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AGROTECHNOLOGY OF SUNFLOWER CULTIVATION IN THE KHOREZM
REGION AND ITS IMPORTANCE IN AGRICULTURE
Avazmetova Intizor Rajapboyevna
Associate Professor, Department of Biology, Urgench State University
named after Abu Rayhon Beruni
Rakhimova Klara Khasan qizi
Master’s Student, Urgench State University
named after Abu Rayhon Beruni
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.15770705
Abstract:
This article explores the agrotechnical aspects of sunflower (Helianthus
annuus L.) cultivation under the agro-climatic conditions of the Khorezm region. Based on
field observations and experimental data from local farms, the research focuses on the effects
of variety selection, optimal sowing time, fertilization, irrigation, and crop maintenance on
yield performance. The results demonstrate that adopting science-based agrotechnological
practices significantly improves crop productivity and contributes to the development of the
regional oilseed sector. Notably, the "Turan" variety was identified as highly compatible with
Khorezm’s climate and provided superior yields. The article further highlights the socio-
economic and food security relevance of sunflower cultivation in Uzbekistan's agricultural
sector.
Keywords:
Sunflower, agrotechnology, Khorezm region, oil crops, yield, fertilization,
irrigation, variety selection, food security.
1. Introduction.
Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) is one of the world's leading oilseed crops, cultivated
for its high-quality edible oil and protein-rich by-products used in livestock feed. According to
FAO data, global sunflower seed production exceeded 50 million tonnes in 2022, indicating its
growing demand in both the food and industrial sectors [1].
In Uzbekistan, particularly in the Khorezm region, increasing demand for vegetable oils
and oilseed products has prompted local authorities and farmers to expand sunflower
cultivation. However, successful production requires an in-depth understanding of local agro-
climatic conditions and the application of suitable agrotechnical measures. This study
investigates the implementation of optimal agronomic practices in sunflower cultivation in
Khorezm, emphasizing the region-specific factors that affect productivity.
2. Materials and Methods
This research was conducted between 2022 and 2023 in selected farms located in
Urgench and Gurlan districts of the Khorezm region. The soil-climatic conditions of the region
are characterized by:
Soil:
mainly alluvial-meadow and loamy,
Climate:
sharply continental with hot, dry summers and mild winters,
Annual precipitation:
less than 100 mm,
Irrigation water:
sourced from the Amu Darya river and canal systems.
Field experiments followed a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three
replications. The tested agrotechnical factors included:
Variety selection:
Turan, Surkhon-6, and a local hybrid;
Sowing period:
mid-March to early April;
Seeding rate:
55–60 thousand plants per hectare;
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Fertilization:
NPK at 80:60:40 kg/ha;
Irrigation:
3–4 times during the growing season based on plant developmental stages.
Data were collected on germination rates, growth indicators, flowering time, pest
resistance, and final seed yield.
3. Results
3.1. Variety Performance
Among the studied varieties, "Turan" demonstrated superior adaptability and yield
potential in Khorezm's conditions, producing an average yield of
2.6–2.9 t/ha
, which is
15–
18%
higher compared to the local hybrid. Additionally, Turan exhibited moderate resistance
to
Helicoverpa armigera
and fungal infections under field conditions.
3.2. Fertilization and Irrigation Impact
Balanced fertilization, particularly with nitrogen and phosphorus, significantly
influenced vegetative growth and head size. Experimental plots with full NPK treatment
achieved seed oil content up to
43%
, while under unfertilized control plots, it dropped below
35%
.
Properly timed irrigation at flowering and seed-filling stages increased seed weight and
reduced empty seed incidence. Over-irrigation, however, led to root lodging and delayed
maturity.
3.3. Economic Efficiency
Cost-benefit analysis showed that the most profitable configuration was Turan variety +
full fertilization + 3 irrigations
,
yielding a net return of over 12.5 million UZS/ha and a benefit-
cost ratio of 1.8
.
This indicates sunflower's strong potential as a cash crop in Khorezm under
proper agronomic management.
4. Discussion:
The findings align with prior research by Karimov et al. (2021) on sunflower
productivity under Uzbekistan's arid conditions, which emphasized the role of agro-technical
optimization [2]. The "Turan" variety, developed for regional resilience, showed both high oil
yield and market adaptability.
Sunflower cultivation not only diversifies crop rotations but also reduces dependency on
imported vegetable oil, contributing to national food security
.
Moreover, its short growth
cycle (90–110 days) allows for double cropping in Khorezm, enhancing land-use efficiency.
Challenges such as pest management and limited access to certified seeds remain.
Addressing these through state-supported extension services and improved mechanization
can significantly enhance outcomes.
5. Conclusion:
Sunflower cultivation in the Khorezm region, when managed using science-based
agrotechnical methods, presents a promising opportunity for agricultural development and
rural income generation. The success of the "Turan" variety underscores the importance of
local adaptation in crop selection. Widespread adoption of optimized fertilization and
irrigation schedules can increase both productivity and profitability. In light of global food
security challenges, promoting sunflower as a strategic oilseed crop in Uzbekistan is both
timely and essential.
References:
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Используемая литература:
Foydalanilgan adabiyotlar:
1.
FAO. (2023).
FAOSTAT Database
2.
Karimov, M. S., Turaev, B. K., & Alimov, R. K. (2021). “Optimization of sunflower
cultivation technologies under arid conditions of Uzbekistan.”
Journal of AgroScience
, 7(3),
101–107.
3.
Rashidov, A. T. (2020). “Role of oil crops in improving food independence in Central
Asia.”
AgroEconomics and Sustainable Development
, 5(2), 35–42.
