Irrigation — simply put — is the artificial addition of water to land that is used to grow crops. It can be used to balance out dry soil in areas that have little natural rainfall or it can be used by farmers and landowners to help maximise their actual yield. Irrigated water is not simply pure water — in most cases, it will actually have a pH level as well. As many plants need particular nutrients to flourish, understanding what is in the water that is used to feed them is critical to a successful crop. This article examines the importance of water analysis and which types of compounds and elements are found in a typical water sample.
Dissolved Elements
Irrigation water will contain many dissolved elements and/or compounds. These individual elements and compounds can either boost or retard the overall rate of growth of a particular type of crop. One type of crop may tolerate high levels of a compound, while another type of crop will not tolerate the same compound. Testing the water before a decision is made about which crop to grow is the first step to a successful yield. In some cases, the quality of the water is so poor that additives have to be added. In other cases, the water will contain a mix of elements and compounds that will benefit the crop. Testing the water gives the landowner information needed to help decide which crop to grow.
Types Of Elements
It may be a little surprising to discover how much elements or compounds are in a sample of water sent for testing. A typical sample will contain some or all of the following elements:
- Potassium
- Phosphorous
- Boron
- Calcium
- Magnesium
- Nitrate
- Chloride
- Sodium
- Iron
These elements are usually measured in parts per million (ppm), and from this information a landowner can decide which crops will respond best to the elements already present in the water. If the water is of a certain quality, then it is possible for the landowner to reduce the amount of fertiliser needed and save some money. A pH level is also given, furnishing the landowner with more information upon which to base a decision regarding the crops to be grown.
It is vital that the landowner has as much information as possible about the water used to irrigate the land. As many people rely on the success of their crop for financial income, water testing is one of the most important preparations that can be undertaken before a decision is made.
If you have specific questions about the water testing process, contact a company like Agrifood Technology to learn more about this process and its uses.
