Evaluation of the adaptation of groundwater quality in the Ketama Al-Hoceima region (Morocco) to agricultural irrigation

Abstract

In the Ketama region, irrigation used to depend on rainwater and surface water. However, with drought and water shortages affecting the region, farmers are increasingly relying on groundwater. “Recognizing the critical importance of water quality in irrigation, a total of 164 water samples were collected from various points and subjected to physicochemical analysis. The assessment of groundwater suitability for irrigation encompassed several parameters, including chloride, electrical conductivity (EC), percentage of soluble sodium (% Na), sodium adsorption ratio (SAR), residual sodium carbonate (RCS), magnesium adsorption ratio (MAR), permeability index (PI), Kelley ratio (KR), potential salinity (PS), synthetic harmfulness coefficient (K), irrigation coefficient (Ka), chloro-alkaline indices (CAI-1 and CAI-2), and irrigation water quality index (IWQI).”. Results showed that 43.29% (EC), 82% (Na), 68.40% (SAR), and 68.29% (Ka) of groundwater samples were excellent and that 77% (PI) of samples were suitable for irrigation. The IWQI revealed that 21.96% of samples are considered to have high restrictions. This study aims to provide crucial information on irrigation water quality in the region, providing valuable data for various stakeholders to make informed decisions on agricultural practices and the sustainable use of water resources, particularly in the face of challenges posed by climate change and water shortages.