SCIENTIFIC SCHOOL OF MICROIRRIGATION: ACHIEVEMENTS AND DEVELOPMENT PROSPECTS

Microirrigation is by far the most progressive irrigation method, with efficiencies reaching 92-98 %. According to the International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage, the world's agricultural land, which is irrigated through micro-irrigation systems, is constantly growing and now stands at over 20 million hectares. By the "Irrigation and drainage strategy in Ukraine until 2030" micro-irrigation methods are defined as one of the strategic directions of the state policy of the branch. Research on the direction of "micro-irrigation of crops" in Ukraine began from the late 60's of the last century. The historical aspect of the development of research in this area is thoroughly covered in previous scientific papers. Therefore, the purpose of this study is a comprehensive analysis of the basic fundamental and applied results of research of the scientific school on micro irrigation IWPaLR NAAS in the early XXI century and substantiation of perspective directions of their development. Using theoretical methods of scientific research (analysis and synthesis, comparison, classification and generalization), the authors systematized the most significant scientific results in terms of normative, methodological, technical and technological components. The list of normative and methodological documents prepared by IWPaLR NAAS in the direction of microirrigation is given. The results of developments in the technological component are detailed according to the research objects: water regime and processes of water consumption of crops, fertigation, pestigation, the influence of local moistening, fertilizers and water of different quality on the soil-plant-technical means of irrigation system, the formation of soil moisture zones, methods of appointment timing of vegetation irrigation and irrigation management systems. The key scientific results of the irrigation facilities' testing laboratory are highlighted. The list of developed and implemented by the IWPaLR NAAS technical means of microirrigation systems is given. The strategic directions of further scientific research are substantiated, which should meet the global trend for environmentally friendly irrigation, as well as resource and energy conservation. The need of Ukraine in the systems of microirrigation of agricultural crops for the period up to 2030, the role of current and future developments of the scientific school of micro irrigation IWPaLR NAAS on their implementation are determined.