Irrigation Water Analysis: Water Quality and Agricultural Productivity

What are the Purposes of Irrigation Water Analysis?

Agricultural Irrigation Water

Agricultural irrigation is a fundamental element for efficient and sustainable agricultural practices. Irrigation water not only provides the water necessary for healthy plant growth, but also improves soil structure and increases productivity. However, the quality of irrigation water has a direct impact on the success of agriculture. Irrigation water analysis assesses the suitability of water by examining its components and properties. This analysis is important not only for healthy plant growth, but also for maintaining soil health and minimizing environmental impacts.

The quality of irrigation water is very important for irrigated lands. In particular, depending on the quality of the water, the soil may become barren due to reasons such as increased salinity. Irrigation water should therefore be tested.

Effects of Irrigation Water Quality on Agricultural Productivity

The quality of irrigation water directly affects the growth rate, health and productivity of plants. Factors such as the minerals, salinity, pH level and microbiological content of irrigation water are vital for plants. Each of these factors determines how efficiently plants can use water.

pH Level: The pH of irrigation water determines how efficiently plants can take up nutrients. Water that is too acidic or too basic can damage plants' roots and inhibit nutrient uptake. Generally, the pH of irrigation water should be between 6.5 and 8.5.
Salinity: As water is applied to the soil, the dissolved salts it contains pass into the soil. Excessive salinity disrupts the soil structure and prevents plants from taking up water. This depends especially on the levels of sodium (Na), calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) ions in the irrigation water. Irrigation water with high salt content can lead to salt accumulation in the soil and adversely affect plant growth.
Mineral Content: Mineral levels in irrigation water are also of great importance for plants. For example, high levels of iron (Fe) or manganese (Mn) can have toxic effects on some plants. In addition, adequate levels of minerals such as calcium and magnesium promote healthy plant growth.
Hardness: Water hardness is usually measured by the concentration of calcium and magnesium ions. Hard irrigation water can lead to lime deposits in the soil. This can make it difficult for water to be absorbed by the roots of plants.
Microbiological Content: The microbiological properties of irrigation water are also of great importance. Pathogenic bacteria present in the water can harm plants or lead to contamination of crops. In addition, high levels of organic matter in irrigation water can reduce water quality and provide a favorable environment for bacterial growth.

What are the Objectives of Irrigation Water Analysis?

Determination of quality characteristics of irrigation waters
Determination of the substances contained in it
Determination of the effects of irrigation water on plant growth

The points where water samples are taken and the time of taking them are also very important:

In stagnant waters; samples should be taken from three points: deep, middle and surface of the deepest part of the water.
In underground waters; water samples are taken after the water drawn with a pump flows for 15-20 minutes.
In streams; 50 cm deep sample should be taken.
In municipal water; water from the fountain should be sampled after 30-60 seconds of water flow.

Sample containers must be clean during sampling. After sampling, the containers should be well sealed and stored under appropriate conditions.

Nanolab Laboratories Group continues to provide services within the scope of Irrigation Water Analysis. We also provide services in Cooling and Process Water Analysis.

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