Abstract
The international community has recognized soil salinization as one of the biggest global problems when it comes to soil conservation and its fertility, where the quality of water used for irrigation is a very important factor. Institute ofSoil Science in Belgrade conducted research on the properties of agricultural soil and irrigation water sampled at locations under irrigation systems within 6 areas of central Serbia (Braničevska, Podunavska, Pomoravska, Moravička, Mačvanska,and Toplička) in the period 2015-2018. Irrigation water was sampled at the research sites, in which the parameters for assessing its quality were analyzed (pH, electrical conductivity, sodium adsorptionratio, fixed residue). Five different classifications of irrigation water, which define the degree of risk of salinization and alkalization of soil due to the use of water of a certain quality for irrigation purposes, were applied in the paper. It was observed that a number of samples fall into different classes of application possibilities for irrigation according to different classifications. In some areas, the percentage of samples where a mismatch among classifications was observed is not negligible. Worldwide, priority is given to different classifications depending on practical experience and scientific conclusions. Many factors affect the degree of risk of soil salinization that issubject to change in the conditions of climate change. Having in mind the importance and prevalence of soil salinization, we conclude that the practice of using a number of classifications and their revision over time is a positive example and useful tool in the prevention and combat against soil salinization.
Highlights
Agricultural production would not be possible in many areas of the world without irrigation
It was observed that usability for irrigation of a number of samples is described differently according to different classifications
One of the biggest threats to the soil as a resource is the problem of salinization and sodification, which is taking on increasing dimensions in the conditions of climate change
Summary
Agricultural production would not be possible in many areas of the world without irrigation. Water must be used rationally as a natural resource, and as its availability is declining, it is necessary to ensure that existing systems are used as sustainably as possible, which largely depends on the proper management. There are many aspects of irrigation sustainability but the first and most important is the quality of water used for irrigation, which is the most important for the preservation of soil and other natural resources, securing high and stable yield production, and obtaining safe food which is crucial for human and animal health. Creating conditions that encourage the sustainable use of water through the reform of irrigation water quality policies is necessary (Wolff, 1999). The use of irrigation water with an imbalanced salt regime can cause secondary salinization and sodification (Belić, 2013)
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