ANALYSIS OF THE RESOURCE POTENTIAL OF MEDICINAL PLANTS DEPENDING ON SOIL TYPES (A CASE STUDY OF SOUTHERN UZBEKISTAN)

The article provides a comprehensive analysis of the resource potential of medicinal plants found in southern Uzbekistan. An assessment conducted in the Kashkadarya and Surkhandarya regions revealed significant differences in the area and volume of reserves, influenced by species composition and soil-climatic conditions. Species in the first category are predominantly associated with Lithosoltype soils, with the exception of Ferula foetida, which is adapted to carbonate soils such as Calcic Xerosols and Calcic Yermosols. In the Surkhandarya region, Ajuga turkestanica, Hypericum perforatum, and Hypericum scabrum exhibited high edaphic plasticity, successfully growing on Calcic Xerosols. The edaphic factor is identified as a key determinant in shaping resource potential and is essential in planning sustainable natural resource management. Species with a broad ecological amplitude, such as Ungernia victoris and Ajuga turkestanica, are of particular interest for further research and potential cultivation. Special attention is given to species with limited distribution and conservation concern, such as Rhus coriaria and Ungernia victoris, which require strict harvesting controls to ensure population stability and the preservation of the region’s biodiversity.