Employees of the Soil Irrigation and Melioration Laboratory of the Institute of Geography under the Ministry of Science and Education of the Republic of Azerbaijan — Doctor of Agricultural Sciences N. Orujova, PhD in Agricultural Sciences Z. Valiyeva, PhD in Agricultural Sciences E. Ahmadzadeh, and PhD in Agricultural Sciences Sh. Mammadova — conducted a field expedition in Zardab District from 5 to 9 October as part of the research project entitled “Assessment of the Meliorative Condition of Irrigated Lands in the Shirvan Plain and Ways to Ensure the Efficient Use of Water Resources.” The expedition focused on the research phase entitled “Study of the Agrophysical Properties of Soils in the Shirvan Plain Depending on Land Use.”

The soils of the Shirvan Plain are characterized by soil and ecological conditions favorable for the cultivation of agricultural crops. The study aimed to investigate the agrophysical properties of soils in relation to different land-use practices. To this end, soil profiles were excavated, and the morphological characteristics of the soils were examined across their genetic horizons under field conditions. Soil water absorption and permeability were also investigated, and soil samples were collected for further laboratory analysis.

During the expedition, the Institute’s researchers conducted soil studies in wheat, cotton, and alfalfa fields. Field investigations included the assessment of soil density, natural moisture content, and water absorption capacity. Soil samples were also collected to examine other physical and chemical properties in laboratory conditions.