TESTING YOUR WATER QUALITY CAN IMPROVE SOIL HEALTH

By Dr Faranak Nourbakhsh, Senior Agronomist

Water testing is critical to determine if your water source contains salts which could damage your soil, reduce crop yields or even kill your plants.

The most important factors to consider in irrigation water quality are total salt content as measured by electrical conductivity (EC) or total dissolved solids (TDS), sodium level as measured by sodium adsorption ratio (SAR) or sodium percent sodium (Na), magnesium-potassium ratio (Mg/K), sodium-potassium ratio (Na/K), chloride (Cl) and boron (B).

High total salt content makes it more difficult for plants to take up water and nutrients from the soil and it can lead to stunted growth, lower yields and even death of the plants. Sodium, boron and chloride toxicities are common issues and can be easily addressed by testing the water sample.

You will receive your water results along with the guideline tables and fact sheets.

The SWEP team will assist you to understand the report and find the best solution for your water quality issues.

SWEP 25% discount on all SWEP water packages using the code ‘NGIV’ in the submission form

Instructions on collecting water samples for analysis: Thoroughly rinse a plastic bottle that has only ever contained water (no soft drink or milk bottles) with water from the source you want analysed.

DO NOT rinse with tap water as this may be high in iron or copper and may distort the results.

If you are testing water from a dam or stream, ensure you collect the water away from the edge and without disturbing the bottom sediments.

Fill the bottle (300ml minimum) to the top and seal immediately. Tape the lid to prevent leakage.

For Bacteria (WT-7) tests, you must send your sample via express post.

More information

For more information, please check out the website (www.swep.com.au) or give us a call at 03 9701 6007.