The publication of this Handbook was supported by the Russian Federation

T.I. Khamzina (Uzbekistan) 
(based on the publication by Khamzina A., Lamers J., Vlek P., ZEF Bonn, Germany)
This article presents results from research on the rehabilitation of  degraded arable lands by means 
of  their afforestation conducted in the region of  Khorezm (Khwarezm) within the framework of  
the ZEF/UNESCO interdisciplinary programme (2002-2009). Studies on the ecosystem services 
and  profitability  of   agroforestry  practices  on  marginal  lands  allowed  for  an  assessment  of   the 
efficiency of  this alternative land use technology, with an emphasis on its multipurpose benefits.
The aims of  experimental studies included an assessment of  the role of  small forest plantations in 
the restoration of  degraded soils of  formerly arable fields, the improvement of  soil productivity 
and ecosystem health and the development of  alternative sources of  income for rural populations. 
The studies included the following stages: (i) spatial-temporal assessment of  the degradation of  
irrigated arable lands in the Khorezm Region, (ii) screening of  local tree species and selection of  
most suitable species for growing on degraded lands with a shallow groundwater table, (iii) creation 
of  small forestry areas on degraded areas of  arable lands with sufficient water supply for trees and 
(iv) assessment of  ecosystem services of  forest vegetation.
The study sites were located on irrigated arable lands that were either marginally suitable or totally 
unsuitable for agriculture, mostly due to soil salinization. Many such lands were used only as low-
productive pastures that were virtually unprofitable for land owners.

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Soil salinity manаgement manual | Part I.Soil salinity management in the Eurasian Region