Ecological Problems of Rational use of Water and Land Resources in Irrigated Agriculture

Abstract

Sustainable land and water management remains a fundamental pillar of agricultural development and environmental health, particularly in regions reliant on irrigated agriculture. In Uzbekistan and similar arid zones, irrigated farming is essential for food security, but it faces escalating ecological challenges such as land salinization, erosion, and declining soil fertility. Despite numerous governmental and local efforts to improve land use practices, there remains a critical shortfall in effectively mitigating degradation and ensuring long-term productivity of irrigated lands. This study examines the ecological issues arising from inefficient land and water use in irrigated agriculture and proposes scientifically grounded strategies for rational resource management. The findings reveal significant declines in land quality over recent decades, with increasing rates of salinization, erosion, and water misuse. Current land assessment data illustrate a marked reduction in high-quality arable land, underscoring the urgency for reform. The article synthesizes field research and national land data to highlight the interdependence of water and land in irrigation systems and introduces integrated, locally adaptable solutions—including the enhancement of cadastre data systems, regulated irrigation practices, and organic fertilization through crop-livestock integration. Implementing these strategies is essential not only for improving agricultural productivity but also for halting environmental degradation in irrigated zones. The study provides a practical foundation for policymakers, agronomists, and ecologists working to align agricultural practices with ecological sustainability.