Shirvan Plain

(also Shirvan Steppe), part of the plainlike area of the Kura-Araks Lowland in the Azerbaijan SSR. The Shirvan Plain lies along the left bank of the Kura River at elevations of 16–100 m; about half its area is below sea level. Wormwoods, saltworts, and liman meadows are found on sierozemmeadow and sierozem soils. The Upper Shirvan Canal carries water from the Mingechaur Reservoir for irrigation. Livestock are grazed on winter pastureland, and on irrigated land the local population engages in viticulture and the cultivation of cotton and grains.