Uzbekistan, IAEA launch soil research to combat land salinity
Five-year project will test crop rotation with natural fertilizer to boost yields and restore farmland
TASHKENT, Uzbekistan (MNTV) — Uzbekistan has joined hands with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) on a five-year research initiative aimed at tackling one of Central Asia’s most persistent agricultural challenges: soil salinity.
The project, launched with the Soil Composition, Repository, and Quality Analysis Center under Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Agriculture, will pilot a cotton–wheat–corn rotation system using polyhalite, a mineral-based fertilizer rich in potassium, calcium, magnesium, and sulfur, according to Dunyo News.
Officials say the approach is designed to improve soil health, increase crop productivity, and generate practical guidance for farmers.
Soil salinization has long threatened Uzbekistan’s agricultural sector, particularly in regions affected by intensive irrigation and the environmental fallout of the Aral Sea disaster. More than half of the country’s irrigated land is estimated to suffer from some degree of salinity, undermining both food security and rural livelihoods.
Experts say that introducing mineral fertilizers and sustainable crop rotations could play a key role in reversing soil degradation.
The IAEA’s participation reflects its expanding role in agricultural innovation, where nuclear and isotopic techniques are used to monitor soil composition and optimize fertilizer use.
Similar projects have been deployed in Africa, Latin America, and South Asia, providing models that Uzbekistan can adapt to its own ecological conditions.
Officials describe the project as both scientific and strategic. By building evidence through field trials, the initiative is expected to strengthen Uzbekistan’s capacity to adopt modern agricultural practices and reduce dependence on water-intensive methods.
It also builds on discussions between President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi, who met in Tashkent in December 2024 to expand cooperation in food security and climate resilience.
Analysts note that beyond boosting yields, the initiative could contribute to Uzbekistan’s broader green transition agenda. By promoting sustainable farming, reducing soil degradation, and cutting fertilizer waste, the project aligns with United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and regional commitments to climate adaptation.
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