GIS Application for Assessment and Mapping of Irrigation Water Quality in Piedmont Plain of Jalgaon District, Maharashtra, India

Abstract

The irrigation water quality and related hazards to crop yield is frequently a complex phenomenon that comprises the major effect of physico-chemical parameters. In the present investigation, an attempt has made to assess the groundwater quality and geo-spatial disparity of irrigation water quality index for agricultural purpose in piedmont zone of Jalgaon district. The Irrigation Water Quality Index (IWQI) was computed by Meireles Irrigation Water Quality Index technique. In the present study, ground water samples were collected from thirty-six different locations of piedmont plain of Jalgaon district. Samples were analysed in the laboratory for various quality parameters such as, Electrical Conductivity (EC), Sodium (Na) Bicarbonate (HCO3), Chloride (Cl), Magnesium (Mg), Calcium (Ca) using standard methods and Sodium Absorption Ratio (SAR) was calculated using standard equation. The correlation among the irrigation water quality parameters was calculated statistically. The present investigation's revealed that, the computed values of Irrigation Water Quality Index (IWQI) exhibits that, 77.78 % sample location (3/4 area) was moderately restricted and 22.22% sample location (1/4) was highly restricted for irrigation use in the piedmont region. The results of geospatial distribution of IWQI show’s that, the major restrictions were observed at Pal village from northern part whereas minor restriction were found at all remaining part of the study area. The overall trends of increasing restrictions were observed from western to eastern part of piedmont plain of Jalgaon district. Hence, the above results revealed that, intensive agriculture by over use of inorganic fertiliser, pesticides, high depth water, polluted drain water and improper irrigation practices was posed a serious threat to groundwater quality in agricultural areas of piedmont plain of Jalgaon district.