FORMATION, MORPHOLOGY, AND EROSION PROCESSES OF MOUNTAIN BROWN SOILS IN THE CHATKAL AND TURKESTAN RANGES OF UZBEKISTAN

Abstract

Soil degradation due to erosion is one of the most pressing environmental issues in the mountainous regions of Central Asia. This study presents the results of a comprehensive investigation of mountain brown soils distributed in the Chatkal and Turkestan ranges of Uzbekistan, focusing on their morphological changes under the influence of water erosion. The research methods included field descriptions of soil profiles, geobotanical analysis, and laboratory studies of agrochemical properties (humus, pH, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium content). The analysis of the soil cover allowed us to identify three subtypes of mountain brown soils: carbonate, typical, and leached, differing in carbonate depth and humus content. The results showed that erosion leads to the removal of the humus horizon, a decrease in organic matter content, and the deterioration of soil physicochemical properties. In the Chatkal Range, with its moderately humid climate, deeper carbonate accumulation and higher humus content were observed, but intense spring precipitation accelerates soil profile washout. In the Turkestan Range, where the climate is drier and steep slopes prevail, erosion is exacerbated by sparse vegetation and high seismic activity. Future research will focus on developing erosion prediction models considering climate change, as well as implementing effective soil conservation practices, including contour farming, terracing, and vegetation restoration.