Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- Experts from the Institute for Macroeconomic and Regional Studies (IMRI) analyzed the possibilities for the effective use of degraded desert-steppe lands.

One of the ways to improve the environment and obtain additional economic growth is the restoration of degraded desert-steppe lands, putting them into economic circulation.

In Uzbekistan, a significant part of the degraded lands of the forest fund is located in the desert-steppe zones (8.7 million hectares). A high desertification index and low rainfall lead to a reduction in green cover, the destruction of desert animals and an ecological crisis in the soil in the form of dust.

To restore such lands in many countries, the phytomelioration method is used, which is based on the correct choice of plant and shrub species for planting on such types of lands.

Suitable phytomeliorant plants for the desert-steppe regions of Uzbekistan are saxaul, djuzgun, cherkez and annual ephemera. These plants have already been tested in the field on sandy-desert soils in the Jarkurgan and Termez districts of 

Surkhandarya region.

The positive results of the experiment showed that such a practice can be introduced in the desert-steppe regions of the Republic of Karakalpakstan and Bukhara, Navoi, Khorezm regions.

According to the forecast calculations of IMRI experts, it is possible to restore about 5 million hectares of degraded lands in the desert-steppe zones (PSZ) by replanting saxaul (forage yield 57 c/ha) and Circassian (18 c/ha).

This will create about 5,000 large sheep farms, increase the number of small cattle by 3 million heads, and create an additional 100,000 new jobs.

In addition, up to 10 tons of wood pulp can be obtained from 1 hectare of saxaul plantation, which will provide livestock farms with fuel in the winter.

Procurement of fodder base per 100 hectares of the PSH will allow keeping 20-30 heads of cattle or 60-90 heads of small ruminants. To improve the reclamation state of these territories, 100 heads of small cattle can be grazing alternately on an area of 300-350 hectares. (in this case, the pasture is given a 2-year rest period for natural recovery).

In general, the results of the study show that:

1. The environmental effect of the restoration of the PSZ will be to prevent the appearance of dust and pollen in the upper soil layer.

2. The economic effect will be obtained from the creation of new jobs in pasture areas; when harvesting and using high-quality wood for the production of furniture; harvesting and processing of waste wood into raw materials for fuel.