The Current State of Irrigated Soils in the Central Fergana Desert under the Effect of Anthropogenic Factors

Abstract

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.

Biogeochemical State of Salinized Irrigated Soils of Central Fergana (Uzbekistan, Central Asia)

“…Secondary salinization is one of the decisive factors of deterioration of soil properties and reduction of its productivity. Salt composition of moisture used for irrigation and chemical composition of groundwater plays an essential role in this process [4][5][6]. In the southeastern part of Uzbekistan this problem acquires a special dimension in connection with the intensive conduction of agriculture that, in turn, is connected with the very dense population of the Fergana valley region [7].…”

“…Another factor of salts distribution across the Fergana valley is the high speed of winds [18], thus salts could be redistributed not only through irrigation or ground waters [19] but also with the Aeolian factor. The study of trends in the spatial dynamics of biogeochemical indicators of soils in southern Uzbekistan is the most important problem of modern applied soil science and agroecology [4,6].…”