ASSESSMENT OF DEGRADATION IN MOUNTAIN AND FOOTHILL AREAS USING GIS TECHNOLOGIES IN PARKENT DISTRICT, UZBEKISTAN

In today's world, analyzing the soils of mountain and foothill regions and examining degradation processes using remote sensing and Geographic Information System (GIS) data analysis is essential. These techniques serve as powerful tools for land-use planning, including assessments of land cover, forests, and water resources. This study investigates land cover changes and degradation processes in the mountainous and foothill regions of the Tashkent region, situated in the western part of the eastern Tien Shan mountains. Despite substantial precipitation in the area due to its climate, human encroachment has led to the misuse of pastures, causing significant land use and cover changes. Vacant land and sparse forests have been converted into open land, exacerbating soil degradation due to rainfall. GIS technologies play a crucial role in monitoring these changes and formulating effective strategies for land management.