GIS-based evaluation and mapping of soil salinization: A case study of Khovos district, Syrdarya province, Uzbekistan

¹ National University of Uzbekistan named after Mirzo Ulugbek, University Street, 4, Tashkent, 100174, Uzbekistan
² Philipps-University of Marburg, Faculty of Geography, Deutschhausstr, 10, 35037, Marburg, Germany

^* Corresponding author: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Abstract

Unsustainable agricultural practices, including excessive irrigation and fertilization, lead to soil salinization in arid and semiarid regions. Understanding the spatial patterns of soil salinization is crucial for implementing effective land management strategies. In this study, we evaluated and mapped soil salinization, shallow groundwater table, and groundwater mineralization. In addition, the impact of groundwater mineralization on soil salinization has been assessed. The results revealed a declining trend in the groundwater table, with the majority of irrigated lands, exhibiting groundwater depths of 2-3 m. The groundwater mineralization has also presented a declining trend; however most irrigated lands have remained within the mineralization of 2–3 and 3–5 g/L. The irrigated lands across the district were slightly saline and moderately saline, although highly and extremely saline areas were present in 2020s. It was found that the slightly and moderately saline areas were driven by groundwater mineralization of 1–2 and 2–3 g/L, respectively, whereas groundwater mineralization of 3–5 g/L also played a major role in moderate soil salinization. The outcomes of this study could be used to reduce soil salinization risks.