dragon boat 

drumbeats vibrate

the regatta

More about dragon boat racing here.

Your Love Will Eventually Come

Poet / Lan Xin (Lan Xin Sa Mei)

The hardships and perplexities encountered in life

Are often hard to embrace in the moment

Later you will suddenly realize

Everything is destined for the best

Heaven never makes you lose give up or wait without cause

It merely leads you toward something finer

I always believe

To miss someone not meant for you

Is a deliberate trial and design from above

Stay true to who you are

A better soulmate will come for you

To miss things not meant to be

Is a thoughtful test and arrangement

It sees if you can grow stronger through setbacks

Keep striving march forward and walk the right path

You will gather strength and reap remarkable achievements

May someone dear

Heal all your wounds

Settle all your grievances

Untie all your tangles

Fill all your emptiness

Make up for all your regrets

May you meet the one your heart longs for and let go of life’s unfairness

May you embrace the sweetest love and leave past sorrows behind

Dead Grandmas Are Universal 

“I joined the dead grandma club. 

Now that she’s gone, I feel closer to her. 

I’m torn between remembering her

for the woman she was 

and forgiving her 

for the empty shell she became.”

Candlelight Lover

“She was my candlelight lover 

but I never thought loving her 

would mold me into a woman of wax.”

To all the Antidepressants I’ve Ingested Before

“Wellbutrin 

I wish I could call you a fling. 

Truly, I wish I’d never swallowed. 

My mind had never been in such a state. 

Let’s leave our memories in the past 

and never speak of them again.”

These poems are excerpts from Marisa LaPorte’s recently published collection Dead Grandmas are Universal.

PART I: ENGLISH

THE ROLE OF MODERN TECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATIONS IN ENHANCING SOIL FERTILITY THROUGH THE EFFICIENT MANAGEMENT OF ORGANIC MATTER

Author: Oʻktamova Sabrina Mahmud qizi

1st-year Student of Ecology, Faculty of Geography and Agronomy, Qarshi State University, Qarshi, Uzbekistan 

Abstract

Soil organic matter (SOM) and humus depletion represent major ecological and agronomic crises in arid and semi-arid agroecosystems, particularly in the irrigated lands of the Qashqadaryo region of Uzbekistan. While traditional application of raw animal manure and crop residues has been the historical norm, its efficiency is severely limited by rapid mineralization, greenhouse gas emissions, nutrient leaching, and pathogen transmission. This paper reviews and analyzes the transformative role of modern green technologies in maximizing the efficiency of organic matter to restore soil fertility. We examine advanced paradigms such as biochar-blended co-composting, microbial-inoculated vermitechnology, anaerobic digestate recycling, and nano-formulated organic carrier systems. Integrating these biotechnological advances into local agricultural systems can stabilize soil aggregates, suppress erosion, improve water-use efficiency, and facilitate carbon sequestration, paving the way for sustainable, climate-smart agriculture in Uzbekistan.

Keywords: Soil organic matter, humus recovery, biochar co-composting, vermitechnology, anaerobic digestate, nano-organic fertilizer, sustainable agriculture.

——————————

1. Introduction

Soil organic matter (SOM), primarily represented by the complex fraction known as humus, is the biological engine of soil fertility. It dictates soil structure, cation exchange capacity (CEC), water retention, and microbial biodiversity. In arid and semi-arid regions like the Karshi Steppe in Uzbekistan, high temperatures combined with intensive tillage accelerate the mineralization of organic carbon, leading to a critical decline in humus levels (often dropping below 0.8%). This depletion triggers a cascade of ecological degradation: soil compaction, salinity, loss of biodiversity, and vulnerability to wind and water erosion.

To mitigate this, returning organic matter to the soil is imperative. However, the direct application of raw organic wastes (such as fresh manure or untreated crop stalks) is highly inefficient in hot climates. Raw organic inputs undergo rapid decomposition, releasing large amounts of carbon dioxide (CO_2) and methane (CH_4) into the atmosphere while yielding minimal stable humus. Furthermore, they can introduce weed seeds, pathogens, and temporary nitrogen immobilization (due to high C:N ratios). Therefore, modern agricultural ecology must transition from simple organic recycling to advanced technogenic and biological processing of organic matter before soil application.

——————————

**2.Modern Technological Paradigms in Organic Soil Management**

2.1. Biochar-Blended Co-Composting (Biokoʻmirli birgalikda kompostlash)

Co-composting organic waste (manure, straw, food waste) with biochar (derived from pyrolysis of agricultural residues like cotton stalks) is a cutting-edge technology.

• Mechanism: Biochar acts as a porous carbon scaffold during the composting process. It adsorbs volatile ammonia (NH_3), reducing nitrogen loss by up to 50%, and physically protects composting microorganisms from temperature fluctuations.

• Impact on Fertility: The resulting biochar-compost complex is highly stable. When applied to the soil, it does not rapidly decompose, thus providing long-term carbon storage while slowly releasing nutrients to plant roots.

2.2. Vermitechnology with Customized Microbial Inoculation

Vermicomposting utilizing earthworms (e.g., Eisenia fetida) has been upgraded through the introduction of specific Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR) and mycorrhizal fungi.

• Mechanism: Earthworms mechanically grind organic waste, while the inoculated beneficial bacteria (such as Azotobacter and Pseudomonas) enrich the worm cast (vermicompost) with plant hormones (auxins, gibberellins) and fix atmospheric nitrogen.

• Impact on Fertility: This bio-organic fertilizer significantly enhances the soil’s biological fertility, suppressing soil-borne plant pathogens and promoting vigorous root development.

2.3. Anaerobic Digestate Recycling (Biogaz digestati)

The byproduct of biogas production from animal manure and agricultural biomass, known as anaerobic digestate, is an underutilized organic goldmine.

• Mechanism: Anaerobic digestion converts complex organic compounds into highly plant-available mineralized forms (specifically ammonium-nitrogen, NH_4^+-N) while preserving the humic substances.

• Impact on Fertility: Applying liquid digestate through modern drip irrigation systems (fertigation) provides immediate organic nutrition to crops, improves soil microbial respiration, and prevents the volatilization of valuable nitrogen.

2.4. Nano-Formulated Organic Carriers (Smart Organic Fertilizers)

Nanotechnology is now being integrated with organic materials to create “smart” fertilizers.

• Mechanism: Organic humic and fulvic acids are encapsulated or bound with inorganic nanoparticles (like nano-zinc, nano-iron, or nano-silica).

• Impact on Fertility: These nano-organic complexes prevent nutrients from leaching into groundwater or becoming locked in saline soils. They release nutrients slowly, matching the exact physiological demands of the crops, thus increasing nutrient-use efficiency by over 200%.

——————————

3. Ecological and Agronomic Relevance for Qashqadaryo

In the Qashqadaryo province, where water scarcity is acute and soil salinity is widespread, these modern organic technologies are highly relevant:

1. Water Conservation: Organic carbon processed through co-composting and vermicomposting increases soil moisture retention. Every 1% increase in SOM allows the soil to hold up to 20,000 gallons of extra water per acre, crucial for the Karshi Steppe.

2.Salinity Mitigation: Humic acids from processed organic fertilizers bind excess sodium (Na^+) ions, reducing osmotic stress on cotton and wheat crops.

3. Circular Bioeconomy: Utilizing millions of tons of local cotton stalks (gʻoʻzapoya) to produce biochar and composting ingredients prevents open-field burning, reduces air pollution, and turns agricultural waste into economic assets.

——————————

4. Conclusion

The transition from traditional, raw organic manure application to advanced, technologically processed organic inputs is a vital ecological shift required for Uzbekistan’s soils. Biochar co-composting, advanced vermitechnology, digestate utilization, and nano-organic formulations represent the future of sustainable soil management. These technologies not only restore the degraded humus layer and improve soil physical and biological properties but also mitigate climate change through carbon sequestration. Implementing these practices will secure soil fertility, enhance water-use efficiency, and ensure agricultural sustainability in the face of ongoing climate changes.

——————————

References

1. Ahmad, M., et al. (2014). “Biochar as a sorbent for contaminant management in soil and water: A review.” Chemosphere, 99, 19–33.

2. Lehmann, J., & Joseph, S. (2015). Biochar for Environmental Management: Science, Technology and Implementation. London: Routledge.

3. Tang, J., Bu, H., & Liu, G. (2020). “Combined biochar and phytoremediation for remediation of contaminated soils: A review.” Journal of Environmental Management, 277, 111446.

4. Tan, X., et al. (2016). “Application of biochar-based materials in environmental remediation: A review.” Journal of Environmental Management, 168, 234–248.

5. Gulyamova, M. B. (2021). “The dynamics of soil organic matter under conservation agriculture in drylands of Uzbekistan.” Uzbekistan Journal of Agriculture and Forestry, 2(3), 44–51.

6. Lal, R. (2016). “Beyond COP21: Potential and challenges of the ‘4 per Thousand’ initiative.” Journal of Soil and Water Conservation, 71(1), 20A–25A.

                

A SKILLED TEACHER – A PERSONALITY WHO EDUCATES THE FUTURE OF THE NATION

Karimova Navbaxar Mahmudjanovna

Educator at Multidisciplinary Specialized Preschool Educational Institution No. 9, Gurlan District, Khorezm Region, under the National Agency for Social Protection under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan

Abstract

A skilled teacher is a leading figure in an educational institution who harmonizes enlightenment, professional excellence, and moral values. In the educational process, teachers develop students’ intellectual abilities, patriotism, and social responsibility. This article analyzes teachers’ professional competencies, pedagogical technologies, their role in patriotic education, and their adaptation to modern educational requirements. Through practical examples and recommendations, the article demonstrates ways to achieve both personal and professional growth for educators.

Keywords: skilled teacher, homeland, future, education, patriotism, methodology, pedagogical technology, moral values, learning motivation.

Introduction

Pedagogical mastery is revealed through the teacher’s professional activity. It is considered the highest level of pedagogical performance that can be achieved within a certain period and produces effective results. Pedagogical mastery is demonstrated through the successful solution of educational tasks and the creative organization of teaching and learning processes.

The teacher is responsible for organizing the educational process, understanding its principles, structure, and mechanisms. Educating, teaching, providing knowledge, and shaping learners’ personalities are among the teacher’s primary responsibilities. Personality development is one of the central concepts of pedagogy. It reflects the collaborative efforts of families and society aimed at nurturing a well-rounded generation.

Education plays a vital role in developing an individual’s spiritual qualities, beliefs, worldview, kindness, and appreciation of beauty. Every child who comes into a teacher’s care is like a blank sheet of paper. What is written on that paper largely depends on the teacher.

Children who first enter school often struggle to adapt to a new environment and may quickly lose interest in lessons. Therefore, teachers should organize engaging classes and apply diverse teaching methods to maintain students’ attention and motivation.

Teaching has always been one of the most respected professions in society. The great scholar Abu Nasr Al-Farabi described a teacher as a person who possesses wisdom, eloquence, and the ability to express ideas clearly and accurately. He further stated that the teacher’s role resembles that of a wise leader who carefully considers every action. A teacher should be fair, preserve personal dignity and honor, and strive for the highest level of humanity and knowledge.

According to Abu Ali Ibn Sina (Avicenna), a teacher should be pure-hearted, strong-willed, knowledgeable, conscientious, honest, morally upright, and skilled in educational methods.

Pedagogical Challenges and Contradictions

The analysis of spiritual and educational activities in higher educational institutions reveals both positive factors and pedagogical challenges influencing students’ professional development. Certain contradictions hinder the effectiveness of educational systems. These contradictions can be divided into three groups:

1. External contradictions reflecting the relationship between the educational system and the social environment.
2. Internal pedagogical contradictions reflecting interactions among structural elements and components of the educational system.
3. Procedural contradictions related to the establishment, functioning, and development of the educational system.

Researchers identify four key components that form the foundation of pedagogical mastery:

1. Commitment to humanitarian principles in education.
2. Dedication to the teaching profession.
3. Excellent knowledge of teaching methodology.
4. The ability to demonstrate pedagogical skills effectively.

Thus, teaching is a highly responsible and complex profession.

Main Responsibilities and Professional Competencies of Teachers

The primary responsibilities of teachers include:

• Ensuring the harmony of education and upbringing.
• Supporting students’ intellectual and moral development.
• Developing patriotism and national identity.
• Adapting to societal needs and modern educational standards.

Professional competencies include:

Pedagogical and Methodological Competence

• Lesson planning and assessment.
• Differentiated instruction.
• Effective teaching methodologies.

Communication and Social Skills

• Effective interaction with students, parents, and colleagues.

Innovative Competence

• Integration of modern educational technologies and digital resources.

Ethical and Cultural Competence

• Demonstrating exemplary behavior and professional ethics.

Pedagogical Technologies and Methods

Modern teaching requires the use of active learning methods, including:

• Problem-based learning.
• Project-based learning.
• Collaborative group work.
• Integrated lessons that combine history, literature, and culture.
• Digital resources such as interactive presentations, online platforms, and multimedia tools.
• Modern assessment methods, including portfolios, presentations, and criterion-based evaluation.

The Teacher’s Role in Patriotic Education

Teachers play a significant role in fostering patriotism through:

• Teaching national history, culture, and traditions.
• Organizing patriotic events, social projects, and educational activities.
• Developing students’ critical thinking and emotional attachment to their homeland.
• Introducing students to the lives and achievements of national heroes.
• Cooperating with local communities, museums, veterans, and neighborhood organizations.

Personal and Professional Development of a Skilled Teacher

Continuous professional growth is essential for every teacher. This includes:

• Participating in training courses, workshops, and seminars.
• Conducting research and publishing academic articles.
• Reflecting on teaching practices and engaging in self-improvement.
• Participating in mentoring programs.
• Sharing experiences with colleagues through professional communities.

Examples of effective educational initiatives include:

• Organizing a “Local History” course and educational visits to museums and historical sites.
• Implementing social projects focused on community development and charity activities.
• Creating digital portfolios to showcase students’ creative achievements.

Conclusion

A skilled teacher is one of the most important factors in shaping the future of the nation. Teachers cultivate not only knowledge but also morality, spirituality, and patriotism. Through professional competence and innovative approaches, educators prepare a generation that is knowledgeable, responsible, and devoted to their homeland. Therefore, investing in teachers’ professional development is an investment in the future prosperity of society and the nation.

References

1. Ergashev, B.A. Modern Teacher.
2. Yusupova, P. Preschool Pedagogy.
3. Nedopekina, T. At the School Threshold.
4. Ochilov, E. Alisher Navoi: Wisdoms. Tashkent: Uzbekistan Publishing House, 2011.
5. Bobur. Boburnoma. Tashkent: Yulduzcha Publishing House, 1989.
6. Vohidov, R., Mahmudov, M. Spirituality – The Happiness of Perfection. Tashkent: Ma’naviyat, 1997

Karimova Navbaxar Mahmudjanovna

Karimova Navbaxar Mahmudjanovna was born on March 25, 1984, in Gurlan District, Khorezm Region, Uzbekistan, into an intellectual family.

From 1990 to 1998, she studied at Secondary School No. 1 in Gurlan District. From 1998 to 2001, she continued her education at Gymnasium No. 6 in Gurlan District and successfully graduated with excellent academic results.

From 2001 to 2003, she studied Nursing at the Electromedical Technical College in Tashkent, the capital city of Uzbekistan, and graduated with honors.

Between 2020 and 2025, she successfully completed her Bachelor’s degree in Preschool Education at Urgench State University.

Currently, she works as an educator at the Multidisciplinary Specialized Preschool Educational Institution No. 9 in Gurlan District, Khorezm Region, which operates under the National Agency for Social Protection under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan.

She is fluent in Russian and Turkish languages. In addition, she is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Pedagogy at the Asian International University.

Awards and Achievements

• In 2023, she was awarded the “Dedicated Professional of the Year” badge.
• In 2024, she received the “Best Scientific Researcher of the Year” badge.
• In 2025, she was honored with the “Excellent Worker of Preschool and School Education” badge.

Publications

Karimova Navbaxar Mahmudjanovna is the author of the methodological guidebook entitled “Inclusive Education in Preschool Educational Institutions.”

She has also published several books, including:

• “Towards My Goals”
• “For You, Dear Child”
• “Explorer Children”

Many of her scientific articles have been published in international newspapers and academic journals.

Her article entitled “STEAM Technologies in Preschool Educational Institutions” was published in the book “Leader Women of Uzbekistan”, which was released in Türkiye. Through her professional activities, scientific research, and educational contributions, she continues to make a significant impact on the development of preschool education in Uzbekistan

My Siblings

My dear brothers and sisters, always by my side,
May no sorrow in our hearts reside.
Our dreams are united under one sky,
My dear siblings, may you always thrive.

Our mother is our paradise so bright,
Our father is our strength and guiding light.
Let us ease their worries and their pain,
My dear siblings, may you always remain.

They place great hopes in each of us,
May they stay healthy, without distress.
They pray for us every moment and day,
My dear siblings, may you always stay safe.

To My Dear Father

You are my everything in this world,
My pride, my patient and precious pearl.
My shield, my strength, my protection strong,
My dear father, whose love has never been wrong.

You have suffered many hardships in life,
Yet bravely endured every struggle and strife.
For your children, you gave your heart and soul,
My dear father, whose love makes us whole.

You raised us with care, never letting us fall,
Patiently guiding us through it all.
You traveled the world, near and far,
My dear father, our brightest star.

With advice and kindness, you showed us the way,
Your love is like magic that brightens each day.
May you always be honored by your children dear,
My beloved father, forever near.

Motherland

Today I write songs in your praise,
My heavenly homeland, deserving of praise.
Whenever I sing of you, my heart feels delight,
My beloved nation, my homeland so bright.

Our ancestors gave their lives for your name,
Qodiriy, Cho‘lpon, and Behbudiy of fame.
May our Commander-in-Chief protect peace forever,
My beloved nation, my homeland forever.

Though I am still young, I will guard you with care,
My flourishing homeland, beyond compare.
May no enemy ever disturb your peace and light,
My beloved nation, my homeland so bright.

Qahramonova Zahro Qahramonovna

Qahramonova Zahro Qahramonovna was born on April 15, 2013, in O‘rmontepa village, Abziyat MFY, Shahrisabz district, Kashkadarya region, Uzbekistan.

She is currently a 6th-grade student of School No. 22 in Shahrisabz district. Zahro began her journey in poetry at the age of eight and has shown remarkable talent in literature from an early age.

Her authorial book, “Butterfly” (Kapalak ) and “You Are My Friend, Book” (Kitob mening do‘stimsan), has been published. Her poems have also been included in several literary collections, including “I Am a Child of Kashkadarya”, “Smart Researcher” (Zukko izlanuvchi), “Gift of Spring” (Bahor tuhfasi), and “Renaissance Builders” (Renesans bunyodkorlari).

Her poems and articles are regularly published in the Navqiron and Kesh newspapers. She has been a guest on the television program “Fayzli Kun” several times.

Zahro’s poems have been published internationally, including in the United States and Italy, and are indexed on Google.

She is the recipient of the “Smart Researcher” (Zukko izlanuvchi) badge and the “Friendship Ambassador” (Do‘stlik elchisi) badge.

Among her achievements:

• Winner of First Place in the international competition “Mosaic of Nations” among participants from 8 countries.
• Winner of First Place in the Regional Creative Children Competition.
• Winner of First Place in the Kamalak  Creative Children Competition.
• Winner of First Place in the competition dedicated to the memory of the famous Uzbek poet Muhammad Yusuf.
• Holder of nearly 80 certificates and diplomas.

She also manages her own creative channel called “Zaxroxon Sherlari” (Zahro’s Poetry Channel). In 2026, she was awarded the prestigious “Renaissance Builders” (Renesans Bunyodkorlari) badge established by the President. In March 2026, she was also honored with the “High Talent” (Yuksak Istedod) badge in recognition of her outstanding achievements and creative contributions.