ABSTRACT
Strategies of mitigation of severe problems of soil and environmental degradation in Central Asia can be identified and implemented through a strong data base on properties, processes and practices affecting carbon (C) sequestration in soil and vegetation (e.g., trees, shrubs). The available research information collected in this book is an excellent starting point. However, there are numerous knowledge gaps that must be filled in order to develop a comprehensive development-oriented program. Being a large area comprising of several distinct ecosystem/biomes, soil specific data are needed from well designed research plots and on-farm conditions. Requirements of the site-specific information are also justified by unique land use and farming systems which are characteristics of the region. Important among these systems are extensive grazing, irrigated agriculture, and sparsely vegetated and barren or desertified lands. In addition, there are also mountain systems, rainfed cropland and forest lands (see Chapter 1 by Eddy de Pauw). Therefore, long-term objectives of a research program are to strengthen the database on C pool and flux with regard to specific land use systems, soil properties, eco-regional characteristics, and cultural/ethnic niches.
