Assessment of Irrigation Water Quality of Kosovo Plain

Abstract

The study aims to assess the quality of irrigation water of the Kosovo Plain. Twelve water samples were collected from sampling points in the peak of dry season in July 2015. Samples were taken from rivers, canals and pumping stations. The contents of the samples have been analyzed. The classification used to assess qualities and the suitability of irrigation water is based on FAO’s and USSL’s classification criteria of irrigation water. The study revealed that important constituents which influence the quality of irrigation water such as: electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids, sodium adsorption ratio, soluble sodium percentage, residual sodium bicarbonate, permeability index and Kelly’s ratio, were found within the permissible limits of water for irrigation purposes. Therefore, the surface water of this area is deemed to be of an excellent quality and its use is highly recommended for the irrigation of crops.