Classification of tubewell water for sustainable soil health and crop growth

The study was conducted at Krishi Vigyan Kendra, to evaluate the groundwater quality in Nathusari Chopta block, Sirsa district, Haryana, during the year 2019 to 2021. Due to an average rainfall of only 300 mm, farmers in the region heavily rely on canal and tubewell water for irrigation. A total of 150 water samples were analyzed for parameters such as pH, electrical conductivity (EC), carbonate (CO₃^2-), bicarbonate (HCO₃^-), chloride (Cl^-), calcium (Ca²⁺), magnesium (Mg²⁺), and residual sodium carbonate (RSC). The results indicated that 38% of the samples were suitable for all crops, with EC levels between 0-2 dS/m. However, 35% of samples exhibited medium to high salinity (4-8 dS/m), and 11% showed very high salinity (>12 dS/m), which limits crop choices and requires careful management. The study highlighted the importance of regular groundwater quality monitoring and management for sustaining soil health and crop production. Recommendations included blending saline groundwater with canal water, periodic water quality testing, and adjusting crop choices based on water quality to mitigate adverse effects, especially in areas with high salinity and low rainfall.