تقييم نوعية مياه الري في الأنهر الفرعية للجزء الجنوبي من شط العرب و تأثيرها في نمو و إنتاجية صنفين من نخيل التمر Phoenix dactylifera L. البرحي و الساير

Abstract EN

We studied the impact of irrigation water quality of the Shatt al-Arab and some associated sub-rivers on some productive traits of two cultivars of date palm, including Barhi and Sayer, in the Siba region south of Basra, Iraq, season 2019.

The study included two locations, one of which is close to the Shatt al-Arab, and represents the orchards irrigated directly from it.

The other represents the orchards more distant from the Shatt al-Arab, which are irrigated from the end of those branches and are closer to the sabkha areas.

Both sites' irrigation water quality fell into the category of water that causes severe saline issues when it is used for irrigation, according to the classification of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).

Additionally, the ions of sodium, potassium, chloride, bicarbonate and sulphate were found in high concentrations in the irrigation water of the sites far from the Shatt Al-Arab compared to nearby locations.

In addition, a significant increase in the electrical conductivity values and the sodium adsorption ratio SAR were observed in the distant sites.

In contrast, the results of the moisture content of the fruits and the proportion of proline were opposite.

Consequently, the study recommends following scientific methods in agriculture, utilizing modern irrigation technologies and improving soil properties to combat this dangerous deterioration the concerned authorities, especially the ministries of agriculture and water resources and the local government in Basra Governorate, must work together to overcome the problems that have led to the deterioration.

This might include the reconstruction of those areas and the relocation of the displaced families, and accelerating the completion and construction of the Shatt Al-Arab dam to preserve water wealth and improve its quality.