Integrated Effects of Soil Salinity, Nutrient Limitations and Biofertilizer Application on Rosa Canina Productivity in Arid Soils of Uzbekistan

Rosa canina L. is widely cultivated as a medicinal plant; however, its productivity under arid conditions is often limited by soil salinity and nutrient imbalance. The present study was carried out in the Bukhara region of Uzbekistan to evaluate soil salinity, agrochemical properties, and their influence on the productivity of Rosa canina, as well as to assess the potential role of a microbiological biofertilizer (TERIA-S). Soil samples (0–30 cm) were collected from representative plantation sites and analyzed for physicochemical and elemental composition using standard laboratory methods and EDXRF analysis. The results showed that soils were slightly alkaline (pH 7.6) and affected by moderate to strong salinity (ECe 5.20–8.12 dS/m). The dominant salts were chlorides and sulfates, with NaCl contributing significantly to salinity stress. Although soils contained relatively high total amounts of macroelements (Ca, K, Mg), the availability of key nutrients, particularly phosphorus and potassium, was limited due to calcareous conditions. Agrochemical analysis revealed moderate humus content (1.07%) but low total nitrogen and potassium reserves, along with critically low available phosphorus. These constraints were reflected in the productivity of Rosa canina, which ranged from 5.0 to 6.0 t/ha under field conditions. The application of the microbiological biofertilizer TERIA-S resulted in a yield increase of 8–12% compared to untreated plants and improved overall plant vigor. The findings indicate that soil salinity and nutrient availability are the main limiting factors for Rosa canina cultivation in the studied area. The use of microbiological biofertilizers can partially mitigate these limitations by enhancing nutrient mobilization and improving soil biological activity. This study provides practical insights for improving the productivity of medicinal plants under arid soil conditions.