Evaluation of groundwater quality for irrigation in Malwathu Oya cascade-I in Anuradhapura District of Sri Lanka

A significant portion of agro-wells in Malwathu Oya Cascade-I, Anuradhapura District, Sri Lanka, exhibit high salinity with low sodium hazard, rendering them suitable for irrigation with adequate drainage and special measures. The study, conducted from June 2012 to May 2013, assessed groundwater quality using vital parameters such as electrical conductivity, pH, and concentrations of various ions and metals. It found that 60% of the wells had high salinity but low sodium hazard (C3S1), while 5% had low salinity and low sodium (C1S1). The research also revealed that almost all chemical parameters tend to concentrate towards the lower part of the cascade during the pre-monsoon period. Spatial distribution maps were generated using GIS, providing insights into groundwater potential for agriculture.

Kumari, M. K. N., Pathmarajah, S., Dayawansa, N. D. K., & Nirmanee, K. G. S. (2016). Evaluation of groundwater quality for irrigation in Malwathu Oya cascade-I in Anuradhapura District of Sri Lanka. Tropical Agricultural Research, 27(4), 310. https://doi.org/10.4038/tar.v27i4.8209