Institute’s experimental-reclamation ecological stations

The institute oversees several experimental-reclamation ecological stations, including the Alazani, Gori, Poti, Samgori, and Abkhazia stations, as well as the Orkhevi irrigation technology site and the Arakhveti mountain-ecological station. These facilities are equipped with reclamation machinery and structures to study natural disasters and develop new countermeasures, conduct agricultural research, and offer recommendations for agricultural organizations in regions such as the Black Sea coast to predict erosion and implement preventive measures.

### 1. **Alazani Experimental-Reclamation Ecological Station** (75 ha)
Located in Sighnaghi, the Alazani station was established in 1948 and focuses on the reclamation of saline and degraded soils, conducting field experiments to test agricultural practices and develop recommendations. In 2019 and 2023, two dissertations were defended based on experiments at this station, focusing on salt-affected soils and soil rehabilitation using topinambur plants.

### 2. **Gori Experimental-Reclamation Ecological Station** (5 ha)
Opened in 1962 near Karaleti, Gori, this station focuses on researching the irrigation needs of crops characteristic of the Kartli region. The station has conducted experiments on irrigation techniques and provides recommendations to local agricultural organizations. Since 2021, it has been led by Prof. Giorgi Natroshvili, and the station is equipped with a mini-meteorological station for monitoring climate conditions.

### 3. **Poti (Kolkhida) Experimental-Reclamation Ecological Station** (0.5 ha)
Established in 1932, the Poti station focuses on draining the swampy lands of the Kolkheti Lowlands. Located in Poti, the station is currently led by agronomist Jemal Miginishvili and houses a laboratory, storage facilities, and weather monitoring equipment. The station is planned to become the first NATO-standard scientific research observatory on the Black Sea.

### 4. **Samgori Experimental-Reclamation Ecological Station** (5 ha)
Opened in 1962 near the village of Gamardzhveba, the Samgori station conducts research on irrigation methods and soil management for sloping land. Led by Gela Vakhtangishvili since 2021, the station also studies erosion control and irrigation practices for sloped terrain. The station is used for student training in geodesy and agricultural reclamation.

### 5. **Arakhveti Mountain-Reclamation Ecological Station** (0.5 ha)
Established in 1974 in Dusheti to study natural hydromorphological and geological processes, this station focuses on mitigating natural disasters along the Georgian Military Road and its surrounding areas. Since 2021, the station has been led by Nodar Bukuri, with ongoing field studies in the Aragvi River valley.

### 6. **Abkhazia Experimental-Reclamation Ecological Station** (0.5 ha)
From 1982 to 1992, this station conducted research on soil drainage, erosion control, and hydrological regimes of rivers. The station is expected to resume its scientific activities once Georgia’s territorial integrity is restored, under the leadership of Dr. Paata Sichinava.