Problems of Sustainable Use and Management of Water and Land Resources in Uzbekistan

Rashid  Kulmatov

doi:10.4236/jwarp.2014.61006

Rashid Kulmatov^*

Abstract: In this paper, the problems of rational use, protection and management of water and irrigated land resources of Uzbekistan are discussed. Uzbekistan is using more than 50% water resources of the region and therefore it’s more vulnerable to the problems of water deficiency and pollution caused by mismanagement, use of outdated technologies, and climate change impact. Utilization of water resources on main branches of economy (irrigation, industry and drinking water supply) from 2000-2009 and in some cases beyond this period was analyzed. Based on the data analyzed, the conditions of irrigated land degradation in Uzbekistan are estimated. The results of this analysis suggest several possibilities toward a sustainable use of irrigated lands: i) reduction of the groundwater table depth; ii) decrease of the level of mineralization of groundwater, and iii) improvement of ameliorative conditions of irrigated lands. The causes resulting in degradation of the irrigated lands and practical measures on the reduction of salinization of the irrigated lands are also recommended.

Keywords: Water Resources; Irrigated Lands; Salinization; Mineralization; Uzbekistan

Cite this paper: R. Kulmatov, "Problems of Sustainable Use and Management of Water and Land Resources in Uzbekistan," Journal of Water Resource and Protection, Vol. 6 No. 1, 2014, pp. 35-42. doi: 10.4236/jwarp.2014.61006.

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