In the heart of Kazakhstan’s Akdala Massif, a groundbreaking study is reshaping the future of irrigated agriculture, offering a sustainable solution to water scarcity that could ripple through the energy sector. Led by Malis Absametov of the Ahmedsafin Institute of Hydrogeology and Environmental Geoscience LLP at Satbayev University in Almaty, the research focuses on the Bakbakti Rice System, a critical rice-growing zone in the Ile River basin. The findings, published in the journal ‘Frontiers in Water’ (translated as ‘Frontiers in Water’), present a compelling case for the reuse of collector-drainage water in irrigation, a strategy that could bolster water security and economic resilience in arid and semi-arid regions.
The study, conducted over three years, involved field experiments on two rice fields covering 311 hectares. The research team evaluated water and salt balances, soil and groundwater dynamics, and water-saving irrigation technologies. The irrigation regime incorporated 25–30% collector-drainage water, alongside groundwater and surface water, and was compared to a 2022 freshwater control. The results were striking. “By reusing collector-drainage water, we were able to reduce freshwater withdrawals by 14%, which translates to a significant annual saving of 1.674 million cubic meters,” Absametov explained. This reduction not only eased the pressure on freshwater resources but also lowered the irrigation norm from 26,082 to 22,900 cubic meters per hectare.
The economic implications of this approach are equally impressive. Rice yields increased by 6.8–9.2%, and economic efficiency rose by 25%, with farm profitability reaching 35%. These findings suggest that the rational reuse of collector-drainage water is not just an environmentally safe strategy but also a commercially viable one. “This technology avoids the negative impacts of diverting drainage water into river channels and provides practical balance parameters for adapting irrigation systems under water scarcity,” Absametov noted.
The study’s significance extends beyond Kazakhstan. As water scarcity becomes an increasingly global challenge, the findings offer a sustainable pathway to strengthen water security and support agriculture in vulnerable regions. The energy sector, which often competes for water resources, could benefit from reduced strain on freshwater supplies, potentially lowering operational costs and enhancing sustainability.
This research marks the first field-validated study of its kind in Kazakhstan, presenting a novel technology that could shape future developments in irrigation and water management. As the world grapples with climate change and resource depletion, the Bakbakti Rice System’s success story serves as a beacon of hope and innovation. The study’s insights could inspire similar initiatives worldwide, fostering a more resilient and sustainable future for agriculture and the energy sector alike.