1.2 Contact details of resource persons and institutions involved in the assessment and documentation of the Technology

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1.3 Conditions regarding the use of data documented through WOCAT

The compiler and key resource person(s) accept the conditions regarding the use of data documented through WOCAT:

Yes

1.5 Reference to Questionnaire(s) on SLM Approaches (documented using WOCAT)

2.1 Short description of the Technology

Definition of the Technology:

A plantation of salinity-tolerant tree species, mostly having nitrogen fixing and high biodrainage capability, is created in a plot of arable land, out of use due to high salinity and water logging in order to restore productive functions of the land.

2.2 Detailed description of the Technology

Description:

Uzbekistan has many places where growing of staple crops in degraded (marginal) arable land is unprofitable, and even detrimental. Planting multi-purpose tree species in such lands can facilitate soil fertility restoration and the re-initiation of agricultural production. Abandoned land starts producing financial benefits by providing the population with wood for fuel and construction, medicines, edible fruits, foliar forage and other products. The effective selection of tree species can improve ecological services such as the reduction of water logging through transpiration (biodrainage); reduction of soil salinity, increase of soil nitrogen availability through nitrogen fixing and organic matter from leaf litter. In the long run, the plots of land may again be returned into the category of arable land (rotational agroforestry) or continue being used for forest plantations (in the frame of CACILM).

Purpose of the Technology: To increase the productivity of agricultural lands, rehabilitate agroecosystems and improve rural livelihoods through introduction of tree plantations on agricultural land

Establishment / maintenance activities and inputs: The most important component for the creation of tree plantations in marginal land is the selection of multi-purpose tree species with a variety of criteria, the main ones being salinity and drought tolerance as well as high biodrainage and nitrogen fixing capacity. Recommendations for Khorezm include three species, namely: oleaster (Elaeagnus angustifolia) a nitrogen fixing species, Turanga poplar (Populus euphratica) a fast-growing species, and Siberian elm (Ulmus pumila) a resilient species. Land preparation includes plot leveling, plowing and the leaching of salt. Seedlings of different species are planted according to a 1х1.75 m layout of unmixed rows, with species alternating every 5-7 rows. Dense planting allows for the harvesting of biomass by thinning the first years’ growth (for fuel and foliar forage). Gradually, the width between each row increases up to 3-5 meters. In the future, biomass is harvested through the sustainable trimming of tree limbs. During the first 2 years, a reduced irrigation rate is applied (10-30% less). After that, no irrigation is applied and trees are sustained by groundwater

Natural / human environment: The technology is adapted to the conditions of Khorezm oblast, Uzbekistan, an ancient irrigated oasis in the lower reaches of the Amu Darya River. The area features an extremely flat terrain with poor drainage of groundwater. Due to natural conditions and improper use of water and land resources, the land is affected by high salinity and water logging. The main occupation of the local population is the cultivation of cotton, winter wheat, vegetables, gourds and melons. Farmers, the main landowners, own the land on the basis of long-term rent. For the farmers, reclamation through agroforestry is an inexpensive and uncomplicated technology for combating land degradation, which they can introduce independently and receive economic benefits

2.3 Photos of the Technology

2.5 Country/ region/ locations where the Technology has been applied and which are covered by this assessment

2.6 Date of implementation

If precise year is not known, indicate approximate date:

• less than 10 years ago (recently)

2.7 Introduction of the Technology

Specify how the Technology was introduced:

• through projects/ external interventions

Comments (type of project, etc.):

Introduced under the project of UNESCO/ ZEF (Bonn)/Urgench University in 2003

3.1 Main purpose(s) of the Technology

• improve production
• reduce, prevent, restore land degradation

3.2 Current land use type(s) where the Technology is applied

Land use mixed within the same land unit:

Yes

Specify mixed land use (crops/ grazing/ trees):

• Agroforestry

Comments:

Major land use problems (compiler’s opinion): It is difficult to rehabilitate saline marginal lands using common methods of winter-spring leaching.

Major land use problems (land users’ perception): Salinity is hard to address.

Mixed: (eg agro-pastoralism, silvo-pastoralism): Cows and goats are prevalent.

Grazingland comments: Within the irrigated zone, livestock grazes on the isolation space along canals, roads and collectors. There are no specialized pastures.

Future (final) land use (after implementation of SLM Technology): Mixed: Mf: Agroforestry

Type of cropping system and major crops comments: 70-80% of irrigated plough land is occupied by cotton and winter wheat in almost equal proportion

Livestock is grazing on crop residues

Type of grazing system comments: Within the irrigated zone, livestock grazes on the isolation space along canals, roads and collectors. There are no specialized pastures.

3.3 Has land use changed due to the implementation of the Technology?

Has land use changed due to the implementation of the Technology?

• Yes (Please fill out the questions below with regard to the land use before implementation of the Technology)

Land use mixed within the same land unit:

Yes

Specify mixed land use (crops/ grazing/ trees):

• Agroforestry

Comments:

Future (final) land use (after implementation of SLM Technology): Mixed: Mf: Agroforestry

Type of cropping system and major crops comments: 70-80% of irrigated plough land is occupied by cotton and winter wheat in almost equal proportion

Livestock is grazing on crop residues

Type of grazing system comments: Within the irrigated zone, livestock grazes on the isolation space along canals, roads and collectors. There are no specialized pastures.
If land use has changed due to the implementation of the Technology, indicate land use before implementation of the Technology:

Cropland: Ca: Annual cropping

3.4 Water supply

Water supply for the land on which the Technology is applied:

• full irrigation

3.5 SLM group to which the Technology belongs

• improved ground/ vegetation cover
• improved plant varieties/ animal breeds

3.6 SLM measures comprising the Technology

Comments:

Type of vegetative measures: aligned: -linear

3.7 Main types of land degradation addressed by the Technology

Comments:

Main type of degradation addressed: Cn: fertility decline and reduced organic matter content, Pw: waterlogging, Bl: loss of soil life

Secondary types of degradation addressed: Cs: salinisation / alkalinisation

Main causes of degradation: other human induced causes (specify) (Inadequate operation of artificial drainage, nonobservance of irrigation rates), other natural causes (avalanches, volcanic eruptions, mud flows, highly susceptible natural resources, extreme topography, etc.) specify (Highly complicated conditions for ground water drainage due to the flatness of the terrain (almost zero slope)), poverty / wealth (Insufficient funds for rehabilitation and maintenance of irrigation and drainage infrastructure)

Secondary causes of degradation: soil management (Failure to follow agrotechnical practices for the treatment of soil), education, access to knowledge and support services (Low capacity of the land users)

3.8 Prevention, reduction, or restoration of land degradation

Specify the goal of the Technology with regard to land degradation:

• restore/ rehabilitate severely degraded land

Comments:

Secondary goals: prevention of land degradation, mitigation / reduction of land degradation

4.1 Technical drawing of the Technology

4.2 General information regarding the calculation of inputs and costs

Specify currency used for cost calculations:

• USD

other/ national currency (specify):

Узбекский сум

4.3 Establishment activities

	Activity	Timing (season)
1.	Leveling	Autumn
2.	Tillage	Autumn
3.	Leaching	February - March
4.	Chiseling	March
5.	Planting	March

4.4 Costs and inputs needed for establishment

	Specify input	Unit	Quantity	Costs per Unit	Total costs per input	% of costs borne by land users
Labour	Leveling	machine/hr/ha	1.5	9.6	14.4	100.0
Labour	Tillage	machine/hr/ha	1.5	19.266	28.9	100.0
Labour	Leaching	machine/hr/ha	4.4	2.75	12.1	100.0
Labour	Chiseling	machine/hr/ha	1.0	11.6	11.6	100.0
Plant material	Seedlimgs	pieces/ha	5714.0	0.57777	3301.38
Construction material	Labour: Leaching	persons/day/ha	0.5	11.6	5.8	100.0
Construction material	Labour: Planting	persons/day/ha	115.0	1.507	173.3
Total costs for establishment of the Technology					3547.48
Total costs for establishment of the Technology in USD					3547.48

Comments:

Duration of establishment phase: 3 month(s)

4.5 Maintenance/ recurrent activities

	Activity	Timing/ frequency
1.	Irrigations and care	5-6 times. vegetation

4.6 Costs and inputs needed for maintenance/ recurrent activities (per year)

	Specify input	Unit	Quantity	Costs per Unit	Total costs per input	% of costs borne by land users
Labour	Irrigations and care	machine/hr/ha	270.0	0.963	260.01	100.0
Labour	Irrigations and care	persons/day/ha	6.0	3.133	18.8	100.0
Total costs for maintenance of the Technology					278.81
Total costs for maintenance of the Technology in USD					278.81

Comments:

The cost is estimated per hectare (as of 2009). Current costs are defined based on the assumption that irrigation and care will be provided by a single person over 9 months. After 2 years, irrigation ceases and the trees must survive in the natural habitat.

4.7 Most important factors affecting the costs

Describe the most determinate factors affecting the costs:

Most costs are incurred in the procurement of seedlings. The cost of hired labour required to plant the seedlings is also high. However, the tradition of community-based voluntary activities to help implement social projects (the khashars) may help in reducing the cost of planting considerably.

5.1 Climate

5.2 Topography

Comments and further specifications on topography:

Slopes on average: This terrain has practically zero slope

Altitudinal zone: Elevation above sea level is about 100 m.

5.3 Soils

If available, attach full soil description or specify the available information, e.g. soil type, soil PH/ acidity, Cation Exchange Capacity, nitrogen, salinity etc.

Soil depth on average: Deep grassland-alluvial soils

Soil texture (topsoil): Medium- and light-loamy, layered soils with stratums of clay (medium) and loamy soils with stratums of sand (fine/heavy)

Topsoil organic matter: Topsoil organic matter is approximately 0.7-0.8%

Soil fertility is low (20-30 points from a 100- point scale)

Soil drainage / infiltration is poor (soil water permeability is around 3mm/hr due to compaction)

Soil water storage capacity is medium (minimum water retention capacity of the soil is 20-30% of the volume)

5.4 Water availability and quality

Comments and further specifications on water quality and quantity:

Ground water table: 50-80 cm from the surface

Availability of surface water: In March, after leaching of the soil from salinity and during the summer during the irrigation period

Water quality (untreated): Mineralization is 3-4 g/liter

5.5 Biodiversity

Comments and further specifications on biodiversity:

After the withdrawal of the plot from agricultural production, vegetation is mainly pseudo steppe weeds.

5.6 Characteristics of land users applying the Technology

Indicate other relevant characteristics of the land users:

Land users applying the Technology are mainly common / average land users

Population density: 200-500 persons/km2

Annual population growth: 1% - 2%

Market orientation of production system: Part of the output is sold in bazars and part of the output is consumed by the household

Level of mechanization: Tractor and agricultural implements: plow. chisel. how. harrow. planting machine. Manual work is used to care after the crops (weeding. thinning).

5.7 Average area of land used by land users applying the Technology

5.8 Land ownership, land use rights, and water use rights

Land ownership:

• state

Land use rights:

• leased
• individual

Comments:

Farmers own the land on the basis of long-term (50 years) rent without the right of sale and inheritance. Dekhkan households (up to 2 hectares) have private ownership of the land

5.9 Access to services and infrastructure

6.1 On-site impacts the Technology has shown

Socio-economic impacts

Production

Water availability and quality

Income and costs

Socio-cultural impacts

Ecological impacts

Water cycle/ runoff

Soil

Biodiversity: vegetation, animals

Other ecological impacts

6.2 Off-site impacts the Technology has shown

6.3 Exposure and sensitivity of the Technology to gradual climate change and climate-related extremes/ disasters (as perceived by land users)

Gradual climate change

Gradual climate change

	Season	increase or decrease	How does the Technology cope with it?
annual temperature		increase	not known

Climate-related extremes (disasters)

Meteorological disasters

	How does the Technology cope with it?
local rainstorm	not known
local windstorm	not known

Climatological disasters

	How does the Technology cope with it?
drought	not known

Hydrological disasters

	How does the Technology cope with it?
general (river) flood	not known

Other climate-related consequences

Other climate-related consequences

	How does the Technology cope with it?
reduced growing period	not known
Reduction of ground water tabl	not well

Comments:

The reduction of ground water table to below 3-5 meters would be a problem, because after 2 years, irrigation ceases and the trees must sustain themselves on groundwater

6.4 Cost-benefit analysis

How do the benefits compare with the establishment costs (from land users’ perspective)?

How do the benefits compare with the maintenance/ recurrent costs (from land users' perspective)?

Comments:

In the short run, the benefit is brought in the form of foliar forage and fuel wood from thinning of plantations, while in the long term the benefits include wood for construction.

6.5 Adoption of the Technology

• single cases/ experimental

If available, quantify (no. of households and/ or area covered):

1 household

Of all those who have adopted the Technology, how many did so spontaneously, i.e. without receiving any material incentives/ payments?

• 0-10%

Comments:

1 land user families have adopted the Technology with external material support

There is no trend towards spontaneous adoption of the Technology

Comments on adoption trend: Possibly, rent-based land use does not stimulate farmers to make long-term investments. Farmers lack an understanding that abandoned lands may bring benefits to the owner in the long run, during the first 3-5 years. The method needs to be promoted.

6.7 Strengths/ advantages/ opportunities of the Technology

Strengths/ advantages/ opportunities in the land user’s view
An easy way to restore land productivity How can they be sustained / enhanced? Assistance in organizing the planting (seedlings) and increasing knowledge on afforestation

Strengths/ advantages/ opportunities in the compiler’s or other key resource person’s view
Restored production of abandoned land using a simple method. This technology is based on traditional methods in tree cultivation. How can they be sustained / enhanced? To conduct propaganda and agitation among the farmers to use agroforestry on the degraded lands
Local material (tree species) were used. How can they be sustained / enhanced? To select trees of native species with the desired properties
Tree plantations were created using a low amount of irrigation water. How can they be sustained / enhanced? To teach the farmers to apply reduced volume of irrigation
Represents inexpensive and ecologically friendly means to combat water logging using bio drainage. How can they be sustained / enhanced? To use trees with high biodrainage capacity
Has multiple purposes: ecological benefits include carbon sequestration and improvement of soil quality, economic ones include resources for fuel and construction, as well as additional livestock forage. How can they be sustained / enhanced? To promote among the farmers the advantages and benefits of technology

6.8 Weaknesses/ disadvantages/ risks of the Technology and ways of overcoming them

Weaknesses/ disadvantages/ risks in the land user’s view	How can they be overcome?
No extra funds for long-term investment	Financial assistance from the government

Weaknesses/ disadvantages/ risks in the compiler’s or other key resource person’s view	How can they be overcome?
Long period of waiting for the main benefits.	During the first few years, it is possible to grow salt-tolerant crops in the inter-row space. Due to the thinning and pruning dense plantation will give fuels, livestock feed and reduce the waiting period for main benefits
Insufficient interest/motivation in farmers.	Encouraging farmers, rehabilitating marginal lands

7.1 Methods/ sources of information

7.2 References to available publications

Title, author, year, ISBN:

A.Khamzina, J.P.A.Lamers 2011, Conversion of degraded arable land to forest plantations for the agroecosystem rehabilitation and improving population livelihood. A chapter in the book: “Cotton, Water, Salt and Som ”- Economic and Ecological Restructuring of Land- and Water Use in the Region Khorezm (Uzbekistan). A Pilot Project Springer. DOI 10.1007/978-94-007-1963-7_15 (in English)