DYNAMICS OF PRODUCTIVITY AND SOIL MOISTURE IN VARIOUS TYPES OF PASTURES

This study investigates the productivity and soil moisture dynamics of sandy desert pastures located in Konimekh District, Navoi Region, and foothill (“adyr”) pastures situated in Nurata District over a five-year observation period (2021–2025). The results demonstrate that the average productivity of protected sandy desert pastures reached 2.74 centners ha⁻¹, whereas continuously grazed pastures produced only 1.65 centners ha⁻¹. The highest soil moisture content was recorded within the 80–120 cm soil layer, ranging from 10.5% to 16.5%. Similarly, the average productivity of protected foothill (adyr) pastures amounted to 2.81 centners ha⁻¹, while continuously grazed sites yielded 1.58 centners ha⁻¹. Maximum soil moisture within the 80–120 cm soil layer varied between 7.2% and 7.6%. The findings indicate a close relationship between pasture productivity and soil moisture conditions, confirming that protected grazing regimes contribute significantly to maintaining pasture productivity and vegetation sustainability.