GROUNDWATER QUALITY INDICATORS AND ITS SUITABILITY FOR IRRIGATION, DRINKING USES AND SUGAR BEET PRODUCTION

Abstract

EGYPT'S RELIANCE on groundwater for irrigation is of paramount importance due to the country's arid climate and limited freshwater resources. The Nile River has historically been the primary water source for Egypt, but increasing population and agricultural demands have strained this finite supply. As a result, groundwater has emerged as a crucial alternative to support agricultural activities and ensure food security. The vital aim of current research is evaluating groundwater suitability in west Menya for irrigation, drinking purposes, and food production. To achieve the aim of the study, 73 well water samples from different depths were collected in 2018. Only 41 pivots of 73 canter pivots are cultivated with sugar beet. Water was analyzed according to the evaluation systems used. The obtained results reveal that groundwater quality for some wells was found unsuitable for irrigation due to high EC, TDS, Na, Mg and Cl. About 93.2 % and 97.2 % of total water samples are suitable for irrigation in IA and CA respectively, while 90.4 % of studied water samples are suitable for drinking use. Comparing WHO and EHCW noticed that the World Health Organization (WHO) criteria are tougher and safety than those recommended by the Egyptian higher committee water (EHCW). Obtained results of sugar beet production exceed 1.47 times more than those reported by the Ministry of Egyptian Agriculture, where the sugar beet production reached to about 60 ton/acre. An abundance of good water quality for irrigation and soil suitability of promising area are very important for agriculture investment.