Agroclimate-centric irrigation water quality guidelines

The suitability of a given water source for irrigation warrants the diagnosis of potential salinity, sodicity and toxicity hazards. Region-specific irrigation water quality standards and guidelines formulated worldwide are too conservative. After a comprehensive assessment of newer insights from re-analysis of the available data and examination of the associated evidence covering diversified conditions of saline water use, existing guidelines are updated to adjust for site-specific conditions. The updated versions for rating both saline and alkali waters include the chemical composition of irrigation waters, soil type (texture, clay mineralogy), salt tolerance rating of crops and rainfall for broader adaptability. As modified by soil texture and rainfall, crop salt tolerance is the decisive factor for fixing upper salinity limits in hyper-arid, arid, semi-arid and semi-humid regions. The customized recommendations include conjunctive use, leaching/rainfall management, irrigation methods, ionic ratios, fertilizers and manures. Guidelines for sodic/alkali waters are based on both crop responses and sodicity-induced water infiltration problems. The amendment requirements stand defined. In view of the increasing water scarcity, the established guidelines are expected to promote saline and alkali water irrigation in arid and semi-arid regions while safeguarding the environment.