lower Amu Darya oasis

The lower Amu Darya oasis is a region in Central Asia, primarily located in the ancient delta of the Amu Darya river. This area, historically a significant agricultural region, is characterized by a dense network of old riverbeds and irrigation channels. The Amu Darya river itself is one of Central Asia's longest, historically flowing into the Aral Sea.

However, the diversion of water from the Amu Darya for irrigation, particularly for cotton cultivation, has drastically reduced its flow. This has led to the shrinking of the Aral Sea and has threatened the agricultural output of the lower Amu Darya oasis. The overuse of water has also resulted in intense salinization and pollution, impacting the environment and the health of the local population.123