Qualitative study of surface water sources to achieve sustainable agriculture and natural resources (case study: Aras Border River)

Since the agricultural sector is the main consumer of water in the country, achieving sustainable agriculture without considering environmental issues may lead to risks in the long term, therefore, the quantity and quality of surface water is so important in agriculture. This research has investigated the Ares River catchment area with the aim of qualitative monitoring of surface water resources to achieve sustainable agriculture and natural resources. More than 100 collected samples from 9 stations of Aras River between Yaichi village in Azerbaijan and near Aras Dam from October 2017 to August 2018 have been investigated, classified, and evaluated using the Wilcox agricultural water quality index and Grapher software. The results of this research showed that the samples in Schuler's diagram were within the acceptable range but for drinking, other effective elements should also be investigated. The lowest amount of sodium absorption ratio was in June (1.40 mg/L) and the highest amount was in November (3.43 mg/L). Also, the electrical conductivity of water was the lowest value in June (840 µs/cm) and the highest value in October (1375 µs/cm). According to the Wilcox diagram, all the samples were in the qualitative range of C3S1 and they are considered saltwater. Despite the high level of salinity in the samples of this river, there was no significant difference in the qualitative trends of the stations during the investigated period for agricultural use, but the necessary measures should be taken in using these waters.