EFFECTIVENESS OF TREES AND VEGETATION IN DUST RETENTION IN UZBEKISTAN’S XORAZM REGION

Abstract

Dust storms driven by the exposed lakebed of the Aral Sea and local deserts severely impact the Xorazm (Khorezm) region, degrading air quality, soil, and crop productivity. Vegetation – especially trees, shrubs, and shelterbelt plantings – can substantially mitigate dust by capturing particles on foliage and stabilizing soils. This review synthesizes ecological and agronomic perspectives on dust retention by vegetation in arid Uzbekistan, with emphasis on species adapted to Khorezm’s climate and soils. We discuss mechanisms of dust capture (leaf surface deposition and windbreak effects), ecosystem benefits of stabilized soil and reduced erosion, and agricultural benefits of windbreaks. Native and well-adapted species emerge as most effective: desert shrubs (black saxaul Haloxylon aphyllum, saltwort Salsola spp., Calligonum spp.) establish dense stands on saline sands, while trees such as poplars (Populus spp.), elms (Ulmus), willows (Salix), and hardy fruit/forest trees (e.g. black locust, paulownia) are used in oasis windbreak belts.