Évaluation de la salinité des eaux souterraines utilisées en irrigation et risques de dégradation des sols : exemple de la plaine de Meskiana (Nord-Est Algérien)

Abstract

In the plain of Meskiana (North-East of Algeria), under a semi-arid climate, the use of irrigation is inevitable for most crops. Groundwater is therefore being increasingly used.A hydrochemical study was carried out; she has focused on the major elements in the water of the aquifer. Four sampling campaigns were realized over two years (2007-2008). The 39 wells that were analyzed are distributed throughout the plain.The analyses reveal a large diversity of chemical compositions, the samples being divided between four facies: calcium bicarbonate, calcium chloride, sodium chloride and calcium sulfate. The data allowed the mapping of suitable water for irrigation. Water mineralization, which is generally high, carries a risk of soil salinization.

Keywords

• Algeria
• hydrochemistry
• irrigation
• salinization
• Meskiana