Eurasian Journal of Soil Science
In Press, Corrected Proof
DOI: 10.18393/ejss.2027.16.1.170.185
(This number will become active after the manuscript has been selected for inclusion in an issue)
Stable URL: https://ejss.fesss.org/manuscript.php?id=4695
Copyright © 2026 The authors and Federation of Eurasian Soil Science Societies
Effects of biosolvent application on soil salt content in irrigated meadow-alluvial soils of the Khorezm region, Uzbekistan
Abstract
Soil salinization affects a large proportion of irrigated land in Uzbekistan, including the Khorezm region. Biosolvent, a locally developed polycarboxylic-acid-based soil amendment, has been proposed to facilitate salt removal during leaching, but field evidence from randomized and independently replicated experiments remains limited. This study evaluated Biosolvent in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) field experiment in Urgench district, Khorezm region. Three blocks each contained one Biosolvent-treated plot and one untreated control plot (10 × 10 m), with treatment assigned within blocks. Biosolvent was applied at 10 L ha⁻¹ in September 2025, and soils were sampled at 0–30, 30–70, and 70–100 cm before treatment and again in May 2026. Thickness-weighted 0–100 cm soil dry residue decreased in all three Biosolvent-treated plots by 15.1–26.7%, whereas control plots showed changes ranging from a 3.2% decrease to a 10.9% increase. Based on within-block comparisons of before-to-after changes, the mean treatment contrast in dry-residue change was −1.13 g kg⁻¹ (95% CI: −2.50 to 0.23 g kg⁻¹; p = 0.070), and the mean contrast in percentage change was −22.57 percentage points (95% CI: −46.03 to 0.89 percentage points; p = 0.054). Electrical conductivity showed a consistent response in the same direction, with a mean within-block treatment contrast of −0.760 dS m⁻¹ (95% CI: −1.245 to −0.275 dS m⁻¹; p = 0.021). These results indicate consistent directional differences in soil salinity indicators between Biosolvent-treated and control plots; however, the limited number of experimental blocks warrants cautious interpretation and further validation in larger multi-site and multi-season trials.
Keywords
Biosolvent, soil salinity, randomized complete block design, Khorezm, Uzbekistan
References
<p>Arinushkina, E.V., 1970. Rukovodstvo po khimicheskomu analizu pochv [Guide to the Chemical Analysis of Soils]. 2nd ed. Moscow State University Press, Moscow, 487 pp. [in Russian].</p>
<p>Eltazarov, S., 2016. Soil salinity assessment in Syrdarya Province, Uzbekistan. MSc Thesis, Wageningen University and Research Centre, Wageningen, The Netherlands. Available at [Access date: 07.08.2026]: <a href="https://doi.org/10.13140/RG.2.2.35149.74724">https://doi.org/10.13140/RG.2.2.35149.74724</a> </p>
<p>FAO, 2024. Global status of salt-affected soils – Main report. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Rome. Available at [Access date: 07.08.2026]: <a href="https://doi.org/10.4060/cd3044en">https://doi.org/10.4060/cd3044en</a></p>
<p>Fisher, R.A., 1937. The Design of Experiments. 2nd ed. Oliver and Boyd, Edinburgh, 260 pp.</p>
<p>GOST 12536-2014. Soils. Methods of laboratory granulometric (grain-size) and microaggregate distribution. Interstate Council for Standardization, Metrology and Certification. Available at [Access date: 07.08.2026]: <a href="https://protect.gost.ru/gost/details/1f017251-7ba7-426d-a33e-f5a807978103">https://protect.gost.ru/gost/details/1f017251-7ba7-426d-a33e-f5a807978103</a></p>
<p>GOST 26423-85. Soils. Methods for determination of specific electric conductivity, pH and solid residue of water extract. USSR State Committee for Standards, Moscow. Available at [Access date: 07.08.2026]: <a href="https://protect.gost.ru/gost/details/c0c9a9c6-df47-4cb1-bcfc-22fa91584df9">https://protect.gost.ru/gost/details/c0c9a9c6-df47-4cb1-bcfc-22fa91584df9</a></p>
<p>GOST 26428-85. Soils. Methods for determination of calcium and magnesium in water extract. USSR State Committee for Standards, Moscow. Available at [Access date: 07.08.2026]: <a href="https://protect.gost.ru/gost/details/ade29b58-5a6c-4f3d-9795-407e6a679dfc">https://protect.gost.ru/gost/details/ade29b58-5a6c-4f3d-9795-407e6a679dfc</a></p>
<p>Ibrakhimov, M., Khamzina, A., Forkutsa, I., Paluasheva, G., Lamers, J.P.A., Tischbein, B., Vlek, P.L.G., Martius, C. 2007. Groundwater table and salinity: spatial and temporal distribution and influence on soil salinization in Khorezm region (Uzbekistan, Aral Sea Basin). <em>Irrigation and Drainage Systems</em> 21(3-4): 219-236. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1007/s10795-007-9033-3">https://doi.org/10.1007/s10795-007-9033-3</a></p>
<p>ISO 18400-102:2017. Soil quality — Sampling — Part 102: Selection and application of sampling techniques. International Organization for Standardization, Geneva, Switzerland. Available at [Access date: 07.08.2026]: <a href="https://www.iso.org/standard/62843.html">https://www.iso.org/standard/62843.html</a></p>
<p>Kachinsky, N.A., 1965. Fizika pochvy [Soil Physics]. Part 1. Vysshaya Shkola, Moscow (in Russian). Available at [Access date: 07.08.2026]: <a href="https://www.cawater-info.net/pdf/kachinsky1.pdf">https://www.cawater-info.net/pdf/kachinsky1.pdf</a></p>
<p>Khamidov, M., Ishchanov, J., Hamidov, A., Donmez, C., Djumaboev, K., 2022. Assessment of Soil Salinity Changes under the Climate Change in the Khorezm Region, Uzbekistan. <em>International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health</em> 19(14): 8794. <a href="https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19148794">https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19148794</a></p>
<p>Khamidov, M.Kh., Khamraev, K.Sh., Isabaev, K.T., 2020. Innovative soil leaching technology: A case study from Bukhara region of Uzbekistan. IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science 422(1): 012118. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1088/1755-1315/422/1/012118">https://doi.org/10.1088/1755-1315/422/1/012118</a></p>
<p>Khaitov, B., Rajabov, N., Murtazayeva, G., Durdiev, N., Norqulov, U., Abdalova, G., Khojasov, A., Rakhmatullaev, Y., Avliyakulov, M., Tangirova, G., Mamatkulova, L., Begmatov, I., Kim, Y.C., 2025. The effectiveness of bio-treatment on licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) productivity and soil restoration in saline ecosystems. <em>Eurasian Journal of Soil Science</em> 14(3): 198–207. <a href="https://doi.org/10.18393/ejss.1657415">https://doi.org/10.18393/ejss.1657415</a></p>
<p>Khaitov, B., Tadjetdinov, N., Sayimbetov, A., Khaitbaeva, J., Sindarov, O., Khakberdiev, O., Nematov, T., 2024. Improving the growth of Glycyrrhiza Glabra L. in saline soils using bioagent seed treatments. <em>Eurasian Journal of Soil Science</em> 13(1): 43–51. <a href="https://doi.org/10.18393/ejss.1390588">https://doi.org/10.18393/ejss.1390588</a></p>
<p>Kholdorov, S., Jabbarov, Z., Yamaguchi, T., Yamashita, M., Shamsiddinov, T., Katsura, K., 2024. Optimal timing of satellite data acquisition for estimating and modeling soil salinity in cotton fields of the Mingbulak District, Uzbekistan. <em>Eurasian Journal of Soil Science</em> 13(1): 26–34. <a href="https://doi.org/10.18393/ejss.1380500">https://doi.org/10.18393/ejss.1380500</a></p>
<p>Naushabayev, A., Seitkali, N., Karayeva, K., Mazkirat, S., Toilybayev, M., Vassilina, T., 2024. Effective strategies for reclaiming soda-saline soils: Field experimentation and practical applications in Southeast Kazakhstan. <em>Eurasian Journal of Soil Science</em> 13(3): 263–272. <a href="https://doi.org/10.18393/ejss.1491206">https://doi.org/10.18393/ejss.1491206</a></p>
<p>Qadir, M., Noble, A.D., Schubert, S., Thomas, R.J., Arslan, A., 2006. Sodicity-induced land degradation and its sustainable management: problems and prospects. <em>Land Degradation & Development</em> 17(6): 661–676. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1002/ldr.751">https://doi.org/10.1002/ldr.751</a> </p>
<p>Qadir, M., Noble, A.D., Qureshi, A.S., Gupta, R.K., Yuldashev, T., Karimov, A., 2009. Salt-induced land and water degradation in the Aral Sea basin: A challenge to sustainable agriculture in Central Asia. <em>Natural Resources Forum</em> 33(2): 134–149. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1477-8947.2009.01217.x">https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1477-8947.2009.01217.x</a></p>
<p>State Commission on Chemicalization and Plant Protection Agents of the Republic of Uzbekistan. 2018. Certificate No. 1A1730 for Biosolvent. Tashkent, Uzbekistan.</p>
<p>Shirokova, Y., Paluashova, G., Kodirov, D., Sadiev, F., 2024. Assessment of the effectiveness of methods for reducing soil salinization based on experimental data for Uzbekistan. E3S Web of Conferences 494: 02002. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1051/e3sconf/202449402002">https://doi.org/10.1051/e3sconf/202449402002</a></p>
<p>U.S. Salinity Laboratory Staff, 1954. Diagnosis and Improvement of Saline and Alkali Soils. Agriculture Handbook No. 60. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Washington, DC, 160p. Available at [Access date: 07.08.2026]: <a href="https://www.ars.usda.gov/ARSUserFiles/20360500/hb60_pdf/hb60complete.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com">https://www.ars.usda.gov/ARSUserFiles/20360500/hb60_pdf/hb60complete.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com</a></p>
Abstract
Soil salinization affects a large proportion of irrigated land in Uzbekistan, including the Khorezm region. Biosolvent, a locally developed polycarboxylic-acid-based soil amendment, has been proposed to facilitate salt removal during leaching, but field evidence from randomized and independently replicated experiments remains limited. This study evaluated Biosolvent in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) field experiment in Urgench district, Khorezm region. Three blocks each contained one Biosolvent-treated plot and one untreated control plot (10 × 10 m), with treatment assigned within blocks. Biosolvent was applied at 10 L ha⁻¹ in September 2025, and soils were sampled at 0–30, 30–70, and 70–100 cm before treatment and again in May 2026. Thickness-weighted 0–100 cm soil dry residue decreased in all three Biosolvent-treated plots by 15.1–26.7%, whereas control plots showed changes ranging from a 3.2% decrease to a 10.9% increase. Based on within-block comparisons of before-to-after changes, the mean treatment contrast in dry-residue change was −1.13 g kg⁻¹ (95% CI: −2.50 to 0.23 g kg⁻¹; p = 0.070), and the mean contrast in percentage change was −22.57 percentage points (95% CI: −46.03 to 0.89 percentage points; p = 0.054). Electrical conductivity showed a consistent response in the same direction, with a mean within-block treatment contrast of −0.760 dS m⁻¹ (95% CI: −1.245 to −0.275 dS m⁻¹; p = 0.021). These results indicate consistent directional differences in soil salinity indicators between Biosolvent-treated and control plots; however, the limited number of experimental blocks warrants cautious interpretation and further validation in larger multi-site and multi-season trials.
Keywords: Biosolvent, soil salinity, randomized complete block design, Khorezm, Uzbekistan
Author contributions: Jamolbek M. Turdaliev: Conceptualization, Methodology, Investigation, Project administration, Writing – original draft, and Writing – review and editing. Maksud I. Ruzmetov: Investigation and Writing – review and editing. Suxrob F. Sanakulov: Investigation and Writing – review and editing. Sanjar A. Tuklibaev: Investigation, Data curation, and Writing – review and editing. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.
Funding: This study was supported through the State Scientific Programs of the Innovative Development Agency under the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovations of the Republic of Uzbekistan within the framework of applied research project No. AL-9124093960, “Development of an integrated agrotechnology for combating soil salinization.” Jamolbek M. Turdaliev is the project leader, and the results reported in this article were obtained within the framework of this project.
Data availability statement: The detailed numerical data and calculations underlying the tables and statistical results are provided in the Supplementary Material following the References (Tables S1–S9, including S2a and S2b). Individual readings from the triplicate laboratory analyses are unavailable; the reported laboratory means are provided. Additional information is available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.
Declaration of competing interest: The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper.
Ethics approval: Ethics approval was not required for this study.
Acknowledgements: The authors gratefully acknowledge the Innovative Development Agency under the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovations of the Republic of Uzbekistan for supporting applied research project No. AL-9124093960, within which this study was conducted.
Use of artificial intelligence: No artificial intelligence tool was used to generate or alter the data, results or figures reported in this article. OpenAI ChatGPT was used for English-language editing and to assist with writing and checking the code used for calculations and figure plotting; all calculations and figures were produced and verified by the authors from their own data. The authors take full responsibility for the content.
References
Arinushkina, E.V., 1970. Rukovodstvo po khimicheskomu analizu pochv [Guide to the Chemical Analysis of Soils]. 2nd ed. Moscow State University Press, Moscow, 487 pp. [in Russian].
Eltazarov, S., 2016. Soil salinity assessment in Syrdarya Province, Uzbekistan. MSc Thesis, Wageningen University and Research Centre, Wageningen, The Netherlands. Available at [Access date: 07.08.2026]: https://doi.org/10.13140/RG.2.2.35149.74724
FAO, 2024. Global status of salt-affected soils – Main report. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Rome. Available at [Access date: 07.08.2026]: https://doi.org/10.4060/cd3044en
Fisher, R.A., 1937. The Design of Experiments. 2nd ed. Oliver and Boyd, Edinburgh, 260 pp.
GOST 12536-2014. Soils. Methods of laboratory granulometric (grain-size) and microaggregate distribution. Interstate Council for Standardization, Metrology and Certification. Available at [Access date: 07.08.2026]: https://protect.gost.ru/gost/details/1f017251-7ba7-426d-a33e-f5a807978103
GOST 26423-85. Soils. Methods for determination of specific electric conductivity, pH and solid residue of water extract. USSR State Committee for Standards, Moscow. Available at [Access date: 07.08.2026]: https://protect.gost.ru/gost/details/c0c9a9c6-df47-4cb1-bcfc-22fa91584df9
GOST 26428-85. Soils. Methods for determination of calcium and magnesium in water extract. USSR State Committee for Standards, Moscow. Available at [Access date: 07.08.2026]: https://protect.gost.ru/gost/details/ade29b58-5a6c-4f3d-9795-407e6a679dfc
Ibrakhimov, M., Khamzina, A., Forkutsa, I., Paluasheva, G., Lamers, J.P.A., Tischbein, B., Vlek, P.L.G., Martius, C. 2007. Groundwater table and salinity: spatial and temporal distribution and influence on soil salinization in Khorezm region (Uzbekistan, Aral Sea Basin). Irrigation and Drainage Systems 21(3-4): 219-236. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10795-007-9033-3
ISO 18400-102:2017. Soil quality — Sampling — Part 102: Selection and application of sampling techniques. International Organization for Standardization, Geneva, Switzerland. Available at [Access date: 07.08.2026]: https://www.iso.org/standard/62843.html
Kachinsky, N.A., 1965. Fizika pochvy [Soil Physics]. Part 1. Vysshaya Shkola, Moscow (in Russian). Available at [Access date: 07.08.2026]: https://www.cawater-info.net/pdf/kachinsky1.pdf
Khamidov, M., Ishchanov, J., Hamidov, A., Donmez, C., Djumaboev, K., 2022. Assessment of Soil Salinity Changes under the Climate Change in the Khorezm Region, Uzbekistan. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 19(14): 8794. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19148794
Khamidov, M.Kh., Khamraev, K.Sh., Isabaev, K.T., 2020. Innovative soil leaching technology: A case study from Bukhara region of Uzbekistan. IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science 422(1): 012118. https://doi.org/10.1088/1755-1315/422/1/012118
Khaitov, B., Rajabov, N., Murtazayeva, G., Durdiev, N., Norqulov, U., Abdalova, G., Khojasov, A., Rakhmatullaev, Y., Avliyakulov, M., Tangirova, G., Mamatkulova, L., Begmatov, I., Kim, Y.C., 2025. The effectiveness of bio-treatment on licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) productivity and soil restoration in saline ecosystems. Eurasian Journal of Soil Science 14(3): 198–207. https://doi.org/10.18393/ejss.1657415
Khaitov, B., Tadjetdinov, N., Sayimbetov, A., Khaitbaeva, J., Sindarov, O., Khakberdiev, O., Nematov, T., 2024. Improving the growth of Glycyrrhiza Glabra L. in saline soils using bioagent seed treatments. Eurasian Journal of Soil Science 13(1): 43–51. https://doi.org/10.18393/ejss.1390588
Kholdorov, S., Jabbarov, Z., Yamaguchi, T., Yamashita, M., Shamsiddinov, T., Katsura, K., 2024. Optimal timing of satellite data acquisition for estimating and modeling soil salinity in cotton fields of the Mingbulak District, Uzbekistan. Eurasian Journal of Soil Science 13(1): 26–34. https://doi.org/10.18393/ejss.1380500
Naushabayev, A., Seitkali, N., Karayeva, K., Mazkirat, S., Toilybayev, M., Vassilina, T., 2024. Effective strategies for reclaiming soda-saline soils: Field experimentation and practical applications in Southeast Kazakhstan. Eurasian Journal of Soil Science 13(3): 263–272. https://doi.org/10.18393/ejss.1491206
Qadir, M., Noble, A.D., Schubert, S., Thomas, R.J., Arslan, A., 2006. Sodicity-induced land degradation and its sustainable management: problems and prospects. Land Degradation & Development 17(6): 661–676. https://doi.org/10.1002/ldr.751
Qadir, M., Noble, A.D., Qureshi, A.S., Gupta, R.K., Yuldashev, T., Karimov, A., 2009. Salt-induced land and water degradation in the Aral Sea basin: A challenge to sustainable agriculture in Central Asia. Natural Resources Forum 33(2): 134–149. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1477-8947.2009.01217.x
State Commission on Chemicalization and Plant Protection Agents of the Republic of Uzbekistan. 2018. Certificate No. 1A1730 for Biosolvent. Tashkent, Uzbekistan.
Shirokova, Y., Paluashova, G., Kodirov, D., Sadiev, F., 2024. Assessment of the effectiveness of methods for reducing soil salinization based on experimental data for Uzbekistan. E3S Web of Conferences 494: 02002. https://doi.org/10.1051/e3sconf/202449402002
U.S. Salinity Laboratory Staff, 1954. Diagnosis and Improvement of Saline and Alkali Soils. Agriculture Handbook No. 60. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Washington, DC, 160p. Available at [Access date: 07.08.2026]: https://www.ars.usda.gov/ARSUserFiles/20360500/hb60_pdf/hb60complete.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com
How to cite
Turdaliev, J., Ruzmetov, M., Sanakulov, S., Tuklibaev, S., 2026. Effects of biosolvent application on soil salt content in irrigated meadow-alluvial soils of the Khorezm region, Uzbekistan. Eurasian J. Soil Sci. DOI : 10.18393/ejss.2027.16.1.170.185
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CLASSICAL
Turdaliev, J., Ruzmetov, M., Sanakulov, S., Tuklibaev, S., 2026. Effects of biosolvent application on soil salt content in irrigated meadow-alluvial soils of the Khorezm region, Uzbekistan. Eurasian J. Soil Sci. DOI : 10.18393/ejss.2027.16.1.170.185
APA
Turdaliev, J., Ruzmetov, M., Sanakulov, S., & Tuklibaev, S. (2026). Effects of biosolvent application on soil salt content in irrigated meadow-alluvial soils of the Khorezm region, Uzbekistan Eurasian Journal of Soil Science, DOI : 10.18393/ejss.2027.16.1.170.185
MLA
Turdaliev, J., Ruzmetov, M., Sanakulov, S., and Tuklibaev, S. "Effects of biosolvent application on soil salt content in irrigated meadow-alluvial soils of the Khorezm region, Uzbekistan" Eurasian Journal of Soil Science, (2026) DOI : 10.18393/ejss.2027.16.1.170.185
TURABIAN
Turdaliev, J., Ruzmetov, M., Sanakulov, S., and Tuklibaev, S. "Effects of biosolvent application on soil salt content in irrigated meadow-alluvial soils of the Khorezm region, Uzbekistan" Eurasian Journal of Soil Science, DOI : 10.18393/ejss.2027.16.1.170.185
IEEE
J. Turdaliev., M. Ruzmetov., S. Sanakulov., S. Tuklibaev. "Effects of biosolvent application on soil salt content in irrigated meadow-alluvial soils of the Khorezm region, Uzbekistan" Eurasian J. Soil Sci., vol. , no. , pp. DOI : 10.18393/ejss.2027.16.1.170.185
ISO690
TURDALIEV, Jamolbek M. ; RUZMETOV, Maksud I. ; SANAKULOV, Suxrob F. ; TUKLIBAEV, Sanjar A. Effects of biosolvent application on soil salt content in irrigated meadow-alluvial soils of the Khorezm region, Uzbekistan. Eurasian Journal of Soil Science,.DOI : 10.18393/ejss.2027.16.1.170.185
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Publication Information
- Article first published online: 23 Ekim 2026
- Manuscript Accepted: 20 Ekim 2026
- Manuscript Received: 07 Ağustos 2026
- DOI: 10.18393/ejss.2027.16.1.170.185
- Stable URL: https://ejss.fesss.org/manuscript.php?id=4695
