RECLAMATION OF SANDS BY CROP CULTIVATION NEAR OASES IN TURKMENISTAN

Sandy areas in proximity of oases and irrigated lands in Turkmenistan present a problem because of aeolian encroachment of sand on cultivate d areas. Reclamation of sandy areas have been performed, commonly by a sequential leveling, construction of irrigation systems, preparation of soil for cultivation, and by selection and cultivation of appropria te crops with irrigation. Newly cultivated areas may be irrigated by s prinklers (80- to 100-ha plots) or by flooding (8- to 10-ha plots). N, P, and K fertilization is required Addition of clay containing soils (200 to 2000 m3 ha-1) counteracts erosion and improves fertilizer and water retention. Shelterbelts consisting of appropriate trees along bo rders of irrigated fields and canals hinder wind erosion. The interval s and amount of water applied by irrigation are variable and depend on the crops cultivated. Cotton needs 8 to 11 irrigations per season at 6000 to 8000 m3 ha-1. Economical yields of barley, wheat, oats, Sudan grass, alfalfa, maize, sorghum, and other crops have been obtained fro m the reclaimed and irrigated sandy soils.