Termez State University (TerSU) implements water-efficient landscaping practices across its five campus sites under the institutional Water Reuse and Sustainable Water Management Policy and Water Conservation Programme.
The introduction of drought-tolerant plants across campus landscapes as a measure to reduce irrigation demand and promote sustainable landscaping in the water-scarce conditions of southern Uzbekistan.
The university combines these planting practices with drip irrigation, controlled sprinkler systems, rainwater harvesting, treated-wastewater reuse and scientific research on plant adaptation.
1. Water-Efficient Landscaping and Irrigation (2025)
|
Landscaping and irrigation indicator |
2025 result |
|
Green areas receiving recycled water |
12.6 hectares |
|
Drip irrigation coverage |
1.8 hectares |
|
Controlled sprinkler irrigation coverage |
2.4 hectares |
|
Total permanent efficient irrigation coverage |
4.2 hectares |
|
Water-efficient sprinkler devices |
286 units |
Drip irrigation is applied to trees, shrubs, flower beds and planting strips, supplying water directly to plant root zones and reducing evaporation losses.
Controlled sprinkler systems provide more uniform irrigation of lawns and landscaped areas. Irrigation is scheduled primarily during early morning and evening hours to minimise evaporation during hot weather.
The university's Landscape and Maintenance Team inspects irrigation equipment approximately every two weeks during the irrigation season, including sprinkler heads, emitters, pipelines and valves.
2. Recycled Water and Rainwater for Landscape Maintenance
TerSU reduces reliance on freshwater irrigation through the collection and reuse of alternative water sources.
|
Water-management indicator |
2025 result |
|
Treated wastewater reused |
36,700 m³ |
|
Collected rainwater reused |
7,800 m³ |
|
Total recycled water |
44,500 m³ |
|
Rainwater storage reservoirs |
3 |
|
Combined rainwater storage capacity |
143 m³ |
|
Groundwater recharge pits |
5 |
|
Combined recharge capacity |
47 m³ |
Recycled water supports landscape irrigation, green-area maintenance, outdoor cleaning and selected technical uses.
The university maintains rainwater storage facilities at the Rectorate Campus (72 m³), Western Campus (25 m³) and Darband Field Training and Research Station (46 m³).
These facilities provide alternative water supplies for suitable non-potable activities, helping protect groundwater resources.
3. Campus Land Management and Water Conservation
TerSU manages five campus sites covering a combined 443,816.13 m².
Its 2025 water-absorption assessment identified approximately 53,100 m² of non-vegetated permeable land, representing 11.96% of total campus area. These areas include open soil, gravel surfaces, permeable pedestrian pathways and infiltration zones.
Although this figure excludes planted vegetation, these permeable surfaces complement the university's broader water-sensitive landscape management by supporting rainfall infiltration and reducing surface runoff.
The university's overall Water Conservation Programme recorded a reduction in annual artesian groundwater abstraction from 94,000 m³ in 2022 to 42,280 m³ in 2025, equivalent to a 55.0% decrease.
This institutional result reflects the combined effects of water-management measures and is not attributed exclusively to landscape planting.
4. Scientific Research and Field Education on Plant Adaptation
TerSU integrates vegetation management and ecological research through the activities of its Faculty of Natural Sciences and the Darband Field Training and Research Station, located in the Boysun mountainous region.
During field-practice activities, Biology students undertake:
- Identification and classification of local plant species.
- Analysis of plant morphology and bioecological characteristics.
- Investigation of adaptation mechanisms under natural environmental conditions.
- Route-based botanical observations and phenological monitoring.
- Assessment of local biodiversity and vegetation conditions.
5. Institutional Implementation and Monitoring
The university's landscape water-management activities are coordinated through the Engineering and Technical Services, Landscape and Maintenance Team, building managers and Green Campus Coordination Team.
Implementation measures include irrigation scheduling, regular equipment maintenance, monitoring of groundwater abstraction, rainwater collection, reuse of treated wastewater and periodic assessment of water-conservation performance.
These activities support SDG 6 - Clean Water and Sanitation, particularly the efficient use of water resources, while contributing to SDG 13 - Climate Action and SDG 15 - Life on Land through water-sensitive landscaping, vegetation management and ecological education.