Javier Rodrigo

BINRM-TIIAME develops a technology to clean saline soil from harmful salts using biohumus

November 24, 2024 Javier Rodrigo

The NRU Bukhara Institute of Natural Resources Management, led by Associate Professor Kamal Shukhratovich Khamrayev and his dedicated team, is at the forefront of agricultural innovation. The Institute is currently undertaking a groundbreaking project to develop a sustainable solution for cleaning saline soil and restoring its fertility. The core of this innovative approach lies in the utilization of biohumus, a natural organic fertilizer derived from the vermicomposting process. By applying biohumus to saline soil, the Institute aims to neutralize harmful salts and improve soil structure, ultimately enhancing crop productivity.

To validate the efficacy of this technique, the Institute has established a 20.4-hectare experimental area. This expansive site serves as a living laboratory for testing various agricultural practices.

Cotton Cultivation: A significant portion of the experimental area, spanning 5.5 hectares, is dedicated to cotton cultivation. Within this area, 1.0 hectare is being cultivated using biohumus, while another 3.5 hectares is being irrigated through a drip irrigation system.
Winter Wheat and Horticulture: The Institute has ambitious plans to cultivate winter wheat on 10.0 hectares of the experimental area. Additionally, the remaining land will be transformed into a productive garden, showcasing the versatility of biohumus-based soil remediation.

Through this pioneering project, the NRU Bukhara Institute of Natural Resources Management is not only addressing the pressing issue of soil salinity but also promoting sustainable and environmentally friendly agricultural practices. By harnessing the power of nature, the Institute is paving the way for a greener and more prosperous future for agricultural communities.

Climate Change Economy Environment Hydrogeology Hydrology Land Management Solid Waste

KAZNU organizes the international workshop “Development of micro-qualifications at the modern stage”

November 24, 2024 Javier Rodrigo

The Kazakh National University named after Al-Farabi organized on November 21, 2024 a workshop about “Development of micro-qualifications at the modern stage”. The aim of the workshop is to create a dialogue platform to discuss and shed light on current trends in the development of micro-qualifications in sustainable development for implementation in universities in Central Asia.

The workshop was attended by L.K. Paluanova (Coordinator of the National Office of Erasmus+ in Kazakhstan); Professor J. Rodrigo-Ilarri (Coordinator of LESLIE project, Universitat Politècnica de València); Professor S.M. Omirbayev (First Vice-rector of Astana IT University); Professor N.N. Nurmukhanbetova (Professor of Ualikhanov University Kokshetau); M.A. Ramazanova (Representative of the RSD “Department of Ecology in Akmola region”, Committee for Environmental Regulation and Control of the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of the Republic of Kazakhstan); K. Akimbekova (Ecotrener, eco-activist, founder of Darmarka Almaty, member of the Recycle BIRGE team); Zh. Khaibullina (Project manager of United Central Asia Professionals – UCAP, youth wing of the Public Foundation “Water Partnership of Kazakhstan”; Professor R.N. Nurdillayeva (Dean of the Faculty of Natural Sciences, Akhmed Yasawi University, Turkestan), and A. Kadyrbayeva (Master of Natural Sciences in Ecology).

The results of the event allowed to identify relevant competencies for the implementation of Sustainable Development Goals at universities and for employers by 2030; to explore the difficulties on developing micro-qualifications for sustainable management of land and natural resources, and to discuss about the integration of digital tools as support materials into undergraduate and graduate educational programs. The seminar was attended, both in onsite and online mode, by representatives of companies, teachers and staff of scientific institutions, undergraduates, doctoral students, and other interested persons.

Climate Change Economy Environment Hydrogeology Hydrology Land Management Solid Waste

LESLIE Newsletter #01 has been sent to the SLM Hub members

November 2, 2024 Javier Rodrigo

We are thrilled to announce that the first issue of the LESLIE Newsletter has been posted to the members of the SLM International Hub.

Our Newsletter is your one-stop shop for staying informed about LESLIE. Here’s what you can expect in future issues:

Updates on ongoing projects and research
Upcoming events and workshops
Insights from leading experts in sustainable land management
Opportunities for collaboration and engagement

All newsletters will be archived on our website for your reference.

We’re excited to have you on board and look forward to connecting with you through this newsletter!

Do not forget to join the SLM International Hub for free here

Climate Change Hydrology

KAZNU and UPV publish a joint research about the impact of reservoirs on the runoff of the Syrdarya river

September 8, 2024 Javier Rodrigo

A scientific research entitled “Assessment of the reservoirs impact on the maximum runoff of the Syrdarya river” has just been published on the indexed-journal News of the National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Series of Geology and Technical Sciences.

This work has been done jointly by researchers from the Department of Meteorology and Hydrology of Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, the Department of Water Resources and Melioration of the Kazakh National Agrarian Research University, and the Research institute of Water Engineering and Environment of the Universitat Politècnica de València (IIAMA-UPV).

This article considers the changing of maximum runoff in the Syrdarya River basin under the influence of the large Shardara reservoir. Results obtained are useful for planning and conducting project work and for the development of measures to protect areas from flooding. The full version can be downloaded free of charge here.

Climate Change Hydrology

KAZNU and UPV publish a joint paper about the variability of hydrological drought regimes in the lowland rivers of Kazakhstan

August 19, 2024 Javier Rodrigo

The scientific paper “Analysis of the Spatiotemporal Variability of Hydrological Drought Regimes in the Lowland Rivers of Kazakhstan” has been published in the JCR and Scopus-indexed journal Water. This work has been made in cooperation with colleagues from several research institutions: the Institute of Geography and Water Security (Almaty), the Department of Meteorology and Hydrology (Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Almaty), the Centre for the Assessment of Natural Hazards and Proactive Planning & Laboratory of Reclamation Works and Water Resources Management (National Technical University of Athens), and the research Institute of Water and Environmental Engineering (IIAMA) of the Universitat Politècnica de València.

Results indicate an increase in the intensity and frequency of drought periods in the areas under consideration, which is associated with changes in climatic conditions. The identified trends have serious implications for agriculture, ecological balance, and water resources. The conclusions of this scientific study can be useful for the development of climate change adaptation strategies and the sustainable management of natural resources in the regions under consideration.

The full paper can be downloaded for free here: https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4441/16/16/2316

Climate Change Hydrology Land Management

BINRM-TIIAME develops innovative water-saving irrigation and desalination technologies under global climate change and water scarcity conditions

August 14, 2024 Javier Rodrigo

A research team led by Associate Professor Kamal Shukhratovich Khamrayev at the TIIAME NRU Bukhara Institute of Natural Resources Management undertook a practical investigation focused on developing innovative irrigation and salinization mitigation strategies for irrigated agricultural systems within the context of escalating global climate change and intensifying water scarcity. The project, titled “Development of innovative water-saving irrigation and salt washing technologies in irrigated agriculture in the face of global climate change and water scarcity,” was subjected to a rigorous evaluation by a dedicated working group tasked with monitoring the allocation of research funds.

The working group’s mandate was to conduct a detailed examination of project No. 03/17-UTK 1-2 in alignment with Presidential Decree of 20 June 2024, which established a framework for fostering research and experimental design initiatives in the domains of water resource management, ecology, and environmental protection. The primary objective was to assess the project’s contribution to these critical areas and to verify the appropriate utilization of allocated financial resources.

Upon completion of the evaluation, the working group rendered a comprehensive assessment of the institute’s research efforts, including a thorough examination of the project’s financial management practices. More information can be found at https://t.me/BuxTRBI/33649

Economy Solid Waste

The UPV LESLIE research team publishes an article about the prices of municipal solid waste byproducts

August 6, 2024 Javier Rodrigo

The article “Analysis of the Prices of Recycling Byproducts Obtained from Mechanical–Biological Treatment Plants in the Valencian Community (Spain)” has been published today in the JCR-indexed journal Sustainability. This study analyzes available data on revenues obtained from byproduct sales following treatment at plants within the Valencian Community and compares them with Spanish national data. Results revealed a significant finding—the statistical distribution of average prices obtained from Ecoembes auctions in the Valencian Community mirrored the corresponding distribution for prices calculated from other Spanish regions. This suggests a potential uniformity in byproduct pricing across the country. This analytical methodology raises concerns regarding whether the revenue generated from byproduct sales reflects fair market value. Limited public access to this information can indicate conflicts of interest or inefficiencies within the waste management system.

The full paper is accessible for free at this link: https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/16/16/6714

Environment Hydrogeology Land Management

KOKSU, AYU, and UPV publish their latest research on soil geochemistry in Southern Kazakhstan in the JCR-indexed Sustainability journal.

July 26, 2024 Javier Rodrigo

A new research paper titled “Impact of Environmental Conditions on Soil Geochemistry in Southern Kazakhstan” has been published in the JCR-indexed journal Sustainability. Researchers from three LESLIE partners—Sh. Ualikhanov Kokshetau University (KOKSU), the Ahmed Yasawi International Kazakh-Turkish University (AYU), and the Universitat Politècnica de València (UPV)—collaborated on this work, along with other international collaborators. The study investigated the elemental composition of soils in Kyzylorda and Turkestan (southern Kazakhstan), a region rich in natural resources but facing potential environmental threats from industry and agriculture. The goal was to establish baseline geochemical values and assess soil contamination risks.

The full paper is accessible for free at this link: https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/16/15/6361

Climate Change Hydrology

Assessment of Changes in Hydrometeorological Indicators and Intra-Annual River Runoff in the Ile River Basin: A research paper from our partners at KazNU and UPV

July 21, 2024 Javier Rodrigo

Congratulations to our partners from the Al-Farabi Kazakh National University in Almaty (Kazakhstan) and the Universitat Politècnica de València (Spain) on their newest joint publication in the JCR-indexed Water Journal.

The research paper focuses on a detailed analysis of the long-term data in the Ile River Basin, focusing on changes in meteorological indicators.

The full-paper can be downloaded for free following this link: https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4441/16/13/1921