Quality of Groundwater for Irrigation in Phagwara Block of District Kapurthala

Twenty groundwater samples were collected from Phagwara block of Kapurthala district of Punjab during the pre-monsoon season. These water samples were tested for major cations and anions which are important from irrigation point of view. To determine the suitability of groundwater of Phagwara for irrigation purpose, the parameters like electrical conductivity (EC) and residual sodium carbonate (RSC) were calculated on the basis of chemical data. Based on EC and RSC values together, it was found that 40 per cent water samples were fit, 40 per cent were marginal and 20 per cent were unfit for irrigation purpose. A large proportion of samples falling in marginal and unfit category indicate the need of water testing for sustainable crop production without deteriorating the soil health. Irrigation water having problem of sodicity should be used along with application of inorganic (gypsum) or organic (FYM) amendments.