20320130405004

International Journal of Civil Engineering and Technology (IJCIET), ISSN 0976 – 6308
(Print), ISSN 0976 – 6316(Online) Volume 4, Issue 5, September – October (2013), © IAEME
22
FEASIBILITY OF BLENDING DRAINAGE WATER WITH RIVER WATER
FOR IRRIGATION IN SAMAWA (IRAQ)
KADHIM NAIEF KADHIM
Civil Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Babylon-Iraq
ABSTRACT
This study is concerned with assessing suitability of drainage water of Alforat Alsharqi
drainage for irrigation with or without treatment. The chemical and physical properties of drainage
water and the nearest rivers water was studied, Included study the water of Euphrates river in
Samawa.
The strategy adopted for treatment drainage water it’s the blending strategy with fresh water
of nearest river with different ratios start with B1 which represent (90% drainage water and 10%
river water), B2 ( 80% drainage water and 20% river water ) and B3 ...... to B9( 10% drainage water
and 80% river water ).
Water samples were monthly taken from four locations, one from drainages water and one
from rivers over the period from February 2012, to January 2013. These 24 samples were
physically and chemically analyzed for EC, SAR, and PH.
It is concluded that the Sodium Adsorption Ratio (SAR) for drainage water its less than 12
and this value its acceptable for irrigation. and We can use Drainage water for irrigation without any
chemical materials by using Blending with river water.
In case of salinity the drainage water of Alforat alshrqi it’s acceptable for irrigate the
halophytes were the electrical conductivity (EC) its less than 8000 Micro Siemens/cm.
KEY WORDS: Blending, Drainage, Euphrates, River, Water
INTRODUCTION
The Irrigation sector in different part of world including Iraq is a major water consumer to
produce adequate food for increasing high population growth and meeting the MGD food goal. The
challenges for the Iraq agriculture sector are to increase food production through effective
management of the available and potential water sources including drainage and treated waste water
and at the same time conserve and protect its environmental.( Ayers, R. S., and D. W. Westcot.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CIVIL ENGINEERING AND
TECHNOLOGY (IJCIET)
ISSN 0976 – 6308 (Print)
ISSN 0976 – 6316(Online)
Volume 4, Issue 5, September – October, pp. 22-32
© IAEME: www.iaeme.com/ijciet.asp
Journal Impact Factor (2013): 5.3277 (Calculated by GISI)
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IJCIET
©IAEME

23
1985). In Iraq, the water users in different districts and policy makers are showing increasing interest
in increasing the reuse drainage water as means of augmenting dwindling useable water supplies.
Water however its quality must meet crop tolerance to achieve optimal production and reduce
environmental impact.
The world’s irrigated area is currently estimated to be 260–270 million hectares. The past
averaged annual growth was estimated 2% and has fallen to less than 1%. While only about 17
percent of the world’s cultivated land is irrigated, it produces one-third of the world’s fresh food
harvest and about half of its wheat and rice production. It is predicted that at least half of the required
increase in food production in the near-future decades must come from the world’s irrigated land. In
view of the role of irrigated agriculture as the “world’s food machine”, competition for water cannot
be allowed to result in even lower food production growth rates, or an absolute reduction, of the
world’s irrigated area. The challenge is therefore clearly to produce more food by enhance
management measures and none conventional sources such as drainage and adequately treated
wastewater source. ( FAO. (1992)).
The most feasible options to meet the challenge to enhance the fresh water management are to
reduce the amount of irrigation water applied and to reuse the non-consumed fraction of the
irrigation water already diverted. It is well documented (Hill 1994; Frederiksen 1992) that, at the
field level, a large part (typically half) of the applied irrigation water is not actually consumed by a
given crop and therefore ends up as drainage water. Since much of the drainage water commonly
becomes the source of the water for downstream irrigation schemes and for other uses, the water use
efficiency computed at the basin level is usually much higher than it is at the field or irrigation
scheme level. In many irrigated areas, however, there is ample scope for planned reuse of drainage
water supported by increasing interest of decision makers and water users and both water users as
means of augmenting dwindling useable water supplies.( Gupta, I.C.1979.)
Both irrigation water quality and proper irrigation management are critical to successful crop
production. The quality of the irrigation water may affect both crop yields and soil physical
conditions, even if all other conditions and cultural practices are favorable/optimal. In addition,
different crops require different irrigation water qualities. Therefore, testing the irrigation water
prior to selecting the site and the crops to be grown is critical. The quality of some water sources
may change significantly with time or during certain periods (such as in dry/rainy seasons), so it is
recommended to have more than one sample taken, in different time periods. The parameters which
determine the irrigation water quality are divided to three categories: chemical, physical and
biological. In this review, the chemical properties of the irrigation water are discussed. The chemical
characteristics of irrigation water refer to the content of salts in the water as well as to parameters
derived from the composition of salts in the water; parameters such as EC/TDS (Electrical
Conductivity/ Total Dissolved Solids), SAR (Sodium Adsorption Ratio) alkalinity and hardness. The
primary natural source of salts in irrigation water is mineral weathering of rocks and minerals. Other
secondary sources include atmospheric deposition of oceanic salts (salts in rain water), saline water
from rising groundwater and the intrusion of sea water into groundwater aquifers. Fertilizer
chemicals, which leach to water sources, may also affect the irrigation water quality. Mohsen
Seilsepour et.al (2009 and Yaohu Kang et.al (2010)
CHARACTERIZING SALINITY
There are two common water quality assessments that characterize the salinity of irrigation
water. The salinity of irrigation water is sometimes reported as the total salt concentration or total
dissolved solids (TDS). The units of TDS are usually expressed in milligrams of salt per liter (mg/L)
of water. This term is still used by commercial analytical laboratories and represents the total number
of milligrams of salt that would remain after 1liter of water is evaporated to dryness. TDS is also

24
often reported as parts per million (ppm) and is the same numerically as mg/L. The higher the TDS,
the higher the salinity of the water The other measurement that is documented in water quality
reports from com mercial labs is specific conductance, also called electrical conductivity (EC). EC is
a much more useful measurement than TDS because it can be made instantaneously and easily by
irrigators or farm managers in the field. Salts that are dissolved in water conduct electricity, and,
therefore, the salt content in the water is directly related tothe EC. The EC can be reported based on
the irrigation water source (ECw) or on the saturated soil extract (ECe). Units of EC reported by labs
are usually in millimhos per centimeter (mmhos/cm) or decisiemens per meter (dS/m). One
mmho/cm = 1 dS/m. EC is also reported in micrommhos per centimeter
(µmhos/cm)(1µmho=1/1000).
Often conversions between ECw and TDS are made, but caution is advised because
conversion factors depend both on the salinity level and composition of the water (Stephen R.
Grattan2002) .
For example
TDS (mg/L) = 640 x ECw (dS/m) when ECw < 5 dS/m
TDS (mg/L) = 800 x ECw (dS/m) when ECw > 5 dS/m
Sulfate salts do not conduct electricity in the same way as other types of salts Therefore, if water
contains large quantities of sulfate salts, the conversion factors are invalid and must be adjusted
upward.
SALINITY EFFECTS ON CROPS
The primary objective of irrigation is to provide a crop with adequate and timely amounts of
water, thus avoiding yield loss caused by extended periods of water stress during stages of crop
growth that are sensitive to water shortages. However, during repeated irrigations, the salts in the
irrigation water can accumulate in the soil, reducing water available to the crop and hastening the
onset of a water shortage. Understanding how this occurs will help suggest ways to counter the effect
and reduce the probability of a loss in yield.
The plant extracts water from the soil by exerting an absorptive force greater than that which
holds the water to the soil. If the plant cannot make sufficient internal adjustment and exert enough
force, it is not able to extract sufficient water and will suffer water stress. This happens when the soil
becomes too dry. Salt in the soil-water increases the force the plant must exert to extract water and
this additional force is referred to as the osmotic effect or osmotic potential. For example, if two
otherwise identical soils are at the same water content but one is salt-free and the other is salty, the
plant can extract and use more water from the salt-free soil than from the salty soil. The reasons are
not easily explained. Salts have an affinity for water. If the water contains salt, more energy per unit
of water must be expended by the plant to absorb relatively salt-free water from a relatively salty
soil-water solution (Ayers and Westcot 1994).
IRRIGATION WATER QUALITY CRITERIA
Soil scientists use the following categories to describe irrigation water effects on crop
production and soil quality:
• Salinity hazard - total soluble salt content
• Sodium hazard - relative proportion of sodium to calcium and magnesium ions
• pH - acid or basic
• Alkalinity - carbonate and bicarbonate
• Specific ions: chloride, sulfate, boron, and nitrate

25
pH AND ALKALINITY
The acidity or basicity of irrigation water is expressed as pH (< 7.0 acidic; > 7.0 basic). The
normal pH range for irrigation water is from 6.5 to 8.4.. High pH’s above 8.5 are often caused by
high bicarbonate (HCO3
-
) and carbonate (CO3
2-
) concentrations, known as alkalinity. High
carbonates cause calcium and magnesium ions to form insoluble minerals leaving sodium as the
dominant ion in solution. As described in the sodium hazard section, this alkaline water could
intensify the impact of high SAR water on sodic soil conditions. Excessive bicarbonate concentrates
can also be problematic for drip or micro-spray irrigation systems when calcite or scale build up
causes reduced flow rates through orifices or emitters. In these situations, correction by injecting
sulfuric or other acidic materials into the system may be required. (Bauder.et.al 2012)
SODIUM HAZARD
Although plant growth is primarily limited by the salinity (ECw) level of the irrigation water,
the application of water with a sodium imbalance can further reduce yield under certain soil texture
conditions. Reductions in water infiltration can occur when irrigation water contains high sodium
relative to the calcium and magnesium contents. This condition, termed “sodicity,” results from
excessive soil accumulation of sodium. Sodic water is not the same as saline water. Sodicity causes
swelling and dispersion of soil clays, surface crusting and pore plugging. This degraded soil structure
condition in turn obstructs infiltration and may increase runoff. Sodicity causes a decrease in the
downward movement of water into and through the soil, and actively growing plants roots may not
get adequate water, despite pooling of water on the soil surface after irrigation.The most common
measure to assess sodicity in water and soil is called the Sodium Adsorption Ratio (SAR). Sodium
adsorption ratio (SAR): is a measure of the suitability of water for use in agricultural irrigation, as
determined by the concentrations of solids dissolved in the water. It is also a measure of the sodicity
of soil, The SAR defines sodicity in terms of the relative concentration of sodium (Na) compared to
the sum of calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) ions in a sample (Bauder.et.al 2012) . The SAR
assesses the potential for infiltration problems due to a sodium imbalance in irrigation water. The
SAR is mathematically written below by equation 1, where Na, Ca and Mg are the concentrations of
these ions in mille equivalents per liter (meq/L). Concentrations of these ions in water samples are
typically provided in milligrams per liter (mg/L).
STUDY AREA
The study area is shown in figure (1). The samples brings from Euphrates river and Al-Forat
al-sharqi drainage in Samawa Governorate (IRAQ).
The Project area is influenced by the prevailing climatic regime and soil characteristics in
relation to crops productions. The climatic condition crop impact influence the yield, the surrounding
the process of agricultural production such as soil and water resources, and includes the activity of
workers in agriculture and vitality.

26
Fig (1): Study area
The most dominate climatic factor is the rainfall region as influence soil moisture availability and
water renewability in relation to the irrigation water requirement. The
rainfall regime at the Samawa Governorate located within the dry region has average rainfall depth
of 127.48 mm estimated for the period 1970-2010(Ministry of Science and Technology, General
Authority, Climate Division). The rainfall regime is influence by the Mediterranean circulation
system due to air depressions and erosion from travelling long distances and the high atmospheric air
above the Arabian Peninsula during the cold season of the year.
The other influencing factor is the soil characteristics. The soil is of gypsum type in parts of
the western areas, and desert sand and gravel in the south western parts are generally loose soils
where erosion is active because of the scarcity of natural vegetation and drought. Analysis results
showed that the physical and chemical content of the soils were clay, silt and sand (9.2%) (5.7%)
(85.1%), respectively. According to triangle tissues soil are sandy soils this mix of rough tissue.
Either density virtual reached (1.67 g / cm3).(Al-Zubaidy A. 1990 & Al-Doory etc 1989).
Area of work
Al-forat Al-sharqi Drainage
Euphrates river

27
The average soil properties were estimated for; the porosity (36%), while ,moisture content at
field capacity (11%),organic matter (0.2%) gypsum (4.18%) and lime (11.9%) while for the (PH)
at (7.7). he soil types are suitable for growing of variety of crops specially vegetables. The soil
types variability in the governorate of Samawa has provided option of diverse of crops production
and favorable environmental conditions has enhanced its potential development for various
farming practices. (Fahad K. 2006).
EXPERIMENTAL WORK
In this study, bring samples of water drainage and river water taken from Euphrates river and
Al-Forat al-sharqi drainage in Samawa Governorate (IRAQ).
The analysis was implemented through determining the physical and chemical content of the
collected water samples from two points along the study areas. Water samples were collected from
the surface layer of the river (30) cm from the top, and bottles made of Water was collected in 5 liters
capacity polyethylene bottles with the Nozzles closed tightly to prevent the entry of air after it has
been homogenized. Drainage samples were collected from one collection point. The collection points
sampling to estimate the Electrical conductivity (EC) and Sodium Adsorption Ratio (SAR).
The monthly sampling was three samples per station and used the average value of three
samples covering the period February 2012 to January 2013.The physical analyses focused on
estimating Total Dissolved Solids, Temperature, Turbidity and Electrical Conductivity while the
chemical analysis covered pH, Nitrate, Phosphate , Total Hardness, Potassium, Sulfate, Calcium,
Magnesium, Chloride, and Sodium. The water sample of drainage water blending with water of
nearest river with different ratios is shown in table (2).
Table (2): Blending ratio (B) of the drainage and river water
Blending
ratio
Drainage
water %
River
water %
B1 90 10
B2 80 20
B3 70 30
B4 60 40
B5 50 50
B6 40 60
B7 30 70
B8 20 80
B9 10 90
The laboratory test of the samples using the devise shown in figure (2).

28
EC meter Device flame photometer
PH meter
Fig.(2): Device test
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
The results of laboratory test for Electrical conductivity (EC) for Euphrates river and Al-forat
Al-sharqi drainage shown in figure (3).
From figure (3) the Electrical conductivity (EC) ranged from 6200 to 8200 Micro Siemens
/cm at station of alforat alshrqi drainage. Maximum values were observed during the month July
(8200) Micro Siemens/cm because the temperature at this month is very high (45-54)c and the
amount of water is decrease on this month in the drainage, the lower value of EC observed during the
month October because increased the recharge to the drainage . This value of EC (6200-8200) Micro
Siemens/cm for alforat alsharqi drainage water , it can be use this water for irrigate Eucalyptus , date-
palm ,barely , wheat(semi-dwarf) and cotton(Abbas Y. 2012 ).The Electrical conductivity (EC)
ranged from 3400 to 5300 Micro Siemens/cm at station of Euphrates river water and this water used
to irrigate the land on Samawa Governorate.
The results testing of blending ratios for Electrical conductivity (EC) shown in figure(4).

29
Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan
Months
3000
4000
5000
6000
7000
8000
9000
EC(Microsiemens/Cm)
Euphrates River
Alforat Alsharqi Drainge
Fig (3): Electrical Conductivity (EC)
Months
4000
5000
6000
7000
8000
EC(microsiemens/Cm)
B1
B2
B3
B4
B5
B6
B7
B8
B9
Fig (4): Electrical Conductivity For all Blending Ratios (EC)
Figure (4) shows the monthly results for EC for each blending ratio between Euphrates river
water and Al-forat Al-sharqi drainage water. For blending ratio B1 and B2 the EC ranged from 5900
to 7900 Micro Siemens/cm, so it can be used for irrigate Sorghum , the blending B4 would work
for wheat irrigation and B7 for irrigate sunflower , thus for each rate.

30
The results of Sodium Adsorption Ratio (SAR) for Euphrates river and Al-forat Al-sharqi
drainage shown in figure (5).
The SAR ranged from 6.5 to 11.2 at Euphrates river . and ranged from 9.8 to 13 at Al forat
Al sharqi drainage . from the test result and comparison with the US division (1985) . We can
deduce that the water of these stations its acceptable for irrigation according to the ASR indicator
where the SAR is less than 12.
The results testing of Blending ratios (B) for SAR are shown in fig. (6) , we can conclude
from this figure the values of SAR is less than 12,that the water of all Blending ratios is acceptable
irrigation except September month at B1 Blending ratio the value of SAR greater than (12). from the
result of EC and SAR testing we conclude the result of B1 Blending is acceptable for water quality
used for irrigation in sandy soil type, and acceptable for irrigate to tolerant like (palm, barely wheat
(semi dwarf) and cotton . B2 is like in B1 in addition its acceptable for Sorghum and sugar beet
irrigation.
B3 is like B1 and B2 .in addition for wheat irrigation.
B4, the values acceptable for water quality used for irrigation in sandy soil type and acceptable for
irrigation to tolerant like in B1, B2 and B3. In addition its acceptable for olive irrigation.
B5 is like B1. B2, B3, and B4. In addition Sun Flower irrigation.
B6 is like B1, B2, B3, B4, and B5 . In addition Corn and Oats irrigation.
B7 is acceptable for water quality used for irrigation in all soil type. and like B1, B2, B3, B4 , B5 ,
and B6. In addition it is acceptable for rice and tomato irrigation .
B8 and B9 Blending ratio showed that the water is in usual range in irrigation water.
Months
6
8
10
12
14
SAR
Euphrates River (R)
Alforat Alsharqi Drainge
Fig (5): Sodium Adsorption Ratio (SAR)

31
Months
0
4
8
12
16
SAR B1
B2
B3
B4
B5
B6
B7
B8
B9
Fig (6): Sodium Adsorption Ratio (SAR)For All Blending Ratios
APPLICATION OF THE STUDY
From the result of the study, we can use the drainage water for irrigation without any
chemical material for treatment , the Blending between river water and the drainage water at different
ratios by using two pumping stations , one of them is at the drainage and the other at the river . The
discharge of the two pumps are flow at one pool (mixing operation). from this pool we can
discharged the mixing water to the farm as shown in chart below . The amount of flow for each
pump is depended on Blending ratio.
Pumping Station
Drainage
River
Pumping Station
Chart For Blending
(Mixing Pool) Farm

32
CONCLUSIONS
1- We can use Drainage water for irrigation without any chemical materials by using Blending
with river water.
2- The SAR value for drainage water refer to the water of Al forat Alsarqi drainage is acceptable
for irrigation use.
3- Each Blending ratio is acceptable for irrigation soil type and plant type.
4- B8 and B9 showed that the water is in usual range in irrigation water.
REFERENCES
(1) Abbas Y. (2012) (Feasibility of Blending Drainage water with River water for Irrigation in
Nasiriya), Msc thesis, College of Engineering , Babylon University, IRAQ
(2) Ayers, R. S., and D. W. Westcot. (1985). Water quality for agriculture. Irrigation and drainage.
No. 29. Roma, Italy. FAO.
(3) FAO. (1992). the use of saline water for crop production. Irrigation and Drainage Papers. No. 48.
Rome, Italy.
(4) Gupta, I.C.1979. A new classification and evaluation of quality of irrigation water for arid and
semi- arid zones of India.Trans.Isdt and Ueds
(5) Essam Khudair Hadithi, Ahmed Qubaisi, and Yas Khudair Hadithi, (2009), "modern irrigation
techniques," Anbar University. College of Agriculture.
(6) Jamal Abdel Nasser, Nazim, Shamkhi and, Awad Ali Sahar (2007) " Irrigation Water Quality
Evaluation With Special Reference to Wasit Governorate.
(7) M.R. Cannon, David A. Nimick, Thomas E. Cleasby, Stacy M. Kinsey, and John H. Lambing,
(2004)" Measured and Estimated Sodium-Adsorption Ratios for Tongue River and its Tributaries,
Montana and Wyoming"
(8) Mohsen Seilsepour, Majid Rashidi and Borzoo Ghareei Khabbaz (2009):" Prediction of Soil
Exchangeable Sodium Percentage Based on Soil Sodium Adsorption Ratio" American-Eurasian J.
Agric. & Environ. Sci., 5 (1): 01-04,
(9) Mohsen Seilsepour and Majid Rashidi(2008)" Modeling of Soil Sodium Adsorption Ratio Based
On Soil Electrical Conductivity" ARPN Journal of Agricultural and Biological Science VOL. 3,
NO. 5&6.
(10) Richards,L.A.,Diagnosis and improvement of Saline and Alkali Soils,Agriculture Handbook No.
60, u.s Government Printing Office ,Washington , USA,1954
(11) R.S. Ayers and D.W. Westcot (1994), "Water quality for agriculture", FAO Irrigation and
Drainage Paper 29 Rev. 1.
(12) Stephen R. Grattan (2002) "Irrigation Water Salinity and Crop Production" Oakland: University of
California Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources Publication 8066.
(13) T.A. Bauder, R.M. Waskom, P.L. Sutherland and J. G. Davis*
(5/11) (2012)- "Irrigation Water
Quality Criteria" no. 0.506.
(14) Yaohu Kang, , Ming Chen, Shuqin Wan (2010)." Effects of drip irrigation with saline water on
waxy maize (Zea mays L. var ceratina Kulesh) in North China Plain ,Agric. Water Manage. 97
1303–1309.
(15) Sunil Ajmera and Dr. Rakesh Kumar Shrivastava, “Water use Management Considering Single
and Dual Crop Coefficient Concept Under an Irrigation Project: A Case Study”, International
Journal of Civil Engineering & Technology (IJCIET), Volume 4, Issue 4, 2013, pp. 236 - 242,
ISSN Print: 0976 – 6308, ISSN Online: 0976 – 6316.
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Methods to Euphrates River (IRAQ)”, International Journal of Civil Engineering & Technology
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