MEASURES FOR INCREASING PRODUCTIVITY OF WATER AND AGRICULTURAL LAND RESOURCES IN SOUTH KAZAKHSTAN – MAKTAARAL DISTRICT CASE STUDY

Aim of the study: The aim of the study is to present environmental problems related to the intensive cultivation of cotton in the climatic conditions of Central Asia. This problem was and is related to the pressure to increase yields by systematically increasing the used irrigations rates. At the same time, other problems arise, such as ownership changes, water charges, and other problems. Material and methods: The "case study" method was used in the work. The materials were collected by co-authors from Kazakhstan as part of many years of experimental and monitoring work. Results and conclusions: The results of field studies concerning the analysis of the state of irrigated land on the flagships Makhtaaral facility showed a systematic deterioration of soil physical indicators and: - reduction of the drainage efficiency of irrigated land, - an increase in the groundwater level above the critical depth, - increase level of soils salinity, - effect of washing on soil alkalisation