AUTHOR(S) / АУТОР(И): Milica Vranešević 
, Sanja Lakić, Radoš Zemunac , Maja Meseldžija
Download Full Pdf 
DOI: https://doi.org/10.46793/SBT26.599V
ABSTRACT / САЖЕТАК:
Groundwater represents an important water resource for irrigation in Northern Banat, a predominantly agricultural region of Serbia. The suitability of groundwater for irrigation depends on its chemical composition and potential impacts on soil properties and crop productivity. This study evaluates groundwater quality for irrigation purposes at three monitoring stations in Northern Banat (Kanjiža, Kikinda, and Padej) during the period 2019–2021. The assessment was based on electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolved solids (TDS), major cations and anions, and irrigation water quality indices, including Sodium Adsorption Ratio (SAR) and Magnesium Adsorption Ratio (MAR). Water usability was evaluated using FAO and US Salinity Laboratory (USSL) classifications. The results indicate low salinity levels and low sodium and magnesium hazards at all stations, suggesting that the analyzed groundwater is suitable for irrigation without significant restrictions. However, continuous monitoring is recommended to ensure sustainable long-term use under changing climatic conditions.
KEYWORDS / КЉУЧНЕ РЕЧИ:
groundwater quality, irrigation water, Northern Banat, classification
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT / ПРОЈЕКАТ:
The research presented in this article is part of project entitled: Development of new water quality indices for Vojvodina in the context of sustainable agriculture and environmental protection (AQUA-QUAL) (contract no. 003876050 2025) financially supported by the Provincial Secretariat for Higher Education and Scientific Research of AP Vojvodina (Republic of Serbia).
REFERENCES / ЛИТЕРАТУРA:
- Ayers, R.S.; Westcot, D.W. Water quality for agriculture. FAO Irrigation and Drainage Paper 29, FAO, 1976, Rome.
- Belić S., Belić A., Vranešević M. (2013) Water quality as a limiting factor for irrigated agriculture, IAHS Publ. 361 243-249
- Belic, S., Savic, R., & Belic, A. (2003). Upotrebljivost voda za navodnjavanje. Vodoprivreda, 35, 37-49.
- Grattan, S. R., & Grieve, C. M. (1998). Salinity–mineral nutrient relations in horticultural crops. Scientia horticulturae, 78(1-4), 127-157.
- Munns, R. (2002). Comparative physiology of salt and water stress. Plant, cell & environment, 25(2), 239-250.
- Rajan, M., Karunanidhi, D., Gurugnanam, B., & Subramani, T. (2025). Assessment of groundwater suitability for drinking and irrigation purposes with probable health threats in a semiarid river basin of South India. Water Environment Research, 97(2), e70011.
- Richards, L. A. Diagnosis and improvement of saline and alkali soils. U.S. Department of Agricultural Handbook, vol. 60, Washington D.C., U.S.A., 1954, pp. 160.
- Vranešević M., Lakić S., Marković M. (2022). Kvalitet podzemne vode sa aspekta upotrebljivosti za navodnjavanje, Knjiga sažetaka sa skupa Melioracije – Identifikacija ključnih problema vodoprivrede u AP Vojvodini, 25 Novembar 2022, Novi Sad, Srbija pp. 1-2. ISBN 978-86-7520-571-5
- Vranešević, M., Zemunac, R., Grabić, J., & Salvai, A. (2024). Hydrochemical characteristics and suitability assessment of groundwater quality for irrigation. Applied Sciences, 14(2), 615.
- Yang, Q., Li, Z., Xie, C., Liang, J., & Ma, H. (2020). Risk assessment of groundwater hydrochemistry for irrigation suitability in Ordos Basin, China. Natural Hazards, 101(2), 309-325.