In accordance with the schedule of conferences, seminars, and field days, and based on the resolution of the Presidium of the Academy of Agricultural Sciences of Tajikistan, with the support of representatives of the Executive Body of State Authority of Nosiri Khusrav District of Khatlon Region, the Department of Soil Monitoring and Protection from Erosion organized a field day at the "Umedjon" Dehkan Farm on the topic: "Ways and Methods of Combating Wind Erosion under Climate Change Conditions in the Vakhsh Valley."
The event brought together scientists and specialists from the Academy of Agricultural Sciences of Tajikistan, the Institute of Soil Science and Agrochemistry, representatives of the agricultural sector of Nosiri Khusrav District, heads of dehkan farms, and local farmers.
During their presentations, the Director of the Institute, Zebinisso Bobokhoniyon, and Doctor of Agricultural Sciences Sharif Aminov emphasized that preventing land erosion is essential for the development of agriculture, improving soil fertility, producing high-quality agricultural products, enhancing the condition of both rainfed and irrigated lands, and preventing land degradation.
To strengthen cooperation between the Institute and land users, the Institute's scientists continuously carry out educational and outreach activities, and this field day served as one such initiative.
During the meeting, it was noted that the effective future use of degraded lands requires particular attention to anti-erosion measures and the application of mineral and organic fertilizers to increase crop yields and agricultural productivity. These measures play an important role in ensuring the country's food security, and their implementation, together with other agricultural development initiatives, is of primary importance for the Republic of Tajikistan.
Following discussions, a question-and-answer session, and the exchange of proposals on preventing erosion processes, including reducing the impact of strong winds and dust storms, the participants identified the following priority measures:
Efficient and rational use of degraded lands; combating land degradation processes; improving the fertility and productivity of degraded soils; implementing appropriate agrotechnical measures; obtaining two to three harvests from the same land through multiple cropping; and bringing idle lands back into agricultural production.
Providing farmers with practical advice and recommendations through open discussions and consultations held at times convenient for them.
At the same time, to conduct hydrophysical, biological, and agrochemical soil analyses, assess the actual fertility status of degraded lands, and determine appropriate management measures, the following recommendations were proposed:
Retaining crop residues (stubble) on the soil surface to reduce wind force and prevent the loss of soil particles;
Reducing wind speed by planting protective shrubs and shelterbelts;
Introducing soil-conserving crop rotations with perennial grasses and sequential cultivation of agricultural crops, as continuous vegetation cover effectively protects the soil from erosion, particularly wind erosion;
Planting tall-growing crops, such as maize and sunflower, on cultivated lands as buffer strips to reduce wind velocity and protect the soil from wind erosion.
