An integrated framework for agroclimatic, salinity, and groundwater assessment in the Jizzakh Region, Uzbekistan

Climate change, salinization, and water scarcity increasingly threaten irrigated agricultural landscapes in arid regions. This study developed an integrated framework combining hydro-climatic, soil, and groundwater indicators to assess agricultural landscapes in the Jizzakh Region, Uzbekistan. The framework integrated fourteen agroclimatic, soil-quality, and groundwater indicators into a unified scoring system. Results revealed persistent agroclimatic constraints during 2021–2024, with vegetation-period vapor pressure deficit (VPD) ranging from 1.91–1.37 kPa and hydrothermal coefficient (HTC) from 0.40–1.09, indicating high atmospheric water demand and semi-arid conditions. Groundwater mineralization remained predominantly within 1–3 g L −1 , while salinity risks persisted in the areas affected by shallow groundwater and elevated mineralization. Integrated assessment scores ranged from 11 to 16 points, classifying most districts as unsatisfactory in 2021 and satisfactory during 2022–2024. Zafarabad and, occasionally, Sh. Rashidov exhibited the lowest overall scores. The framework provides a practical tool for monitoring landscape vulnerability and supporting irrigation, reclamation, and salinity-management decisions.

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