Have water tested at a laboratory that is equipped to
test water for irrigation purpose. Irrigation water
tests should always include pH and alkalinity.
Reclaimed water, runoff water, or recycled water
many require reconditioning before use for irrigation
since organisms, soluble salts and traces of organic
chemicals may be person.
Water quality should be tested to ensure it is
acceptable for plant growth and to minimize the risk
of discharging pollutants to surface or ground water.
Use filtration to remove suspended solids from
water to prevent clogging of piping, valves, nozzels
and emitters in an Irrigation system. Suspended
solids include sand, soil, leaves, organic matter,
algae and weeds.
Water pH may need be adjusted before being used
for mixing some pesticides, floral preservatives, and
growth regulators.
WATER QUALITY FOR CROP PRODUCTION
Irrigation water quality is a critical factor for
production of greenhouse crops. There are many
factors which determine water quality. Among the
most important are alkalinity, pH and soluble salts. But
there are several other factors to consider, such as
whether hard water salts such as calcium and
magnesium or heavy metals that can clog irrigation
systems or individuals toxic ions are present. In order
to determine this, water must be tested at a laboratory
that is equipped to test water for irrigation purpose.
Poor quality water can be responsible for slow growth,
poor aesthetic quality of the crop and, in some cases,
can result in the gradual death of the plants. High
soluble salts can directly injure roots, interfering with
water and nutrient uptake. Salts can accumulate in
plant leaf margins, causing burning of the edges. Water
with high alkalinity can adversely affect the pH of the
growing medium, interfering with nutrient uptake and
causing deficiencies which reduce plant health.
Reclaimed water, runoff water, or recycled water may
require reconditioning before use for irrigation since
disease organisms, soluble salts and traces of organic chemical may be present.
