A. Suman and A. Rana
Abstract
Irrigation water quality refers to water suitability for agricultural purposes. Good water quality can lead to higher crop yields with proper soil and water management strategies. Thus, the purpose of this research is to evaluate the water quality and determine whether or not it is suitable for use in irrigation. A total of 49 water samples were collected in the study period. Water quality parameters like pH, conductivity, TS, TDS, Cl-, NO3-, SO42-, CO2-3, HCO3, Ca+, Mg+, K+, Salinity, Fluoride (F- ) and Hardness were examined in order to analyse the waterâs characteristics for irrigation purposes. Results were pH range of 7.22 to 8.33, electric conductivity (EC) 265-948?S, Total dissolved solids (TDS) 188 mg/l to 678 mg/l, Salinity 129 ppm to 471ppm, Total Hardness (TH), Sodium (Na+) 13.7-54.7 mg/l, Potassium (K+) 0.55 mg/l to 23.3 mg/l, Calcium(Ca+) 92.4 to 304.5 mg/l, Magnesium (Mg+) is within 9 to139.4 mg/l, Chloride (Cl-) 20 to 155 mg/l, Sulphate (SO4-2) 2.557 mg/l to 79.61 mg/l, Carbonate (CO3-2) 0-20 mg/l, Bicarbonate (HCO3 ) 3 mg/l to 50 mg/l, and Fluoride (F-) 1.58 mg/l to 2.226 mg/l. Based on the analysis of the collected data, the majority of the parameters (pH, EC, TDS, CI-) fall within the standard range. The concentration of sodium ion in water samples is relatively high among the major cations (Na+, Ca+, Mg+, K+), whereas chloride is the most dominating among the major anions (CI-, SO42, PO43-, NO3 -). Spatial distribution of key water quality parameters was mapped using the Inverse Distance Weighting (IDW) Interpolation technique. Piper and Durov diagrams were used to interpret hydro-chemical facies and geochemical evolution of groundwater showing the prevalence of mixed CaâMgâHCO3 and Na-HCO3 water types. Findings indicate the spatial differences in the water quality of irrigation throughout the Maner block, which are governed by the litho logical environment, the interaction between the groundwater and rock, and the local point anthropogenic inputs. The combined approach that is taken in the research gives a scientific foundation to sustainable irrigation planning and groundwater management in the Middle Gangetic Plain.