Irrigation Quality parameter

Permissible limit (ICAR)

Impact on agriculture

pH

6.5 - 8.4

Contains more carbonates and bicarbonates which precipitates with calcium and blockage in water delivery system

EC mS/cm

<1.0

Specific toxicity of a particular ion (such as Sodium)

The higher osmotic pressure around the roots.

Na+ (meq/lit)

1.0 - 3.0

Severe water infiltration problem

Ca++ (meq/lit)

1.0 - 3.0

Precipitate and clogging of drip irrigation delivery system Change of Sodium absorption ratio

Mg++ (meq/lit)

1.0 - 3.0

Precipitate and clogging of drip irrigation delivery system

${\text{CO}}_3^{2-}$ (meq/lit)

<1.0

Reduce uptake of the nutrients

${\text{HCO}}_3^{-}$ (meq/lit)

<2.5

Toxic & reduce uptake of the nutrients

Precipitate with calcium and forms a white crust on the soil.

Cl¯ (meq/lit)

<2.0

Onset of Leaf burn problem arise

Sodium absorption ration (SAR) (meq/lit)

<3.00

Causes ofthe potential hazard and severe soil permeability

RSC (Residual sodium Carbonate ) (meq/lit)

<1.25

Potential hazard to soil structure