Prediction of Irrigation Water Salinity by Means of Hydrometry

Abstract

Salinity is the primary water quality concern in irrigated agriculture. An Electrical Conductivity (EC) meter and a hydrometer are two possible methods for measurement of irrigation water salinity. The conductivity meter method is based on measuring the amount of electrical current that a fluid will support. Although it is the most widely used method, the instrumentation is rather expensive and in some instances may require sample dilution. The hydrometer method is based on measuring the density of the fluid. The main objectives of this study were to compare these two methods and, based on hydrometer method, develop empirical models for prediction of EC, sodium adsorption ratio (SAR), and the principle ion concentrations in the irrigation waters of Yazd Province, Iran. The electrical conductivity, temperature, and density of 206 water samples from wells across Yazd Province were measured. Temperature correction factors for adjusting the hydrometer reading to 25 oC were determined. The correlation between EC and hydrometer readings was high (R2 = 0.97). Although the empirical model developed for prediction of EC slightly underpredicted the measured values, it is still accurate enough for practical purposes. Hydrometer readings were also highly correlated with the principle ions and SAR. The salt type also affected the hydrometer readings. Magnesium sulfate solution had the highest density among the major salt types present in irrigation waters. Finally, a chart was developed for rough estimations of EC, sodium and chlorine concentrations in irrigation waters of Yazd Province, Iran.