ASSESSMENT OF THE SUITABILITY OF GROUNDWATER AND EUPHRATES RIVER BASINS IN WADI JARWA/AL-QAIM IN WESTERN IRAQ FOR AGRICULTURAL USE
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Abstract
Groundwater serves as the primary irrigation source in the arid Wadi Jarwa-Al-Qaim watershed of western Iraq, making quality assessment crucial for sustainable agricultural development. To evaluate suitability for irrigation in this promising agricultural region, water samples were collected from four wells and the Euphrates River during the 2024–2025 seasons.
Key measured parameters included electrical conductivity (EC), sodium adsorption ratio (SAR), and sodium content (Na). Additionally, ArcGIS was utilized to map sampling sites and analyze the spatial distribution of irrigation water characteristics.
The results indicated that groundwater samples were of poor quality, with well water salinity values (EC) exceeding permissible international standards for irrigation, whereas the Euphrates River water remained within allowable limits. Based on these findings, proper groundwater management is highly recommended before application. Due to the elevated salinity levels, effective management techniques must be implemented to rationalize water usage and select salt-tolerant crops. Furthermore, prioritizing the transport and utilization of Euphrates River water, particularly via sprinkler irrigation systems, is essential to sustain soil and crop health while preserving limited groundwater resources.
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