Irrigation Water Quality Assessments for Irrigated Lands of Konya – Sarayönü Gözlü Agricultural Enterprise

Abstract

This study was conducted to assess the irrigation water quality parameters of the water resources in irrigated lands of Konya- Sarayönü Gözlü Agricultural Enterprise. Water samples were taken from deep wells of the research site and soil samples were taken (0-30, 30-60 and 60-90 cm depths) from different sections of the research site. Water quality parameters and soil physico-chemical characteristics were investigated.Soil texture of the research site was identified as clay and clay-loam. Soil pH values varied between 7.11 – 7.90, EC values varied between 696 – 803 µmhos/cm. Irrigation water pH values varied between 6.08 – 7.45 and EC values varied between 1071 - 1989 µmhos/cm. Water samples were classified as C₃S₁(highly saline) according to US Salinity Lab classification system. Despite high salinity levels of irrigation waters, a salinity problem was not encountered in soils of the research site. However, that does not necessarily mean that there won’t be a salinity problem in the future since irrigation practices of the region are quite new and sufficient time has not elapsed yet for salt accumulation in soils.Relevant cultural measures should be taken to prevent possible future salinity problems and farmers should be trained about water quality and salinity problems.