The Role of Polymers in Agriculture Was Discussed at the KBSU Educational and Scientific Complex

The Elbrus Educational and Scientific Complex of the Kabardino-Balkarian State University named after Kh.M. Berbekov hosted the first All-Russian Conference «Polymers for Agriculture.» Over a hundred specialists—scientists, manufacturers, and business representatives—gathered to discuss how to make agriculture more environmentally friendly, address the problem of «hidden hunger» (the declining nutritional value of food), and explore smart fertilizers, low-carbon technologies, and new composite materials for the agricultural sector.

Participants included representatives of JSC GC Titan (Moscow), an industrial partner of KBSU, St. Petersburg State University, Moscow State University, and others.

The conference was opened by KBSU vice-rector for Research and Corresponding Member of the Russian Academy of Sciences Svetlana Khashirova, who read an address from the acting rector of KBSU Yuri Altudov:

Today, agriculture faces challenges that require innovative approaches: increasing yields, rational use of resources, ensuring environmental safety and sustainable development. Polymer materials offer us unique opportunities to address these challenges—from the creation of modern packaging and film materials to the use of biopolymers, new crop protection products, water-retention systems, and smart greenhouse designs.
Collaboration and the exchange of experience and knowledge enable us to move forward, achieve high results, and find effective solutions to the most complex problems. May every presentation, meeting, and discussion at the conference be beneficial and become a step towards prosperity and innovation in agriculture.

Deputy Minister of Agriculture of the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic Islam Chechenov addressed the conference participants with a welcoming speech, noting that life is unimaginable without polymers, which are widely used in the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic, including in crop production, livestock farming, land reclamation, and food processing. He emphasized that polymers are increasingly replacing traditional materials due to their high strength, durability, ease of maintenance, and resistance to chemical influences and climatic conditions. He also noted the eco-friendliness of polymers, many of which are recyclable, reducing their impact on the environment. Chechenov wished the conference participants fruitful work and constructive dialogue.

Alexander Yaroslavov, head of the Department of Macromolecular Compounds at Moscow State University and Corresponding Member of the Russian Academy of Sciences, expressed confidence that this conference will be the first in a series and will serve as a powerful stimulus for the development of agriculture. He emphasized the fundamental importance of this industry for human existence. According to Yaroslavov, the successful conduct of the conference bodes well for future events with the active participation of representatives from the republic and the university. He wished the conference success and the participants fruitful scientific contacts, lively communication, and new opportunities for development.

The plenary session discussed the results of a joint experiment between Moscow State University and Kabardino-Balkarian State University on the effect of polymers on corn and sunflower. Svetlana Khashirova presented structures synthesized at KBSU that are promising for use as carriers for herbicides and pesticides, as well as those with antifungal properties. Polymer nanocomposites with good sorption properties for smart fertilizers and artificial soils were also discussed. The importance of the composition and concentration of compounds affecting crop yield and other indicators was emphasized.

Murat Bakhov, director of the Botanical Garden Research and Education Center at KBSU, reported on the results of a joint experiment between KBSU and Moscow State University on the impact of polymeric materials developed by Alexander Yaroslavov on agricultural crops. He noted that polymers improve soil quality, reduce erosion, and promote seed germination, which could become an important area of ​​research in agronomy. Improving soil structure and water-retention properties is critical for fertility, as it influences humus accumulation and the microbial community, which in turn impacts crop quality, protein value, and root system development.

Alexander Yaroslavov shared information on universal polymer binders for soils and grounds, and Vera Myasoedova, a representative of the Titan Group of Companies, presented polymer composites and products with adjustable flexibility, designed for multi-purpose use in agriculture, being developed at Titan Group of Companies.

The conference included a roundtable discussion on «The Role of Polymers in Technological Support of Food Security,» during which participants shared their knowledge and experience in various aspects of polymer application in agriculture. Alexander Yaroslavov (Moscow State University) noted that polymers play an important role in modern irrigation and plant protection systems. Svetlana Khashirova (KBSU) raised the important issue of potential risks associated with the use of polymers in the agro-industrial complex.

Professor Zorin (St. Petersburg State University) presented modern methods for modifying chitosan, a natural polymer with high potential for plant protection. His colleague, Anastasia Penkova, discussed the prospects for developing biodegradable and environmentally friendly polymers for food packaging. Svetlana Morozkina (ITMO National Research University, St. Petersburg) presented innovative packaging technologies that can significantly improve food safety and quality. Vera Myasoedova (JSC Titan Group, Moscow) discussed new developments in nanomaterials and polymers that could change approaches to food security.

The conference will also feature competitions for young scientists, including awards for the best oral presentation and the best poster presentation for participants under 35.

Based on the results of the work, an electronic collection of materials indexed in the Russian Science Citation Index (RSCI) system will be published, and a decision will be prepared for submission to the Russian Academy of Sciences, the Ministry of Industry and Trade, and the Ministry of Agriculture.

The conference was organized by KBSU and MSU with the support of the Department of Chemistry and Materials Sciences and the Department of Agricultural Sciences of the Russian Academy of Sciences.