Impact of Sodium Carbonate on Seepage Reduction in Farm Irrigation Ponds

Abstract

In this research, an economic layer using simple technology is evaluated to minimize seepage at the bottom of irrigation ponds. Since sodium carbonate diverges clay particles and decreases permeability by reducing porosity, it is recommended that sodium salts be used in mixed with soil at the bottom of irrigation ponds. The three types of soils were selected. First, the texture of the soils, second, chemical properties were determined for all three types of soils. Sodium carbonate were utilized in the percentages of 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 by weight. Finally, the falling head test and the Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) analysis were conducted. The results were illustrated as the tables and the graphs, and counter curves. The Results show that the soil 20% clay, the soil 15% clay and the soil 10% clay decrease seepage on average 42%, 64% and 71% respectively. The soil 10% clay has the greatest decrease of the three soil samples. Furthermore, in all three soil samples, the highest decrease in permeability was observed at 10% sodium carbonate. Overall, the results show that this pond sealer can be a suitable solution to reduce seepage in this type of pond.