Groundwater Quality Assessment for Irrigation Water Use in Mahi Right Bank Command Area, Gujarat, India

Hydrochemical study was carried out in Mahi Right Bank Command Area in Central Gujarat, India to understand suitability of groundwater quality for irrigation purpose. Groundwater quality data for shallow wells were collected from State water data centre and Gujarat Engineering Research Institute. Na-Cl, Na-HCO3-Cl, Ca- Na-HCO3-Cl, Ca- Na-Cl are dominant groundwater type. Quality assessment for groundwater in the study area was carried out for irrigation purpose on basis of salinity index, SAR, % Sodium, RSC (Residual Sodium Carbonate), PI (Permeability Index), MH (Magnesium Hazard), and USDA (United States Department of Agricultural) Classification. It is observed that except few locations most of the groundwater samples were not suitable for irrigation based on MH. The groundwater quality assessment carried out will help the irrigation engineers and the other stake holders in planning the conjunctive water use for agricultural activities in the command area.