Document Type : Research Paper

Abstract

An accurate design of drip irrigation requires water quality analysis that helps attain a better emission uniformity coefficient. This study examined aquifer qualitative parameters in the north of Khuzestan province to assess the applicability of groundwater in trickle irrigation systems. For this purpose, interpolation technology was used to map chemical parameters collected from 104 deep wells. At first, predicted values of each element were compared with the observed data using RMSE index to select the optimum interpolator technique. Interpolation and spatial analysis was carried out using geographical information system software in different layers. Evaluation factors including sodium adsorption ratio, SAR, total dissolved solid, TDS, total hardness TH, and Langelier saturation index, LSI, whichare often directly estimated from water analysis data such as calcium, magnesium, bicarbonate, potassium, and sodium. The results showed that the LSI was positive in 90 percent of wells. Total hardness in many parts of the study area was higher than 300 mg/L (very hard water), which indicated strong possibility of carbonate sedimentation and emitter clogging. Also, total dissolved solids in the south of the region was higher than 2000 mg/L.