Degradation Processes in Irrigated Soils of the Kashkadarya Region, Ecological Challenges in Achieving High Crop Yields, and Strategies for Mitigation Using Biological Mulching Methods
Student of the Faculty of Geography and Agronomy, Department of Ecology, Karshi State University
ABSTRACT
This scientific article analyzes the ecological degradation processes occurring in the irrigated soils of the Kashkadarya region, particularly secondary salinization, soil erosion, and the depletion of humus content, which represent the main challenges in achieving high agricultural crop yields. Under the sharply arid climatic conditions of the region, the ecological and economic efficiency of applying local organic waste (wheat straw, cotton stalks) and the “Eco-Mulch” technology to restore soil fertility and optimize water resource utilization is scientifically substantiated.
Keywords: Kashkadarya soils, degradation, secondary salinization, humus, water scarcity, biological mulching, Eco-Mulch, sustainable agriculture.
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1. INTRODUCTION
The sustainable development of agricultural production and ensuring food security in the Republic of Uzbekistan, particularly in the Kashkadarya region, directly depend on soil fertility and the rational use of water resources. However, in recent years, due to global climate change, rising temperatures, and acute water shortages, various ecological problems and soil degradation have been intensifying in the irrigated lands of the region.
The specific hydrogeological and climatic conditions of the plain areas in the Kashkadarya region require special agrotechnical and ecological approaches to maintain soil fertility. Studying the main factors hindering high and quality crop yields and developing innovative, environmentally friendly methods to eliminate them is one of the most urgent tasks of today.
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2. MAIN ECOLOGICAL CHALLENGES IN ACHIEVING HIGH YIELDS (RESULTS AND DISCUSSION)
Conducted scientific observations and analyses show that the following main ecological and agrotechnical challenges exist in obtaining high crop yields from the soils of the Kashkadarya region:
1. Secondary Salinization and Mineralization: Due to high groundwater tables in the irrigated lands of the region (especially in Kasbi, Nishon, Mirishkor, and Muborak districts) and intense water evaporation during hot summers, capillary salts rise to the upper soil layers. This causes secondary salinization and severely damages the root systems of crops.
2. Water Scarcity and High Transpiration: Limited water sources for irrigation and the traditional furrow irrigation method result in 40–50% of water loss through evaporation, causing crops to experience water stress.
3.Depletion of Humus (Organic Matter) Content: Due to long-term monoculture cultivation (cotton and wheat), insufficient organic fertilizer application, and the inefficient practice of burning straw and stalks in the fields after harvest, the humus content in the topsoil has dropped to 0.8–1.1%.
4. Soil Compaction and Erosion: The frequent movement of heavy machinery, along with excessive use of mineral fertilizers and pesticides, destroys soil microfauna (beneficial microbes and earthworms) and disrupts soil structure.
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3. STRATEGIES FOR RESTORING SOIL FERTILITY AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT (SOLUTIONS)
To overcome the above-mentioned problems under the conditions of the Kashkadarya region and to obtain abundant and environmentally clean crop yields, the following complex ecological and innovative measures are proposed:
1. Implementation of “Eco-Mulch” (Biological Mulching) Technology:
Shredding and sterilizing wheat straw and cotton stalks, which are traditionally left as waste in fields after harvest, and applying them as a protective layer between crop rows.
• Result: The mulch layer reflects sunlight and reduces water evaporation from the soil surface by 35–40%. Once water evaporation stops, salts do not rise to the surface, successfully preventing salinization.
2. Organic Humus Formation:
The applied straw and organic mulch gradually decompose, enriching the soil with biological humus. This improves soil structure, water permeability, and aeration.
1.
Natural Barrier Against Weeds:
Because the mulch layer blocks sunlight, it prevents weed growth. This frees farmers from using expensive and toxic herbicides.
2.
Drip and Mulched Irrigation Complex:
Combining drip irrigation with mulching in small areas and greenhouses makes it possible to increase crop yields by 25–30% and cut water consumption in half.
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4. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
To obtain abundant and sustainable crop yields from the irrigated soils of the Kashkadarya region, increasing the dosage of chemical fertilizers is not sufficient; rather, restoring the ecological and biological health of the soil is essential.
Research shows that utilizing the “Eco-Mulch” technology made from local organic waste:
• Allows for the conservation of irrigation water and the curbing of secondary salinization;
• Increases organic humus content in the soil and boosts crop yields by 20–25%;
• Establishes an environmentally clean and resource-efficient agriculture model.
It is recommended to widely introduce these recommendations in farms and household plots throughout the region.
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REFERENCES
1. Decree of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan. (2020). On the Strategy for the Development of Agriculture of the Republic of Uzbekistan for 2020–2030. No. PF-5853. Tashkent.
2. Hasanov, M.H., & Raupov, B. (2019). Hydromorphic and ecological condition of irrigated soils in Kashkadarya region. Tashkent: Fan va texnologiya nashriyoti, pp. 142-150.
3. Oktamova, S.M. (2026). Eco-Mulch: Smart Mulching Technology for Enhancing Soil Fertility and Water Conservation. Synchronized Chaos International Journal, California, USA.
4. Ismailov, A., & Sattarov, J. (2021).
Soil science and problems of soil degradation. Tashkent: “Uzbekistan”, pp. 210–225.
5. Smith, P., & Gregory, P.J. (2018). Soil fertility and climate change mitigation strategies in arid zones. Journal of Environmental Management, 245, 112–120.
6. FAO. (2022). Status of the World’s Soil Resources: Salinization and Organic Matter Loss in Central Asia. Rome: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
Oʻktamova Sabrina Mahmud qizi is a prominent and highly intellectual young representative of modern Uzbek youth, distinguished by her thirst for knowledge, social activism, and ambitious goals for the future.
Born on March 24, 2007, in Karshi city, Kashkadarya region, into an intellectual family, Sabrina graduated from school with excellent grades. She gained admission to Karshi State University (QarDU) on a state grant, where she is currently pursuing her bachelor’s degree in Ecology.
Despite her young age, Sabrina’s ability to fully capitalize on opportunities and achieve remarkable success is greatly supported by her parents, Islomov Mahmud and Geldiyeva Shahnoza. Her elder sister, Jasmina Makhmudovna, has been a key mentor and a significant source of inspiration in fostering Sabrina’s profound passion for knowledge and excellence.
Sabrina’s current achievements include:
• An active Eco-Volunteer and Social Volunteer.
• Regional winner of the Vociep project.
• Member of the “Children and Youth Support Movement” and a recipient of its special badge.
• An active member of the People’s Democratic Party.
• Recipient of over a hundred certificates from various educational and extracurricular programs.
• Participant in several international forums.
• An active participant and international certificate holder in the recent International Eco-Zakovat competition, recognized as a talented and active student and leader.
• An active member of the Kashkadarya “Golden Wing” Organization and the Youth Golden Wing initiative.
• Recipient of multiple Machine Learning (ML) grants.
Sabrina embodies a dynamic spirit, combining academic excellence with a strong commitment to social and environmental causes, making her a highly promising future leader and expert in the Field of Ecology