Assessing the Effects of Land Use on Surface Water Quality in the Lower uMfolozi Floodplain System, South Africa

Abstract

This study investigated the impacts of cultivation on water and soil quality in the lower uMfolozi floodplain system in KwaZulu-Natal province, South Africa. We did this by assessing seasonal variations in purposefully selected water and soil properties in these two land-use systems. The observed values were statistically analysed by performing Student’s paired t-tests to determine seasonal trends in these variables. Results revealed significant seasonal differences in chloride and sodium concentrations and electrical conductivity (EC) and the sodium adsorption ratio (SAR) with cultivated sites exhibiting higher values. Most of the analyzed chemical parameters were within acceptable limits specified by the South African agricultural-water-quality (SAWQ) water quality guidelines for irrigation except for sodium adsorption ratio (SAR), chloride, sodium and EC. EC, pH and nitrate content which were higher than the specified SAWQ limits in cultivated sites. Quantities of glyphosate, ametryn and imidacloprid could not be measured because they were below detectable limits. The study concludes that most water quality parameters met SAWQ’s standards. These results argue for concerted efforts to systematically monitor water and soil quality characteristics in this environment to enhance sustainability by providing timely information for management purposes.

Unlocking water potential in drylands: Quicklime and fly ash enhance soil microbiome structure, ecological networks and function in acid mine drainage water-irrigated agriculture

“…Both A1Q, A2Q, and AFQ treatments resulted in soils with circumneutral pH (pH 5–8), significantly distinct from untreated AMD water soils, but akin to Control (tap water irrigation) ( Table 1 ). Notably, A2Q and AFQ achieved higher neutralization, yielding pH > 7.7, complying with South Africa Water Quality (SAWQ) guidelines within the pH 6.5 and 8.4 for agricultural use [ 39 ]. These findings are consistent with lime/limestone [ 9 , 11 ] and fly ash neutralization studies [ 13 , 15 ].…”

Comprehensive Analysis of Groundwater Suitability for Irrigation in Rural Hyderabad, Sindh, Pakistan

“…However, based on our results, none of the samples fell within the categories of soft, moderately hard, or hard; instead, all water samples were categorized as extremely hard. 2022), elevated Sodium Adsorption Ratio (SAR) values indicate that water may not be suitable for irrigation [59][60][61]. High salt content relative to calcium and magnesium could adversely affect soil permeability, hindering the flow of water necessary for crop development [60,62].…”

“…2022), elevated Sodium Adsorption Ratio (SAR) values indicate that water may not be suitable for irrigation [59][60][61]. High salt content relative to calcium and magnesium could adversely affect soil permeability, hindering the flow of water necessary for crop development [60,62]. SAR evaluations typically categorize water suitability for irrigation into the following three categories: values between 0 and 10 meq/L are considered excellent, values between 10 and 18 meq/L are deemed good, and values over 18 meq/L are determined to be unsuitable.…”