INTEGRATED MODEL OF DRIP IRRIGATION AND MULCHING FOR ENHANCING BIOMASS OF MEDICINAL PLANTS IN ARID REGIONS
Keywords:
Arid regions; medicinal plants; biomass enhancement; drip irrigation; mulching; integrated model; water use efficiency; secondary metabolites; sustainable agriculture; Uzbekistan.Abstract
Arid and semi-arid regions are characterized by chronic water scarcity, high evapotranspiration rates, and challenging soil conditions, which limit the growth and productivity of conventional and high-value crops. Medicinal plants, which hold significant economic and therapeutic importance, are particularly affected by these stressors, resulting in reduced biomass and suboptimal accumulation of bioactive compounds. This study develops an integrated ecological-biological model that combines drip irrigation and mulching to optimize water use efficiency, soil moisture retention, and plant growth under arid conditions. The model is tested using medicinal plant species including Mentha piperita, Lavandula angustifolia, Rosmarinus officinalis, and Thymus vulgaris, focusing on biomass production, secondary metabolite content, and overall plant physiological responses. Drip irrigation delivers water directly to the root zone, minimizing losses due to evaporation and runoff, while mulching regulates soil temperature, conserves moisture, suppresses weeds, and promotes beneficial microbial activity. The study assesses the ecological, agronomic, and economic benefits of the integrated system and provides a scalable framework for medicinal plant cultivation in water-limited environments. Results demonstrate significant improvements in biomass yield, essential oil content, and secondary metabolite accumulation, supporting sustainable agricultural practices and enhanced bioeconomic potential in arid regions
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