Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Conversion of Degraded Cropland to Tree Plantations for Ecosystem and Livelihood Benefits

  • Chapter
  • First Online:
Cotton, Water, Salts and Soums

Abstract

This section summarizes the findings of a multidisciplinary, long-term research program that assessed the potential of plantation forestry to rehabilitate a degraded, irrigated-agriculture ecosystem. Bio-physical and socio-economic studies conducted during 2002–2009 in Khorezm assessed the suitability of afforestation with multipurpose species as an alternative land-use option, by examining the ecosystems services and opportunities for income generation. The initial phase involved inventory, evaluation, and selection of suitable tree species and determination of the irrigation demand for establishing plantations on highly salinized, nutrient-poor soils with a shallow, saline groundwater table. Next, the environmental services were investigated including biological drainage for soil salinity control, improvement of soil nutrient stocks, and carbon sequestration into soil and tree biomass. Potential income generation from timber and non-timber products such as fuelwood, leaf fodder, and fruits was compared to that from a continued cropping of the degraded cropland. Sociological surveys evaluated farmers’ perceptions and current silvicultural practices to determine the prerequisites for introducing farm forestry in the area. Overall, evidence on ecosystem rehabilitation and financial benefits suggest that converting degraded cropland to long-term forestry use is an attractive option. Socio-economic obstacles such as legislative aspects of retiring degraded cropland and related land tenure issues, poor market conditions for tree products, lack of incentives and under-appreciation of the benefits of tree-based systems need to be addressed to ensure farmer and governmental support for afforestation.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution
Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 129.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 169.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD 169.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

Notes

  1. 1.

    http://www.ieguzexpo.com/page/exhibition/clean_energy/71/res

References

  • Chub V, Ososkova T (2008) Problems of Aral: impact on the gene pool of the population, flora, fauna and international cooperation for mitigating consequences. Tashkent, Uzbekistan

    Google Scholar 

  • Close W, Menke KH (1986) Selected topics in animal nutrition. Deutsche Stiftung Fur Internationale Entwicklung (DSE), Feldafing

    Google Scholar 

  • Costanza R, Arge R, de Groot R, Farberk S, Grasso M, Hannon B, Limburg K, Naeem S, O’Neill RV, Paruelo J, Raskin RG, Suttonkk P, van den Belt M (1997) The value of the world’s ecosystem services and natural capital. Nature 387:253–260

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Danso SKA, Bowen GD, Sanginga N (1992) Biological nitrogen fixation in trees in agroecosystems. Plant Soil 141:177–196

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Dawson JO (1986) Actinorhizal plants: their use in forestry and agriculture. Outlook Agric 15:202–208

    Google Scholar 

  • Djanibekov N (2006) Cattle breeding system in dekhkan households. Agric J Uzbekistan 4:25–26

    Google Scholar 

  • Djanibekov N (2008) A micro-economic analysis of farm restructuring in Khorezm region, Uzbekistan. PhD dissertation, Bonn University, Bonn

    Google Scholar 

  • Djumaeva DM, Djanibekov N, Vlek PLG, Martius C, Lamers JPA (2009) Options for optimizing dairy feed rations with foliage of trees grown in the irrigated drylands of Central Asia. Res J Agric Biol Sci 5:698–708

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Djumaeva D, Lamers JPA, Martius C, Khamzina A, Vlek PLG (2010) Quantification of symbiotic nitrogen fixation by Elaeagnus angustifolia L. on salt-affected irrigated croplands using two 15N isotopic methods. Nutr Cycl Agroecosyst 88:329–339

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Dommergues YR (1995) Nitrogen fixation by trees in relation to soil nitrogen economy. Fertil Res 42:215–230

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • FAO (2000) Carbon sequestration options under the clean development mechanism to address land degradation. World soil resources reports, 92. FAO, Rome

    Google Scholar 

  • Fimkin VP (1972) Use of mineralized water for managing protective forest plantations on salt-affected soils. Final report N68001131. Middle-Asian Forestry Research Institute, State Committee of Forest Management at the Council of Ministers of USSR, Tashkent, Uzbekistan, p 149

    Google Scholar 

  • Fisher RJ, Schmidt K, Steenhof B, Akenshaev N (2004) Poverty and forestry: a case study of Kyrgyzstan with reference to other countries in West and Central Asia. Livelihood Support Programme (LSP). Working paper 13. FAO, Rome

    Google Scholar 

  • Galiana A, Bouillet JP, Ganry F (2004) The importance of biological nitrogen fixation by trees in agroforestry. In: Rachid S (ed) Symbiotic nitrogen fixation: prospect for enhanced application in tropical agriculture. International workshop on biological nitrogen fixation for increased crop productivity, enhanced human health and sustained soil fertility, Science Publishers, Enfield

    Google Scholar 

  • Gardner IC (1986) Mycorrhizae of actinorhizal plants. MIRCEN J 2:147–160

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Garrity DP (2004) Agroforestry and the achievement of the millennium development goals. Agrofor Syst 61:5–17

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Guo LB, Gifford RM (2002) Soil carbon stocks and land use change: a meta analysis. Glob Change Biol 8:345–360

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Harrington CA (1999) Forests planted for ecosystem restoration or conservation. New For 17:175–190

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hbirkou C, Martius C, Khamzina A, Lamers JPA, Welp G, Amelung W (2011) Reducing topsoil salinity and raising carbon stocks through afforestation in Khorezm, Uzbekistan. J Arid Environ 75:146–155

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Heuperman AF, Kapoor AS, Denecke HW (2002) Biodrainage – principles, experiences and applications. International Programme for Technology and Research in Irrigation and Drainage (IPTRID) Secretariat, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), Italy

    Google Scholar 

  • Ibrakhimov M, Khamzina A, Forkutsa I, Paluasheva G, Lamers JPA, Tischbein B, Vlek PLG, Martius C (2007) Groundwater table and salinity: spatial and temporal distribution and influence on soil salinization in Khorezm region (Uzbekistan, Aral Sea Basin). Irrig Drain Syst 21:219–236

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • IUCN (2004) Afforestation and reforestation for climate change mitigation: potentials for pan-European action. The World Conservation Union (IUCN) and Foundation IUCN Poland (IUCN Programme Office for Central Europe), Warsaw

    Google Scholar 

  • Kan E, Lamers JPA, Eschanov R, Khamzina A (2008) Small-scale farmers’ perceptions and knowledge of tree intercropping systems in the Khorezm region of Uzbekistan. For Trees Livelihoods 18:355–372

    Google Scholar 

  • Katyal JC, Vlek PLG (2000) Desertification-concept, causes and amelioration, ZEF-discussion papers on development policy 33. Center for Development Research (ZEF), Bonn

    Google Scholar 

  • Khamzina A (2003) Root development of tree species under different soil and water conditions in irrigated and marginal areas of Khorezm Region. Midterm report. Center for Development Research (ZEF), Bonn

    Google Scholar 

  • Khamzina A, Lamers JPA, Wickel B, Jumaniyazova Y, Martius C (2005) Evaluation of young and adult tree plantations for biodrainage management in the lower Amu Darya river region, Uzbekistan. In: Proceedings of ICID 21st European regional conference integrated land and water resources management: towards sustainable rural development, Frankfurt (Oder) and Slubice – Germany/Poland

    Google Scholar 

  • Khamzina A, Lamers JPA, Martius C, Worbes M, Vlek PLG (2006a) Potential of nine multipurpose tree species to reduce saline groundwater tables in the lower Amu Darya River region of Uzbekistan. Agrofor Syst 68:151–165

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Khamzina A, Lamers JPA, Worbes M, Botman E, Vlek PLG (2006b) Assessing the potential of trees for afforestation of degraded landscapes in the Aral Sea basin of Uzbekistan. Agrofor Syst 66:129–141

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Khamzina A, Lamers JPA, Vlek PLG (2008) Tree establishment under deficit irrigation on degraded agricultural land in the lower Amu Darya River region, Aral Sea Basin. For Ecol Manag 255:168–178

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Khamzina A, Lamers JPA, Vlek PLG (2009a) Nitrogen fixation by Elaeagnus angustifolia L. in the reclamation of degraded croplands of Central Asia. Tree Physiol 29:799–808

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Khamzina A, Sommer A, Lamers JPA, Vlek PLG (2009b) Transpiration and early growth of tree plantations established on degraded cropland over shallow saline groundwater table in Northwest Uzbekistan. Agric For Meteorol 149:1865–1874

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lamers JPA, Khamzina A (2008) Fuelwood production in the degraded agricultural areas of the Aral Sea Basin, Uzbekistan. Bois et Forets des Tropiques 297:47–57

    Google Scholar 

  • Lamers JPA, Khamzina A (2010) Seasonal quality profile and production of foliage from trees grown on degraded cropland in arid Uzbekistan, Central Asia. J Anim Physiol Anim Nutr 94:77–85

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lamers JPA, Khamzina A, Worbes M (2005) The analyses of physiological and morphological attributes of 10 tree species for early determination of their suitability to afforest degraded landscapes in the Aral Sea Basin of Uzbekistan. For Ecol Manag 221:249–259

    Google Scholar 

  • Lamers JPA, Bobojonov I, Khamzina A, Franz J (2008) Financial analysis of small-scale forests in the Amu Darya lowlands of rural Uzbekistan. For Trees Livelihoods 18:373–386

    Google Scholar 

  • Lima WP (1984) The hydrology of eucalypt forests in Australia – a review. IPEF 28:11–32

    Google Scholar 

  • Makhno G (1962) Elaboration of methods for forest management on salt-affected soils in the Khorezm Region. Middle-Asian Forestry Research Institute, Tashkent

    Google Scholar 

  • Marcar NE, Crawford DF (2004) Trees for saline landscapes. Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation, Canberra

    Google Scholar 

  • Martius C, Lamers JPA, Wehrheim P, Schoeller-Schletter A, Eshchanov R, Tupitsa A, Khamzina A, Akramkhanov A, Vlek PLG (2004) Developing sustainable land and water management for the Aral Sea Basin through an interdisciplinary research. In: Seng V, Crasswell E, Fukai S, Fischer K (eds) Water in agriculture. ACIAR proceedings, Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research, Canberra

    Google Scholar 

  • Middle-Asian Forestry Research Institute (MAFRI) (1972) State forestry committee under the cabinet of ministers of the USSR. Recommendations on growing tree plantations of valuable deciduous, coniferous and fruit species on salt-affected land in the Golodnaya Steppe, Khorezm and Ferghana Valley, Tashkent

    Google Scholar 

  • Millennium Ecosystem Assessment (MEA) (2005) Ecosystems and human well-being: synthesis report. Island Press, Washington, DC

    Google Scholar 

  • Morris J, Mann L, Collopy J (1998) Transpiration and canopy conductance in a eucalypt plantation using shallow saline groundwater. Tree Physiol 18:547–555

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Müller M (2006) A general equilibrium approach to modeling water and land use reforms in Uzbekistan. PhD dissertation, Rheinischen Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn, Bonn

    Google Scholar 

  • Paschke MW (1997) Actinorhizal plants in rangelands of the western United States. J Range Manag 50:62–72

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Paydar Z, Huth N, Snow V (2005) Modelling irrigated eucalyptus for salinity control on shallow watertables. Aust J Soil Res 43:587–597

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rudenko I, Nurmetov K, Lamers JPA (2011) State order and policy strategies in the cotton and wheat value chains. In: Martius C, Rudenko I, Lamers JPA, Vlek PLG (eds) Cotton, water, salts and Soums: economic and ecological restructuring in Khorezm, Uzbekistan. Springer, Dordrecht

    Google Scholar 

  • Scherr SJ, Sthapit S (2009) Farming and land use to cool the planet. In: Starke L (ed) State of the world: into a warming world. Worldwatch institute report on progress toward a sustainable society. W.W. Norton & Company, New York

    Google Scholar 

  • Smith J, Scherr S (2003) Capturing the value of forest carbon for local livelihoods. World Dev 31:2143–2160

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Thorburn PJ (1999) Interactions between plants and shallow, saline water tables: implications for the management of salinity in Australian agriculture. Agric Water Manag 39(2/3):234

    Google Scholar 

  • Thorburn PJ, Walker GR, Jolly ID (1995) Uptake of saline groundwater by plants: an analytical model for semi-arid and arid areas. Plant Soil 175:1–11

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Tupitsa A (2009) Photogrammetric techniques for the functional assessment of tree and forest resources in Khorezm, Uzbekistan. PhD dissertation, Rheinischen Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn, Bonn

    Google Scholar 

  • UNEP, Glavgidromet (1999) National action programme to combat desertification in republic of Uzbekistan. Tashkent

    Google Scholar 

  • UNFCC (2001) Initial national communication of the republic of Uzbekistan under the UNFCC. Uzbekistan: Country study on climate change, phase 2. Expedited financing of climate change enabling activities. Project implementation report. In: Main administration under the Cabinet of Ministers, Uzbekistan

    Google Scholar 

  • Wang S, Chen B (1996) Euphrates poplar forest. China Environmental Science Press, Beijing

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Center for Development Research (ZEF), Walter-Flex-Str. 3, 53113, Bonn, Germany

    Asia Khamzina & Paul L. G. Vlek

  2. ZEF/UNESCO Khorezm Project, Khamid Olimjan Str., 14, 220100, Urgench, Uzbekistan

    John P. A. Lamers

Authors
  1. Asia Khamzina
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. John P. A. Lamers
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Paul L. G. Vlek
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Asia Khamzina .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Inter-American Institute for Global Chan, Av. dos Astronautas 1758, São Jose dos Campos, 12227-010, Brazil

    Christopher Martius

  2. ZEF/UNESCO Khorezm Project, Khamid Olimjan 14, Urgench, Khorezm, 220100, Uzbekistan

    Inna Rudenko

  3. ZEF/UNESCO Khorezm Project, Khorezm, Uzb, Khamid Olimjan 14, Urgench, Khorezm, 220100, Uzbekistan

    John P.A. Lamers

  4. , Ecology and Natural Resources, Center for Development Research (ZEF), Walter-Flex-Strasse 3, Bonn, 53113, Germany

    P.L.G. Vlek

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2012 Springer Science+Business Media B.V.

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Khamzina, A., Lamers, J.P.A., Vlek, P.L.G. (2012). Conversion of Degraded Cropland to Tree Plantations for Ecosystem and Livelihood Benefits. In: Martius, C., Rudenko, I., Lamers, J., Vlek, P. (eds) Cotton, Water, Salts and Soums. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-1963-7_15

Download citation

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation