Nature of Uzbekistan Introduction

V. Traditional Land Uses in Uzbekistan
Traditional land uses play a crucial role in shaping the landscape and ecological processes of Uzbekistan. 
Agriculture has been the dominant land use in the country for centuries and still constitutes a significant 
proportion of the national economy. The peasants, or dehqans, have been the backbone of agricultural 
development in Uzbekistan, and their traditional ecological practices have been well adapted to the 
local conditions. Traditional irrigation techniques like qanats and karez have been used to channel 
water from mountain springs and subterranean aquifers for crop cultivation. Traditional crop rotation, 
breeding of drought-resistant varieties, and use of organic fertilizers have optimized soil productivity 
and reduced reliance on chemicals. Pastoralism is also a traditional land use system in Uzbekistan, 
particularly in the arid regions. Nomadic tribes rely on their livestock for subsistence and have developed 
traditional practices to manage grazing pressure on rangelands. These traditional land uses are essential 
for maintaining the ecological integrity of Uzbekistan's landscapes and should be promoted and supported 
for sustainable development.
- Explanation of traditional land use practices in Uzbekistan
Traditional land use practices have played a significant role in shaping the landscape and culture of 
Uzbekistan. Agriculture is the mainstay of the country's economy, and practices such as crop rotation, 
terracing, and irrigation have been utilized for centuries. The traditional Uzbek farming system consists of 
a combination of rain-fed and irrigated agriculture, which is practiced predominantly in the fertile valleys 
and plains. Cotton cultivation dominates the irrigated areas, while wheat, barley, and other cereals are 
largely produced in rain-fed areas. Livestock management practices are also integral to traditional land 
use, with sheep, goats, and cattle reared for meat and dairy products. Uzbekistan's rural communities still 
maintain age-old practices and rituals, such as the sowing ceremony at the beginning of the agricultural 
season, and the llama (grain threshing) ceremony at the end of it. Such practices not only form the basis 
of the agricultural economy but also contribute significantly to preserving the country's cultural heritage.