Characterization and Mapping of Underground Water Quality in Dadri-II Block of Charkhi Dadri District in Haryana
Abstract
A study was conducted to characterize the groundwater quality in the Dadri-IIblock of Charkhi Dadri district, Haryana. A total of 122 groundwater samples were collected from Dadri-IIand analyzed for key parameters. Based on Electrical Conductivity (EC), Sodium Adsorption Ratio (SAR), and Residual Sodium Carbonate (RSC), the water samples were classified: 18.85% as good, 28.68% as marginally saline, 50.81% as high SAR-saline, and 1.6% as highly alkali. Electrical conductivity ranged from 0.26 to 13.95 dS m⁻¹, SAR from 1.42 to 36.39 (mmol L⁻¹)¹/², and RSC from nil to 5.40 me L⁻¹. Sodium was the dominant cation (1.10 to 98.70 me L⁻¹), and chloride was the dominant anion (1.20 to 101.20 me L⁻¹), followed by sulfate, bicarbonate, and carbonate. The spatial variability of these parameters was mapped, confirming that high SAR-saline water is the most widespread quality issue in the block, which has significant implications for irrigation management.
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Introduction
Groundwater is one of the most valuable replenishable natural resources on the planet and a major source of fresh water. A significant share of water resources is used in agriculture (89%). However, estimates indicate that growing demand from municipalities, industries, and other sectors will claim about 22% of the total resource by 2025, thereby reducing the supply of good-quality water for agriculture (Minhas, 1998). In the arid and semi-arid regions of India, including southeastern Haryana, farmers often rely on poor-quality groundwater for irrigation due to the limited availability of canal water and good-quality groundwater.
In Haryana, on average, 37% of tubewell waters are of good quality, 8% are normal, and 55% are of poor quality. Among the poor-quality waters, 11% are saline, 18% are sodic, and 26% are saline-sodic in nature (Manchanda, 1976). While past attempts have been made to establish water quality zones for Haryana (Manchanda, 1976), significant changes in water quality have occurred over the years due to over-exploitation (Phogat et al., 2008). Groundwater quality depends on distinct natural factors (precipitation, rock-water interaction, geology) and anthropogenic activities (agriculture, industry), which can make groundwater vulnerable to contamination (Vrba and Zoporozec, 1994; Adhikary et al., 2014). The suitability of water for agriculture is determined by its effects on crop yield and soil health (FAO, 1985; Zinabu et al., 2010). Therefore, a reappraisal of the nature, properties, and extent of groundwater quality in the Dadri-IIblock of Charkhi Dadri district is essential for sound irrigation planning in the area. Website: www.ijoear.com Journal DOI: 10.25125/agriculture-journal
Conclusion
The groundwater quality assessment of the Dadri-IIblock in Charkhi Dadri district reveals that the water is predominantly High SAR-saline (50.81% of samples), posing a significant combined salinity and sodicity hazard for irrigation. Good quality water is limited to only 18.85% of the samples. The spatial maps effectively delineate zones of different water quality hazards, which is crucial for site-specific agricultural planning.
Good and marginally saline waters can be used for irrigation with minimal management. However, the widespread High SAR-saline water requires careful management strategies, such as the application of gypsum or other calcium-based amendments to counteract sodicity, the use of salt-tolerant crop varieties, and blending with good quality water if available. The highly alkali waters, though limited in extent, require specific reclamation approaches. This study provides a foundational geospatial dataset for sustainable groundwater resource management and precision agriculture in the block. CONFLICT OF INTEREST The authors declare no conflict of interest.