THE EFFECT OF THE USE OF ECONOMICAL TECHNOLOGIES FROM RIVER AND DITCH WATERS IN CROP IRRIGATION ON THE RECLAMATION STATE OF THE SOIL

Abstract

Water scarcity is a growing challenge for global agriculture, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions. The heavy reliance on limited freshwater sources for traditional irrigation methods is often unsustainable. This study investigates the potential of using economical technologies to leverage river and ditch waters for crop irrigation and its impact on soil reclamation. A field experiment was conducted over two growing seasons in a water-stressed region to evaluate the efficacy of a low-cost water treatment and distribution system utilizing river and ditch waters. Soil samples were analyzed before and after the intervention to assess changes in physical, chemical, and biological properties. The results demonstrate that the use of river and ditch waters for irrigation, coupled with the implemented technologies, led to significant improvements in soil fertility, organic matter content, and overall reclamation state. This approach offers a viable and sustainable alternative to traditional irrigation methods, with the potential to enhance agricultural productivity and ecosystem resilience in water-scarce environments.