Suitability of Groundwater Quality for Irrigation Use: A Case Study of Basti District (U.P.) India

The agricultural sector faces increasing pressure to adopt sustainable practices, with water qualitybeing a crucial factor influencing plant growth and soil health. This study assesses groundwater quality forirrigation suitability in the Basti district's aquifer, focusing on several key water quality indices. Agriculture isthe district's primary occupation, with over 40 per cent of the workforce engaged in cultivation and 70.78 percent of the total area under cultivation. Despite the district's significant groundwater resources, technologicaladvancements in groundwater utilization are lacking. In the 2021-22 period, only 65.67 per cent of the grossannual recharge was used for various needs, indicating considerable potential for expanding groundwater usein irrigation.Utilizing data from the Central Ground Water Board's web portal (2019-2022), the analysis covers totaldissolved solids, Sodium Absorption Ratio (SAR), and various ions such as SO4-, Ca++, Cl-, HCO3-, andNa++, along with Electrical Conductivity and pH levels. Correlations between Electrical Conductivity andthese constituents reveal significant associations. The findings indicate that out of 14 blocks in the district,groundwater quality in nine blocks is suitable for irrigation, supporting sensitive and semi-tolerant crops.Four blocks exhibit moderate quality, while one block has water quality beyond recommended limits, makingit suitable for tolerant crop varieties with proper treatment. Thus, with improved technology and precise waterquality management, the district's groundwater could significantly enhance agricultural sustainability in theregion.