Agricultural Irrigation Water Analysis

TS 7739 Irrigation Water: Water Quality and Agricultural Productivity

Agriculture is critical for both human nutrition and economies. Irrigation, one of the basic needs of agricultural production, is essential for the development of crops and efficient crop yields. However, the quality of water used in irrigation can have significant impacts on agricultural productivity and the environment. At this point, the TS 7739 Irrigation Water standard, which sets the quality standards for irrigation water in Turkey, comes into play. In this article, we will examine the details of the TS 7739 standard, the quality requirements of irrigation water and the effects of these standards on agricultural production.

Purpose and Scope of TS 7739 Standard

TS 7739 Irrigation Water standard aims to minimize the negative effects of water to be used in agricultural production on both plants and the environment by determining the criteria for the quality of water used in irrigation. This standard sets the limit values of chemical, biological and physical pollutants that may be present in irrigation water. It also provides the necessary guidance for the use of water in a way that does not harm the soil and plants.

Effects of Irrigation Water on Agricultural Productivity

Irrigation water quality has a direct impact on plant growth. The use of good quality water contributes to healthier plant growth, increased crop productivity and improved crop quality. For example, irrigation water that contains too much salt makes it difficult for plant roots to take up water, resulting in lower yields. Likewise, poor quality water can lead to deterioration of soil structure and long-term yield losses. Therefore, TS 7739 standards support sustainability in agriculture by promoting the use of quality water.

Environmental Sustainability and Irrigation Water

The quality of irrigation water is of great importance not only for agricultural production but also for environmental protection. The use of low-quality water can disrupt the chemical structure of the soil, leading to erosion and contaminating groundwater. TS 7739 standard assumes a guiding role to minimize such environmental impacts and supports sustainable agricultural practices.

Quality Criteria for Irrigation Water

There are some basic factors that determine the quality of irrigation water. The TS 7739 standard takes these factors into account and provides guidance for safe and efficient irrigation. The main quality criteria considered within the scope of the standard:

1. Chemical Properties: The chemical composition of water is critical to plant and soil health. The presence of substances such as excess salt, sodium, chlorine can adversely affect the structure and fertility of the soil. TS 7739 sets the limit values of these components and provides guidance to ensure chemical balance.
2. pH Level: The pH value determines whether water is acidic or basic. The pH value in water should be between 6.5 and 8.4. This range provides a safe environment for plants and protects the structure of the soil.
3. Hardness and Salinity: Water hardness and salinity levels play a critical role in irrigation. Excessively hard or salty water can disrupt the water balance in plants, reducing yields. The standard provides guidance for keeping hardness and salinity values under control.
4. Heavy Metals: Heavy metals such as lead, cadmium and arsenic that may be present in water can cause toxicity to plants and ultimately put human health at risk. TS 7739 contributes to the provision of safe irrigation by setting limit values for such contaminants.
5. Microbiological Cleaning: The presence of bacteria, viruses and other pathogens in irrigation water can jeopardize the safety of agricultural crops. Microbiological quality is an important criterion to consider, especially where water sources are contaminated.

pH Determination	SM 4500 H⁺ B
Conductivity Determination	TS 9748 EN 27888
Salinity Determination	SM 2520 B
Free Chlorine Determination	SM 4500-Cl G
Total Chlorine Determination	SM 4500-Cl G
Chloride Content Determination	SM 4500-Cl⁻B
Nitrite/Nitrogen Nitrite Determination	SM 4500-NO₂⁻ B
Sulfate Determination	Water SM 4500 SO₄²- E
Alkalinity Determination	SM 2320 B
Total Hardness Determination	EN ISO 17294-1 EN ISO 17294-2
Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen Determination	SM 4500-Norg B
Ammonia/Ammonia Nitrogen Determination	SM 4500-NH₃ B SM 4500-NH₃ F
Total Organic Carbon Determination	TS 8195 EN 1484
Permanganate Index (Organic Matter)	TS 6288 EN ISO 8467
Determination of Anions - Fluoride, Chloride, Nitrite, Phosphate, Bromide, Nitrate, Sulfate	SM 4110 B
Determination of Cations - Lithium, Sodium, Calcium, Magnesium, Potassium	EN ISO 17294-1 EN ISO 17294-2 ISO 15587
Sodium Carbonate Residue (RSC) Determination	EN ISO 17294-1 EN ISO 17294-2 SM 2320 B
Sodium Adsorption Ratio (SAR) Determination	EN ISO 17294-1 EN ISO 17294-2
Exchangeable Sodium Percentage (ESP) Ratio	EN ISO 17294-1 EN ISO 17294-2 SM 2320 B
Total Phosphorus Determination	EN ISO 17294-1 EN ISO 17294-2 ISO 15587
Determination of Metals and Other Elements (Aluminum (Al), Antimony (Sb), Arsenic (As), Copper (Cu), Barium (Ba), Beryllium (Be), Boron (B), Mercury (Hg), Zinc (Zn), Iron (Fe), Cadmium (Cd), Cobalt (Co), Total Chromium (Cr), Lead (Pb), Manganese (Mn), Nickel (Ni), Selenium (Se)	EN ISO 17294-1 EN ISO 17294-2 ISO 15587
Irrigation Water Class	TS 7739

Challenges in Irrigation Water Management

Some of the most common challenges in irrigation water management are:

• Water Scarcity: Limited water resources make it difficult to obtain irrigation water, especially in arid regions. In this situation, turning to low-quality water can put the quality of production and the environment at risk.
• Pollution of Water Resources: The mixing of industrial and domestic wastes into water resources can reduce irrigation water quality. In this case, treatment processes and appropriate quality control measures should be taken.
• Inadequate Treatment and Quality Control: Controlling the quality of irrigation water and treating it if necessary can pose infrastructure and cost challenges. The implementation of standards can help address these challenges.

Contributions of TS 7739 Standard to Agricultural Sustainability

TS 7739 Irrigation Water standard promotes the conscious and sustainable use of water in agricultural production. The standard increases agricultural productivity by providing guidance on providing the quality water plants need. It also helps to minimize the impact on the environment with the right irrigation methods. In this way, sustainable production in agriculture can be achieved while maintaining soil fertility.

Why Nanolab?

Nanolab offers the most reliable and fastest solution for irrigation water analysis in accordance with TS 7739 standard. It enables irrigation water quality to be meticulously analyzed to determine the effects of water on agricultural productivity. Thanks to ISO 17025 accreditation, test results are internationally recognized and the suitability of irrigation water is accurately assessed. With its wide range of equipment and expert technical team, it completes irrigation water analysis efficiently and quickly. Thanks to its regulatory expertise, TS 7739 and other legal requirements are fully met. Nanolab stands out as the address where quality, reliability and speed combine in irrigation water analysis.