“MONITORING AND SUSTAINABLE MANAGEMENT OF IRRIGATED LANDS USING DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES: A CASE STUDY OF BUKHARA REGION”
Keywords:
irrigated lands, digital technologies, sustainable management, remote sensing, GIS, digital twin, precision agriculture, Bukhara Region, water use efficiency, soil salinizationAbstract
The efficient management of irrigated lands is critical for food security and environmental sustainability, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions facing water scarcity and land degradation. This study explores the application of digital technologies for monitoring and sustainable management of irrigated agricultural lands in Bukhara Region, Uzbekistan. Through the integration of remote sensing (Sentinel-2 and Landsat imagery), Geographic Information Systems (GIS), drone technology, Internet of Things (IoT) sensors, and machine learning algorithms, the research develops a comprehensive digital monitoring framework.
The study assesses key indicators such as soil salinization, vegetation health (NDVI/EVI indices), water use efficiency, and land productivity. A case study approach was employed, utilizing multi-temporal satellite data and field measurements collected from selected districts of Bukhara Region. Results demonstrate that digital technologies significantly improve the accuracy and timeliness of land monitoring compared to traditional methods, enabling early detection of degradation processes and supporting precision irrigation practices.
The proposed framework contributes to the transition toward smart agriculture by providing decision-makers and farmers with actionable insights for optimizing water resources and enhancing land sustainability. Findings highlight the potential for scaling this digital approach across Central Asia. Policy recommendations are offered to support the adoption of digital solutions in national agricultural strategies.
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