Long term effects of untraditional irrigation water qualities on some soil properties and fertilization program

INTRODUCTION

The quality of irrigation water has a major role in crop production and soil properties. The usage of poor-quality of irrigation water has become a necessity to face the increasing demand for fresh water in many regions of the world. Most agricultural investors do not take into consideration the content of different sources of irrigation water (either conventional or unconventional sources), from soluble nutrients as one of the inputs for fertilization program, in spite of these sources can save money by reducing the added amounts of fertilizers, especially NPK according to the fertilizers recommendation.

The following chemical analysis should be estimated in irrigation waters: EC, soluble anions such as CO

, HCO

, Cl

 and SO

, and soluble cations such as Na

, K

, Ca

, Mg

where Cl

 and SO

 are dominant anions. The water pH tends to be buffered by soil buffering action; furthermore most crops can tolerate a wide range of pH, so the pH of the irrigation water is not an acceptable criterion of water quality. (USSL Staff, 1954). The quality and suitability of water for irrigation depends on the assessment of some parameters, such as electrical conductivity (EC), potential salinity (PS), sodium adsorption ratio (SAR), residual sodium carbonate (RSC), toxic and heavy metals (FAO 1976, Ayers; Westcot., 1985).

The quality of irrigation water indicates its suitability for use in agricultural production. High quality of water has the potential to allow maximum productivity under the good management practices of soil and water. Various irrigation water qualities contain many nutrients, among which is nitrogen, so it is recommended to monitored and estimated the content of these qualities from nitrogen as an integral part of the planned fertilization program. The concentration of nitrogen is usually less than 5 ppm in most surface and groundwater. However, nitrogen concentration may increase above 50 ppm in unusual groundwater. The nitrogen values ranging from 10 to 50 ppm in wastewater especially from food processing and domestic sources, where 1 ppm nitrogen equal 1 kg N/1000 m

 of water. Deep leaching of nitrogen fertilizers from below the root zone led to increase nitrogen concentration in drainage water (Ayers and Westcot., 1994).

 Water is an important factor to introducing some fertilizer nutrients for plant growth; if polluted, a harmful effect on plants, animals, and consequently on humans, is expected. Therefore, it is important to assess water quality, which is just as important of water quantity used for irrigation, in order to overcome any damage. Degradation of soil properties and crop quality may be occurred at the use of low water quality for irrigation (Hossain and Ahmed., 1999).

Fertilizers cost can be saved through different irrigation water qualities, especially with wastewater, which naturally contains many nutrients such as NPK. Therefore, an environmentally friendly closed system for nutrients was created to avoid the indirect return of them to water bodies. (Corcoran et al., 2010 and Drechsel et al., 2010) .In this concern, Munir et al.,(2007) they mentioned that the reuse of untraditional irrigation water qualities in agriculture, especially wastewater, largely concentrated on the seasonal effect of these qualities on plant growth with little attention to the changes that occur in physical, chemical and fertility status of soils as a long time effect of these untraditional irrigation water qualities.

The application of fertilizers can be reduced by using a mixture of urban wastewater (domestic, sewage and water from local industries), which can provides not only the quantities of water for irrigation but also some nutrients. The chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) plants treated by wastewater for irrigation with the application of K at 20 kg ha

, exhibited better growth as compared with control treatment (wastewater). The application of K at 20 kg ha

 along with wastewater led to increase the growth parameters, and yield. (Hamid et al., 2013). Treated wastewater can be used for irrigation of wheat plant, but it must be considering the long-term effect of treated wastewater on human health and environment in terms of heavy metals and pathogens (Abdeen., 2016).

The soil properties (physical, chemical and microbial) cab changes as a result of application wastewater for a long time. Wastewater quality plays a major role for soil-affected properties. Among the physical soil properties affected by the addition of wastewater are the following: soil structure, soil porosity and soil size distribution. Also, application of irrigation water cause changes in chemical soil properties as a result of dissolved salts and heavy metals that presented in wastewater. These changes may be due to differences in the composition of the infiltrated solutions (Levy et al., 2011).

The first step towards ensuring sustainable agriculture is irrigation water assessment to provide the decision makers with required information regarding the problems and their causes in the irrigation system in order to solve these problems (Fan et al., 2018 and Akhtar et al., 2018).

The main objective of this study was to assessment of different irrigation water qualities and its effects as long term on soil properties as well as their contribution for fertilizer recommendations of crops commonly cultivated in the study area (AL-Jamalia region, Dakahlia governorate, Egypt).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

It is noteworthy to mention that the studied areas at AL-Jamalia region, Dakahlia governorate, Egypt, were selected according to the diversity of irrigation water used and the similarity of soil in texture (clay), crop pattern, wheat and broad bean as winter crops and rice, maize and cotton as summer crops, and farm management, types and doses of the fertilizers and pesticides. The qualities of irrigation water available in different locations were as follows:

Location 1: soil irrigated by Nile Water (NW) from Damietta branch, AL- Jamalia region at Zerzara village.

Location 2: soil irrigated by Agricultural Drainage Water (ADW) from El- Serw drain, AL- Jamalia region at Al- Misrab village.

Location 3: soil irrigated by mixed water; Nile Water + Agricultural Drainage Water (NW+ ADW), AL-Jamalia region at Al- Misrab village.

Location 4: soil irrigated by mixed water; Nile Water + Agricultural Drainage Water + Treated Wastewater (NW+ ADW+ TWW), AL-Jamalia region at at Abu- Hassan village.

Location 5: soil irrigated by Untreated Sewage Water (USW) from.

Soil and water analysis

Soil and water samples were collected from the studied sites. Soil samples were collected from surface (0-30 cm) and sub-surface soils (30-60cm) for each experimental site. Soil samples were taken to determine some physical and chemical properties as well as the status of some macronutrients (NPK), micronutrients (Fe, Zn, Mn, and Cu) and heavy metals (Cd and Pb) in the studied samples. Soil samples were air dried, crushed and sieved through a 2.0 mm sieve for the determination of its physical and chemical properties. The characteristics of the studied samples, i.e. Particle size distribution, soil pH, EC, soluble cations and anions, OM, CEC, calcium carbonate, available N, P, K were determined according to Page et al., (1982) and Klute (1986). Soil samples were extracted for available heavy metals in DTPA extract according to Lindsay and Norvell., (1978).

Water samples were collected from the different irrigation water qualities for two seasons, namely summer season, May to September of 2016 and winter season, November to March of 2016/2017. Water samples were preserved cool during transportation from the field to the laboratory. Water samples were filtrated using filter paper Whitman (No. 40) and subjected to chemical analysis to determine their chemical composition. The quality of irrigation water parameters included pH, total soluble salts, potential salinity, sodium adsorption ratio (SAR), residual sodium carbonate (RSC), micronutrients, and certain heavy metals content in different qualities of irrigation water. The quality of irrigation water and suitability for irrigation was determined and calculated according to the parameters described by Ayers and Westcot., (1985).

According to water requirements for crops commonly cultivated in the areas under study (2100 m³/feddan/season for maize as a summer crop and 1200 m³/feddan/ season for wheat as a winter crop), the average concentrations of soluble NPK (mg/l) for summer and winter seasons of each irrigation water quality were calculated. The amount of soluble nutrients as a fertilizer’s units of NPK (kg/feddan/ season) which will be introduced with the particular irrigation water quality was calculated. According to fertilizers recommendation (NPK) for Zea mays cv. hybrid 704 (120 N, 30 P₂O₅ and 24 K₂O kg/feddan/season) and wheat Triticum aestivum   cv. Shakha 93 (75 N, 15 P₂O₅ and 24 K₂O kg/feddan/season), the fertilizer units were added after deduction the available amounts from other sources (either irrigation water or available in soil).

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Assessment of different irrigation water qualities:

The assessment of different irrigation water qualities including the following parameters:

pH of Water

The pH is an important factor that explains the suitability of water for a variety of purposes, inter alia, for irrigation. The averages values of different irrigation qualities in summer and winter seasons are given in Table 1. The pH values of the irrigation water samples NW, ADW, (NW + ADW), (NW + ADW +TWW), and USW were 7.55, 7.42, 7.61, 7.80, and 7.59, respectively in summer season; while, in winter season, the values recorded 7.29, 7.33, 7.63, and 7.44, respectively. It can be noticed that the tested samples showed pH values ranged from 7.29 - 7.80. it was considered in the normal limit (6.5- 8.4) according to Ayers and Westcot., (1985).

Electrical Conductivity (EC)

The EC depends on the dissolved ions in the irrigation water and their charge and movement. When the EC of irrigation water is high, it shows that there is high concentration of ions in the irrigation water. The averages values of EC in different irrigation qualities are given in Table (1). The EC values of the studied irrigation water samples in the summer season ranged from 0.76 to 2.06 dSm^-1. While, the values ranged between 0.74 for (NW) to 1.94 for (ADW) dSm^-1 in the winter season. The lowest value was observed at NW while, the highest value was observed at ADW. All of the samples belong to the C3 class of water, where EC values range from 0.74 to 2.25 dS m^-1 and, as such, it can be used for irrigation of the plants with tolerance to salt according to Richards., (1954).

Sodium Adsorption Ratio (SAR)

Sodium adsorption ratio (SAR) is an easily measured property that gives information on the comparative concentrations of sodium, calcium and magnesium. A high sodium ion in irrigation water affects the hydraulic conductivity of soil and creates water infiltration problems. Due high value of SAR, the soil becomes compact and hard at dry state and resultantly, reduces the movement of water and air in the soil and then affecting its structure. The SAR values for the studied samples table (1) were ranged from 2.78 - 6.51 in the summer season. While, the values ranged between 3.14 - 5.49 in the winter season. The lowest value was observed at NW. While, the highest value was observed at ADW. All the SAR values of tested samples belong to the S1 class of water, where SAR values less than 10 according to Richards., (1954).

Residual Sodium Carbonates (RSC)

Residual Sodium Carbonates (RSC) used to predict the additional sodium hazard associated with calcium carbonate precipitation involves calculation of the residual sodium carbonate. Determination of bicarbonate is an important procedure for assessing the quality of irrigation water. Soils irrigated with high RSC water can become infertile due to deposition of Na

CO

 (Li et al., 2016).

The averages values of RSC observed with negative values in the studied samples of different irrigation water qualities in summer and winter season. This is may be ascribed to the addition of the various inorganic dissolved solids from the domestic and industrial wastes into the water resources. According to the recognized guidelines for water quality classification < 1.25 it was under safe category for its use in irrigation (Eaton., 1950). Many authors have also reported negative RSC values for surface water to consider it safe use in agriculture through irrigation (Haritash et al., 2016; Sheriff and Hussain., 2017).

Potential salinity

The average potential salinity of the studied samples ranged between 5.15 to 13.14 meq/l in summer season. While, the values ranged between 4.26 and 11.82 meq/L for the studied samples in winter season. The lowest value was observed at NW. While, the highest value was observed at ADW. Potential salinity of irrigation water by pointing out that the suitability of water for irrigation is not only dependent on the concentration of soluble salts (Doneen., 1964). It has been reported that the low solubility salts precipitate and accumulate in the soil for successive irrigation whereas the concentration of highly soluble salts increases the salinity of the soil (Siamak and Srikantaswamy 2009).

Irrigation water content from macronutrients

The concentration of macronutrients could vary substantially depending on the source of the primary wastewater and the treatment process. The data in Table 2 revealed that N, P and K concentration were varied not only among the irrigation water qualities but also according to the sampling season. The highest concentrations of N, P and K were recorded with mixed water (NW +ADW +TWW) at summer season while, the lowest concentrations were observed with NW at winter season. The highest values of N, P, and K in summer season were 22.68, 7.35, and 2.31 mg/l, respectively^. while, the lowest values were recorded 6.01, 3.00, and 0.65 mg/l respectively. On the other hand, the highest values of N, P and K in winter season were 22.61, 7.31, and 2.30 mg/L respectively while, the lowest values were recorded 5.98, 3.01, and 0.65 mg/l, respectively. Generally, the highest values were recorded at mixed water (NW +ADW +TWW) while, the lowest values were recorded at NW. These results could be enhanced by Drechsel et al., (2010) and Galavi et al., (2010), they reported that the nutrients naturally present in different irrigation water especially wastewater which allow savings of fertilizer expenses to be realized on the other hand, the concentrations of N, P and K in  irrigation wastewater  were higher than other irrigation water qualities.

Irrigation water content of micronutrients and heavy metals

Data in Table (3) indicated thatthe concentrations of Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, Cd,and Pb in different irrigation water qualities (NW), (ADW), (NW+ADW), (NW+ADW+TWW), and (USW) in the winter season ranged between 0.65 to 2.32; 0.42 to 2.10; 0.23 to 0.42; 0.78 to 3.18; 0.05 to 0.28; and 0.9 to 2.15 mg l^-1, respectively. On the other hand, the values in summer season of Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, Cd and Pb were ranged between 0.9 to 2.32; 0.38 to 3.07; 0.48 to 0.0.89; 0.85 to 4.50; 0.06 to 0.95, and 1.55 to 4.83 mg l^-1 respectively. It can be noticed that, the values of the studied metal concentrations in the summer season were higher than winter season. Also, the highest values were observed at USW. While, the lowest values were observed at NW.

According to FAO., (1985), the permissible limits of Mn, Zn, Cu, Cd and Pbfor irrigation water are as follows: 0.20, 2, 0.20, 0.01 and 0.5 ppm. Therefore, the concentrations of Mn, Cu, and Cd were recorded higher values of permissible limits. In general, a high proportional of Cd is usually associated with organic matter, particularly humic acid (Giller et al., 1998). Also, the recorded higher values of iron exceeded the permissible limit of iron (1 mg/l) recommended by Egyptian standards (Article 60 -law No. 48/1982). While, the concentrations of Zn, and Pb were found to be within the range of permissible limits.

Soil properties as affected by irrigation water qualities

Particle size distribution

The particle size distribution of the collected soil samples of the studied locations were presented in Table (4). The soil particle size distribution was affected by irrigation water quality. Clay, silt and sand contents varied widely from 48.18 to 66.77, 11.09 to 14.14 and 22.14 to 33.38 %, respectively in surface soil samples (0-30). On the other hand, clay, silt and sand contents varied widely from 48.18 to 62.15, 12.02 to 15.72 and 25.83 to 37.26 %, respectively in sub surface soil (30-60). The highest value of clay percentage (66.77%) was observed in the surface layer of soil irrigated with (NW + ADW +TWW). While, the lowest value (48.18%) was observed with the soil irrigated by USW in the sub surface soils. Also, the highest value of silt percentage (15.72%) was observed at soil irrigated by NW in the sub surface soils sample. While, the lowest value (11.09%) was observed at soil irrigated by (NW + ADW) at the sub surface soil. Lastly, the highest value of sand percentage (37.26%) was observed at soil irrigated by USW in the sub surface soils. While, the lowest value (22.14%) was observed with soil irrigated by (NW + ADW) at the surface soil. In this concern, Cornelis et al., (2001) reported that soil particle size distribution is a great importance to soil water movement. It has, therefore, been considered as a key soil physical parameter and related with water characteristics.

Soil reaction (pH)

Soil reaction represents one of the most important soil characteristics. The obtained results in Table (5) revealed that, pH values of the studied soils are neutral to alkaline as it’s ranged from 7.7 to 8.02 in the surface layers. Also, the values were between 7.76 and 8.12 in the sub surface soil. The lowest value was recorded in the soil irrigated by NW while, the highest value was observed with the soil irrigated by USW. It can be noticed that, pH values affected by irrigation water quality. In this concern, Abegunrin et al., (2013) observed that soil pH affected by the irrigation of wastewater compared with soil irrigated with rainwater. On the contrary, Gurjar et al., (2017) reported that soil pH decreased significantly in the soil irrigated with wastewater compared to soil irrigated with groundwater as a control treatment. The reason for the fluctuation of the pH value could be explained by the different degrees of ammonification and nitrification of soil organic matter, anaerobic organic matter decomposition, and release and enrichment of metal ions (Rusan et al., 2007).

Organic matter content (OM)

Data in Table 5 show that, soil organic matter content (OM %) ranges between 0.87 to 2.55% of the studied soil samples. The lowest value was observed at sub soil irrigated with NW while, the highest value was recorded at the surface soil irrigated with USW.

Generally, the surface layers are characterized by high values which tend to decrease with depth. Also, organic matter increased in soil irrigated with USW compared with NW. In this respect, Amin (2011) found that the soil irrigated with wastewater caused increase of organic matter. Also, the soils irrigated with sewage water under the surface irrigation system had higher values of OM % Farrag, et al., (2017).

Calcium carbonate

The data of calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) of the studied soil samples are given in Table 5. CaCO₃ % ranges between 3.11 and 5.8 % of the studied soils. The lowest value was observed at soil irrigated with ADW while, the highest value was recorded at soil irrigated by USW.

Cation exchange capacity (CEC)

The results of cation exchange capacity (CEC) of the studied soil are given in Table 5. CEC cmolc kg^-1 ranges between 41.00 and 46.62 cmolc kg^-1 of the studied soils. The lowest value was observed at soil irrigated with NW at the sub surface layer while, the highest value was recorded at the surface soil irrigated with USW. Use of sewage water in irrigation also improved the chemical properties and fertility status of the soils Farrag, et al., (2017).

Exchangeable Cations as affected by different irrigation quality

Exchangeable cations (Ca⁺⁺, Mg^++,Na⁺ and K⁺) of the studied soils are shown in Table 6. Exchangeable cations varied with application of irrigation water quality. The lowest values of Ca⁺⁺, Mg^++,Na⁺ and K⁺ were recorded 13.16, 15.32, 6.31 and 4.49 cmol_c kg^-1, respectively at the soils irrigated by NW. While, the highest values of Ca⁺⁺, Mg^++,Na⁺  and K⁺ were recorded 14.45, 16.48, 7.81 and 4.80 cmol_c kg^-1, respectively at the soil irrigated with ADW and USW. Generally, the lowest values were observed at the soil irrigated the NW. While the highest values were observed at the soil irrigated with ADW or USW. Considering all data, relationship between organic carbon and CEC.

Regarding to the effect of irrigation water quality on Exchangeable Sodium Percentage (ESP), the data in Table 6 show that, the lowest value was recorded 14.55 at the surface soil irrigated with NW. While, the highest value was recorded 17.94 at the soil irrigated with ADW. Generally, ESP increased in all different irrigation water qualities compared with control treatment (NW). These results enhanced by Fonseca et al., (2007), they found that irrigation with wastewater alters soil chemistry, causing: slight decrease on soil acidity; marked increases in Na concentration and exchangeable sodium percentage (ESP); mixed effects on soil K and Mg and increase in exchangeable Ca.

Soil salinity and soluble ions:

Data in Table (7). show the long-term effect of different irrigation water qualities on electrical conductivity and soluble ions (cations and anions) of studied soil samples at different depths. The electrical conductivity of the studied soil samples ranged between 2.10 to 3.68 dSm^-1. The electrical conductivity decrease value in the soil irrigated with NW was higher than the decrease occurred in the soils irrigated by other water qualities. The EC values for the soils irrigated with different irrigation water qualities followed the descending order: ADW, (NW + ADW), USW, (NW + ADW +TWW), and finally NW. This effect may be attributed to the accumulation of dissolved salts; as the long term impact of these qualities of irrigation water on the studied soils. These results are in agreement with Mojiri and Aziz (2011), they found that the application of drainage water caused an increase of electrical conductivity (EC) and soluble ions. The highest values of EC at two depths were found with the soils irrigated with ADW, 3.68 and 3.59 dS m^-1, while the lowest values were recorded with the soil irrigated with NW, 2.19 and 2.10 dS m^-1, respectively.

Also, the soil irrigated with USW had higher electrical conductivity as compared to the soil irrigated by NW. The electrical conductivity although increased due to USW, it was within the tolerance limit to cause any soil salinity hazard (Kharche et al., 2011). On the other hand, the values of EC and soluble ions for surface layers (0-30 cm) in different studied areas were higher than subsurface layers (30-60 cm). This is may be due to the movement of saline solution and its evaporation at soil surface. This effect indicates that there is an obstruction of water movement and dissolved salts from surface to sub-surface layers. This may be explained on the basis of soil compaction, high clay content and evaporation of saline solution at soil surface.

As mentioned above with EC values, the concentration of both cations and anions at different depths of irrigated soil samples were corresponding with their EC values. The concentration of the cations and anions in the soil irrigated with NW were less than those of the soils irrigated with unconventional irrigation water qualities. The highest values of concentration were presented in the soil irrigated with ADW, whilethe lowest values were observed with the soil irrigated with NW.

Effect of irrigation water qualities on available macronutrients and equivalent fertilizer units:

The data in Table 8 illustrates the effect of different irrigation water qualities on the available NPK (mg kg^-1 soil) in the investigated soils at different depths. The results indicated that the use of unconventional water ADW, (NW + ADW), (NW + ADW +TWW) and (USW) for irrigation increased the values of available NPK as compared to the soil irrigated by NW. The highest values of available NPK were found with the soil irrigated with USW; while the lowest values were recorded with the soil irrigated by NW. These data are in agreement with those obtained by Al Omron et al., (2012), they concluded that one of the most important effects of irrigation by treated sewage effluent is a positive effect on the content of soil organic matter. Also, the suspended, colloidal and dissolved solids present in wastewater contain some nutrients, which are essential for plant nutrition. They also added that, fertilization program of soil irrigated by treated wastewater could be change according to the quantity of nutrients which are presented in this quality of irrigation water.  

Concerning the most readily available of macronutrients in soil, the data showed that potassium is the highest, followed by nitrogen and finally phosphorus, respectively. Also, the availability of NPK for surface layers more than in the subsurface layers. These results are in agreement with those obtained by Shahin and Alhajhoj. (2015), they found that the surface layer of soil profile (0- 30 cm) contained more NPK than the subsurface layers (30- 60). This increase of NPK in the soil surface and decrease in their contents with the depth may be attributed to the movement of irrigation water with depth. In other words, this may be due to the role of permeability of irrigation water through the soil. Knowledge of the N concentration in the irrigation water and the proper management of the load of N P K are essential to overcome problems associated with eventual high N concentration FAO., (2003).

Concerning of available phosphorus, the results indicated that the values amounted to 4.86, 7.11, 6.12, 7.76, and 8.10 mg kg^-1 soil from 0-30 cm depth. While, the values reached 3.62, 6.93, 5.31, 6.81, and 7.40 mgkg^-1 soil in subsurface layer of the soils irrigated by (NW), (ADW), (NW + ADW), (NW + ADW +TWW), and (USW), respectively. These results are in agreement with those recorded by Mohammad and Mazahreh., (2003) they noted that there were changes in soil fertility as affected by non-conventional irrigation water (wastewater), comparison with fresh and rainfall water as a source for irrigation, where extractable phosphorus was higher in soils subjected to wastewater than in soil treated with fresh or rainfall water.

The values of available K in soil irrigated by different water qualities at 0- 30 cm depth were 198, 298, 219, 327 and 389 mg kg^-1 soil .While, the values at 30-60 cm depth were 171, 245, 203, 305 and 325 mg kg^-1 soil for the soils irrigated by (NW), (ADW), (NW + ADW), (NW + ADW +TWW), and (USW), respectively. These results are in agreement with those obtained by Nyamangara and Mzezewa., (2000) they found that the concentration of K decreased with depth.

 Based on the above results it can be concluded that the use of unconventional water (especially USW) for irrigation has increased the soil NPK contents compared with other different irrigation water qualities. This increase was highest in the surface soil (0–30 cm depth) for the long period of irrigation by USW. This is attributed to the original high contents of these nutrients in this water quality. Therefore, soil content of NPK and equivalent fertilizer units (kg fed^-1) should be taken into consideration in formulating the fertilization programmer according to crop needs especially in irrigated soils with unconventional irrigation water quality for long period FAO., (2003).

Effect of irrigation water qualities on available micronutrients and heavy metals

Table 9 presents the data of available some micronutrients and heavy metals Fe, Zn, Mn, Cu, Cd and Pb in soils irrigated by different irrigation water qualities at different soil depths. The data indicates that the available of elements (Fe, Zn, Mn, Cu, Cd and Pbmg kg^-1 soil) in the soil irrigated with NW were less than those irrigated with others qualities. The use of unconventional irrigation water (ADW, NW + ADW, NW + ADW +TWW and USW) for long term increased the values of micronutrients (Fe, Zn, Mn, and Cu mg kg^-1 soil) and heavy metals (Cd and Pb mg kg^-1 soil) as compared to the soil irrigated by NW.

 The highest values of micronutrients and heavy metals were found with the soil irrigated with USW; while, the lowest values were recorded with the soil irrigated with NW. These data were agreement with Hussein et al., (2008) and Al- Busaidi., (2015) they found that mixture of groundwater and drainage water (GW+DW), mixture of groundwater and tertiary treated wastewater (GW+TTWW) and mixture of groundwater, drainage water and tertiary treated wastewater (GW+DW+TTWW) significantly increased available of Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn, Cd, Co, and Ni of the soil as compared with ground water (GW). It is noticed that the effect of different irrigation water qualities on micronutrients and heavy metals are in the following order: USW > (NW + ADW +TWW) > ADW> (NW +ADW) > NW. The above descending order was corresponding with the concentrations of different elements with different irrigation water qualities. The values of available micronutrients (Fe, Zn, Mn, and Cu) as well as heavy metals (Cd and Pb) were higher in the soil irrigated with USW at different depths (0-30 and 30 -60 cm) as compared with their values of soils irrigated with other different irrigation water qualities. The values of Fe, Zn, Mn, Cu, Cd, and Pb in surface layer reached to 86.05, 3.00, 8.00, 6.34, 0.53 and 10.50 mg kg ¹soil; while, the values reached to 81.79, 2.83, 6.93, 5.52, 0.45, and 8.40 mg kg^-1 soil with subsurface soil layer for the soil irrigated with USW, respectively. The lowest values of Fe, Zn, Mn, Cu, Cd, and Pb were recorded with the soil irrigated with NW.

 The values with NW at surface soil layers reached to 36.72, 0.48, 3.06, 1.85, 0.25, and 3.10 mg kg^-1 soil; while, the values in subsurface soil layers recorded 30.04, 0.38, 2.79, 1.25, 0.21 and 2.30 mg kg^-1 soil, respectively.

Contribution of irrigation water quality of fertilizer units

The contributions of irrigation water quality in the supplying of nutrients for some commonly cultivated crops in the studied area are presented in Tables 10 and 11. The data show that the average amounts of soluble NPK and its equivalent from fertilizer units (kg/feddan/season) which will be introduced with different irrigation water qualities during summer and winter seasons, for some commonly cultivated crops (maize as a summer crop and wheat as a winter crop) in the area under study. The calculation of supplying nutrients form different irrigation water qualities was taken into consideration the water requirement of maize and wheat were 2100 and 1200 m³/feddan/season, respectively. It is worth mentioning that the arrangement of fertilizer nutrients in the different irrigation qualities during summer and winter seasons was as follows: N < P< K.

The results indicated that the unconventional irrigation water (ADW, (NW + ADW), (NW + ADW +TWW), and USW contains high average amount of fertilizer units (kg/feddan/season) as compared to the average amount of fertilizer units which is expected to enter with NW .This trend will be observed for two seasons (summer and winter). The different irrigation water qualities as a source of fertilize units for NPK can be descending order as follows: (NW + ADW +TWW),

USW, (NW + ADW), ADW and NW. These data were agreement with Al Omron et al., (2012), they concluded that calculating the nutrients present in the treated effluent as part of the overall fertilization program of the irrigated crops is necessary. The highest values of fertilizer units (kg/feddan/season) during summer season were found with mixed water (NW + ADW +TWW) as follows: 47.62 N, 35.06 P₂O₅ and 5.82 K₂O. While, the lowest values during summer season were recorded with NW as follows: 12.63 N, 14.43 P₂O_5, and 1.64 K₂O. The highest values of fertilizer units (kg/feddan/season) during winter season were found with mixed water (NW + ADW +TWW) as follows: 27.13 N, 20.09 P₂O_5, and 3.31 K₂O, respectively; while, the lowest values during winter season were recorded with NW as follows: 7.18 N, 8.27 P₂O₅, and 0.94 K₂O, respectively.

Recommendation doses of NPK after calculate the contribution of irrigation water and soil from fertilizer units for some crops in the study area

Based on the above results of soil and different irrigation water quality analysis as shown in Tables 8, 10 and 11, the recommendation doses of NPK will be change according to the contribution of both irrigation water quality and soil from the fertilizer units that will be deducted from the fertilizer recommendation for common crops cultivated in the study area (e.g. maize as summer crop and wheat as winter crop). The recommendation doses of NPK for maize as summer crop were 120, 30 and 24 (kg/feddan/ season) as N, P₂O₅ and K₂O; respectively. Also, the water requirement of maize crop was 2100 m³ /fedden/ season. The recommendation doses of NPK for wheat as winter crop were 75, 15, and 24 (kg/feddan/season) as N, P₂O₅ and K₂O; respectively. Also, the water requirement for wheat crop was 1200 m³ /feddan/ growth season.

According to the data in Tables 12 and 13, the order of different irrigation water qualities for its contribution in providing part of the fertilizer requirement for maize and wheat crops was as follows: (NW + ADW +TWW) > (USW) > (NW + ADW)> (ADW) > (NW). These data were agreement with Al Omron et al., (2012).

Data in Table 12 indicated that the fertilizer units (N, P₂O₅, and K₂O kg/feddan/ season) for maize as a summer crop which must be added after deducted the contribution of irrigation water and soil changed. The values of recommended doses of N, P₂O₅, and K₂O kg/feddan/ season for maize crop become (53, 4.44, and -215.24for the soil irrigated by NW), (15.94, -7.44 and -338.28 for the soil irrigated by ADW), (23.67, -8.73, and -243.15 for the soil irrigated by NW + ADW ), (-6.94, -22.83, and -374.22 for the soil irrigated by NW + ADW + TWW) and ( -10.20, -20.77 and -446.97 for the soil irrigated by USW)  respectively, where  a negative sign indicates that there is an available amounts  from unites of fertilizers. Also, Data in Table 12 showed the values of recommended doses of N, P₂O₅, and K₂O kg/feddan/ season for wheat crop become (13.45, -4.40, and -214.54 for the soil irrigated by NW), (-15.50, -13.40 and -336.26 for the soil irrigated by ADW), (-6.08, -13.17, and 241.27 for the soil irrigated by NW + ADW ), (-31.45, -22.86 and -371.71 for the soil irrigated by ( NW + ADW + TWW) and (-37.69, -22.01, and -445.17 for the soil irrigated by USW)  respectively, where  a negative sign indicates that there is an available amounts  from unites of fertilizers in the soils.

CONCLUSION

Based on the above discussion it can be concluded that, it should be determining the irrigation water quality in the regions which irrigated with untraditional irrigation water quality before planting. The tested samples belong to the C₃ class of water; it can be used for irrigation of the plants with tolerance to salt. Also, water samples belong to the S₁ class of water. Fe, Mn, Cu, and Cd were recorded in high concentration than permissible limits. While, the concentration of Zn and Pb were found to be within the range of permissible limits. This study confirmed on the importance of irrigation water quality especially, unconventional qualities as a source for providing part of the fertilizer requirements especially, NPK. Knowing the amount of nutrients fertilizers (NPK), introduced with irrigation water quality during the growing season as the seasonal effect. The accumulated amount of these nutrients in the soil as a result of the long term effect of different irrigation water qualities should be taken into consideration for fertilization program. Therefore, soil and irrigation water should be analyzed before planting of different crops, especially in areas that use unconventional irrigation water quality to identify the contribution of soil and irrigation water to provide part of the fertilizer requirements which finally reflects on the fertilizer recommendation and then the costs of agricultural investment. Although it is necessary to use unconventional water for irrigation, which mathematically provides part of the fertilizer needs, because these qualities not only contains salts and nutrients, but also contains pathogens and pollutants, especially sewage water and wastewater that need further more study because of their impact on the ecosystems.

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