Validation evaluation of some wells in Wadi Al-Mohammadi basin for agricultural exploitation

Document Type : Original Research Paper

Authors

1 Center for Desert Studies, University of Anbar, Iraq

2 Ph.D. Student, Department of Water Engineering, Faculty of Agriculture, Isfahan University of Technology, Isfahan, Iran

Abstract

The present study examines the chemical properties of the groundwater in the Wadi Al-Mohammadi basin, which is located between the cities of Ramadi and Hit in the Upper Euphrates region. The study is conducted based on the field, geomorphological and geological study of the study area. The water quality of some wells in the region was monitored during 2017, for irrigation according to the FAO Standard and their classification according to Richards. The results of the laboratory analysis showed that all of the well water under study exceeded the criteria for use of irrigation. Therefore, it is not recommended to use it in the Wadi Al-Mohammadi basin because it is saline water, where the values of electrical conductivity, which is a factor affecting agricultural use, ranged between 3.68-7.51dS/m-1 for wells 7 and 5, respectively, while the SAR ratio ranged between 7.20 - 183.6 for wells 7 and 2, respectively. Wells (5,4,1), according to Richard's chart, 1954, were classified as C4-S2, medium and very high, and wells (2,6,3,7) C4-S4, C3-S3, C4-S3, C3-S1, respectively. With continuous use, salt accumulations are formed which eventually lead to salinization of the soil and increasing the state of the problem of desertification and conversion of agricultural lands from producing to unproductive lands. In the case of its use, the methods for accuracy management intentions and selection of soil types as well as cultivation and selection of plants resistant to salinity and reducing the state of degradation of those soils within the valley should be followed. This causes increasing crop productivity.

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