Irrigation Water Archives

How To Take an Irrigation Water Sample

Use a clean plastic bottle at least 16 oz. (500 ml) in volume. This is enough for three saturated paste tests and a water test. Rinse the bottle and cap 3 times with the water to be tested. A plastic water bottle works well for this if it is thick…

Bicarbonates in irrigation water

If you live in a place where your crops don't need irrigation, count yourself lucky. For most of us, irrigation is necessary in order to grow a crop. And for many of us, our irrigation water comes with problems. One of the most common problems with irrigation water is that…

Irrigation water testing

Irrigation water quantity and quality is a big deal for many growers. The American West is the setting for the water wars described in Cadillac Desert, Marc Reisner's epic story of political corruption and greed brought on by a limited resource in a desert landscape. While not directly pertaining to…

How to interpret a water test report

Irrigation water quality can make or break a garden farm. But how to interpret a water test report? This page will help you to understand the test report and will help you to flag potential problems. “Salts” in irrigation water Effects of salts in soils Problems with salts in irrigation…

Irrigation water quality

If you have to irrigate it pays to understand what is in your water. Unless you are using rain water or your water source is mainly snowmelt, there is a good chance you have a host of soluble minerals and compounds you are putting in your soil along with the…