40.2. Criteria for Assessing Irrigation Water Quality

Try these first

1. 1.

   What does Electrical Conductivity (EC) measure in irrigation water?

   Hint

   Think about how salinity affects plants.

2. 2.

   What is considered an excellent EC value?

   Hint

   It's a number smaller than 1.

3. 3.

   What is the acceptable EC level for excellent water quality?

   • > 0.7 dS/m
   • < 0.7 dS/m
   • 3.0 dS/m

   Hint

   Focus on the lower numbers for better water quality.

4. 4.

   Sodium Adsorption Ratio (SAR) higher than 18 is considered:

   • True
   • False

   Hint

   Think about the thresholds provided for SAR.

5. 5.

   Given a water sample with an EC of 4.0 dS/m, what steps should the farmer take to ensure the irrigation practices do not compromise crop yields?

   Hint

   Think about the combination of management practices discussed.

6. 6.

   If the SAR for a water source is 22, what implications does this have for soil health and what management practices could be employed?

   Hint

   Remember the effects of SAR discussed in class.