Investigation of Rain-Fed Horticulture Productivity in the Namangan Region, Uzbekistan

Abstract

With the limited availability of water, rain-fed horticulture is important anywhere in the world, especially in countries with arid climates. Therefore, experimental analysis is necessary to see the impact of rain-fed horticulture. Thus, it can be popularized among agricultural people if the strategies achieve better outcomes. This study aims to create a garden without irrigation in the lower regions of the Namangan hills in Uzbekistan using agrotechnical measures based on collecting natural moisture and its long-term storage due to the natural growth of some wild fruits. Soil moisture is the most important factor for plant development in arid and warm regions. The experiments were analyzed from 2013 to 2019 and promising results were found. The plant growth rate after a few years was comparable with that of irrigated agricultural lands. In addition, the yield in non-irrigated gardens was comparable with that of irrigated farms. However, a slight reduction in fruit sizes was observed (10–20%). Furthermore, the terracing and plastic and organic mulching method’s efficiency is higher than terracing and organic mulching due to maintaining long-term soil moisture that can be absorbed by the plants (For May 2019, 12.7%, 7.7%, and 6.1% soil moisture levels were found in plastic and organic mulching, organic mulching, and unmulched areas). Overcoming the challenges in rain-fed horticulture experiments requires a holistic approach that integrates scientific knowledge, technological advancements, and sustainable farming practices. Collaboration between researchers, farmers, and policymakers is crucial to develop and disseminate effective strategies that address these challenges and promote resilient rain-fed horticulture systems. Therefore, this study shows the practical possibility of rain-fed horticulture in the northeastern hills in the Namangan region of Uzbekistan. Furthermore, this study provides possible agrotechnologies to practice horticulture without irrigation, which is beneficial for planners, engineers, farm managers, and agribusiness controllers.