The article provides an analysis of the cenopopulation and tissues element composition of the medicinal caper plant Capparis spinosa L. distributed on Calcisols formed on eroded alluvial-proluvial gravel textured rocks in the south of the Fergana Valley (Uzbekistan, Central Asia). The predominance of immature plants in the cenopopulation was detected in the Arsif hills massive, and quantitative indicators of micronutrients in the vegetative and generative organs of C. spinosa L. were determined. The study of biomorphological characteristics of the plant during the growing season (April-October) was carried out in the identified 10 observational experimental field populations. The cenopopulation dynamics and plant development patterns of Capparis spinosa L. were characterized for environmental conditions of south Uzbekistan for the first time. Soil, plant element analysis was performed by neutron-activation method. In this case, the samples were irradiated in a nuclear reactor with a neutron flux of 5 × 1013 neutrons/cm2 s, and their quantities were determined in accordance with the half-life of chemical elements. It has also been compared with research materials conducted by world scientists on the importance and pharmacological properties of botanicals in medicine and the food industry, as well as their botanical characteristics. The plant can serve to conserve soil resources, as it prevents water and wind erosion of dense clay soils in the dry subtropical climate of Central Fergana and could be considered an effective agent of destroyed soils remediation. The development of this plant will contribute to the diversification of agriculture in Uzbekistan (Central Asia) and the development of the food industry and pharmacology.

The main purpose of the study was to evaluate of effectiveness of the halophyte plants on saline soils and use as a salt-tolerant plants. The experimental studies carried out on the halophyte plants (Tetragonia tetragonioides and Portulaca oleracea) and the salt-sensitive crop (Lactuca sativa, L) in the greenhouse. Two experimental studies were conducted on the effects of salt on germination, total yield and mineral composition of the halophyte plants and salt-sensitive crop. Three salinity treatments (saline water solution with NaCl: T1 - 5 dS m−1; T2 - 9.8 dS m−1; and T3 - 20 dS m−1) and a control treatment (T0 - 0.6 dS m−1) were used for the experimental study. The both halophyte plants showed the potential salt (ions) removing species with high yields when grown on saline soils. The results showed that the above halophytes varieties contributed to improved quality and yield of the salt-sensitive crop. Thus, this method has proven to be one of the important solutions in preventing and managing salinity and ensuring the sustainability of agricultural systems. Analysis of the obtained results showed that halophyte plants could be used to improve the management and stability of saline soils and grow them as food crops.

This article highlights the role of anthropogenic factors in the modern and stage-by-stage development of soils, using the meadow-marsh soils of Central Fergana as an example. Information on the anthropogenic evolution of desert subtropical soils under long-term irrigation is provided. Data on the component composition of readily soluble salts in soils are discussed. It has been revealed that marsh-meadow soils under the influence of long-term irrigation gradually evolve into the irrigated meadow-saz soils of deserts. It is necessary to organize and conduct monitoring, the results of which could be implemented for the selection of agricultural crops, the development of methods of their sowing and planting, and for development of soil protection methods. In the initial period of using hydromorphic soils for irrigation in desert landscapes, there is a decrease in humus and total nitrogen content. The agrogenic transformation of hydromorphic soils under long-term and intensive use leads to significant changes in a number of soil properties. Each region-specific, soil-climatic condition may have its own pattern of soil areal evolution which is closely linked with the geochemical landscapes and the dynamics of the soil fertility. It is therefore necessary to consider the trends of soil transformation and evolution to improve soil fertility.