Management of Agricultural Drainage Water Quality

There are several concerns about the sustainability of irrigation and drainage projects, many of which are related to the quality and disposal of drainage water. Inadequate drainage and improper drainage water disposal have led to land degradation due to water logging and salinity. There have been instances where saline or high nutrient drainage water has damaged aquatic ecosystems. Drainage continues to be a vital and necessary component of agricultural production systems. In order to enhance the net benefits of drainage system, more attention will need to be given to the water quality impacts of drainage water disposal. This document identifies potential problems and management options in the development, production, treatment and disposal of agricultural drainage water.