Driving Factor Identification for the Spatial Distribution of Soil Salinity in the Irrigation Area of the Syr Darya River, Kazakhstan

Abstract

Soil salinization has become a worldwide issue affecting agricultural development. Statistical methods and spatial analysis were used to analyze the degree and type of saline soils and their spatial distribution. The driving factors of soil salinity were explored using Geodetetcor models. In this study, 84 soil samples were collected from a 0–20 cm soil layer, and the total salt concentration and salt ion composition were measured. The results of statistical analysis and cluster analysis showed that SO42− and Ca2+ had the highest concentrations of salt ions in terms of anion and cation contents, respectively. The interpolation results indicated that the study area was dominated by mild saline soils, with sulfate-type saline soils and chloride-sulfate-type soils dominating. Results of the factor detector suggested that the distance to the irrigation system (0.425), and distance to the drainage system (0.42), explained salinity more strongly in the Shardara district, and elevation (0.326) was the most important influencing factor for salinity in the Mahtaaral district. Results of the interaction detector indicate that human factors (distance to irrigation canals ∩ distance to drainage canals) had a stronger explanation both in the Shardara and Mahtaaral districts. This research provides a scientific basis for soil salinity regulation and management, which is crucial for sustainable agricultural development.

Salinity spatial patterns in Mediterranean coastal areas: The legacy of historical water infrastructures

“…Near the larger drainage channels, salinity levels are higher. These results suggest a serial movement of salt masses over long times (Duan et al, 2022;Wang et al, 2018).…”

Effect of the Biological Preparation Phytop 8.67 on the Quality and Yield of Rice in Saline Soils

“…Rice cultivation in the lower reaches of the Syrdarya River performs the reclamation function for saline irrigated agricultural lands, occupying up to 90 thousand ha annually (Funakawa et al, 2000;Duan et al, 2022). The use of phytop 8.67 and the development of technology for its application for rice will save the cost of its application, and reduce the rate of application of nitrogen fertilizers and the environmental burden on the ecosystem.…”

Assesment of the soil erosion & water quality state in the downstream portion of Syrdarya using the water quality index arithmetic method

“…The interdependent relationship between water quality and soil erosion cannot be overstated [1]. The statistical analysis found that the irrigated lands in the Syrdarya river basin had the highest levels of salinity, with SO4 2− being the main anion and Ca 2+ as the main cation contributing to this [2]. Salinization will contribute to the erosion and degradation of soil which can be ascribed to the vegetation dynamics.…”