The Role of Collector-Drainage Water in Sustainable Irrigation for Agriculture in the Developing World: An Experimental Study

This study investigates the feasibility of using mineralized collector-drainage water (CDW) for irrigating maize crops on light gray soils in the Syrdarya region of Uzbekistan, an area facing severe water scarcity and soil salinity challenges. The research is particularly novel as it explores maize production in marginalized soils, a subject previously unexamined in this context. The experiment was designed as a three-factor factorial study with three replications, following the guidelines of the Uzbekistan Cotton Scientific Research Institute. Five irrigation treatments (Fresh Water, Fresh Water 70% vs. CDW 30%, Complex Method (Mixing with Specific Rules), CDW 70% vs. Fresh Water 30% (Mixing) and only CDW) were evaluated using an Alternate Furrow Irrigation system, incorporating various mixtures of fresh water and CDW to determine their effects on soil salinity, crop health and yield. The amount of irrigation water required was determined using a soil moisture balance model, with soil samples collected at multiple depths (0–100 cm) to monitor changes in moisture content and salinity. Salinity levels and soil health parameters such as alkalinity, chloride, sulfate and cation/anion balances were measured at different stages of crop growth. Data were collected over three growing seasons (3 years). An analysis of the data revealed that using CDW, even in mixtures with fresh water, can sustain crop production while managing soil salinity. Notably, irrigation methods such as Mixing 70–30 and the Complex Mixing Method effectively reduced freshwater dependency and maintained the crop yield without significantly increasing salinity. The results suggest that CDW could be a viable alternative water source in regions where traditional water resources are limited. The findings have significant implications for improving water use efficiency and agricultural productivity in areas facing similar environmental challenges. This research not only contributes to the broader understanding of sustainable irrigation practices in arid regions but also provides a scientific basis for the wider adoption of CDW in Uzbekistan, potentially enhancing food security and supporting long-term agricultural sustainability in the region.