Evaluation of quality of irrigation water used for vegetables crops in the agricultural zone of Zbara (south- west of Algeria (original) (raw)

In the agricultural region of Zbara (SouthWest of Algeria), under a very stern arid climate, with a strong evapotranspiration and a drought that last for years, the need to the irrigation is unavoidable for most crops, especially for vegetable growing reputed for their big requirements in water. The objective of the present work is to introduce a qualitative survey of vegetable crops irrigation water for the agricultural zone of Zbara. This can be done, by a physico-chemical and microbiological assessment of water for five wells and five basins with accumulation capacity of 100m 3. The physico-chemical analyses reveal neutral or slightly basic, not turbid water, mineralized fairly and rich in fertilizing elements (calcium, magnesium, potassium). The values of electric conductivity and the middle contents of the toxic elements (chloride and sodium) comply with the guides of the international regulation of irrigation water, with a Sodium Adsorption Ratio (SAR) lower than 1; however; this water can be dangerous on the long-term. The bacteriological assessment affirms the existence of the total germs (to 22 and 37°C) and of the total coliforms in the wells and the basins with a rate that passes the norms for the more part of these last. The research of the fecal contamination indicators shows the presence of E. coli in the accumulation of basins. Finally, we can say that the irrigation water of Zbara region are of medium to low quality and must be used with precaution.

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