Assessment of the Influences of Dust Storms on Cotton Production in Tajikistan

Tajikistan is situated in the global dust belt along transport routes of dust from some major dust sources like the Aralkum desert of the desiccating Aral Sea, the Kyzyl-Kum and Karakum deserts east of the Caspian Sea, the Iranian Dasht-e-Kavir and Dasht-e-Lut deserts and the deserts in Afghanistan, Sahara and Taklamakan deserts. Therefore, Tajikistan is frequently affected by severe dust events every year (from April to November) and is serving as a net accumulator of dust. Tajikistan’s climate is dry and benefits from water resources flowing from the Pamir mountains, including meltwaters from glaciers and snow cover and precipitation runoff. Tajikistan, and Central Asia generally, has been affected by climate change, including dust deposition that lowers the surface albedo of glaciers thereby accelerating melting. The classification of dust storms and synoptic conditions related to their formation in Central Asia are discussed in the context of their diverse impact. In addition to significant reduction of visibility and human health issues, dust storms affect the surface radiative regime. As a result, dust storms may cause a decrease in temperature during daytime of up to 16 °C and an increase in temperature during night time from up to 7 °C compared to a clear day. In the arid zone of Tajikistan (especially in the south), dozens of agricultural crops suffer from the effects of dust storms or dust hazes. The impact of dust storms on crop yields for this region, however, has not been sufficiently studied. This Chapter examines the effect of dust particles on cotton yield.