The Modern Problems of Sustainable Use and Management of Irrigated Lands on the Example of the Bukhara Region (Uzbekistan)

Abstract

The Central Asian lowlands are characterized by an arid and continental climate. At the same time, the large streams and rivers have been providing water for the development of flourishing oases and extensive irrigated farming areas. Bukhara is one of those oases. The population of 1.7 mln. and especially the agricultural sector (with an irrigated area of 275,000 ha) use a considerable amount of water. But as the flat topography does not provide sufficient natural drainage, water logging and raising groundwater tables have become serious problems for the agricultural productivity. The combination of the high salinity of the irrigation water and the generous application of fertilizers leads to a widespread soil salinization. Excessive leaching is supposed to reduce the top soil salinity, but as the drainage system is only covering a small portion of the irrigated areas and is in need of maintenance, this process only contributes to the ongoing salinization and the reduction of soil fertility and crop yields. The data presented here for the years 2000 to 2013 indicate that the groundwater table is rising throughout the region while the groundwater salinity is decreasing. The soil salinity on the other hand is, after an improvement during the first half of the study period, slightly increasing since 2009, which also is reflected in the slight worsening of the condition of the reclaimed land during the same period.