American Journal of Applied Science and Technology
16
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VOLUME
Vol.05 Issue 05 2025
PAGE NO.
16-20
10.37547/ajast/Volume05Issue05-05
Regionalization of Nature Conservation in The Fergana
Valley
Abdugaffor Abdujabbarovich Nazarov
Doctor of Geographical Sciences, Associate Professor, Namangan State University, Uzbekistan
Received:
08 March 2025;
Accepted:
05 April 2025;
Published:
07 May 2025
Abstract:
The use of natural resources, mitigation of natural and anthropogenic processes, and environmental
protection are inherently interrelated components of a unified and integrated system. These processes are most
effectively implemented within specific landscapes or groups of landscapes. The nature conservation aspect of this
system holds particular significance. This article examines such processes using the example of the Fergana Valley.
Keywords:
Landscape complexes of the Fergana Valley, sustainable use of natural resources, environmental
protection, regionalization, landscape, landscape resources, erosion and landslides, deflation, Chatkal-Kurama
mountainous area, Northern and Southern Fergana foothills, Syrdarya riverbank, Central Fergana plain nature
conservation regions.
Introduction:
In geoecological research, the classification,
stratification, and naming of regions have
consistently remained pressing and significant issues.
One example of this is the process of natural
geographical
regionalization.
Through
regionalization, it becomes possible to assess the
condition of specific natural geographic complexes,
develop and recommend relevant practical measures,
monitor their optimization potential, and forecast
their future prospects.
[H. Vakhobov, U. Yakubov. Fundamentals of
Recreational Geography. Textbook.
–
Tashkent, 2008.
–
p. 73.]
The diversity and distinct natural conditions of the
landscape complexes of the Fergana Valley have long
attracted the attention of many geographic
researchers. Since the early 20th century, natural
scientists have been engaged in the task of natural
geographical regionalization of Central Asia,
particularly the Fergana depression. Notable
contributions in this field were made by L.S. Berg
(1913), R.I. Abolin (1929), E.P. Korovin and A.N.
Rozanov (1938), V.M. Chetirkin (1947, 1960), E.M.
Murzaev (1953, 1958), and P.S. Makeev (1956), L.N.
Babushkin and N.A. Kogay (1961, 1963, 1964), V.M.
Chupakhin (1964), A.A. Abdulqosimov (1962, 1963,
1983), Yu. Sultanov (1965), R.I. Kholiqov (1988), A.G.
Isachenko (1991).The scientific studies of these and
other researchers are noteworthy. In order to ensure
nature conservation and the rational use of
resources, it is advisable to divide the territory into
specific segments based on landscape contours, and
to develop integrated economic activities in each
zone according to uniform principles of natural
resource utilization. This approach has been
examined using the Fergana Valley as a case
study.Like all regions of our Republic, the Fergana
Valley has been divided into six natural geographical
regions, taking into account the diversity of its natural
geographic conditions. These include:Western Alay,
Central Plain, Gavasay, Chatkal, Fergana, and Eastern
Alay regions.
For nature protection and rational use of resources, it
is advisable to divide the territory into separate parts
based on landscape contours and develop a complex
economy in them based on the principle of using the
same type of nature. The use of natural resources, the
fight against natural and anthropogenic processes,
and the protection of the environment are in fact a
complex, interconnected and unified process going in
one direction. Therefore, it is important that this
process takes place in the landscape or in the
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American Journal of Applied Science and Technology (ISSN: 2771-2745)
territories of their specific groups. The environmental
part of this system is of particular importance and
requires special research. Nature protection has a
multidisciplinary, broad and deep aspect, depending
on the structural dynamic features of landscapes, the
process of using nature and the activity of natural
phenomena (Akramov, Zolotorev, 1975; Kadyrov and
others, 1999).From this point of view, it is desirable
that this practical task be developed on the territory
of a landscape contour or a group of them, a nature
protection zone. Zoning should be based on the map
of natural geographical zoning and landscapes. L. N.
Bebushkin and N. A. kogay (1964) divided two
natural-geographical areas (Govasoy and Chatkal) on
the territory of Ферганаregion [1; 8
-b.].Using these
areas, we divided the conservation areas into 5 in a
scientific article prepared as part of the study:
Chatkal-Kurama Mountains;
Northern Fergana Foothills;
Southern Fergana Foothills;
Banks Of The Syrdarya River;
CentralFerganaPlains
These territories differ significantly in their landscape
structure, dynamic status, nature use, and nature
protection complex.We will focus on the issues of
nature protection in the process of nature
management the following nature protection
zones[3; p.22].
We will further examine the issues of environmental
protection in the process of natural resource use
within the designated nature conservation regions.
Chatkalo-Kurama nature conservation area
is
located in the northwestern part of the region,
occupying the mountain ranges of the same name.
Mountain landscapes are used in the field of grazing,
forestry, hunting, partial farming, forage production,
beekeeping, recreation, harvesting of medicinal herbs
and other areas. Due to the relatively high amount of
precipitation on the mountain slopes, they also
perform the function of collecting moisture.
Consequently, a large amount of moisture is obtained
through the river (Ahangaran) and small rivers
(Chodaksai, Sarvaksai, Gavasai, Rezaksai) for
irrigation; water resources in reservoirs (Kengkulsai,
Gavasai) are collected for agricultural irrigation
systems.In the mountainous region, pastures,
hayfields, water, hunting for wild animals, collecting
medicinal plants, trees and shrubs are widely and
frequently used. Because of such use, the receipt of
the product rationally and according to need, or in
other words, the order of rational use is
violated.Ontheotherhand,
qualityviolations,
wastefulnessareoccurred. In this regard, due to gross
errors in the use of pastures, their local productivity
decreases. Pasture degradation occurs over large
areas.
Due to the development of erosion and landslides,
the area of pastures decreases, and the depth of
bumpy terrain increases. This condition prevails on
moderately elevated mountain slopes. Due to the
continuous collection of medicinal herbs on the
slopes, sections of surface erosion areas are
formed.This is especially common near places of
population. The results of deepening and erosion of
ravines can be found in many areas where woody and
shrubby vegetation is cut down, as well as in areas
where pastures are used more intensively.
From the foregoing, it is clear that degradation in
mountainous regions, in particular, land degradation,
occurs as a result of deforestation, soil erosion and
landslides, improper use of pastures and hayfields,
and tree felling.As a result of the "tourist" activities of
short-term and multi-day travelers (Akhangaron
plateau, Kengkulsay, the upper Kuidaksay), various
incidents occur in small areas. In particular, because
of bonfire fires, forest fires, destruction of shrubs and
trees occur, and indiscriminate hunting of wild
animals takes place.
In mountainous areas it is necessary to protect
nature, first of all, to use pastures correctly,
completely abandon the practice of chaotic haying,
do not pasture cattle in one place for a long time,
change pastures in certain areas depending on
ripening.It is necessary to stop the felling of trees and
shrubs, to carry out the procedure of felling dry trees.
Trees and shrubs regulate the water regime, prevent
the formation of erosion and landslides, and
significantly reduce the occurrence of floods.For this
purpose, it is of practical importance that both sides
of the main road leading to the Kamchik pass were
fenced off with protective forest stands.The
southwestern slopes of the Sattortov mountains, as
well as the area around the villages of Chorkesar,
Madaniyat, Parda Tursun, should be surrounded by
protective forest stands.Also, the mountain slope of
the route leading to the pass should be developed by
forest melioration on the basis of a special program
and project, and engineering structures should be
built against erosion and avalanches [3; p.30].
The conservation area of Northern Fergana adyrs
occupy the hilly area of the region. In hilly areas, the
gap between the adyrs and the plains beyond the
adyrs, where nature changed the most, is actively
used in irrigated agriculture. Now adyrs themselves
are developed in convenient places and used for
agricultural purposes.The western part of the region
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American Journal of Applied Science and Technology (ISSN: 2771-2745)
consists of pastures undeveloped due to lack of
water. There are many settlements in the adyr region,
which are also considered residential complexes and
are an integral part of the region.According to the
relief features of the region, in conditions of irrigated
agriculture, taking into account meteorological
factors, one can feel the widespread development of
floods, hail, and erosion in the area. In other words,
the Adyr region is a place of formation and
development of the erosion process.According to A.
Kazakov and others (2001), 36.7 percent of the slope
of the region corresponds to plains with 0-1 degrees,
this region does not need anti-erosion measures, and
the area with a slope of 1-3 degrees is 10.7 percent.
Площадьсуклоном 3
-
5 и 5
-
7 градусовсоставляет 19
процентов.Theselandscorrespondtoirrigatedarablela
nds[3; -s 32.].Anti-erosion measures are required: the
slope of the remaining land exceeds 7 degrees and is
typical of hills and mountains. In this case, first of all,
it is necessary to conduct regular irrigation practices
using anti-erosion measures.G. M. Makhsudov (1989)
proposes the following to prevent soil erosion: 1)
reduce the transverse slope of the slopes; 2) increase
soil resistance to erosion and the fertility of washed
soils; 3) the choice of soil protection methods and the
use of irrigation equipment.
Deepening, erosion of ravines are typical for this
region. A small ravine, which begins as a result of
water discharge, is completely formed during the
flood process, becomes complex and enters the
phase of degradation. Ravines are more common in
the valleys of Podshota, Chartaksay, Kasansay. Dry
streams and ravines of various sizes in the west were
formed as a result of the activities of temporary
streams (the area between Chodaksai and Uygursai),
starting from the slopes of the Kurama mountain
range. Because of erosion of undeveloped adyrs,
bumpiness and depth, as well as density on an area of
1 ha, are very large, which is completely unsuitable
for agriculture. Given the current situation, it is
important to apply a set of measures against erosion,
erosion of ravines, mudflows and floods in the area.
Artificial recesses are available to discharge
mudflows, but more special water collection facilities
will be required.In connection with the development
of adyrs, the level of groundwater in the lands behind
adyrs increases, in some places soil salinization
occurs, therefore, it is necessary to optimally use
water during irrigation. During watering on adyrs, a
lot of water is absorbed into the soil, and in other
places, especially behind adyrs, water accumulates
and affects the salinization of the soil. Currently, the
process of soil salinization is developing and is
entering the stage of formation. Therefore, it is
necessary to identify regional causes on the ground
and take special measures.In this conservation area,
in the valleys of large and small rivers, there are
settlements and cities (Yangikurgan, Kasansay, Chust,
Olmos, Gova, Varzik, Iskovat, etc.). In the irrigated
part of this region, they, in this respect, in appearance
and form, merge with the surrounding oasis. In the
west, in the desert, settlements form oases of
different sizes and shapes, and this feature is radically
different from the surrounding steppe. Due to
pastoralism, residential landscapes are small and
scattered, and the development of erosion processes
requires the study of this territory within this region.
In the Southern Fergana Foothills Nature
Conservation Region
, the following foothill zones
stretch from west to east: Rapkon, Sarisuv, Sokh-
Rishton, Chimgan, Khonqiz, Avval-Arsiv, Kuva,
Andijan, Asaka, Polvontos, Southern Olamushuk, and
Khonobod. These areas constitute the primary land
fund of the Fergana and Andijan regions.In the Sokh-
Rishton foothills, lands that can be irrigated using
canals diverted from the Sokh River have been more
intensively developed. These areas are home to
orchards and are used for the cultivation of cereal
grains, melons, and other agricultural crops.
Additionally,
orchards,
forested
areas,
and
recreational zones are widely found in the Polvontos
and Andijan foothill groups.
To facilitate land development and utilization, various
land leveling activities are carried out, including deep
soil excavation, vertical ploughing, the construction
of ridge beds, and irrigation. However, practices such
as cultivating water-intensive crops, over-irrigation,
and failure to prevent soil erosion have led to
increased risks of soil degradation and the disruption
of irrigation systems. эThe
absence of anti-erosion
measures, inadequate management of water
discharge, and the uncontrolled diversion of runoff
into dry channels, ravines, and gullies between water
distribution points have led to concerning
developments. As a result, the geoecological and
meliorative condition of more than 150,000 hectares
of land in the Southern Fergana foothills has
deteriorated.These negative processes have caused
widespread soil erosion and thinning of the soil cover
across the entire study area, although the degree of
degradation varies by location. In some places, the
topsoil has been completely washed away, exposing
the underlying strata of gypsum and gravel deposits.
Erosion has also led to the formation and expansion
of gullies, landslides, and surface collapse zones.The
foothill region represents one of the most sensitive
zones of the valley, where any intervention has a
cascading effect not only on the foothills themselves
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American Journal of Applied Science and Technology (ISSN: 2771-2745)
but also on downstream areas. Therefore, land
development and utilization in the foothills must be
approached with extreme caution.To maintain or
improve the overall eco-meliorative condition of the
Southern Fergana foothill systems, the following
measures are essential: strict control over irrigation
regimes, water supply through anti-filtration lined
canals, prevention of unregulated water discharges,
differentiated water distribution for each foothill or
group of foothills, based on: lithological composition
of the land, topsoil thickness, depth and
concentration of gypsum layers and slope gradients.
Additionally, gypsum-exposed surfaces should not be
irrigated. Ridge beds must be formed along horizontal
contour lines with minimal slope, and terracing and
sodding of slopes should be carried out to prevent
gully expansion and stabilize the terrain with
vegetation.
The coastal conservation area on the Syrdarya banks
occupies the current river valley. The valley is
engaged in irrigated agriculture, animal husbandry,
hunting and other industries, oil and construction
materials are extracted. As a result of the economic
activity of the population, the processes of erosion,
deflation, suffusion, landslides, and waterlogging
developed
on
a
regional
scale.
Heavyrainsoftencausefloodingandhailinthespring.Re
gular disappearing and erosion of the riverbank is a
natural phenomenon that allows us to study the
Syrdarya valley as a conservation area. The proper
use of water and land in the valley can solve many
problems. Since the groundwater level lies on the
surface, hydromorphic irrigation when applying the
reclamation regime and establishing water standards
for irrigation of crops requires special care.Excessive
irrigation with water in this mode further enhances
the hydromorphic properties of the soil. Even if saline
does not accumulate, the physicochemical quality of
the soil is deteriorated. Erosion along the banks of the
Syrdarya is strong. Starting from the Namangan
meridian, the riverbed takes a curved shape, which
enhances the process of washing out the banks on
steep lines, accelerating landslides and erosion on
steep
slopes.
Thisprocessintensifiedbecauseofthedestructionoftug
aithickets.The main goal is the restoration of ancient
shrub groves 1000-2000 m wide. The main object of
erosion is the confluence of terraces I and II, the most
acute of which is the steep slope from terrace II to
terrace III. Water discharges formed ravines of
various sizes during leaching on sharply defined
slopes. Covering such areas with trees 25-50 m wide
prevents erosion, and leaching stops.
In the valley, there are large settlements, towns,
regional centers, villages. They occupy cone-shaped
branches of large and small rivers, for example,
Namangan, Uchkurgan, Chartak, Turakurgan, Pap,
etc. In connection with the conical distribution of
rivers and streams flowing from the north of the
Syrdarya and crossing the III terrace, their
reclamation state is somewhat better. The shape of
the intersection is well defined. The reclamation state
of the conical floods of the rivers formed on the II
terrace of the valley is also not bad.They do not
observe a natural pattern during the conical spill in
Kokand, so salinization of the soil does not occur. The
regular use of a set of measures against erosion and
deflation, floods and other dynamic processes in the
environmental zone leads to their optimization.
Consequently, the preservation of the natural
environment and increased crop yields were
achieved.
Central Fergana Plain Nature Conservation Region
The Central Fergana Plain Nature Conservation
Region occupies part of the territories of Fergana,
Andijan, and Namangan provinces. It is situated on
the vast third terrace of the Syrdarya River and
represents an alluvial-proluvial plain. The region's
relief is diverse, featuring sandy areas, saline lands,
and low-lying undulating terrain. The dominant
landform is a sandy plain, characterized by dunes and
barchans. For example, the area on the left side of the
Kokand
–
Tashkent highway consists of extensive sand
masses covered by scattered shrub-like vegetation
formations [4; pp. 28
–
45].The Central Fergana Plain is
primarily composed of fluvial deposits, although in
some places swampy, saline, and sandy soils, as well
as dune hills and fluvial depressions, are observed
—
formed as a result of both river processes and wind
action. The groundwater table lies close to the
surface and is highly mineralized, contributing to the
salinization and waterlogging of the soils in the
region.
At present, a large portion of the Central Fergana
lands has been developed and transformed into
cultural landscapes, and is primarily used for pasture-
based livestock farming and partially irrigated
agriculture. In the Fergana Valley, flat plains are often
covered by sandy soils, which contribute to the
formation of extensive saline fields.
Saline and salinized soils are predominantly
distributed along the margins of the alluvial fans of
the Sokh, Isfayram, Altyaryk, and Margilan-
Isfayramsay rivers, as well as in the interfan
depressions. In addition, these soils occupy large
areas of ancient alluvial plains.The main source of salt
in all saline and salinized soils is mineralized
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American Journal of Applied Science and Technology (ISSN: 2771-2745)
groundwater, which is characterized by its proximity
to the land surface.
Meadow soil oases, where barchan sands and
halophytic saline soils coexist, are found on the upper
terrace, specifically the second terrace of the
Syrdarya River, as well as in the newly cultivated lands
along the Sokh, Isfara, Isfayram, and Shohimardon
floodplains. Each sand massif in Central Fergana has a
unique origin and developmental history. Major sand
massifs in the region include Khojaduvanaqum,
Bulbultepa, Bostanbobo, and Sarsonqum. The sands
in Damkul, Sarisuv, Achchiqqol, and Sarsonqum
originated as a result of the deflation of ancient
alluvial deposits of the Syrdarya. In Central Fergana,
due to low precipitation, long hot seasons, and the
shallow depth of mineralized groundwater, the
decomposition and breakdown of materials occur
under conditions of intense biological activity, which
leads to minimal accumulation of organic matter. As
a result, the humus content in meadow soils is
notably low.The region is located between drainage
collectors such as Shimoliy Bagdad, Achchiqqol-
Rishton-Bagdad, Qoraqalpoq, and Oqoltin, which has
necessitated the installation of numerous zovur
(drainage) networks.Among natural processes,
deflation is predominant in this region. The sandy
relief forms were established earlier and are now
increasingly being stabilized through reclamation
efforts involving psammophyte species. At present,
the main conservation priority in this area is to
reinforce sand stability and to ensure that desert land
reclamation is carried out in an orderly and planned
manner.Additionally, preventing the degradation of
sandy areas by grazing livestock is a critical issue.
Expanding reclamation through psammophyte-based
afforestation is highly significant. When these plants
are placed according to a well-developed land use
plan, the results are much more effective.Moreover,
the growth of ephemeral and ephemeroid plants
beneath shrubs such as white saxaul, cherkez, and
kandym helps enhance dune stability.
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