Water Knowledge Hub

Clemson Extension: Collecting samples for Agricultural Irrigation Water Quality Testing

Covers proper water sampling for both row crop producers and turfgrass managers. Highlights why regular testing is necessary for identifying salinity, pH, and potential chemical or microbial contamination issues.

Colorado State University Extension: Irrigation Water Quality

Explains how total salts (EC), sodium/SAR, pH and specific ions influence crop productivity and long-term nutrient management.

Oklahoma State University Extension: Classification of Irrigation Water Quality

Details how accumulation of salts and sodium from poor-quality water impact soil structure and root function, leading to crop decline.

Penn State Extension: Water Testing

Recommends annual testing to check pH, alkalinity, mineral levels to help plan fertilizer amendments and water treatments.

Penn State Extension: Interpreting Irrigation Water Tests

Details why all irrigation water should be tested for parameters such as pH, alkalinity, conductivity, hardness, chloride, and sodium, as well as nutrients and trace elements. Provides example tables for interpreting test results and how they relate to nutrient availability and plant toxicity risks.

Penn State Extension: Is Irrigation Water Quality Causing Yield Reductions

Explains how water quality issues such as salts and high EC (electrical conductivity lead to poor plant growth, yield losses and soil degradation.

Rutgers University Extension: Using Irrigation Water Tests to Predict and Prevent Clogging of Drip Irrigation Problems

Explains how water tests evaluate suitability and help prevent issues such as emitter clogging and nutrient imbalances

Texas A&M Extension: Irrigation Water Quality Testing

Covers standards, monitoring and remediation options for various water contaminants.

University of Massachusetts Extension: Water Quality for Crop Production

Recommends water testing to ensure suitability for plant growth because contaminants and suboptimal chemistry can directly impact nutrient uptake and growth.

Utah State University Extension: Irrigation Water Quality Sampling Guide

Outlines best practices for sampling and testing irrigation water.  Address implications of test results for nutrient management and water compatibility.

Texas A&M Extension: Treating Irrigation Water

Discusses acid injection to neutralize high alkalinity/pH in irrigation water.

University of Florida/IFAS: Practical Guide for Adjusting Fertigation Water pH

Covers acidifying/adjusting techniques for irrigation water pH to prevent carbonate/bicarbonate-induced precipitation and to improve micronutrient availability.

Utah State University Extension: Managing Saline and Sodic Soils and Irrigation Water

Stepwise guide to restoring productivity to saline/sodic soils.

Oregon State University Extension: Managing Irrigation Water Quality for Crop Production in the Pacific Northwest

Provides a working example for calculating how much gypsum to inject to drop SAR and estimates resulting EC increase.

Oregon State University Extension: Managing Salt-Affected Soils for Crop Production

Describes how injecting gypsum into irrigation water increases calcium, EC and SAR.

Purdue University Extension: Irrigation Water Quality and Corn Production

Advises adding soluble calcium such as gypsum to decrease SAR.

University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources: Can Gypsum Improve Water Penetration

Recommends apply gypsum to irrigation water at 500-1,000 lb per acre foot.

Washington State University Extension: Does Wetter Water Make Fatter Wallets?  Using Soil Wetting agents

Provides practical overview of water-repellant soils and how soil surfactants change irrigation water infiltration and redistribution.

Colorado State University Extension: Irrigation Water Quality Criteria

Explains valuation and steps to mitigate high salt or sodium in irrigation water including specific crop guidelines.

Oklahoma State University Extension: Classification of Irrigation Water Quality

Details how accumulation of salts and sodium from poor quality irrigation water impairs soil structure and root function.

Penn State Extension: Is Irrigation Water Quality Causing Yield Reductions?

Explains how water quality issues such as salts, high EC lead to poor plant growth yield losses and soil degradation.

Utah State University Extension: Managing Saline and Sodic Soils and Irrigation Water

Explains causes, results and remedies for sodic soils relating to poor quality irrigation water.

Texas A&M University Extension: Irrigation Water Quality

Covers how irrigation water quality is determined by total amounts of salts and the types of salts the water contains. Identifies what problems salty water can cause and how to manage salinity.

Maximize Plant-Available SOP and KMS 

Explains how to deliver more plant-available potassium, sulfur, and magnesium to directly to the root zone.

The role of Water-Soluble Potassium and Calcium

Highlights the importance and role of early season water soluble potassium and calcium.

Best Practice Application Timing for Water-Soluble SOP

Summarizes key growth stages when potassium is most needed for premium fruits and vegetables.

A Post-Harvest Drink

Spotlights the importance of replenishing soil moisture and nutrient reserves after harvest and benefits for the coming season.

Maximize the Effectiveness of Water-Soluble SOP and KMS Applications

Details how to increase efficiency with automated applicator systems.

Choosing the Right Applicator System

Spotlights important considerations when choosing irrigation system applicators.

Reducing Fertigation Costs and Maintenance