Effects of mulching, terracing, and efficient irrigation on soil salinity reduction in Uzbekistan’s Fergana Valley

This study investigates the effects of mulching, terracing and efficient irrigation methods on soil salinity and agricultural sustainability in the Fergana Valley, Uzbekistan. We focus on a semi-arid region and investigate how integrated soil management techniques can mitigate soil degradation while improving crop productivity and water efficiency. Over a 10-year period, we have conducted field experiments to quantify changes in soil salinity, moisture retention and crop yields. The results show that organic mulching significantly lowers soil salinity and stabilizes soil moisture, while terracing reduces runoff and erosion on slopes. Efficient irrigation methods, especially the use of low mineralization water, also helped to control salinity and improve water use efficiency. The combined application of these practices led to a significant improvement in soil health and fertility, demonstrating their effectiveness in promoting sustainable agricultural practices. These results emphasize the need for integrated soil management strategies to combat soil salinization and support sustainable agriculture in drylands.

本研究以乌兹别克斯坦费尔干纳谷地为研究区域，探讨覆盖栽培（mulching）、梯田建设（terracing）与高效灌溉措施对土壤盐渍化（soil salinity）及农业可持续性的影响。研究聚焦半干旱区域，探究集成土壤管理技术如何在提升作物生产力与水分利用效率的同时，缓解土壤退化问题。本研究历经10年周期，开展田间试验以量化土壤盐渍化、土壤持水性与作物产量的变化情况。结果表明，有机覆盖栽培（organic mulching）可显著降低土壤盐渍化水平并稳定土壤水分，而梯田建设则可减少坡地地表径流与土壤侵蚀。高效灌溉措施，尤其是低矿化度水的施用，同样有助于调控土壤盐渍化并提升水分利用效率。上述措施的协同施用可显著改善土壤健康状况与肥力水平，证实了其在推广可持续农业实践中的应用成效。本研究结果凸显了集成土壤管理策略在干旱半干旱区防治土壤盐渍化、支撑农业可持续发展的必要性。