Changes in the Water Deficit Characteristics of Rangeland Dominant Species at Different Grazing Intensities in Gypseous and Sandy Soil Conditions

The semi-desert rangeland of Uzbekistan, characterized by gypseous and sandy soils, undergo significant changes due to grazing of different intensities. This study examines the water deficit characteristics of key plant species in these rangelands and focuses on how different grazing pressures affect plant water stress and overall ecosystem health. Field experiments were conducted to evaluate plant water potential parameters in fields with initial, low, medium and high grazing intensity. Our findings suggest that increased grazing intensity exacerbates plant water deficits, particularly in areas with sandy soils where water retention is inherently low. In contrast, gypseous soils showed higher resistance to grazing-induced water stress, but significant degradation was still observed under high grazing. These results highlight the critical need for sustainable grazing practices to mitigate adverse effects on plant water dynamics and ensure the long-term viability of these semi-desert ecosystems.