Abstract

In this study, the temporal variation in the levels and quality of groundwater in the agricultural areas in the Menemen Left Bank irrigation system in the south-east of the Gediz River was determined. In the irrigation area near the Aegean Sea, vineyards, vegetable and fruit farming is widespread and groundwater is used as irrigation water. 65 groundwater observation wells were sunk in the research area to determine the suitability of water for irrigation. The water levels in these wells were measured and water samples were taken in 2011 and 2012 in the rainy season (January and April), before the irrigation season (June), during the irrigation season (August), and after the irrigation season (October). In the study years, the monthly average groundwater levels were 106-172 cm, EC values were 1.84-2.40 dSm-1 , pH values were 7.6-8.0, the total amount of dissolved matter (TDM) was 1177-1542 mgl - 1 , Cl values were 5.5-13.9 mel-1 , SAR values were 3-5, RSC values were 0.3-2.0 mel- 1 , the B value was 0.9-1.5 ppm, NO3-N was 10.5-15.8 ppm, and total P was 0.1-0.4 mgl-1 . Results showed that the groundwater of the research area was generally Class II, with high RSC, Cl, B and total P content in 10-30% of it. The groundwater level was found to be above 150 cm in approximately 66% of the area, but in the rainy season (January) and in the irrigation season (August) it rose above 90 cm. In order to solve agricultural problems arising from groundwater, checking the existing field drainage systems in the study area, performing maintenance and repair of nonfunctioning systems and installation of the new systems in the areas with no drainage system can be presented as a recommendation.

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