IMPLEMENTING WATER COLLECTION AND IRRIGATION USING THE STEP (TERRACE) METHOD IN MOUNTAINOUS AND HILLY AREAS

SCIENCE AND INNOVATION INTERNATIONAL SCIENTIFIC JOURNAL VOLUME 4 ISSUE 9 SEPTEMBER 2025 ISSN: 2181-3337 | SCIENTISTS.UZ 219 IMPLEMENTING WATER COLLECTION AND IRRIGATION USING THE STEP (TERRACE) METHOD IN MOUNTAINOUS AND HILLY AREAS B.E. Abjambilov Student of group 23-12, ST "Agranomy," Tashkent State Agrarian University, Specialist, Farmers' Council, Pakhtakor District, Jizzakh Region https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17312482 Abstract. This article presents information on current issues related to combating water scarcity and preventing desertification in Uzbekistan, as well as on the development of tourism and the cultivation of medicinal plants through landscape design in mountainous foothills. Keywords: rainwater, snowwater, tourism, mountains, foothills, water harvesting, Philippine rice terraces, Ifugao, Banaue, and the Cordillera. Introduction It is important to emphasize that efficient use of Uzbekistan's mountainous foothills, improvement of the agro-ecological system using the example of the Philippine Rice Terraces, and provision of drinking water to the population. Water shortages in Uzbekistan. It is worth mentioning that Shavkat Mirziyoyev stated that the region will face high levels of water shortages by 2040. In his speech at the Samarkand International Climate Forum, the President stated that by 2040, the countries of the Central Asian region (CA) will face high levels of water shortages due to reduced flow of the Amu Darya and Syr Darya rivers. Uzbekistan also intends to fulfill its emission reduction commitments ahead of schedule. Regions with the greatest water shortages by 2040. According to experts, due to climate change, population growth, and unsustainable use of water resources, water shortages will become a serious problem in many regions of the world. (Source: https://t.me/gorizont_uz/50107 ). Professor of the Department of Agriculture and Land Reclamation at Tashkent State Agrarian University, Doctor of Agricultural Sciences Usmon Norkulov. The volume of water lost in our water intake networks is extremely high. Up to 40% of the total water volume is lost through filtration (water seepage into the ground), evaporation, and unintentional runoff in canals and ditches. Only 12-15% of our canals are concreted. Furthermore, the cultivation of water-intensive crops in the regions further exacerbates the current situation. At present, there is an expanding corpus of research indicating the amount of water received by Uzbekistan is 79% of the 1980s level. In dry years, water intake from the Amu Darya and Syr Darya rivers decreases by 8,000-10,000 m³, and we use up to 40,000-45,000 m³ for irrigation. Due to water shortages in dry years, agricultural productivity significantly declines. According to the SCIENCE AND INNOVATION INTERNATIONAL SCIENTIFIC JOURNAL VOLUME 4 ISSUE 9 SEPTEMBER 2025 ISSN: 2181-3337 | SCIENTISTS.UZ 220 latest estimates, our country receives the most water from transboundary rivers among the countries of Central Asia. Currently, the volume of water we receive from these rivers is 50 km³. According to experts, 33 countries worldwide are among the most water-stressed. Uzbekistan may also be added to this list in the next 8-10 years. Snow and Rainwater Harvesting. In this case, developing horticulture and growing agricultural produce by collecting snow and rainwater using terraces in the mountains leads to a reduction in groundwater use. When collecting snow and rainwater using terraces, a ditch is dug and plastic or iron pipes are laid, the top of which is covered with a fine mesh. As these terraces are laid, ditches are diverted from them in line with the planted trees. The use of terraces leads to the creation of green spaces in the hills and a landscape transformation. Furthermore, the climate is moderated, preventing dust and salts from rising into the environment. Furthermore, the need for groundwater is reduced. Drip irrigation helps save energy. Soil moisture content also increases depending on the crops grown. Republic of the Philippines, Banaue Rice Terraces. The Philippines is an agro-industrial country. Agriculture accounts for 22% of the gross domestic product, industry for 32%, and services for 48%. Smallholder farms account for most of the agriculture. There are also large plantation farms. The area of land suitable for agriculture is 9 million hectares (30% of the country's territory), of which 1 million hectares is irrigated. Peasant farming predominates. Sugarcane, abaca, rubber trees, coconut palms, peanuts, coffee, cocoa, tobacco, tropical and citrus fruits are grown for export. The main food crops are rice, corn, sweet potatoes, cassava, and vegetables. Livestock farming is well developed: cattle, buffalo, pigs, goats, and poultry are bred, and fishing is also practiced. The forests yield valuable export timber, rosewood and sequoia. The Banaue Rice Terraces (Filipino: Xagdan-xagdang Palayanng Banawe) are terraces carved into the Banaue Mountains by the Ifugao ancestors using minimal equipment, mostly by hand. The terraces are located at an altitude of approximately 1,500 meters (4,900 feet) above sea level. They have historically been used as a rain-fed irrigation system. American anthropologist Henry Otley Beyer (July 13, 1883 – December 31, 1966) estimated the terraces to be over 2,000 years old, but some researchers dispute this, claiming they were built much more recently. Nevertheless, rice is considered an ancient, indigenous crop in the Philippines. Another thriving sector of the Banaue rice terraces' economy is tourism. The tourism industry includes visits to traditional sites on the terraces and visits to the tribes living at their foot. Visitors can also consult mumbaki (traditional Ifugao healers) who perform spiritual healing rituals. The Ifugao rice terraces retain traditional methods of irrigation, stonework, earthworks, and terrace maintenance. The rice terraces supported and shaped the lives of community members, providing a source of life and art. (A tourist photographs the rice terraces.) SCIENCE AND INNOVATION INTERNATIONAL SCIENTIFIC JOURNAL VOLUME 4 ISSUE 9 SEPTEMBER 2025 ISSN: 2181-3337 | SCIENTISTS.UZ 221 Rice Terraces of the Philippine Cordillera. It is imperative to recognize that World Heritage site comprising a complex of rice terraces on the island of Luzon, Philippines. They were inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1995, becoming the first site to be inscribed as a cultural landscape. The Batad and Bangaan Rice Terraces (both in Banaue), Mayoyao Rice Terraces (in Mayoyao), Hungduan Rice Terraces (in Hungduand), and Nagakadan Rice Terraces (in Kiangan) are located in the province of Ifugao. The Ifugao rice terraces are located on higher ground and steeper slopes than many other terraces. The Ifugao rice terraces combine complex stone or adobe walls with meticulous recreation of the natural contours of hills and mountains, creating terraced ponds, complex irrigation systems, water harvesting from mountain forests, and a sophisticated agricultural system. It is pertinent to observe that the Ifugao Rice Terraces demonstrate the remarkable ability of human culture to adapt to new social and climatic pressures, as well as to implement and develop new ideas and technologies. Although listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site by the UNESCO as older than 2000 years, recent research by the Ifugao Archaeological Project suggests that they were actually built about 400 years ago. Rice terrace management reflects a primarily cooperative approach of the entire community, based on the rich diversity of biological resources available in the Ifugao agro-ecosystem, zoning and planning, extensive soil conservation, and the adoption of integrated pest management. It is a regime based on the processing of various herbs, accompanied by religious ceremonies. The annual Precipitation: Depending on latitude, distance from seas and oceans, wind direction, and terrain, precipitation amounts vary across the Earth's surface. In the tropics, precipitation is over 1,000 mm, sometimes up to 12,000 mm (e.g., in India); in temperate latitudes, it ranges from 250 mm to 1,000 mm; in deserts and high latitudes, it is less than 250 mm (e.g., Egypt). Overall, the annual precipitation falling on the Earth's surface averages 1,000 mm (more than 50,000 km³ of water). In Uzbekistan, precipitation is considered the main source of water and is unevenly SCIENCE AND INNOVATION INTERNATIONAL SCIENTIFIC JOURNAL VOLUME 4 ISSUE 9 SEPTEMBER 2025 ISSN: 2181-3337 | SCIENTISTS.UZ 222 distributed across regions and seasons. This is primarily due to the nature of air masses, surface structure, and the orientation and elevation of mountains. Precipitation is primarily brought by moist air masses blowing from the Atlantic Ocean. The lowest annual precipitation in Uzbekistan occurs in the Ustyurt region, the lower reaches of the Amu Darya, and the Kyzylkum Desert – approximately 100 mm. Precipitation increases to the east and southeast due to the elevation. The average annual precipitation in the hilly and foothill regions of Uzbekistan is 300–550 mm, while on the southwestern slopes of the Western Tien Shan, Hisor, and Zarafshan, facing humid air, it is 800–900 mm. The greatest annual precipitation in Uzbekistan is 2000 mm, facing humid air, towards the Western Tien Shan. The majority of precipitation falls in winter (30% of the annual amount) and spring (40%). While on the plains of Uzbekistan it rains 35–40 days a year, in the mountains this figure is 70–90 days. Some of the precipitation falls as snow. However, snow cover is unstable on the region's plains: in the northwest, it lasts 40-50 days, in the southeast, 10-15 days, and in the mountains, 90-100 days. The average snow depth on the plains is 1-8 cm (maximum 30 cm). In the foothills, it is 10-20 cm (maximum 60 cm), and in the mountains, 60 cm (maximum 1.5-2.0 m). The part of the precipitation in Uzbekistan falls as hail, mixed with strong winds and sleet. Hail falls once every 10 years: on the plains, on average, 1 to 6-7 times, and in the foothills and mountains, 1-2 times. In summer, the air warms up significantly, leading to intense evaporation of moisture from the ground surface. As a result, in the lowlands of Uzbekistan, evaporation is several times greater than annual precipitation (3.5 times in Tashkent and 27 times in Nukus). 80–85% of evaporation occurs between May and October. It is fundamental to understand that evaporation in the lowlands of Uzbekistan is several times greater than annual precipitation, snow and rainwater can be effectively utilized by implementing the "rice terraces of the Philippines" model in Uzbekistan. In this case, snow and rainwater are collected from the lower parts of the hills, creating a single stream through the terraces, and then diverted through a dam made of rocks and soil from the lower parts of the hills. The water is collected and drained into ponds constructed in the shape of a pond. Construction of an artificial pond is inexpensive, but it can be used regularly in the future. Furthermore, if the water from the pond is collected in a closed reservoir or special tanks, it can be recycled and used for drinking water. It is essential to highlight that water collected in spring and autumn is widely used in agriculture in mountainous and foothill regions. It is primarily used to grow export products, fruits, and medicinal herbs. For example, an article published on www.spot.uz on July 3, 2025 ("Almond prices in Uzbekistan have almost doubled — EastFruit (July 3, 2025, 3:59 PM Economy)) (https://www.spot.uz/oz/2025/07/03/almond-price/) reports that over the past 2-2.5 months, the wholesale price of almond kernels from last year's local harvest has increased by 1.2-2.5%. Prices are reported to have almost doubled, from 65,000-70,000 soums (US$5-5.4) per kilogram to 120,000-130,000 soums (US$9.5-10.2). Almonds are undemanding in terms of soil conditions but thrive in soft soils. They are moderately frost-hardy and drought-resistant, so they are also planted on mountain slopes to create hedges against erosion. The yield of a single tree is 60-80 kg. There are local almond varieties recommended for planting in the Republic of Uzbekistan and included in the State Register of Agricultural Crops, including "Bumazhnoskorlupiy," "Pervenes," "Turkmen," "Svetly," "Ugamsky," "Valtinsky," and "Malika." They are very drought-resistant and grow well on dry, rocky, and infertile southern mountain slopes, without any site selection. Almond seedlings are planted in the fall or early spring. Since almonds require light, they do not SCIENCE AND INNOVATION INTERNATIONAL SCIENTIFIC JOURNAL VOLUME 4 ISSUE 9 SEPTEMBER 2025 ISSN: 2181-3337 | SCIENTISTS.UZ 223 grow well in cool areas and thrive in loamy soils containing lime. Almonds are photophilous and heatand drought-resistant. Planting almonds and similar drought-resistant fruit trees will increase Uzbekistan's export potential. Because shade is created between orchards, water evaporation is reduced and moisture is conserved, allowing for the cultivation of agricultural produce between orchards. Furthermore, growing medicinal plants between trees and in open ground can improve health and provide additional income for the population. Medicinal plants such as capers and evening primrose (Oenothera biennis) can be grown. Newly planted capers begin bearing fruit after three years, yielding up to 20 tons per hectare. Considering that each hectare of capers can generate $125,000 in exports, it's worth noting the enormous wealth of this medicinal and healing plant. Considering that 1 kilogram of caper juice costs 150-200 US dollars on the world market, if entrepreneurs engaged in caper cultivation begin processing this product, they will have a stable economy in 5-6 years. In Armenian, capers are called "kapar" and in Georgian, "kapari." Biblical writings indicate that caper fruits have aphrodisiac properties. According to A.F. Hammerman (1973), this amazing plant has chosen the most inhospitable places for its habitat. The resilient and hardy caper plant blooms all summer, nourishing insects with the juice of its large, beautiful white flowers, and birds with its fruits. Like all plants, safflower is rich in vitamins, fiber, and organic acids. The flower petals contain 25% protein and 3% fat, and the fruits contain vitamin C and iodine. Safflower (Sapparis Spinosa L.), growing in the wild, is a medicinal plant containing various vitamins: A, B1, B2, B4, B5, B6, E, K, PP, C. In addition to these vitamins, safflower - Sapparis spinosa L. - a medicinal plant, contains microelements that determine its beneficial properties: iron, potassium, sodium, magnesium, zinc, selenium, copper, manganese, phosphorus, calcium, as well as macroelements. The buds and flowers of the primrose contain vitamin C, flavonoids (rutin and quercetin), saponins, dyes and other substances, the fruits - sugars, vitamin C, organic acids, the seeds - 25-36% fat, thioglycoside, during hydrolysis of which mustard essential oil is released, and the roots - glycosides of stachydrine and capparidine. The evening primrose plant differs from other vegetable crops in that it contains 0.32% rutin, 150 mg/% vitamins S, P, and E, 12% sugar, 18–20% flavonoids, 29–30% glycosides, 25% protein in the buds, and 27–30% iodine in the fruits. The evening primrose plant (Latin: Oenothera biénnis) is also known by other names, such as evening primrose, nightshade, and others. Oenothera (Latin: Oenothera), sometimes called evening primrose, is a genus of plants in the genus Oenothera, primarily annual or perennial, in the primrose family (Onagraceae). This plant is often considered useful in medicine, nursing, and the cosmetics industry. Basic description: Latin name - Oenothera biennis (the most popular), Uzbek name - Osilnik / Osilnik, family - Onagraceae - evening primrose, lifespan - 1 or 2 years (often biennial), height - from 30 cm to 150 cm, leaves - long, alternate, flowers - large, yellowish, open in the evening, fruit - a capsule with seeds. The flax tree is native to North America, but now grows in Europe, Asia, and Central Asia, including Uzbekistan. It can often be found along roadsides, in vacant lots, and in gardens. Medicinal properties: The most valuable part of the flax tree is its seeds and the oil extracted from them. Flaxseed oil: rich in gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), a beneficial omega-6 fatty acid. Antiinflammatory, hormonal balance, and beneficial for skin health. Benefits: Skin: reduces acne, eczema, dryness, and inflammation of the skin. Women's health: relieves premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and menopausal symptoms. Joints: helps reduce arthritis pain. Heart health: can lower blood pressure and regulate cholesterol levels. In folk medicine, flaxseed was used by Native SCIENCE AND INNOVATION INTERNATIONAL SCIENTIFIC JOURNAL VOLUME 4 ISSUE 9 SEPTEMBER 2025 ISSN: 2181-3337 | SCIENTISTS.UZ 224 Americans in ancient times to treat wounds and swelling. It is still widely used in herbal medicine. The oil is sold in pharmacies in capsule form (also known as evening primrose oil), as a tea (a decoction of dried leaves), and as an ointment for external use for skin problems. Planting evening primrose. Timing: When sowing seeds: early spring (March-April), indoors or directly into open ground (April-May). When transplanting seedlings: after the last frost (late May - early June). Seed preparation: Soaking seeds in warm water overnight accelerates germination. The seeds are small and light, so they should be sown in a well-drained location. Soil: light, sandy, or loamy soil is ideal. The plant can rot even in very heavy, moisture-retentive soils. Soil pH: 6.0-7.5 (near neutral). Site selection: Requires full sunlight (at least 6-8 hours). Does not bloom or grows slowly in shade. Planting depth: Sow at a depth of 0.5–1 cm. Lightly compact the soil. Primrose Care: Watering: Moderate. Avoid overwatering; water only when the soil dries. Water regularly after planting, reducing once rooting has occurred. It does not require much fertilizer. In spring, you can add a small amount of compost or organic fertilizer. Pruning: Regularly remove faded flowers to encourage new bud formation. In autumn, when all parts have yellowed, cut them back to the ground. The plant is very resistant to diseases and pests. Occasionally, mealybugs and spider mites are encountered; these can be controlled with a soap solution. Evening primrose (also known as evening primrose) is a species of plant in the fireweed family (Onagraceae), which is a very diverse group. In nature, it occurs as herbs and shrubs, both branched and unbranched. Botanical Description: Plants of this species are distinguished by a variety of leaf shapes: they can be simple, entire, serrated, lobed, or pinnate. Particularly noteworthy is the biennial evening primrose, which reaches a height of up to 2 meters and has large, fragrant yellow flowers. Flowering Characteristics: A distinctive feature of the evening primrose is that its flowers open in the evening, giving the plant the common name "night primrose." Distribution and Ecology: Most evening primrose species are found in North and South America. Today, this plant species can be found in various regions of the world, including European Russia, where it often grows in fields, along riverbanks, along railway embankments, and in sandy areas. Practical Uses: Evening primrose has several important uses. Ornamental Uses: Many beautifully flowering varieties are grown in gardens. Honey Production: Evening primrose is a valuable honey plant, attracting bees with its fragrant flowers. Forage crops: The plant is used as livestock feed. Medicinal uses: Some species of evening primrose are used in folk medicine. Cultivation: Evening primrose can grow in both normal and open areas. It prefers sunny locations and well-drained soil. In horticulture, the transliteration of the Latin name Oenothera is often used. Bees collect nectar from biennial evening primroses, returning from the time the flowers open until evening, and in the morning, before sunrise. They begin collecting nectar upon seeing one or two flowers. The honey yield of different ecotypes studied in the Ryazan region was as follows: Central Russian – 40.1 kg/ha, Caucasian – 87.8 kg/ha, and Central European – 151.1 kg/ha. The flowering period of the different ecotypes under similar conditions was as follows: Central Russian – 57 days, Caucasian – 62 days, and Central European – 75 days. The honey is greenish-dark yellow and is suitable for wintering bees. Pollen production is low. The anther weight of a single flower is 14.0–18.0 mg, and the pollen yield is 4.7–6.0 mg. This ornamental hybrid form is a valuable pasture plant. Livestock, especially sheep and cattle, are well-fed. In SCIENCE AND INNOVATION INTERNATIONAL SCIENTIFIC JOURNAL VOLUME 4 ISSUE 9 SEPTEMBER 2025 ISSN: 2181-3337 | SCIENTISTS.UZ 225 floriculture, evening primrose is popular as a beautiful flowering plant. Hybrid evening primrose varieties are also called "primrose." Chemical composition: 1 kg of dry plant matter harvested in June contains 4036 mg of ascorbic acid in the leaves and 2536 mg in the flowers. Ascorbic acid is found only in the reoxidized form. According to some sources, dry seeds contain: 7.1% ash, 15.6% protein, 19.6% fat, 17.0% fiber, and 40.7% nitrogen-free extractive substances (NFES). According to other sources, the oil content is 28.4% (iodine value 147.68). The seeds contain 5.6–5.7% palmitic acid, 26.4–27.6% oleic acid, and 58.1–64.5% linoleic acid. No alkaloids were detected in the stem, leaves, or flowers. In addition to its medicinal properties, this plant can be used in medicine, the production of pharmaceuticals and natural medicinal honey, as livestock feed, and in landscape design. Given its use, it can also contribute to the development of the economy and tourism in Uzbekistan. In some mountainous and foothill areas of Uzbekistan, the drying up of streams during the summer increases the population's demand for groundwater. This will also lead to groundwater depletion in the future. Given population growth, the demand for food and medicine will increase. This is due to the decrease in water availability, leading to a decline in agricultural production, environmental degradation, and an increase in disease. If the above experiments are adapted and implemented in Uzbekistan, the population's food needs will be met, domestic prices will decrease, and export potential to foreign countries will increase. This, in turn, will lead to economic growth. Water-stable medicinal plants will improve public health and reduce the need for various chemicals. CONCLUSION It is significant to point out that according to expert estimates, 33 countries worldwide are among the most water-scarce countries, and that Uzbekistan may also join this list within the next 8-10 years, it is essential to use water rationally, efficiently utilizing mountain and foothill resources and harvesting snow and rainwater. Furthermore, it is necessary to efficiently use land in mountainous and foothill areas, preserve the environment, and enhance biodiversity. This requires cultivating export-oriented tree fruits, agricultural products, and medicinal plants. These efforts will prevent or significantly reduce desertification in Uzbekistan and, ultimately, mitigate the hot climate through the influence of green diversity. They will also help meet the population's food needs. In light of the above, the following project implementation stages are proposed: In the first stage, districts and regions where the proposed method can be implemented are identified, the most effective ones are identified, and experimental sites are determined. Climate data is collected and analyzed from a meteorological station located near the experimental site. The economic impact of the tree species/crops planted on the site is determined taking into account water consumption. The impact of selected water-saving irrigation technologies (primarily subsurface, drip, and sprinkler irrigation) on tree root zone moisture and land reclamation is measured and analyzed. The project is planned to be implemented through international grants, research projects, and other sources. REFERENCES 1. www.gazeta.uz. Shavkat Mirziyoyev stated that the region will face a serious water shortage by 2040. https://www.gazeta.uz/oz/2025/04/04/suv/ SCIENCE AND INNOVATION INTERNATIONAL SCIENTIFIC JOURNAL VOLUME 4 ISSUE 9 SEPTEMBER 2025 ISSN: 2181-3337 | SCIENTISTS.UZ 226 2. www.agro.uz. How to use water in agriculture? https://www.agro.uz/11-04451/ 3. Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, Banaue Rice Terraces. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Banaue_Rice_Terraces). 4. Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, H. Otley Beyer. (https/ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/H._Otley_Beyer) 5. Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Rice Terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras. (ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rice_Terraces_of_the_Philippine_Cordilleras#cite_noteAcabado_2009-11) 6. Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Precipitation https://uz.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yog%CA%BBinlar 7. National Encyclopedia of Uzbekistan. Tashkent. 2001. Letter Yo, p. 18. 8. https://www.uza.uz. Koval - a useful and medicinal plant. (https://uza.uz/oz/posts/kovulserdaromad-shifobakhsh-osimlik_526452) 9. www.asienda.ru. Evening primrose (Oensil biennis). (https://www.asienda.ru/plants/oslinnikdvuletnij/)