Hydrochemical analysis of groundwater is crucial for assessing its quality and ensuring it meets agricultural safety standards, as poor water quality—characterized by high levels of salts, minerals, or contaminants—can harm soil health, diminish crop yields, and jeopardize long-term agricultural sustainability. This study investigates the groundwater quality in southern Ranebennur taluk, focusing on its suitability for irrigation by examining key parameters such as pH, electrical conductivity (EC), sodium adsorption ratio (SAR), and concentrations of major cations (Na⁺, Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, K⁺) and anions (Cl⁻, HCO₃⁻, SO₄²⁻, CO₃²⁻, NO₃⁻). The results reveal a pH range of 6.44 to 8.00, indicating neutral to slightly alkaline conditions, alongside moderate salinity levels. Notably, sodium and chloride ions were predominant, with SAR values spanning from 6.71 to 24.74 and total dissolved solids (TDS) ranging from 537.6 to 2758.4 mg L⁻¹. Results highlight the risk that elevated sodium and chloride concentrations pose to soil and crop health, underscoring the urgent need for vigilant monitoring and sustainable water resource management to safeguard agriculture in the region

Groundwater, Hydrochemical, Southern Ranebennur, SAR, RSC

The analysis of groundwater samples from the southern regions of Ranebennur taluk reveals significant variability in water quality parameters crucial for irrigation. The pH ranged from slightly acidic to alkaline, with an average value of 7.26, influenced by geochemical processes and the presence of cations like Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, Na⁺, and HCO₃⁻. Electrical conductivity (EC) values indicated varying salinity levels, with 59.50% of samples deemed suitable for irrigation. However, elevated sodium concentrations (Na⁺) could lead to soil sodicity, impacting soil structure and permeability. Key nutrients like potassium (K⁺), calcium (Ca²⁺), magnesium (Mg²⁺), and micronutrients like boron (B) also showed diverse levels, influencing plant health and productivity. The presence of carbonates, bicarbonates, sulfates, and nitrates underscored the need for careful management of nutrient dynamics to avoid potential environmental impacts such as eutrophication. Total dissolved solids (TDS) levels varied widely, indicating potential osmotic stress for crops, particularly in areas with high salinity. Overall, this study emphasizes the importance of continuous monitoring and management of irrigation water quality to sustain agricultural productivity and soil health in the region, in alignment with previous research findings. Future studies should focus on the long-term monitoring of groundwater quality to assess seasonal variations and their impact on agricultural sustainability. Advanced geospatial techniques, such as GIS and remote sensing, could be employed to map water quality trends across larger areas. Additionally, exploring the effects of different irrigation practices on soil salinity and nutrient retention would provide valuable insights. Further research on sustainable water management practices and alternative irrigation sources is also essential to mitigate water quality challenges

Pawan Kumar N., Rajakumar G.R., Ramesh and Jakir Hussain K.N. (2023). Hydrochemical Analysis of Groundwater in Southern Ranebennur Taluk, Haveri District, Karnataka. Biological Forum – An International Journal, 15(8): 591-601