive data analysis concerning mineral fertilizer application rates and the resulting dynamics of grain yields, a comparative study was conducted. This study revealed notable differences in the correlation between fertilizer application rates and crop yields depending on the category of farms. Specifically, there was a strong, statistically significant correlation observed in large-scale agricultural organizations, which underscores the importance of science-based management practices, precise fertilization strategies, and modern agronomic techniques. Conversely, in household farms, the correlation was weak or nonexistent, highlighting a gap in knowledge and implementation of effective fertilizer use. This disparity indicates a pressing need for targeted educational interventions and support systems aimed at small farmers and private landholders to help optimize fertilizer application, improve crop yields, and promote more sustainable farming practices. To address these issues, it is recommended to develop and implement specialized training programs tailored for small-scale farmers and individual private farms. These programs should focus on educating farmers about proper fertilizer application methods, the benefits of adopting modern agronomic approaches, and the importance of scientific management in agriculture. Such initiatives are expected to lead to increased regional crop yields, which will contribute positively to local food security and economic stability. Furthermore, promoting scientifically informed practices will support the creation of a more sustainable agro-economy within the Voronezh region, aligning agricultural productivity with environmental conservation goals. Continued research, monitoring, and dissemination of best practices are essential to ensure long-term improvements in agricultural efficiency, sustainability, and resilience against various environmental challenges.