LANDSCAPE FACTOR OF AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT (IN THE EXAMPLE OF SURKHANDARYO BASINS)

SCIENCE AND INNOVATION INTERNATIONAL SCIENTIFIC JOURNAL VOLUME 4 ISSUE 9 SEPTEMBER 2025 ISSN: 2181-3337 | SCIENTISTS.UZ 191 LANDSCAPE FACTOR OF AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT (IN THE EXAMPLE OF SURKHANDARYO BASINS) P.A. Khasanov Samarkand State University, Junior Researcher (PhD Candidate) https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17290790 Abstract. The article talks about landscape complexes and the prospects of their use, as well as the use of landscapes of the Surkhandarya basin in agriculture. Also, the mechanism of the use of agro-landscapes in the economy, its differences, theoretical and practical significance is analyzed, and geographical justification is emphasized in determining the specific aspects of the approaches to the use of landscapes. Keywords: landscape, agriculture, environment, factor, economy, terrain, climate, depression. Introduction. The available evidence overwhelmingly indicates that since ancient times, agriculture has been the primary source of human subsistence and one of the oldest occupations. Landscape components such as topography, climate, and soil, which determine the natural conditions of a particular territory, are considered important factors in agricultural management. Intensive agricultural management requires consideration of the natural and geographical features of each location. Natural factors are studied in conjunction with these natural and geographical conditions, with several factors sometimes playing a leading role, such as the structure of the land surface. To improve crop productivity, assessing land use in agriculture is crucial, taking into account, first and foremost, climate, water resources, and the structure of the land surface. When assessing topography, its slope, ease of access, ease of use of agricultural machinery, and the availability of grazing conditions are considered. The Surkhandarya Lowland, located in the south of our republic, is distinguished by its picturesque nature, the presence of all altitudinal zones (K. Zokirov, 1963), and the diversity of its landscapes. The Surkhandarya Lowland occupies more than half of the region and has a large area of agricultural land. The topography of the Surkhandarya Lowland rises from southwest to northeast by 300 meters to absolute altitudes of 800-1000 meters. Furthermore, the surface structure of the lowland consists of several morphogenetic relief types: arid denudation hills, foothill proluvial plains, alluvial plains, and aeolian sandy relief types (Table 2). In alluvial plain landscapes, terraced lands, due to geomorphological, soil, and hydrological conditions, are relatively favorable for irrigation. The slope exposure is characterized by the activity of temporary streams, which leads to the formation of erosional and cliff formations. Irrigated agriculture also significantly influences the formation of rivers and streams originating in mountainous and foothill areas. The Surkhandarya Basin is mentioned in many literary sources as part of the natural geographic depression of southern Tajikistan [1, 2, 11]. The southern part, surrounded by mountains on three sides, is open, and these features serve as an important basis for determining climatic characteristics. The degree of landscape differentiation in the Surkhandarya Basin is quite high. This is due to the complex orography of its territory and significant elevation variations. Therefore, the intra-landscape division has a complex structure of local and natural boundary types. SCIENCE AND INNOVATION INTERNATIONAL SCIENTIFIC JOURNAL VOLUME 4 ISSUE 9 SEPTEMBER 2025 ISSN: 2181-3337 | SCIENTISTS.UZ 192 Literature analysis and methodology It is worth mentioning that from an economic point of view, agriculture is a leading industry in meeting the food and other needs of the population. In the Decree of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan dated June 24 of this year No. PP-233 "On measures to create a sustainable agroecosystem in connection with climate change and increasing the adaptability of agricultural producers to the risks associated with climate change" a resolution was adopted on the development of agriculture and improvement of the agroecosystem [2, 18;]. The total area of agricultural land in our republic as of January 1, 2024 is 26,132.2 thousand hectares (58.21%), irrigated land - 4,226.2 thousand hectares (9.41%). The share of agricultural land in the Surkhandarya basin is 1,136.9 thousand hectares (Figure 1), and irrigated arable land is 271.3 thousand hectares [19;]. Annual data from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) show significant differences in the consumption of agriculturally produced foods worldwide [17]. These differences are caused not only by natural geographic factors but also by the economic and political indicators of the country. Consequently, there are countries that still utilize extensive agriculture, where the share of agriculture in GDP is very high. The economic backwardness of these countries is reflected in the scope of industries, and this situation is due to many factors. The fact that extensive agriculture has been used in our country since the mid-20th century and the modern development of intensive agriculture is of great importance for the development of this sector. In particular, the Surkhandarya region is a region with great potential for the use of agriculture. The population has been engaged in agriculture since ancient times, and this has been further developed with the development of new lands. The study of the natural and geographical features of the swamp, its mapping and assessment of its suitability for agricultural activities were carried out by R.A. Abolin (1929), E.P. Korovin, A.N. Rozanov (1938), V.M. Chetyrkin (1960), L.N. Babushkin, N.A. Kogai (1961, 1964, 1965), Sh. Ergeshov (1972, 1974), P. Baratov (1996), A.A. Abdulkosimov (2006, 2008), K.S. Yarashev (2018, 2022) and other scientists. In their research, they identified numerous features of the swamp and adjacent landscapes [1, 8, 14, 15]. Results and discussion It should be noted that the main sectors of the region's agricultural sector are cotton growing, horticulture, fruit and vegetable growing, melon growing, and the cultivation of various crops, livestock farming, and food production. The Strategy for Agricultural Development in Uzbekistan for 2020-2030 initiates work on fundamentally reforming agriculture, cultivating crops suitable for the region locally, taking into account existing agroclimatic factors, and studying individual crop species. Currently, our country has a total of 4,342,500 hectares of irrigated agricultural land (Table 1). Landscape plays a significant role in agricultural development, as it determines favorable natural conditions and the development of landscape components and infrastructure. Agroclimatic indicators in the Surkhandarya basin indicate that it is extremely favorable for the development of agricultural landscapes. It is clear that 57% of the region's land area is occupied by agriculture and its industries. When specializing in a specific agricultural sector, landscape analysis of the region is of great importance. In particular, fine-fiber cotton is considered a productive crop suited to the region's natural conditions when developing. It is no coincidence that researchers chose cotton as an indicator plant in agroclimatic assessment studies. This was due, on the one hand, to accurate assessments and, on the other, to the implementation of "cotton policy." SCIENCE AND INNOVATION INTERNATIONAL SCIENTIFIC JOURNAL VOLUME 4 ISSUE 9 SEPTEMBER 2025 ISSN: 2181-3337 | SCIENTISTS.UZ 193 In terms of relief, the rolling hills of the lowlands—in the border zone, gradually adjoining the mountains from the north, west, and east—create agricultural landscapes suitable for horticulture, viticulture, sericulture, and melon growing. Factors such as local climatic conditions, soil moisture, solar radiation, and heat balance directly influence crop productivity. The lowest point of the lowland zone corresponds to the city of Termez (300 m), while the hilly zone is the highest. Slope is crucial for irrigated agriculture, and the steeper the land, the less suitable it is. Therefore, it is necessary to assess the suitability of the slope and consider the processes that may arise on it. Due to the slope's exposure, areas in the central and southern parts of the region have relief features favorable for irrigated agriculture, and a relief assessment scale allows for a convenient interpretation. On the banks of the Surkhandarya River, flat areas of the surface relief include river meanders, terrace meanders, river terraces, and the middle and lower parts of foothill proluvial plains. Here, the slope ranges from 1° to 3°, and in places even increases. This influences soil erosion, and erosion processes develop less intensely than in areas with higher slopes. Therefore, irrigation is widely used in agriculture in these types of relief. In the upper part of the foothill plains and on the hillsides, in addition to a gradual slope, the surface is actively dissected as a result of erosion processes. A growing body of research suggests that as a result, the high foothill plains are heavily dissected by hills, river valleys and streams, and their use in agriculture creates a number of difficulties. These lands require measures to combat erosion processes [1,11,13;]. For their use in the cultivation of agricultural products in the lowlands, it is extremely important to know the relief height, the degree of slope, the shape of the hills and the composition of the parent material. Typically, with increasing altitude, a decrease in temperature is observed, and a decrease in temperature affects the shortening of the growing season and the relative lengthening of the winter months. The increase in the amount of precipitation with altitude varies depending on the direction, location and exposure of the hills, and this phenomenon is interpreted as altitudinal zonation. In the foothills of the Surkhandarya Basin and in the mountains above 600-650 m, the amount of precipitation increases by 50-60 mm for every 100 m of altitude. The landforms of the Surkhandarya Basin are favorable for agricultural use, and a significant portion of the territory has undergone anthropogenic transformation. Anthropogenic landforms are extremely numerous on developed lands, particularly in the form of terracing of hillsides and lowlands [1, 11, 12]. Table 1. Total area of used land in the Surkhandarya region As of January 1, 2024 (thousand hectares) Area Total land area Cropland Perennial trees Gray areas Hayfields and pastures *Agricultural land (total) Homestead, horticulture, vegetable and association lands Forests Reclamation construction land Other places Land use structure in Surkhandary a region 2009.9 277. 9 34. 2 0.3 824. 5 113 6.9* 63.2 233. 3 1.3 575.2 Employment rate as a 100 % 1.4 % 28.2 % SCIENCE AND INNOVATION INTERNATIONAL SCIENTIFIC JOURNAL VOLUME 4 ISSUE 9 SEPTEMBER 2025 ISSN: 2181-3337 | SCIENTISTS.UZ 194 percentage of the region's land area 13.8 % 1.7 % 0.02 % 41 % (57 %)* 3.15 % 11.6 % Total land area composition by republic 44 892. 4 402 8.6 44 5.3 84.3 21 1 90.4 25 7 48.6 748.4 343 5.2 68.3 13 573. 8 Share of regional land area in the Republic as a percentage 4.48 % 6.90 % 7.7 0 % 0.25 % 3.89 % 4.41 % 8.49 % 6.79 % 1.99 % 4.24 % Note: The source was compiled by the authors based on data from the Cadastral Agency. It is impossible to judge a landscape based on only one component; attention must be paid to other aspects and analyses. Against the backdrop of global climate change, water for irrigated agriculture in Central Asia, particularly in Uzbekistan, remains the most pressing issue, and this situation has a relative impact on the region compared to other regions of our country. It has become increasingly evident that in the Kohitang and Boysuntog foothill plains, the alluvial and proluvial deposits are well-developed for agriculture, resulting in rapid and deep groundwater migration processes and low water mineralization. A systematic approach to landscape management is necessary; for example, environmental protection should be taken into account when developing livestock farming. Among landscape components, livestock farming poses a serious threat primarily to vegetation [3, 4, 5, 7;]. Furthermore, the slope causes soil erosion in high-mountain meadows and pastures. Exogenous processes also play a significant role in the development of flat relief. In particular, the high variability of annual precipitation distribution is noticeable not only in the development of natural but also anthropogenic landscapes. Annual precipitation in the region ranges from up to 600 mm in the mountains to up to 130 mm on the steppe plains. This is one of the main factors driving the development of irrigated agriculture in the lowland zone. The data presented in this study illustrates that the region's gentle slope is favorable for irrigated agriculture, decreased moisture leads to the development of less fertile soils, low humus content, and poor soil quality. This decreased moisture affects the region's agricultural crops, and the intensity of the Garmsel winds (humidity - 30% m3) increases during the summer months. The development of irrigated agriculture begins precisely in the zone of intervention to reduce moisture and prevent its consequences. In lowlands, moisture reduction is most often observed under the influence of the Garmsel wind. Furthermore, in regions with arid climates, the shallower the slope, the more favorable it is for agriculture, the greater the decrease in moisture, and the lower the overall comfort level. Due to moisture conditions, grain yields are lower in areas of the landscape with low precipitation, and this problem is even more acute in dry years. Therefore, the main issue in increasing agricultural yields is the fight for moisture. To achieve this, it is necessary to adhere to agricultural practices, conduct deep winter tillage, and select early-ripening varieties suited to the climate and resistant to drought (Table 2). In terms of climatic indicators, the role of factors such as geographic location and solar radiation is incomparable. In particular, factors such as the average annual sunshine duration of SCIENCE AND INNOVATION INTERNATIONAL SCIENTIFIC JOURNAL VOLUME 4 ISSUE 9 SEPTEMBER 2025 ISSN: 2181-3337 | SCIENTISTS.UZ 195 3095 hours, the average energy per cm² of surface area of 160 kcal, and the number of cloudless days are of great importance. The growing season at temperatures above +10°C lasts 290-320 days. There are ample opportunities for growing heat-loving crops in agriculture, but the arid moisture type of the region creates conditions for irrigated agriculture [9, 10, 13;]. Table 2. Morphogenetic relief types and patterns of the Surkhandarya Lowland and their use in agriculture Morphogenetic types and subtypes of relief Main areas of use in agriculture Altitude zoning Ranking of landscape components based on convenience criteria (based on initial placement) Mountains Arid-denudation hills Plains Pre-mountainous proluvial plains Alluvial plains Aeolian sand plains Used as pasture in livestock farming and spring agriculture. Used in irrigated and spring agriculture. Used in irrigated agriculture. Used as pasture. Mountain - hill Hill - desert Desert Desert Areas at an altitude of 1200 m +. Soil, water, climate, radiation, vegetation, rocks, relief, etc. Areas at an altitude of 500 - 1200* m. Climate, radiation, soil, relief, water, vegetation, rocks, etc. Areas at an altitude of 500 - 600* m. Relief, radiation, climate, soil, water, vegetation, rocks, etc. Areas at an altitude of 300 - 500. Relief, radiation, climate, soil, water, vegetation, rocks, etc. Note: compiled by the author based on data. The creation of "green zones" is recommended to protect agricultural landscapes from the effects of dry winds and to prevent erosion on gray soils. The Bolakkum and Kattakum massifs, with a typical dry subtropical climate, are located in the south of the Surkhandarya Depression. The vegetation cover is rather sparse, and the relief is characterized by dunes and sand ridges. They are used primarily as pastures for livestock [1, 4, 11]. The lower the slopes, the more functionally and structurally depleted the soils become, with the exception of soils that have been used for a long time in agriculture. In addition to geological and geomorphological characteristics, hydrographic formations also play an important role in soil formation [6, 10, 12]. The irrigated alluvial meadow and marsh-meadow soils of the Surkhandarya Basin are among the most fertile lands with good humus content. These soils, due to their structure and properties, are the primary land resource for cotton cultivation within the landscape. Alluvial meadow and marsh soils found along rivers yield high agricultural yields. The presence of eolian sands in the landscape of the Tuyuntova and Bobotog foothill plains hinders agricultural development. These lands can be used for irrigated agriculture, primarily through reclamation measures. The role of surface and groundwater determines the prospects for its development for SCIENCE AND INNOVATION INTERNATIONAL SCIENTIFIC JOURNAL VOLUME 4 ISSUE 9 SEPTEMBER 2025 ISSN: 2181-3337 | SCIENTISTS.UZ 196 agricultural needs. In the basin, water needed for agriculture primarily comes from the Surkhandarya and Sherobadarya rivers and their tributaries. Figure 1 - Land area structure of the Surkhandarya region in percentages (as of January 1, 2024.) Note: The source was compiled by the author based on data from the Cadastral Agency. It is also used for agriculture through main canals diverted from the Amu Darya. Areas with shallow groundwater include the southern districts of Batik and the Sherabad district. In some places, groundwater is highly mineralized and lies close to the surface. This raises priority issues, such as developing the drainage network and upgrading old, outdated drainage structures. Districts with shallow groundwater tables and high soil salinity include the Sherabad, Muzrabot, Termez, Angora, Kyzyryk, and Dzharkurgan districts. The topography of irrigated areas is favorable, but the drainage conditions are unfavorable. Furthermore, agriculture and its sectors are experiencing self-pollution. Examples include impacts on the environment and ecosystems, degradation, unsustainable livestock farming, and excessive use of pesticides and herbicides. It is estimated that agricultural land degradation leads to an irreversible loss of productivity on approximately 6 million hectares of fertile land annually [16]. The working population employed in the sector also plays a significant role in agricultural development. Because the population is simultaneously a producer, a consumer, a force for environmental damage, and a force for applying modern innovations to the sector's development. The high population density in lowland areas and the significant superiority of the agricultural sector in employment compared to other sectors determine the prospects for the development of agricultural industries. As of June 1, 2024, the region was home to 2 million 907 thousand people, and approximately 52% of the population is considered of working age, of which 23-25% are employed in agriculture and its branches [20;]. In our country, due to the introduction of modern technologies in the agricultural sector and the industrial nature of the economy, the gross domestic 4.48 6.9 7.7 0.25 3.89 4.41 8.49 6.79 1.99 4.24 The composition of the land fund of Surkhandarya region in the Republic in % is shown in the diagram 1) umumiy maydon 2)ekin yerlari 3)daraxtzorlar 4)bo'z yerlar 5)pichanzor, yaylov 6)Qishloq xo'jaligi 7)Tomorqa, bog'lar, uyushma yerlari 8)O'rmonzorlar 9)Meliorativ qurilish yerlari 10)boshqa yerlar Boshqa sohalard a band maydon; 873; 43% Land occupied by agricultur e and related industrie s; 57% Total area of the region (2009.9*) Boshqa sohalarda band maydon Qishloq xo'jaligi va uni tarmoqlarida band yerlar SCIENCE AND INNOVATION INTERNATIONAL SCIENTIFIC JOURNAL VOLUME 4 ISSUE 9 SEPTEMBER 2025 ISSN: 2181-3337 | SCIENTISTS.UZ 197 product is declining. This downward trend is also observed in the employment rate. This situation testifies to the effectiveness of economic growth and aspects of industrialization. Furthermore, the landscape factor of agricultural development requires attention to such relevant aspects as environmental protection and the rational use of natural resources. Ecological balance within the territory and the harmonious development of productive activities of the population enhance the importance of development parameters. Conclusion The southern region of Uzbekistan has a subtropical climate, experiencing the hottest temperatures, and its natural environment is favorable for agriculture. For agricultural development, natural conditions, natural resources, socio-economic aspects, transportation, and the interaction of environmental factors are primarily important. This analysis determines the development index. The inadequacy or incompleteness of any factor directly impacts it. From the findings, it can be concluded that the natural and geographical conditions of the Surkhandarya Lowland are highly favorable for the development of agriculture and livestock farming. A more in-depth study of the region's natural conditions should be conducted from a practical perspective through large-scale landscape studies. This will help more fully identify and rationally utilize the region's natural resources. The most immediate and promising tasks include the construction of new water management structures, reservoirs, and irrigation systems, as well as the reconstruction of existing irrigation systems, the development of floodplains, drainage networks, and the planning of irrigated lands. These measures will improve the efficiency of landscape use, enhance the melioration status of irrigated lands and water availability, and increase agricultural productivity. 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