Effects of agronomic practices on the technological quality of narrow-leaved lupine seeds under northern Kazakhstan conditions.

Abstract

The global shortage of protein in animal feed has increased interest in legume crops due to their high nutritional value. Narrow-Leaved lupine (Lupinus angustifolius L.) is a promising crop for dryland farming, especially in Northern Kazakhstan, thanks to its adaptability and protein-rich seeds. This study aims to evaluate the effects of sowing dates, seeding rates, and seed treatments with plant growth regulators on the productivity and technological quality of lupine seeds. Field experiments were conducted under arid steppe conditions. Three sowing dates (May 5, 10, and 15), three seeding rates (0.8, 1.0, and 1.2 million viable seeds per hectare), and seed treatments with "Megamix Seeds" and "Megamix Phosphorus" were tested. The highest seed quality and yield were obtained with sowing on May 5 at a rate of 1.0 million viable seeds per hectare. Combined treatment with both growth regulators led to the maximum protein (868 kg/ha) and oil content (315 kg/ha). These results demonstrate the potential of specific agronomic practices to improve seed quality in narrow-leaved lupine and offer a basis for recommendations in dry farming systems of Northern Kazakhstan.