Water Quality, Irrigation Measurement and Efficiency

Abstract

Both the quantity and quality of water supply are important for supplemental irrigation. A water supply must be adequate to fulfill anticipated irrigation needs. If water of low quality is applied, then special management practices are needed to maintain optimal crop productivity. Problems that occur from using water of poor quality vary in type and degree of severity. Osmotic effects on the plants, effects on soil infiltration and permeability, as well as specific ion toxicities can be serious. Irrigation water of inferior quality can cause excessive vegetative growth or lodging; or can delay crop maturation because of excessive nutrients in the water supply; or the water can dry and deposit salt residues on fruit or leaves from sprinkling; or cause nutritional disorders by high pH of the water supply.