The publication of this Handbook was supported by the Russian Federation

Research site and results
The Khorezm Region with a total area of  681.6 thousand hectares is located in the north-west of  
Uzbekistan, in the lower reaches of  the Amu-Darya River. The landscape is a vast alluvial plain 
within the Amu Darya River delta gently sloping towards the Aral Sea (with a slope inclination of  
i = 0.00012-0.0002). The mean annual precipitation of  only 100 mm predetermines an irrigation-
dependent agriculture.
Khorezm is a large oasis region with a dense network of  irrigation channels and collectors to 
supply water to the land. A very level ground surface presents difficulties in maintaining the water 
flow  within  irrigation  and  drainage  systems,  with  a  high  risk  of   groundwater  rising  caused  by 
impediments to water circulation.
A spatial-temporal land assessment has revealed that 36% of  irrigated arable lands within the 
Khorezm Region tend to loose their productivity, with 14% of  them being moderately and strongly 
degraded. Only 4% of  the area is occupied by woodlands including just 0.4% of  saxaul forests and 
scattered poplar and willow thickets.
Living windbreaks of  planted trees and shrubs around agricultural fields represent 0.8% of  the 
area of  willow and poplar thickets [23].
From the aforementioned criteria for identifying suitable tree species for agroforestry use, three 

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Chapter 5.Innovative methods and technologies for amelioration of salt-affected soils and agroforestry practices in marginal landscapes 
promising species have been selected: Russian olive (Elaeagnus angustifolia), Euphrates poplar (Populus 
euphratica) and Siberian elm (Ulmus pumila) (Table 5.5.1).