Hydrology & Water Resources Engineering - Vol 3 | 40. Quality of Irrigation Water by Abraham | Learn Smarter
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Knowledge
40. Quality of Irrigation Water

Water quality for irrigation is crucial for maintaining soil fertility, crop yields, and environmental health. Different sources of irrigation water present varying levels of quality based on salinity, sodium content, toxicity, and other parameters. Addressing poor water quality through proper management practices can safeguard agricultural productivity and environmental integrity.

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Sections

  • 40

    Quality Of Irrigation Water

    The quality of irrigation water is crucial for sustainable agriculture, affecting soil fertility, crop yield, and environmental health.

    Learning Practice

  • 40.1

    Sources Of Irrigation Water

    This section outlines the various sources of irrigation water, emphasizing their quality differences based on geography and human activity.

    Learning Practice

  • 40.2

    Criteria For Assessing Irrigation Water Quality

    This section outlines the critical criteria for evaluating irrigation water quality, including salinity, sodium hazards, and toxicity from elements like boron and chloride.

    Learning Practice

  • 40.2.1

    Salinity Hazard (Total Dissolved Solids - Tds Or Ec)

    This section discusses the salinity hazard in irrigation water, focusing on Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) and Electrical Conductivity (EC) as indicators of water quality.

    Learning Practice

  • 40.2.2

    Sodium Hazard (Sodium Adsorption Ratio - Sar)

    The Sodium Adsorption Ratio (SAR) measures sodium content relative to calcium and magnesium, impacting soil structure and permeability.

    Learning Practice

  • 40.2.3

    Residual Sodium Carbonate (Rsc)

    Residual Sodium Carbonate (RSC) assesses the risk of sodium build-up in irrigation water due to carbonate and bicarbonate ions.

    Learning Practice

  • 40.2.4

    Magnesium Ratio (Mr)

    The Magnesium Ratio (MR) is a critical factor in assessing irrigation water quality; high magnesium levels can adversely impact soil structure.

    Learning Practice

  • 40.2.5

    Boron Toxicity

    Boron is necessary for plants in trace amounts, but excessive levels, particularly over 1.0 ppm, can lead to toxicity in sensitive crops.

    Learning Practice

  • 40.2.6

    Chloride And Sulphate Content

    This section discusses the effects of chloride and sulphate content in irrigation water, emphasizing their impact on crop health.

    Learning Practice

  • 40.3

    Classification Of Irrigation Water Quality

    This section discusses the classification of irrigation water quality based on salinity and sodium hazard criteria.

    Learning Practice

  • 40.4

    Effects Of Poor Quality Irrigation Water

    Poor quality irrigation water adversely impacts soil health, crop productivity, and environmental conditions.

    Learning Practice

  • 40.4.1

    On Soil

    This section discusses the various detrimental effects of poor-quality irrigation water on soil health, emphasizing salinization, reduced permeability, and degradation of soil structure.

    Learning Practice

  • 40.4.2

    On Crops

    Poor quality irrigation water adversely affects crop growth and yield.

    Learning Practice

  • 40.4.3

    On Environment

    This section discusses the environmental impacts of poor-quality irrigation water, including groundwater contamination, salt accumulation, and reduced biodiversity.

    Learning Practice

  • 40.5

    Crop Tolerance To Salinity

    This section details how different crops respond to salinity, categorizing them into various tolerance levels.

    Learning Practice

  • 40.6

    Methods Of Testing Irrigation Water Quality

    This section discusses various methods for testing the quality of irrigation water, including field tests and laboratory analysis.

    Learning Practice

  • 40.6.1

    Field Tests

    Field tests are essential methods for assessing the quality of irrigation water using portable equipment.

    Learning Practice

  • 40.6.2

    Laboratory Analysis

    Laboratory analysis is crucial for accurately assessing irrigation water quality by using advanced testing methods.

    Learning Practice

  • 40.7

    Management Practices For Using Marginal Quality Water

    This section discusses various management practices for utilizing marginal quality water effectively in irrigation.

    Learning Practice

  • 40.7.1

    Blending Water

    Blending water involves mixing poor-quality irrigation water with good-quality water to dilute harmful constituents, enhancing agricultural sustainability.

    Learning Practice

  • 40.7.2

    Leaching

    Leaching is the process of applying excess water to irrigation areas to remove accumulated salts from the root zone.

    Learning Practice

  • 40.7.3

    Soil Amendments

    Soil amendments like gypsum are crucial for improving soil structure and managing sodium levels.

    Learning Practice

  • 40.7.4

    Crop Management

    The crop management section emphasizes strategies for selecting appropriate crops and managing soil health when using marginal quality irrigation water.

    Learning Practice

  • 40.7.5

    Improved Irrigation Techniques

    This section discusses improved irrigation techniques that help manage salinity and enhance water efficiency in agriculture.

    Learning Practice

  • 40.8

    Guidelines And Standards

    This section outlines the major guidelines and standards for irrigation water quality set by various organizations, ensuring sustainable agricultural practices.

    Learning Practice

  • 40.9

    Reuse Of Wastewater For Irrigation

    The reuse of wastewater for irrigation is increasingly important due to water scarcity, requiring proper treatment to ensure safety.

    Learning Practice

  • 40.10

    Case Studies And Regional Examples

    This section highlights specific case studies and regional examples illustrating the impact of irrigation water quality issues in agriculture.

    Learning Practice

References

Chapter_40_Quali.pdf

Class Notes

Memorization

What we have learnt

  • The quality of irrigation w...
  • Salinity, sodium hazard, an...
  • Management practices such a...

Final Test

Revision Tests