Abstract
This study presents the methodology, approach, and results of calculating the components of water and salt balances based on three years of field research on the reuse of collector-drainage water in the Tasmurun area of the Bakbakty irrigation system, under arid and low-water conditions typical for water-demanding rice fields. Balance calculations were based on data from in situ observations with active involvement of local farmers, ensuring data reliability. The water balance showed a slight negative discrepancy ranging from 0.4-0.6% in 2022 and 0.001-0.02% in 2023-2024, confirmed by groundwater level monitoring and maps. The salt balance showed a slight accumulation, with values from +0.016 to +0.29 t/ha in field No. 2 and +0.049 to +0.089 t/ha in field No. 4. Seasonal salt increases were linked to leaching regimes and the dominance of easily soluble salts, posing no threat to land reclamation status.