Groundwater Quality Assessment for Irrigation in Durg District, Chhattisgarh, India: A Hydro Geochemical and GIS-Based Perspective
Kapil Verma *
Department of Farm Machinery and Power Engineering, Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwavidyalaya (IGKV), Raipur, (Chhattisgarh), India.
Manoj Kumar
Bhartiya College of Agricultural Engineering, Durg, Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwavidyalaya (IGKV), Raipur, (Chhattisgarh), India.
Lov Kumar Gupta
Department of Soil and Water Engineering, Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwavidyalaya (IGKV), Raipur, (Chhattisgarh), India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Groundwater quality is a critical factor for agricultural irrigation, as its chemical composition can directly impact soil structure and crop productivity. This study investigates the groundwater quality in Durg district, Chhattisgarh, with a focus on its suitability for irrigation. A comprehensive analysis of hydro geochemical parameters such as pH, electrical conductivity (EC), sodium adsorption ratio (SAR), sodium percentage (Na%), residual sodium carbonate (RSC), and other key elements was conducted. The study uses both chemical analysis and digital tools such as ERDAS IMAGINE and MapInfo Professional to assess the spatial variability of groundwater properties and their implications for agricultural use. The results indicate that while groundwater quality in Durg district is generally favourable for irrigation, local variations exist that require consideration for optimal water use in agriculture.
Keywords: Groundwater quality, irrigation, hydro geochemistry, Durg district, Chhattisgarh, SAR, RSC, GIS