Land degradation in Uzbekistan: key challenges and sustainable solutions

Land degradation poses significant challenges to food security, biodiversity and ecosystem sustainability, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions like Uzbekistan. Modern agriculture with advanced science-driven innovations such as conservation agriculture (CA), digital technology and nanotechnology offer viable solutions to mitigate soil degradation, enhance resource efficiency, and promote sustainable agricultural systems. CA operating on three core principles, is effective in reducing land degradation and enhancing overall soil fertility. Digital technology employs AI-driven data analytics, advanced irrigation techniques, and soil monitoring systems to optimize farming efficiency, while nanotechnology contributes to improved plant nutrient uptake, reduced fertilizer losses, and enhanced soil health. The study employed remote sensing and GIS techniques, integrating Landsat data, soil metrics, and climate records to analyze land degradation through NDVI trends, land use dynamics, and statistical correlations. It turned out that more than 50 percent of the land of the Republic of Uzbekistan was degraded and soil humus content across the region declined by 1.3–1.5 times between 1990 and 2020. Furthermore, soil salinity increased considerably in several areas: in Jizzakh from 30.6 to 63.6%; in Namangan from 18.9 to 35.1%; in Ferghana from 13 to 45.1% during this period. These alarming indicators are intended for the region to set necessary restoration measures and adequate metrics to reduce the extent of land degradation. The integration of remote sensing technologies and vegetation index data enables quantitative assessments of soil degradation, facilitating evidence-based land management strategies. Furthermore, implementing sustainable land management (SLM) approaches, such as agroforestry, conservation agriculture, and water saving technologies enhance soil resilience, and carbon sequestration, thereby mitigating the negative effects of climate change. Although innovative agricultural technologies have immense potential for upgrading farming practices, challenges remain in their large-scale implementation, long-term environmental sustainability, governance, and farmer adoption. Addressing these challenges necessitates comprehensive policy frameworks, effective governance, financial incentives, and capacity-building programs for rural communities. Therefore, this study underscores the urgent need for integrated, climate-smart agricultural approaches to restore degraded lands, enhance soil productivity, and foster a sustainable, resilient food system in Uzbekistan.