Mapping marginal lands in the Khorezm province (Aral Sea basin), prone to soil degradation

Abstract

Integrated system approach including innovative partnership, diverse technologies and appropriate policies is a key to manage dryland systems. Accurate identification and description of the marginal land is a prerequisite for integrated intervention. This report represents a part of the activities of the strategic research theme (SRT) #2 “Reducing vulnerability in agro-ecosystems affected by degradation of natural resources” in the Aral Sea Region. The main goal of this activity is identifying and implementing alternative land use options for a sustainable management of the marginal land resources in the three CA countries (Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan) for improving land productivity and livelihood of farmers and agro-pastoral communities and providing eco-systems services. The entire approach and concept for sustainable resource utilization is guided by the principle of efficiency: Making an effective use of marginal land while the resources saved can be more profitably concentrated on the productive croplands.