Morphological structures and properties of typical irrigated gray soils: A case study of Tashkent province

Abstract

The research detailed in the article offers a comprehensive examination of typical irrigated gray soils, focusing on their morphological features and fundamental physical and agrochemical characteristics. A critical observation from the study is the variation in bulk density and porosity among these soils. Specifically, it was noted that in typical gray soils, there is a marked decrease in bulk density coupled with an increase in porosity, suggesting a structure that, while dense, allows for significant air and water movement within the soil matrix. The mechanical composition of these soils is primarily characterized by large dust particles and a texture classified as heavy sand. This specific composition impacts both the soil's water-holding capacity and its aeration, factors crucial for plant root development and microbial activity. From an agrochemical standpoint, the research underscores a variance in nutrient levels within typical irrigated gray soils. The humus content, a key indicator of soil fertility, was found to range from low to medium levels, with percentages between 0.35% and 1.13%. This range signifies a modest capability of the soil to sustain plant life, impacting agricultural productivity and necessitating careful soil management practices to enhance organic matter content. The study highlights the nutrient availability in these soils, particularly pointing out the very low levels of mobile phosphorus (ranging from 4.0 to 13.46 mg/kg) and the low to moderate supply of exchangeable potassium (100-213 mg/kg).