THE MODERN MELIORATIVE CONDITION OF IRRIGATED LANDS IN THE KURA-ARAZ PLAIN AND WAYS TO IMPROVE THEM

Abstract

This article presents data on salinized soils in irrigated lands of the Kura-Araks Lowland and the causes of this development. The study also examined changes in the hydrophysical properties of soils, the mineralization of collector-drainage, irrigation, and groundwater, the groundwater level, and the salinity of soils in this area. The results of the research showed that depending on the degree of soil degradation in these areas, the change in their physicochemical properties occurs as follows: on slightly saline soils, the specific gravity was 2.48–2.60 g/cm³, volumetric gravity was 1.20–1.30 g/cm³, physical clay was 36.42–51.71%, field moisture capacity was 32–40%, pH was 7.5–7.8, humus was 2.35–0.62 %, the sum of absorbed bases was 21.65–28.15 mg-eq, and the Na value was 5.28–6.12% of the sum of absorbed bases. In moderately saline soils, these indicators changed respectively:2.64-2.71 g/cm³,1.32-1.48 g/cm³, 52.96-59.68 %, 41-44 %,7.6-7.9; 2.14-0.43 %,  21.0-26.13 mg-eq. and 7.12-7.94 %; and in highly saline soils, these values were respectively:2.68-2.76 g/cm³, 1.39-1.54 g/cm³, 65.72-70.20 %, 44-49 %, 28.5-35.6 %, 8.0-8.6, 0.95-0.35%, 28.50-34.60 mg-eq. and 12.50–20.71 %. Research results show that in this area, in areas with unsatisfactory drainage and irrigation networks, elevated groundwater levels, groundwater mineralization, and soil salt levels were detected. Based on these studies, agro-reclamation measures were proposed to improve the land reclamation status of the Kura-Araks Lowland.