Evaluation of groundwater suitability for irrigation in the coastal aquifer of Mnasra (Gharb, Morocco)

Abstract

<jats:p>The coastal area of the Gharb plain constitutes the only hydric resource for region in terms of domestic consumption and agricultural demand which does not cease to increase. It is a very productive and easily accessible groundwater resource, used extensively for irrigation by own pumping. This study was performed to understand the impact of groundwater quality on the crop yields and its suitability for the irrigation for 63 wells and 7 boreholes. Groundwater quality in Mnasra was studied based on different indices for irrigation. The values of SAR, Na %, MAR, SSP, PI, RSC and TDS show that most of the samples fall under good to suitable category. Piper diagram reveals three facies: sodic, calcic and magnesic chlorinated. The results indicate that the order of cation dominance is Na &gt; Ca &gt; Mg &gt; K, while anion dominance is in the order Cl &gt; HCO3&gt; SO4. Stuyfzand's classification indicates that most of the waters analyzed are fresh with moderate alkalinity. Richard Plot indicates that groundwater in the study area is within the low salinity to low sodium hazard and medium salinity to low sodium hazard class (C2S1 and C3S1). Wilcox Plot shows groundwater to be within excellent to a good class.</jats:p>

Assessment of Groundwater Quality Using the Pollution Index of Groundwater (PIG), Nitrate Pollution Index (NPI), Water Quality Index (WQI), Multivariate Statistical Analysis (MSA), and GIS Approaches: A Case Study of the Mnasra Region, Gharb Plain, Morocco

“…Sandy soils extensively cover the coastal zone of the Gharb Plain, encompassing around 39,000 hectares or 15% of the total area. These sandy soils significantly influence groundwater recharge and the overall hydrological behavior of the region [15]. The geological composition of the Gharb region is characterized by schists and quartzites in the central plain, with a notable impermeable layer of "blue marls" acting as a barrier within the aquifer system [31].…”

“…This region boasts easily accessible groundwater resources, swiftly tapped for irrigation through individual pumping mechanisms. The sheer quantity of wells drilled into the aquifer, surpassing 20,000, underscores its critical agricultural significance [15]. Furthermore, an assessment of pesticide usage in this locality reveals a total application rate of 16.3 Kg/ha, distributed across various categories including 8.8 Kg/ha in nematicides, 4 Kg/ha in insecticides, 2.6 Kg/ha in fungicides, and 0.9 Kg/ha in herbicides [16].…”

Assessment of Soil Spatial Variability in Agricultural Ecosystems Using Multivariate Analysis, Soil Quality Index (SQI), and Geostatistical Approach: A Case Study of the Mnasra Region, Gharb Plain, Morocco

“…Agricultural practices encompass intensive vegetable farming, field crop cultivation, and tree crop cultivation systems [37]. These practices involve the application of mineral and organic fertilizers, including Ammonitrate, NPK, urea, as well as livestock manure sourced from cattle and poultry [38].…”

“…application of mineral and organic fertilizers, including Ammonitrate, NPK, urea, as well as livestock manure sourced from cattle and poultry [38].…”

Groundwater Resources in Moroccan Coastal Aquifers: Insights of Salinization Impact on Agriculture

“…Salinity risk is the main problem that threatens most of the coastal aquifers in Morocco [2]. The chemical composition of irrigation water has a direct impact on plants and agricultural soil, potentially resulting in lower productivity [3]. To ensure good agriculture performance, monitoring and assessment of water quality is needed.…”