WAYS TO IMPROVE ENGINEERING TRAINING AND ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY IN AGRICULTURE
21 Creating shelterbelts and shrub plantings, including saxaul plantings, in sandy and saline areas requires the use of highly specialized equipment. Engineering and mechanical preparation are essential for developing forest planting machines capable of operating in loose sands with minimal soil pressure. Adapting attachments for mechanized planting of halophytes and drought-resistant species is also important, as is designing mechanisms
to prevent the destruction of the natural microrelief.
The survival of plantings is critically dependent on efficient water use. Engineering solutions include the design and implementation of automated drip and subsurface irrigation systems. The development of energy-efficient pumping stations and the integration of sensors to monitor soil moisture and salinity, ensuring rational water use, are also essential. Mechanization of the process of stabilizing shifting sands involves the use of machines for installing biomats (an environmentally friendly, biodegradable roll material designed to protect soil from erosion and restore vegetation (land reclamation)), as well as equipment for the mechanized planting of strengthening shrubs. The structures must take into account the low bearing capacity of sandy soils. Restoring the productivity of saline lands (salt marshes) is accomplished through such mechanized processes as the use of specialized halophyte seeders and surface loosening and soil shale units. This agronomic and reclamation technique is used to improve soil water-air balance and combat erosion, especially on compacted or waterlogged soils, as well as on degraded pastures, improving soil aeration and waterholding capacity. To counteract pasture degradation, engineers are implementing machines for reseeding pasture grasses and forage shrubs, as well as specialized soil aeration and shale units. It is important to use compact, maneuverable equipment optimized for work in hard-to-reach areas. Engineering and mechanical systems for forage harvesting and processing allow for the efficient use of not only traditional but also salt-tolerant forage crops, thereby reducing pressure on natural pastures. Environmental monitoring equipment also includes automatic camera traps, which engineers adapt for use in the harsh climates of arid zones. Their use allows for covert observation of rare and endangered animal species, recording migration routes, and assessing population status without direct human intervention, which is critical for preserving the region’s biodiversity. The implementation of precision farming principles is the foundation of resource conservation. This includes the use of GPS navigation and automatic fertilizer and pesticide dosing systems, which reduce chemical consumption and minimize their negative impacts. Irrigation engineering developments, such as drip, combined, and subsurface irrigation systems, as well as moisture control mechanisms, water purification, and filtration, are of critical importance. The engineering measures to reduce water loss during transportation are also essential. Mechanical engineer performs a key function in implementing environmental protection objectives and ensuring the sustainable development of Turkmenistan’s agricultural sector. His work is an integral part of comprehensive programmes to combat desertification, restore degraded lands, and preserve
biodiversity. Interdisciplinary collaboration between engineering professionals and the scientific community serves as the foundation for developing adaptive and high-tech solutions. Improving the quality of engineering training at the agricultural universities is becoming a strategic prerequisite for ensuring the country’s environmental and food security. Young scientists and specialists play a special role in this process; their energy, innovative thinking, and mastery of modern digital technologies are key to a successful and dynamic transition to the sustainable and environmentally responsible agricultural production.
Hodjanyyaz Jumashov,
Ecological Control Service of the Ministry of Environment Protection of Turkmenistan,
Kerven Palvanov,
Turkmen Agricultural University named after S.A. Niyazov
