Effect of Individual Ions Present in Water
Effect of Individual Ions Present in Water
Boron, carbonate, bicarbonate, chloride and sodium are more toxic to plants than sulphate ions.
1. Boron Concentration:
Boron is constituents of particularly all natural waters, the concentration is varying from traces to several parts per million.
Boron Class | Sensitive Crops( ppm) | Semi tolerant Crops( ppm) | Tolerant crops ( ppm) |
B1 | < 0.33 | < 0.67 | < 1.0 |
B2 | 0.33 -0.67 | 0.67-1.33 | 1.00-2.00 |
B3 | 0.67-1.00 | 1.33-2.00 | 2.00-3.00 |
B4 | 1.00-1.25 | 2.00 -2.50 | 3.00-3.75 |
B5 | > 1.25 | > 2.50 | >3.75 |
Water following under B1 and B2 classes can be safely used for irrigation, while those under B3 and B4 should be of marginally quality.
2. Chlorides:
Water containing more than 10 me/L should not be recommended for irrigation.
3. Carbonates and Bicarbonates Concentration:
In water containing high concentration of bicarbonate ions there is tendency for calcium and magnesium to precipitate as carbonates as the soil solutions becomes more concentrated. The concentrations of calcium and magnesium are reduced and the relative proportions of sodium are increased.
Sr.No | Residual Sodium Carbonate ( me/L) | Class | Interpretation |
1 | < 1.25 | RSC1 | C an be safely used |
2 | 1.25 to 2.5 | RSC2 | Marginal |
3 | >2.5 | RSC3 | Unsuitable |