Analysis of Water Samples
- pH.
- Total concentration of soluble salts assessed through EC.
- Relative proportion of Na to other Cations such as Ca and Mg, referred to as the Sodium Adsorption Ratio (SAR).
- Concentration of B and other elements that may be toxic to plants.
- Concentration of Carbonates and Bicarbonates as related to the concentration.
- Ca plus Mg, referred to as residual Sodium Carbonate (RSC).
- Content of anions such as chloride and sulphate.
| 1 | pH | Acidic , Neutral or Basic |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | Electrical Conductivity | Ideal value is less than 0.75 mS/cm |
| 3 | Available S | Precipitation Method |
| 4 | Calcium | EDTA Titration Method |
| 5 | Magnesium | Magnesium |
| 6 | Sodium adsorption ratio | safe: < 10 And unsafe: > 26 |
| 7 | Sodium | Flame Photometer Method |
| 8 | Carbonates and bicarbonates | Simple acidimetric titration |
| 9 | Chloride | Mohr’s Titration Method |
| 10 | Residual Sodium Carbonate | safe: < 1.25 And unsafe: > 2.5 |
SLN Group Water Sample Analysis Facility
SLN Group provides comprehensive irrigation water testing services to evaluate its suitability for agricultural use. Water quality plays a critical role in soil health, nutrient availability and long term crop productivity. Poor quality irrigation water can lead to salinity, sodicity and toxicity issues which directly affect crop yield and soil structure.
The laboratory follows standardized analytical procedures to ensure precise and reliable results.
Scope of Water Analysis
The following parameters are analyzed in each water sample
Key Quality Indicators
- pH
- Electrical Conductivity EC
- Sodium Adsorption Ratio SAR
- Residual Sodium Carbonate RSC
Cations
- Calcium Ca
- Magnesium Mg
- Sodium Na
Anions
- Chloride
- Sulphate
- Carbonates
- Bicarbonates
Toxic Elements
- Boron B
- Other harmful trace elements
Importance of Each Parameter
pH
- Indicates acidic, neutral or basic nature of water
- Influences nutrient solubility in soil
- Ideal irrigation pH ranges between 6.5 to 8.4
Electrical Conductivity EC
- Measures total soluble salts in water
- Indicates salinity hazard
- Ideal value less than 0.75 mS per cm
- High EC can reduce crop growth
Sodium Adsorption Ratio SAR
- Indicates sodium hazard
- Measures sodium in relation to calcium and magnesium
- Safe value less than 10
- Unsafe value greater than 26
- High SAR leads to soil dispersion and reduced infiltration
Residual Sodium Carbonate RSC
- Measures carbonate and bicarbonate hazard
- Safe value less than 1.25
- Unsafe value greater than 2.5
- High RSC leads to soil alkalinity
Carbonates and Bicarbonates
- Reduce availability of calcium and magnesium
- Increase soil sodicity
- Affect nutrient uptake
Chloride and Sulphate
- High levels cause leaf burn and toxicity
- Important for salt sensitive crops
Boron
- Required in small amounts
- Excess causes toxicity
- Critical for fruit crops and vegetables
Analytical Methods Used
1. pH Determination
- Method used pH meter
- Classification as acidic, neutral or basic
2. Electrical Conductivity
- Method used EC meter
- Ideal value less than 0.75 mS per cm
3. Available Sulphur
- Method used Precipitation Method
4. Calcium Estimation
- Method used EDTA Titration Method
5. Magnesium Estimation
- Method used EDTA Titration Method
6. Sodium Adsorption Ratio
- Calculated using sodium calcium magnesium values
- Safe less than 10
- Unsafe greater than 26
7. Sodium Estimation
- Method used Flame Photometer
8. Carbonates and Bicarbonates
- Method used Simple acidimetric titration
9. Chloride Estimation
- Method used Mohr’s Titration Method
10. Residual Sodium Carbonate
- Calculated from carbonate bicarbonate calcium magnesium values
- Safe less than 1.25
- Unsafe greater than 2.5
Equipment Used
- Muffle Furnace
- Kjeldahl Digestion Unit
- Spectrophotometer
- Flame Photometer
- Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer
- Analytical Balance
- Hot Plate
- Magnetic Stirrer
Quality Assurance
- Standard operating procedures followed
- Regular calibration of instruments
- Use of analytical grade reagents
- Duplicate sample testing
- Cross verification of results
Benefits to Farmers
- Identifies salinity and sodicity risks
- Protects soil structure
- Improves irrigation efficiency
- Prevents nutrient toxicity
- Guides water treatment decisions
- Supports sustainable farming
Report Format Provided
Each water analysis report includes
- Parameter wise values
- Water suitability classification
- Crop wise irrigation recommendation
- Soil amendment guidance
- Drip irrigation suitability
- Long term soil protection plan
SLN Group water testing services deliver accurate evaluation of irrigation water quality using scientifically validated methods. By identifying salinity, sodicity and toxic elements, farmers can make informed irrigation decisions, protect soil health and achieve sustainable crop productivity.