ASSESSMENT OF THE SUITABILITY OF WATER FROM THE MAIN MIL-MUGHAN COLLECTOR FOR IRRIGATION

To address the shortage of irrigation water, the suitability of water from the Main Mil-Mughan collector—which has a high degree of mineralization—for irrigation purposes was examined. The suitability of collector water for irrigation was evaluated based on internationally accepted criteria (methodologies). It has been determined that the water of the Main Mil-Mughan collector, with a mineralization level ranging from 4.01 to 4.23 g/L, is unsuitable for irrigation based on four quality indicators, while it is suitable based on five indicators. Water from this collector can be used directly for irrigating agricultural crops. However, it is considered advisable to use a special irrigation method to avoid compromising plant productivity and the soil's salt regime. Keywords: collector water, irrigation, quality indicators, degree of mineralization, suitability, assessment.