Physicochemical properties of irrigation water in western Himalayas, Pakistan

Abstract

Appropriate irrigation water quality is essential for maintaining soil properties. This study investigates numerous physicochemical properties of irrigation water in three Himalayan valleys in northern Pakistan, receiving water from different sources. A total of 36 samples (3 replicates from four points at each site) were randomly collected and analyzed following standard laboratory techniques. The results revealed that most of the physicochemical parameters were within the permissible limits as specified by FAO, USEPA, and WWF for agriculture water. However, the total dissolved solids, potassium, mercury, nickel, and cadmium were found beyond the recommended ranges. Analysis of variance indicated that the mean values of various constituents differed significantly across the sources. Among the water sources, the mix of spring and glacial meltwater was found to contain maximum parameters within the permissible limits. The study recommends further investigating the implications of the existing water quality parameters on crop productivity and human health.