IWRA (India) Journal (Half Yearly Technical Journal of Indian Geographical Committee of IWRA)

The quality of irrigation water has a considerable impact on agriculture. Irrigation water impacts agricultural production and soil texture, depending on soil characteristics, crop, and environmental conditions. Hence, it is important to monitor the quality of water and soil periodically. The present work aims to find the quality of water and soil for the suitability of irrigation in the selected villages of Chandragiri Mandal, Chittoor District, Andhra Pradesh, India. The properties studied in the present investigation are pH, Calcium, Magnesium, Carbonates, Bicarbonates, Chlorides, Sulphates, Sodium, SAR, TDS, RSC, EC for water samples and Nitrogen, Phosphorous, organic carbon and Potassium for soil samples. In the villages under study, the studies revealed higher levels of Magnesium and potassium in water and soil respectively compared to standard values. Ramireddypalli and Anjaneyulavaripalli have higher nitrogen and phosphorous content and hence additional fertilizer may not be required for the growth of the crop. Also, the RSC values were higher in some of the villages, ruling out the possibility of growing rice crop. Thus, the present study recommends to growth of alternative crops. Based on the results obtained, it is concluded that these villages can accommodate paddy, peanuts, wheat, corn and sugarcane.