Assessment of groundwater quality for the suitability of irrigation and its impacts on crop yields in the Guna district, India

This study was performed to understand the impact of groundwater quality on the crop yields and its suitability for the irrigation. The hydrogeochemical assessment indicates chemical weathering is prevalent in the aquifer system. Low sodium-hazard observed in almost all samples. High salinity-hazard observed in the shallow aquifer indicates leaching of contaminants from the surface. Salinity-hazard statistics indicates similar to 27.60% groundwater suitable for irrigation, similar to 47.65% groundwater considerable for irrigation of selected crops whose salinity tolerance limit is high, similar to 13.44% groundwater (fresh-brackish) cause problem in the soil and similar to 11.31% groundwater unsuitable for the irrigation. Salinity tolerance limit indicates yield (%) of the few crops remain unaffected. These crops are Hordeum vulgare (Barley), Gossy pium (Cotton), Beta vulgaris (Sugar-beet), Cynodon dactylon (Bermuda-grass), Thinopyrum ponticum (tall Wheat-grass), Thinopyrum intermedium (Wheat-grass) etc. The yield potential (%) partially affected in the few crops like Arachis hypogaea (Groundnut) (similar to 95.30%), Oryza saliva (Rice) (similar to 93.29%), Carthamus tintorius (Safflower) (similar to 97.32%), Sorghum bicolor (Sorghum) (similar to 95.97%), Glycine max (Soybean) (similar to 97.32%), Triticum aestivum (Wheat) (similar to 99.33%), Brassica oleracea var. italica (Broccoli) (similar to 92.62%), Cucumis sativus (Cucumber) (similar to 90.60%), Solanum lycopersicum (Tomato) (similar to 90.60%), Phalaris aquatic (Harding-grass) (similar to 97.96%), Lolium perenne (Perennial ray-grass) (similar to 97.99%), Sorghum drummondii (Sudan-grass) (similar to 92.62%), Festuca arundinacea (tall-Fescue) (similar to 95.30%), Lotus corniculatus (Trefoil-small) (similar to 97.32%), Phoenix dactylifera (Date-palm) (similar to 95.97%), Ficus carica (Fig) (similar to 95.97%), Olea europaea (Olive) (similar to 95.97%), Punica granatum (Pomegranate) (similar to 91.28%) etc. Few crops sensitive to salinity-hazard indicate low-yield potential listed as Phaseolus vulgaris (Bean) (similar to 36.91%), Daucus carota (Carrot) (similar to 36.91%), Fragaria ananassa (Strawberry) (similar to 36.91%). This groundwater is suitable for the irrigation of crops like Barley, Cotton, Sugar-beet, Wheat, Wheat-grass, Bermuda-grass, etc. But this groundwater can be used for irrigation after salinity management for the crops like Groundnut, Rice, Soybean, Broccoli, Cucumber, Tomato, Harding-grass, tall Fescue, Trefoil-small, Date-palm, Fig, Olive, and Pomegranate. The similar range of the crop yields observed in both Soil Water Salinity (SWS) Model and Ayers and Westcot Model, if the salinity of the irrigation water is low (<= 1.5 mS/cm). While low reduction in crop yields observed according to SWS Model in comparisons to Ayers and Westcot Model if the salinity of the irrigation water is high (> 1.5 mS/cm). The major reduction in crop yields observed in Ayers and Westcot Model, while the moderate decline in crop yields observed in SWS Model at higher salinity. Crop yield in the study area can be improved by implementing proper irrigation water management.