A study on salt pollution cycle of cultivated land between drainage and irrigation in the main stream of Tarim River, Xinjiang, China

Abstract

Under earlier practice of drainage systems, the drainage water was mixed with river water in the main stream of Tarim River, which caused salt pollution cycle of cultivated land. Seasonal changes in salt pollution cycle were serious in lower water period. It had an obvious influence on the irrigated districts in the lower section of the upper reaches and middle reaches. Major composition of mineral ions in polluted water is that of Na, Cl and SO₄. For control measure, it is proposed to construct multi-way drainage outlet to store ground water for irrigation during lower water period. Laws should also be inforced to practice approved management practices.