Diagnostic Parameters of Irrigated Meadow-Serozemic and Alluvial- Meadow Soils of the Mugan-Sal’yany Massif of Azerbaijan

Abstract

Data on irrigated saline soils of the Mugan-Sal’yany Massif (Azerbaijan) and factors of its salinization are given. The studies enabled the revealing of diagnostic parameters of irrigated meadow-serozemic and alluvial-meadow soils of the massif. The structure of its profile is AYa'ca z–AYа"ca z–Bca z s m–BCca cs–Cs ca and AUa'z–AYa"z–Bca g–BCg–Cs ca, respectively. It has been revealed that the areas with unsatisfactory status of drainage and irrigation networks are characterized by a rise in groundwater level and mineralization and in salt content in soil as well as by poorer water-physical and chemical soil properties. The operation of the existing drainage system and the regular water drain into a collecting system should be organized in order to improve water-physical soil properties. In the areas where drainage systems cannot be repaired, temporary drains (0.8–1.0 m deep) at a distance of 25–50 m from one another and temporary collecting reservoirs (1.0–1.5 m deep) are recommended. It is necessary to provide discharge of irrigation water into constant drains. Taking into consideration the increase in salt content in the entire area, furrowing, sprinkling, and other irrigation methods are useful.