Introduction of Kyzylkum Halophytes and Xerophytes on Degraded Soils of The Dried Aral Sea Bed

The paper describes the species composition and seed ripening periods of halophytes and xerophytes growing on the bed of a dried salt lake in Tamdy district, Navoi region, the collection of seeds of 13 species in 2025, and the results of their sowing on 21 February 2026 at the research station on the dried Aral Sea bed. Most species emerged well in spring; however, after the dry and hot summer of 2026, only Halopeplis perfoliata, Salicornia perennans and Kochia iranica had survived by August. Extreme substrate salinity, moisture deficit, drifting sand and harsh temperature conditions are shown to be the main causes of poor establishment. To improve soil fertility and moisture at the sowing site, the agrochemical properties of bentonite, vermiculite, glauconite, sapropel, vermicompost, phosphorite waste and poultry manure were evaluated.