Kirkuk University Journal for Agricultural Sciences (KUJAS)

A hydrological study to evaluate Groundwater quality and its suitability for irrigation purpose in Kharayeb Al-Sheikh area using geographic information systems within Western desert, Iraq

https://doi.org/10.58928/ku25.16417
Volume 16, Issue 4 - Issue Serial Number 4
Autumn 2025
Page 150-161
Kirkuk University Journal for Agricultural Sciences (KUJAS)

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

Abdulkarem A.M alalwany 1
Fadhil Hussein Mukhlif 2
Mohammed H. M. Abdulrazzaq 2
BASIM A. ZAIDAN 2
Mayada Safaa Jasm 3
M. N. A. Al-Falahi 4
Sami awad Alkubaisy 2

1 University of Anbar / Center for Desert Studies

2 University of Anbar, Center of Desert Studies, Anbar, Iraq

3 University of Anbar, Upper Euphrates Basin Developing Center, Anbar, IRAQ

4 University of Anbar, Upper Euphrates Basin Developing Center, Anbar, Iraq

Abstract
Monitoring the quality and quantity of groundwater is crucial for the effective and sustainable management of this valuable resource. In arid and semi-aried areas, irrigation water quality and soil salinity were the main limiting factor for growing agricultural crops, increased salinity of groundwater used in dry areas with limited rainfall hinders crop diversification that can be produced. Therefore, it is important to ensure the quality of irrigation water, study dealt with the physical and chemical composition of groundwater in a location where groundwater in the Kharayeb al-Sheikh area is considered the main source of water for irrigation of crops, The water in those places is characterized by some problems related to the quality and suitability for irrigation field crops and trees, The aim of this study is to show the chemical characteristics of groundwater used in the irrigation process and classify it according to the scheme [1] and evaluate it according to the standard specifications of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the International [2] . Water samples were obtained from six wells located within the study area for period between the year 2023 to 2024 and in various seasons.
The values of hydrogen ion potential (pH) of well water were ranged between (6.8-7.3), the electrical conductivity (ECe) of salts ranged between (3.9-7.4 dSm-1), and the sodium absorption rate (SAR) ranged between (7.6-16.2) Potassium (K+) (6.7- 19.8) Calcium (Ca+2)(16.1- 30.1), Magnesium (Mg+2) (9.9- 22.3), Chloride (Cl-) (40.8- 56.1), Bicarbonate (HCO3 -) (8.81- 27.5) sulphate (SO4-2)(25.0- 37.9), sodium (Na+)(32.4-60.1) meql-1, and the Kelley index was (0.66-1.94), The results of the study showed variations of some chemical characteristics over a range Its suitability for irrigating crops. Well water is classified as C5S1, C5S2, C4S1, and C4S2, all of which have high salinity, the study recommends taking administrative measures when using this water.

Keywords

Groundwater
Western Desert
Agricultural uses
Anbar Governorate
Mapping irrigation water classes
Subjects
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