Assessing the impact of seasonal variability on irrigation water quality and suitability for agricultural use in wet and dry conditions

english

2025

volume 121, issue 4

EC   irrigation water quality   pH   season variation

Univerza v Ljubljani, Biotehniška fakulteta
(Obvezni izvod spletne publikacije)

This study investigates the seasonal variation in water quality for irrigation from 57 wells in Sulaimani City, using two classification models: Ayers & Westcot (1985) and Maia & Rodrigues (2012). Key water parameters such as pH, Electrical Conductivity (EC), Sodium Adsorption Ratio (SAR), bicarbonates (HCO3?), and (Cl?) concentrations were analyzed. Results showed that during the wet season, 45 wells had no restrictions (NR), while 12 had slight to moderate restrictions (S-MR). In the dry season, 29 wells were classified as NR and 28 as S-MR. Water quality was generally favorable for irrigation in the wet season but required management strategies for wells with higher EC and SAR, particularly in the dry season when salinity and ion concentrations increased. The Ayers & Westcot classification reflected seasonal variations in EC, SAR, and bicarbonates, with water quality declining slightly in the dry season, leading to more wells classified as S-MR. Using the Irrigation Water Quality Index by Maia & Rodrigues, some wells shifted from "Good" to "Excellent" in the dry season due to changes in EC levels. These results highlight the need for continuous water quality monitoring and adaptive irrigation management to optimize water use and prevent soil salinization in regions with seasonal variability.

19.01.2026