Suitability For Irrigation Purposes Research Articles

Setting water quality criteria for agricultural water reuse purposes

The use of reclaimed water for agricultural irrigation is practiced worldwide and will increase in the future. The definition of water quality limits is a useful instrument for the assessment of water quality regarding its suitability for irrigation purposes and the performance of wastewater treatment steps. This study elaborates water quality objectives for a water reuse project in a setting where national guidelines do not exist. Internationally established guidelines are therefore applied to the local context. Additional limits for turbidity, total suspended solids, biochemical and chemical oxygen demand, total phosphorus and potassium are suggested to meet the requirements of water reuse projects. Emphasis is put on water quality requirements prior to UV disinfection and nutrient requirements of cultivated crops. The presented values can be of assistance when monitoring reclaimed water quality. To facilitate the realization of water reuse projects, comprehensive and more detailed information, in particular on water quality requirements prior to disinfection steps, should be provided as well as regarding the protection of the irrigation infrastructure.

Environmental and health risks associated with reuse of wastewater for irrigation

The present study focuses on the environmental and health risks associated with the use of treated wastewater produced from Al-Rustamia third extension plant for irrigation. The measured data are used to evaluate comprehensive pollution index (CPI) and organic pollution index (OPI). The average CPI was found as 0.69 which indicated to be slightly polluted for all seasons and a similar result was also obtained with OPI, which is found to slightly vary in the range 1.29–1.60 which indicates as being to be contaminated. Also to evaluate its suitability for irrigation purposes, Sodium Adsorption Ratio (SAR), Soluble Sodium Percentage (SSP) and Residual Sodium Carbonate (RSC) were calculated following standard equations and found experimentally as (8.70), (74.76) and (2.68) respectively. Irrigation water classes are used for Salinity hazard (EC) and Sodium hazard (SAR) to assess water suitability for irrigation, and it is found that samples in summer and autumn in the class of C3-S1, indicate high salinity and low sodium water, while in spring and winter in the class of C4-S1, they indicate very high-salinity. Furthermore, the data indicate a slight to moderate degree of restriction on the use of this treated wastewater in irrigation due to chloride hazard. RSC value is more than 1.25 at all seasons, indicating that samples in summer and autumn are doubtful for irrigation purposes, while the samples in spring and winter are unsuitable for irrigation.

Assessment of Groundwater Suitability for Drinking and Irrigation Purpose in the Dimbhe Command Area of River Ghod, Maharashtra, India

The management of the subsurface and surface water resources is important for various purposes. Since the quantity and quality of water available for irrigation in India is variable from place to place, groundwater quality in the Dimbhe command area was evaluated for its suitability for domestic and irrigation purposes by collecting 37 dug well samples during the post monsoon period of 2014. The suitability assessment was made by estimating pH, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids, and alkalinity besides major cations (Na+, K+, Ca2+, and Mg2+) and anions (, Cl-, , and ). Out of 37 groundwater samples, 5.41% represents good water, 62.16% indicate poor water, 29.73% indicate very poor water and 2.7% indicate water unsuitable for domestic purposes. Based on these analyses, irrigation quality parameters like, sodium absorption ratio, permeability index, Kelley’s ratio, soluble sodium percentage, residual sodium carbonate, %Mg, %Na, and Mg hazard ratio were calculated. Assessment of groundwater samples indicated that majority of them in both the seasons are suitable for irrigation purposes.

GIS-Based Suitability Measurement of Groundwater Resources for Irrigation in Thoothukudi District, Tamil Nadu, India

A detailed geographic information system-based study on hydrochemistry of groundwater in the Thoothukudi District of Tamilnadu, India has been carried out to assess the quality of groundwater for determining its suitability for irrigation purposes, where agriculture is the dominant economic activity. Hundred groundwater samples spread over the study area have been collected from hand pumps during PRM and POM, respectively. The abundance of major cations in groundwater is in the following order: \(\hbox {Na}^{+ }> \hbox {Ca}^{2+ }> \hbox {Mg}^{2+ }> \hbox {K}^{+}\) and \(\hbox {Na}^{+ }> \hbox {Mg}^{2+ }> \hbox {Ca}^{2+ }> \hbox {K}^{+}\) during PRM and POM seasons, respectively. The abundance of major anions is as follows: \(\hbox {Cl}^{- }> \hbox {HCO}^{-}_{3 }> \hbox {SO}^{2-}_{4 }> \hbox {H}_{4}\hbox {SiO}_{4 }> \hbox {NO}^{-}_{3 }> \hbox {PO}^{-}_{4} > \hbox {F}^{-}\) and \(\hbox {Cl}^{- }> \hbox {HCO}^{-}_{3 }> \hbox {SO}^{2-}_{4 }> \hbox {H}_{4}\hbox {SiO}_{4 }> \hbox {NO}^{-}_{3 }> \hbox {F}^{-}> \hbox {PO}^{-}_{4}\) during PRM and POM seasons, respectively. Geostatistical technique of ordinary kriging method was used to create spatial distribution maps. Spatial distribution of electrical conductivity, sodium percentage, sodium absorption ratio, residual sodium carbonate, magnesium hazard, and Kelly’s ratio show that eastern part of the study area is unsuitable for irrigation purpose. Similar observations by USSL, Wilcox, and Doneen show that the majority of the samples are unsuitable for irrigation purposes during PRM compared to POM, due to the dilution effect after monsoon. All water quality parameters were correlated with each other.

Evaluation of Lake Waters Quality in and Around Pochampally, Telangana State, of India for Irrigation Purpose

The study comprised suitability and evaluation of water quality for irrigation uses. About seven samples were collected in and around Pochampally from different lake bodies. Water samples were collected and analyzed for PH, EC, TDS, TH, Na+, K+, Ca2+, Mg2+, HCO3-, CO32_, SO42_, Cl-, F- and NO3-. In addition to classify water quality and evaluating its suitability for irrigation purpose (i) Sodium Absorption Ratio (SAR), (ii) Soluble Sodium Percentage (SSP), (iii) Residual Sodium Carbonate (RSC), (iv) Permeability Index (PI) were calculated

Status of Pond Waters for Irrigation in Kanyakumari District, Tamilnadu, India

Ponds are considered to be the traditional water resource for irrigational purpose in India. Kanyakumari district is blessed with many perennial ponds. But many of these are being polluted drastically due to the increased human population and rapid industrialization. So in this study, the pond water samples one each from four taluks of Kanyakumari district were chosen and analyzed on their suitability for irrigation purpose based on the values of Sodium Hazard(EC), Sodium Adsorption Ratio(SAR), Residual Sodium Carbonate(RSC), Magnesium Hazard (MH), Sodium Percent(%Na), Total Hardness(TH) and Total Dissolved Solids(TDS). Finally the results predicted their suitability for irrigation purpose.

Land suitability evaluation for surface, sprinkler and drip irrigation systems

The main objective of this research is to compare different irrigation methods based upon a parametric evaluation system in an area of 13 300 ha in the Gotvand Plain, south west Iran. Once the soil properties were analysed and evaluated, suitability maps were generated for surface, sprinkler and drip irrigation methods using a Geographic Information System (GIS). The obtained results showed that for 3220 ha (24.2%) of the study area surface the irrigation method was highly recommended; whereas for 9015 ha (67.6%) of the study area a sprinkler irrigation method would be extremely efficient and suitable; moreover, it was found that 3515 ha (26.4%) of the study area was highly suitable for drip irrigation methods. The results demonstrated that by applying sprinkler irrigation instead of surface and drip irrigation methods, the arability of 12 590 ha (94.7%) in the Gotvand Plain would improve. The comparison of the different types of irrigation revealed that sprinkler irrigation was more effective and efficient than the drip and surface irrigation methods and improved land suitability for irrigation purposes. It is of note, however, that the main limiting factors in using surface, sprinkler and drip irrigation methods in this area were drainage and calcium carbonate content.

Assessment of groundwater quality for irrigation: a case study from Bandalamottu lead mining area, Guntur District, Andhra Pradesh, South India

Quality of water resources in the Bandalamottu area of Guntur District of Andhra Pradesh in South India is facing a serious challenge due to Pb mining. Therefore, 40 groundwater samples were collected from this area to assess their hydrogeochemistry and suitability for irrigation purposes. The groundwater samples were analyzed for distribution of chemical elements Ca2+, Mg2+, Na+, K+, HCO3−, CO32−, F−, Cl−, and SO42−. It also includes pH, electrical conductivity, total hardness, non-carbonate hardness and total alkalinity. The parameters, such as sodium absorption ratio (SAR), adjusted SAR, sodium percentage, potential salinity, residual sodium carbonate, non-carbonate hardness, Kelly’s ratio, magnesium ratio, permeability index, indices of base exchange (IBE) and Gibbs ratio were also calculated. The major hydrochemical facieses were Ca–HCO3, Ca–Na–HCO3 and Ca–Mg–Cl types. The result of saturation index calculated by Visual MINTEQ software combined with Gibbs diagram and IBE findings indicate that, dolomite and calcite dissolution and reverse ion exchange can be a major process controlling the water chemistry in the study area. The results also showed that the salinity (85 %, C3 class) and alkalinity due to high concentration of HCO3− and CO3− and low Ca:Mg molar ratio (97.5 %, <1), are the major problems with water for irrigation usage. As a result, the quality of the groundwater is not suitable for sustainable crop production and soil health without appropriate remediation.

Monitoring the Quality of Some Sources of Irrigation Water in Different Parts of Ogun State, Nigeria

Sustainability of Agricultural environment is very crucial to a developing national like Nigeria and the question of water quality has often been neglected, because good quality water supplies have been assumed to be abundant and readily available. Chemical analysis of water indicates its suitability for irrigation purposes. Rivers, streams and groundwater are the important potential sources of irrigation water in Ogun State, Southwestern Nigeria. A study was therefore carried out to determine the quality of different sources (rivers and groundwater) of irrigation, in some local government areas of Ogun state. These include Abeokuta north, Ifo, Obafemi-Owode and Odeda. The physio-chemical properties of the sampled water were determined. Results revealed that, generally the quality of the water sources is good and suitable for irrigation. The chloride ions levels in all the water sources are within recommended limits. However, in some locations of the groundwater sampled, pH range of between 4.8 and 6.3 was observed showing it is acidic. This may be as a result of the presence of high concentrations of ferric and ferrous ions in the groundwater. The mean values of the conductivity, total dissolved solids and sodium ions were found to be 57% higher in groundwater than those of surface water. The implication of this is that while the rivers can easily be used to irrigate the different crops grown in this area, some level of proper irrigation management must be applied when using groundwater for irrigation so as to sustain the environmental management.

Wastewater treatment for reuse in urban agriculture; the case of Moshi Municipality, Tanzania

Urban agriculture is practiced by dwellers as an adaptive response to improve their food security, household income, create informal employment and diversify their livelihood through sales of surplus produce or savings. People in many cities, who practice urban agriculture, are in most cases unemployed and poor and are faced with water shortages to irrigate their crops. But treated wastewater can offer both water and nutrients needed for crop growth partly covering the water shortage already experienced. Therefore in this case, wastewater reuse becomes one of the important alternative ways to provide water for irrigation.The objective of this study was to monitor the effluent quality of the waste stabilization pond (WSP) and a combined WSP-constructed wetland (WSP-CW) treatment systems, assess its suitability for irrigation purposes and understand the public perception on the use of the treated effluent for agricultural production. This paper brings out the experience of the Moshi urban water authority in wastewater treatment and reuse for irrigation purposes. It looks on the quality of effluent from the two systems under their current operational regime and deduces the public health and socio economic implications.The results indicates the recorded TDS mean values of 587mg/L and 627mg/L, Nitrate–Nitrogen values of 9.19mg/L and 2.35mg/L, Fecal Coliform values of 1000 counts per 100mL and 4626 counts per 100mL, COD values of 159mgO2/L and 149mgO2/L for the WSP and WSP-CW effluents respectively. From the findings it has been shown that the treated effluent is suitable for restricted irrigation. It has also been shown that when improperly practiced, the use of the effluent is associated with public health risk to the workers who handle it, but despite this fact there is still some positive social economic implications. The community members who practice irrigated agriculture using the effluent as irrigation water have positive attitude on its use. The findings from this case study, is considered as an important learning in establishing an optimal wastewater treatment configuration to render suitable effluent for irrigation purposes.

Hydrochemistry of groundwater in a coastal region and its repercussion on quality, a case study—Thoothukudi district, Tamil Nadu, India

A hydrogeochemical study was conducted in Thoothukudi district situated in the southeast coast of Tamil Nadu, India to identify the influence of saltwater intrusion and suitability of groundwater for domestic and agricultural purposes. Scattered studies of this coastal region have reported signs of seawater intrusion, salt pan and industrial activity together with natural weathering process. To have a holistic picture of geochemical processes in the entire district, a total of 135 groundwater samples were collected and analyzed for major cations and anions. The geochemical parameters were compared with world and Indian standards and it was found that most samples are unsuitable for drinking purpose. The geochemical facies of the groundwater showed Na–Cl as the dominant water type indicating the saline nature of the groundwater. Chadda’s plots show that most of the samples fall in the Na–Cl type of water due to seawater intrusion. The samples were classified with parameters like sodium absorption ratio, residual sodium carbonate, total hardness, chloride, index to base exchange, electrical conductivity and facies to determine their suitability for irrigation purpose. It was inferred that the samples falling along the coast are not suitable for the irrigation purpose. The seawater-mixing percentage indicates that strong mixing was observed in the near shore and at the proximity of the salt pan. The permanent hardness was predominant in all the samples compared to the carbonate hardness reducing its domestic usability.

Seasonal variation of groundwater quality in a part of Vadodara District for irrigation, Gujarat, India

The area in Vadodara district, Gujarat, India, is selected to discuss the impact of seasonal variation of groundwater quality on irrigation, where the agriculture is the main livelihood of rural people and the groundwater is the main source for irrigation and drinking. Groundwater samples collected seasonally, pre and post-monsoons, during three years from Twenty five wells in the area were analyzed for pH, EC, TDS, TH, Ca 2+ , Mg 2+ , Na + , K + , CO3 2− , HCO3 − , Cl − , SO4 2− , NO3 − and F − .Various tools such as Electrical conductivity (EC), Sodium Absorption Ratio (SAR), United States Salinity Laboratory (USSL) were used to evaluate the quality of water and its suitability for irrigation purposes. Results of SAR shows that many of the wells during premonsoon illustrate high values indicating the unsuitable nature of groundwater for irrigation but during post monsoon, SAR values found to be decreased due to the dilution effect of precipitation by monsoon.

EVALUATION OF WATER QUALITY OF DIYALA RIVER FOR IRRIGATION PURPOSES

The study comprised suitability evaluation water of quality of Diyala river for irrigation uses. Four stations were selected along Diyala river which are Jalawlah station (DI2) before Jalawlah Bridge, Saadiyah station (DI3) before inter to Hamren Dam, Muqdadia station (DI4) after Diyala Dam, and Baqubah station (DI5) at Iron Bridge, besides wand river station in Khanaqin (DIW) Before Dam. Water samples were collected and analyzed for pH, electric conductivity (EC), TDS, Na+, K+, Ca2+, Mg2+, HCO3-, CO32-, SO42-, Cl-, and NO3- one sample monthly were taken from these stations during January to December 2010. In addition, to classifying water quality and evaluation its suitability for irrigation purposes, Sodium Adsorption Ratio (SAR), Soluble Sodium Percentage (SSP) and Residual Sodium Carbonate (RSC) were calculated following standard equations and found experimentally as (0.985), (20.027), (-4.404) respectively. According to the EC and SAR plotted on the US salinity diagram, it is illustrated that water samples of DIW and DI5 fall in the class of C3-S1 indicating high salinity with low sodium water, which can be used for irrigation on almost all types of soil with only a minimum risk of exchangeable sodium, while water samples of other stations fall in the class of C2-S1 indicating medium salinity with low sodium water, which can be suitable to salt tolerant plants with probability developed permeability problem of soil when Lime is not existing. RSC values are negative at all sampling sites, indicating that there is no complete precipitation of calcium and magnesium. All other parameters were within standard levels. The results of the study revealed that the quality of Diyala river water can be classified as suitable for irrigation with few exceptions.

Application of geographical information system (GIS) to groundwater quality investigation: A case study of Mardan district, Pakistan

A study was conducted to determine the groundwater quality of Mardan salinity control and reclamation project (SCARP) area and its suitability for irrigation purposes. A total of 18 villages were selected and water samples were taken from each one. Spatial data of the locations were taken by Magellan GPS Receiver. These samples were analyzed in the laboratory and then compared with the irrigation water quality guidelines suggested by WAPDA (Water and Power Development Authority Pakistan) and FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization) to determine the groundwater quality for irrigation. Analysis and mapping of ground water quality data were performed by using Arc GIS 9.2 software. Various statistical measures such as mean, standard deviation, coefficient of variation and confidence interval of groundwater quality data were calculated. The results indicated that majority of the ground water samples were in the range of marginal fit category of irrigation water quality. It is concluded that the ground water at certain locations get polluted due to seepage and percolation losses from surface. Key words: Mardan salinity control and reclamation project (SCARP), groundwater, water and power development authority Pakistan (WAPDA), geographical information system (GIS).

Evaluation of groundwater quality and its suitability for drinking and agricultural use in the coastal stretch of Alappuzha District, Kerala, India

Groundwater is an essential and vital component of any life support system. It is not only the basic need for human existence but also a vital input for all development activities. The present hydro-geochemical study was confined to the coastal belt of Alappuzha district, which lies in the coastal lowland division of Kerala. Groundwater quality and its suitability for irrigation and domestic purpose were examined by various physico-chemical parameters such as pH, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids, total hardness, calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, bicarbonate, sulfate, and chloride. These parameters were used to assess the suitability of groundwater for domestic purpose by comparing with the WHO and Indian standards. TDS, sodium adsorption ratio (SAR), and permeability index were used for irrigation suitability assessment. The sample analysis reveals that the groundwater is not entirely fit for drinking with respect to pH, EC, Ca2+, Mg2+, Na+, and Cl−. In some of the collected samples, the concentrations of these parameters exceed the permissible limits of WHO and ISI standards. Based on TDS and SAR almost all samples are suitable for irrigation purpose except a few locations, which show values beyond the permissible limits. Ca–Mg–HCO3 is the dominant water type in the study area. The sequence of the abundance of the major cations and anions is Ca > Na > Mg > K = HCO3 > Cl > SO4. Based on the total hardness and TDS, 96 % of groundwater samples are found suitable for drinking purpose.

Major elements hydrochemistry and groundwater quality of Wadi Fatimah, West Central Arabian Shield, Saudi Arabia

Wadi Fatimah is the largest NE-SW trending low topographic area in the west central Arabian Shield, Saudi Arabia. It is bounded by in the NW side by the faulted and folded volcano-sedimentary succession of Fatima Formation and in the SE side by the metamorphic rocks of Jeddah Group. Some massive gabbros and granites and foliated amphibolites are also present along both sides and in the upstream of Wadi Fatimah. The groundwater of Wadi Fatimah is present in the shallow Quaternary alluvial deposits and also in the underlying fractured Precambrian bedrocks. The description of the chemical composition of the groundwater of Wadi Fatimah includes the variations of the groundwater salinity, the major and trace constituents as well as the groundwater character. According to the chemical analysis and the trilinear and durov diagrams, the prevalent chemical character is calcium chloride followed by sodium chloride water types. All the sub-basins of Wadi Fatimah are characterized by a relatively low to medium saline water. Highly mineralized water zone marked the lower part of the wadi, e.g., Al Jumum-Bahrah area, where the groundwater salinity reached up to 26,500 μS/cm with an average of about 9,500 μS/cm. Major and trace elements analyses of the groundwater samples from the different tributaries of Wadi Fatimah revealed its suitability for irrigation purposes.

Assessment of surface water receiving sewage effluents for gardening irrigation purposes: A case study of Ona River in Ibadan Southwest Local Government area of Oyo State, Nigeria

The analysis of chemical quality of Ona River in Ibadan Southwest Local Government (IBSWLG) area of Oyo State was undertaken in this study to assess its suitability for irrigation purposes by considering two major seasons in the ecological zone. In order to achieve the objectives, twenty sampling points were selected along the stream at about 20 m interval. The water samples collected were analyzed in the laboratory using methods of Ademoroti (1996). The result showed that despite the large content of sewage effluents characterized by some of the areas, the quality of the surface water remains within the safe limit for irrigation purposes; thus, Ona River water can be developed for all-year round crop production in the study area. However, the need to continuously monitor and assess surface water quality for irrigation is stressed. Key words: Sewage, effluents, water quality, sampling points, quality assessment.

Hydrochemistry of groundwater and its assessment for irrigation purpose in coastal Jeffara Aquifer, southeastern Tunisia

Groundwater is of a paramount importance in arid areas, as it represents the main water resource to satisfy the different needs of the various sectors. Nevertheless, coastal aquifers are generally subjected to seawater intrusion and groundwater quality degradation. In this study, the groundwater quality of the coastal Jeffara aquifer (southeastern Tunisia) is evaluated to check its suitability for irrigation purposes. A total of 74 groundwater samples were collected and analyzed for various physical and chemical parameters, such as, electrical conductivity, pH, dissolved solids (TDS), Na, K, Ca, Mg, Cl, HCO3, and SO4. Sodium adsorption ratio, magnesium adsorption ratio, Sodium percentage, and permeability index were calculated based on the analytical results. The analytical results obtained show a strong mineralization of the water in the studied aquifer. TDS concentrations range from 3.40 to 18.84 g L−1. Groundwater salinity was shown to be mainly controlled by sodium and chloride. The dominant hydrochemical facieses are Na–Cl–Ca–SO4, mainly as a result of mineral dissolution (halite and gypsum), infiltration of saline surface water, and seawater intrusion. Assessment of the groundwater quality of the different samples by various methods indicated that only 7% of the water, in the northwest of the study area, is considered suitable for irrigation purposes while 93% are characterized by fair to poor quality, and are therefore just suitable or unsuitable for irrigation purposes.

Geographical Information System Techniques for Evaluation of Groundwater Quality

Problem statement: The present paper tries to assess groundwater suit ability for irrigation purpose in Damghan plain (5400 ha). Approach: Twenty four water samples were collected from the active wells. Parameters such as Electrical Conduct ivity (EC), pH, Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), were recorded in the field and major anions and cations (Ca 2+ , Mg 2+ , K + , Na + , CO3 2- , HCO 3- , Cl - , SO4 2- and NO 3- ) were analyzed in the laboratory. The data of wate r wells were imported into the GIS software and the different water quality maps were produced usin g point data. Then Suitability index of groundwater quality determined by overlaying of water quality m aps. Results: Suitability index values revealed that the ground water in Amin Abad, Abdi, Abd Abad, Nasr Abad and parts of Shams Abad villages of study area had Suitable quality with the suitability in dex range between 75-100 and therefore can be used for irrigation usage. Suitability index of the groundwa ter in Hasnie, Gani Abad and parts of Shams Abad villages were Moderate quality with the range bet ween 35-70 and Abas Abad, Abir Abad and Shaman villages had unsuitable quality and cannot be use d for irrigation purposes. In respect of all evalua ting criteria, villages of study areas that had Suitabl e and Moderate quality could safely be used for long- term irrigation purposes. Conclusion: The present study demonstrated high efficiency for GIS to analyze complex spatial data and groundwater quality suitab ility.

Evaluation of Water from Bokro Stream for Irrigation and Its Effect on Soil

This study focused on evaluating the water quality of the Bokro stream for its suitability for irrigation purposes. Among the water quality parameters examined were pH, total dissolved solids, conductivity, dissolved oxygen, hardness, major ions and concentration of some trace metals. The results revealed that most of the parameters examined were below the FAO limits for irrigation water. The results also indicated that nutrient concentrations (Sulphate, Nitrate-Nitrogen and Phosphate-Phosphorus) from the stream were far below the usual ranges in irrigation water. Based on values calculated for Sodium Adsorption Ratio and electrical conductivity, the water source could be described as possessing low salinity hazard and therefore no permeability problems are expected for the soils. In addition, human activities along the banks of the stream and inflow of untreated domestic sewage from communities in the catchment area of the stream were found to have great impact on the quality of water from the stream. Water from the stream will have no adverse effect on the soil when it is use for irrigation.Keywords: Bokro stream, Irrigation, Salinity hazard, Self purification, Waste water