The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has provided the Tashkent Institute of Irrigation and Agricultural Mechanization Engineers – National Research University (TIIAME-NRU) with a state-of-the-art EM38-MK2 Ground Conductivity Meter.

This advanced technology enables a comprehensive assessment of soil and water quality in areas affected by environmental challenges. The initiative is being implemented within the framework of the Joint Project with UNDP titled “Building knowledge and skills of local partners and communities to address environmental insecurities through innovative air, land, and water management solutions in the Aral Sea Region”.

“This modern equipment enables precise and rapid measurement of soil electrical conductivity and magnetic susceptibility. It is an important tool for science-based irrigation planning, efficient land use, and environmental restoration measures”, stated National Project Coordinator Abdumalik Namozov.

The partnership between FAO and the National Research University serves to strengthen scientific research and field monitoring capabilities. The EM38-MK2 equipment allows for non-invasive measurement of soil electrical conductivity and magnetic susceptibility to a depth of 1.5 meters with high accuracy. This provides rapid and reliable information about salinity levels, moisture content, and subsurface structures.

The device can be widely applied in agricultural land analysis, general soil science, and other scientific investigations. Through the obtained results, salinity, moisture levels, and subsurface geological structures can be determined. This plays a crucial role, particularly in the comprehensive assessment of soil and water resources in the Aral Sea region.

According to the FAO Representation in Uzbekistan, the implementation of modern diagnostic tools such as the EM38-MK2 represents an essential step toward sustainable, data-driven solutions for addressing environmental challenges in areas of Uzbekistan facing ecological difficulties.

Behruz Khudoyberdiyev, UzA