Groundwater in Bener area, its quality and contribution for agriculture

Abstract

The existence of surface water is not always sufficient for the needs of the community, also for agricultural needs. Therefore, groundwater can be an alternative water supply in the irrigation system, so it is necessary to assess its quality. Groundwater quality is the result of the interaction of material (soil/rock), the type of flow/transport and the change processes. The results of these components produce different groundwater quality in each region. To assess the groundwater quality in Bener and its surrounding areas, this research was carried out by direct survey in the field and testing the physical/chemical properties of groundwater in the laboratory. Groundwater sampling was carried out at 6 dug wells and 2 springs. The analysis shows that all samples are bicarbonate groundwater types, with variations of Na+, Ca2+ and Mg2+ dominant cations. Groundwater quality shows a pH value of 6.2 - 6.7, TDS of 45 - 306 ppm, hardness of 39.73 - 200.43 ppm, SAR (Sodium Adsorption Ratio) of 12.12 - 76.64, Na% of 19.81 - 62.11, and RSC (Residual Sodium Carbonate) of 0.04 - 1.35. According to its quality, groundwater can be used to support irrigation for agriculture in the area.