ADAPTIVE SHALLOW‑DRAINAGE TECHNOLOGY FOR IRRIGATED FIELDS UNDER WATER‑SCARCE CONDITIONS

Abstract

Water scarcity and increasing groundwater salinization pose significant challenges for maintaining productive irrigated agriculture in arid and semi-arid regions. Effective subsurface drainage is essential for stabilizing groundwater levels, controlling root-zone salinity and ensuring sustainable crop growth; however, conventional deep-drainage systems are often costly and unsuitable for areas with limited water and financial resources. This study develops and evaluates an adaptive shallow-drainage technology designed specifically for irrigated fields under water-scarce conditions. Field observations, hydro-soil measurements, and analytical assessments were conducted to examine groundwater dynamics, infiltration behavior, shallow-drainage responses, and soil salinity changes under varying irrigation and leaching regimes. The results demonstrate that properly designed shallow-drainage systems can enhance salt removal efficiency, prevent waterlogging, and maintain groundwater depth within an agronomically optimal range, while requiring significantly lower construction and operational costs compared to traditional deep drains. The research provides a technological framework and practical design recommendations for implementing adaptive shallow-drainage solutions in water-limited agricultural landscapes, contributing to improved water productivity and long-term soil sustainability.