Technologies

Afforestation for rehabilitation of degraded irrigated croplands (CACILM) [Uzbekistan]

Central Asia Countries' Initiatives for Land Management (CACILM)

technologies_1533 - Uzbekistan

Completeness: 82%

1. General information

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

Key resource person(s)

SLM specialist:
SLM specialist:

Khamzina Asiya

Project ZEF

Germany

Name of the institution(s) which facilitated the documentation/ evaluation of the Technology (if relevant)
Central Asian Countries Initiative for Sustainable Land Management - Multicountry Capacity Building (CACILM - MCB) - Kyrgyzstan
Name of the institution(s) which facilitated the documentation/ evaluation of the Technology (if relevant)
Research Institute of Karakul Breeding and Desert Ecology of Uzbekistan - Uzbekistan
Name of the institution(s) which facilitated the documentation/ evaluation of the Technology (if relevant)
Center for Development Research (ZEF) (Center for Development Research (ZEF)) - Germany

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

2. Description of the SLM Technology

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

Country:

Uzbekistan

Region/ State/ Province:

Uzbekistan / Korezm oblast

Further specification of location:

Yangibazar district

Specify the spread of the Technology:
  • evenly spread over an area
Comments:

Total area covered by the SLM Technology is 0.02 km2.

A plot of arable land was put out of agricultural production due to high salinity and water logging.

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. Classification of the SLM Technology

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

Cropland

Cropland

  • Annual cropping
  • Perennial (non-woody) cropping
  • Tree and shrub cropping
Annual cropping - Specify crops:
  • fibre crops - cotton
  • cereals - wheat (winter)
  • root/tuber crops - potatoes
  • melon, gourds
Tree and shrub cropping - Specify crops:
  • grapes
  • stone fruits (peach, apricot, cherry, plum, etc)
  • pome fruits (apples, pears, quinces, etc.)
Number of growing seasons per year:
  • 1
Specify:

Longest growing period in days: 230; Longest growing period from month to month: from October-June - winter wheat; Second longest growing period in days: 160; Second longest growing period from month to month: July-October - double crops following winter wheat

Grazing land

Grazing land

Animal type:
  • goats
  • cattle - dairy
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
Cropland

Cropland

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

vegetative measures

vegetative measures

  • V1: Tree and shrub cover
management measures

management measures

  • M1: Change of land use type
Comments:

Type of vegetative measures: aligned: -linear

3.7 Main types of land degradation addressed by the Technology

chemical soil deterioration

chemical soil deterioration

  • Cn: fertility decline and reduced organic matter content (not caused by erosion)
  • Cs: salinization/ alkalinization
physical soil deterioration

physical soil deterioration

  • Pw: waterlogging
biological degradation

biological degradation

  • Bl: loss of soil life
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. Technical specifications, implementation activities, inputs, and costs

4.1 Technical drawing of the Technology

Technical specifications (related to technical drawing):

Seedlings of different species are planted according to a 1х1,75 layout in unmixed rows with species alternating every 5-7 rows. As a result of gradual thinning in order to harvest the biomass, the width between rows increases up to 3-5 m, which is quite enough for mature trees

Location: Yangibazar district. Yangibazar district/Khorezm oblas

Date: 10-09-2011

Technical knowledge required for field staff / advisors: moderate

Technical knowledge required for land users: moderate

Main technical functions: improvement of ground cover, increase in organic matter, increase in nutrient availability (supply, recycling,…), increase of biomass (quantity)

Aligned: -linear
Vegetative material: T : trees / shrubs
Number of plants per (ha): 5714
Vertical interval between rows / strips / blocks (m): 0.0001
Spacing between rows / strips / blocks (m): 1.75
Width within rows / strips / blocks (m): 1

Trees/ shrubs species: Turanga poplar (P.euphratica), Siberian elm (U.pumila) planted

Fruit trees / shrubs species: oleaster (E.angustifolia) planted

Slope (which determines the spacing indicated above): 0.01%

Change of land use type: arable land changed to plantations of perennial trees

Author:

R. Ibragimov, UZGIP Institute, 44, Navoi str., Tashkent, Uzbekistan

4.2 General information regarding the calculation of inputs and costs

Specify currency used for cost calculations:
  • USD
other/ national currency (specify):

Узбекский сум

Indicate average wage cost of hired labour per day:

10.00

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. Natural and human environment

5.1 Climate

Annual rainfall
  • < 250 mm
  • 251-500 mm
  • 501-750 mm
  • 751-1,000 mm
  • 1,001-1,500 mm
  • 1,501-2,000 mm
  • 2,001-3,000 mm
  • 3,001-4,000 mm
  • > 4,000 mm
Specifications/ comments on rainfall:

Total amount of precipitation is 94mm/year. 70% of precipitation falls from November to March.

Agro-climatic zone
  • semi-arid

Thermal climate class: temperate. During 4 months. air t<5°Сand during 7 months. air tis>10°С

For 150 days

5.2 Topography

Slopes on average:
  • flat (0-2%)
  • gentle (3-5%)
  • moderate (6-10%)
  • rolling (11-15%)
  • hilly (16-30%)
  • steep (31-60%)
  • very steep (>60%)
Landforms:
  • plateau/plains
  • ridges
  • mountain slopes
  • hill slopes
  • footslopes
  • valley floors
Altitudinal zone:
  • 0-100 m a.s.l.
  • 101-500 m a.s.l.
  • 501-1,000 m a.s.l.
  • 1,001-1,500 m a.s.l.
  • 1,501-2,000 m a.s.l.
  • 2,001-2,500 m a.s.l.
  • 2,501-3,000 m a.s.l.
  • 3,001-4,000 m a.s.l.
  • > 4,000 m a.s.l.
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

Soil depth on average:
  • very shallow (0-20 cm)
  • shallow (21-50 cm)
  • moderately deep (51-80 cm)
  • deep (81-120 cm)
  • very deep (> 120 cm)
Soil texture (topsoil):
  • medium (loamy, silty)
  • fine/ heavy (clay)
Topsoil organic matter:
  • low (<1%)
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

Ground water table:

on surface

Availability of surface water:

excess

Water quality (untreated):

for agricultural use only (irrigation)

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

Species diversity:
  • low
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

Market orientation of production system:
  • mixed (subsistence/ commercial)
Off-farm income:
  • less than 10% of all income
Individuals or groups:
  • individual/ household
Level of mechanization:
  • manual work
  • mechanized/ motorized
Gender:
  • men
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

  • < 0.5 ha
  • 0.5-1 ha
  • 1-2 ha
  • 2-5 ha
  • 5-15 ha
  • 15-50 ha
  • 50-100 ha
  • 100-500 ha
  • 500-1,000 ha
  • 1,000-10,000 ha
  • > 10,000 ha
Is this considered small-, medium- or large-scale (referring to local context)?
  • medium-scale
Comments:

Average area of land owned or leased by land users applying the Technology: Also 5-15 ha

Currently, farm consolidation is ongoing

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

health:
  • poor
  • moderate
  • good
education:
  • poor
  • moderate
  • good
technical assistance:
  • poor
  • moderate
  • good
employment (e.g. off-farm):
  • poor
  • moderate
  • good
markets:
  • poor
  • moderate
  • good
energy:
  • poor
  • moderate
  • good
roads and transport:
  • poor
  • moderate
  • good
drinking water and sanitation:
  • poor
  • moderate
  • good
financial services:
  • poor
  • moderate
  • good

6. Impacts and concluding statements

6.1 On-site impacts the Technology has shown

Socio-economic impacts

Production

wood production

decreased
increased
Comments/ specify:

Construction wood in the outlook

production area

decreased
increased
Comments/ specify:

Abandoned land is returned into the agricultural production system

energy generation

decreased
increased
Comments/ specify:

Energy value of biomass obtained as a result of thinning of 5-year old plantations down to the density of 2300 trees/hectare was 8-19 ton/hectare.

Water availability and quality

demand for irrigation water

increased
decreased
Comments/ specify:

Irrigation of the plantations is done for 2 years at reduced rates

Income and costs

farm income

decreased
increased
Comments/ specify:

Unprofitable land would start bringing benefit

diversity of income sources

decreased
increased
Comments/ specify:

Construction and fuel wood, foliar forage for the animals

Socio-cultural impacts

health situation

worsened
improved
Comments/ specify:

Converting degraded arable land into forest plantation would improve the ecosystem, indirectly impacting people’s health

cultural opportunities

reduced
improved
Comments/ specify:

Land overgrown with weed plants becomes a green tree plantation

livelihood and human well-being

reduced
improved
Comments/ specify:

The technology in question provides additional income to the land users; improved environmental conditions indirectly facilitates an improvement in the population’s health.

Ecological impacts

Water cycle/ runoff

excess water drainage

reduced
improved
Comments/ specify:

Bio drainage through transpiration

Soil

soil cover

reduced
improved
Comments/ specify:

Salt efflorescence on the soil surface disappeared

nutrient cycling/ recharge

decreased
increased
Comments/ specify:

Increase of nitrogen level by 6-30% through nitrogen fixation by root nodule bacterium (in 5 years)

soil organic matter/ below ground C

decreased
increased
Comments/ specify:

Increase by 20% (2-7 t/hectare) in the form of fallen leaves (in 5 years)

Biodiversity: vegetation, animals

biomass/ above ground C

decreased
increased
Comments/ specify:

Growth of surface biomass is 20 t/hectare/year

Other ecological impacts

Carbon sequestration in biomass and soil

reduced
improved
Comments/ specify:

10-20t/hectare already on the 5th year of development

6.2 Off-site impacts the Technology has shown

impact of greenhouse gases

increased
reduced
Comments/ specify:

The reduction of atmospheric СО2.

Through sequestration in the biomass of tree plantations is a contribution to the common goal of addressing global warming

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)?
Short-term returns:

negative

Long-term returns:

very positive

How do the benefits compare with the maintenance/ recurrent costs (from land users' perspective)?
Short-term returns:

slightly positive

Long-term returns:

very positive

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. References and links

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)

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