SOIL EROSION IN MIL-KARABAKH REGION OF AZERBAIJAN AND ITS REDUCTION

Abstract

Studies show that the fertility of agricultural lands in the country is not satisfactory in the current situation. Soil salinization and erosion (including irrigation erosion) in the Mil -Karabakh regions of the Republic increased significantly. Most of the irrigated lands in Azerbaijan suffer from varying degrees of soil salinization. The presence of saline soils in the central region of Azerbaijan, especially in Kur-Araz lowland, is clearly a major problem today. Approximately 60 % of the Kur-Araz lowland area, with an area of 2.2 million hectares, consists of moderately and severely saline soils. It is possible to apply a system of agro technical, reclamation and agro ameliorative measures to protect soil erosion. The benefits of the conservation agriculture can be summarized as follows; Reduction of soil erosion, reduction of fuel and manpower costs, increase of water use efficiency. With the use of permanent seeding systems in row, plant residues can be stored on the soil surface, increasing crop productivity, reducing production costs, and enhancing the physical, chemical and biological characteristics of the soil.