Assessment of groundwater quality of parts of Gwalior (India) for agricultural purposes

Abstract

The groundwater of Gwalior region was assessed for its irrigational suitability. Fourteen water samples collected from dug-cum bored wells tapping shallow to deep aquifers from the clay with Kankar, silt, sandstone were used. The Groundwater samples were analyzed for major cations: Na+, Ca++, Mg++, K+, and anions: Cl-, HCO3-, CO3- -, SO4- and NO3-. The important constituents that influence the water quality for irrigation are total dissolved solids (TDS), electrical conductivity (EC), sodium adsorption ratio (RSC), sodium percentages (Na%) and permeability index (PI). These parameters were compared with standard limits and were found to be within the safe limit suitable for irrigation purpose. In addition the total dissolved solids in ground water ranged between 256-1324 mg/l during the investigation period, revealed that irrigation using groundwater of the study area would not cause salinity hazards.