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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What we have learnt
- The quality of irrigation water affects soil fertility, crop yield, and environmental health.
- Salinity, sodium hazard, and toxic elements are critical parameters in assessing irrigation water quality.
- Management practices such as blending water, leaching, and improved irrigation techniques can mitigate poor water quality.
Key Concepts
- -- Total Dissolved Solids (TDS)
- Total dissolved solids indicate the amount of substances dissolved in water, influencing its electrical conductivity (EC) and suitability for agriculture.
- -- Sodium Adsorption Ratio (SAR)
- SAR measures the sodium content in water compared to calcium and magnesium, affecting soil permeability and structure.
- -- Residual Sodium Carbonate (RSC)
- RSC assesses the risk of sodium accumulation due to carbonate ions in irrigation water.
- -- Electical Conductivity (EC)
- EC is a measure of water's salinity; higher values indicate potential osmotic stress for plants.
- -- Boron Toxicity
- Boron is essential for plants in trace amounts, but excessive levels can be toxic, particularly to sensitive crops.
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