Water quality criteria for irrigation with highly saline water

Abstract

When considering the quality of a water for irrigation a fixed rating or evaluation is not possible. The recommended approach is to evaluate the water for the specific conditions at the locality where it is to be used. Factors to be considered include crops selected, soil type and water permeability, reactions of the soil with the water, climatic factors, management practices and irrigation system to be used, and how much yield loss can be economically tolerated. Assessment of irrigation water quality for inorganic constituents under highly saline conditions should consider ion ratios as well as toxicity factors for specific crops. Ca deficiency, associated with high Mg/Ca ratios is of special concern.