Integrated groundwater suitability analysis for irrigation purposes: A case study from the Middle Cheliff plain, Algeria

This study evaluates the quality of shallow groundwater in the Middle Cheliff plain, Algeria, to determine its suitability for agricultural irrigation. Twelve groundwater samples were collected and analyzed for physicochemical properties and key irrigation suitability indices, including SAR, %Na, RSC, KR, and PI. Significant spatial variability was observed, with certain areas suitable for irrigation, while most samples exhibited high salinity and sodium levels, restricting their use. Spatial distribution maps, generated using GIS techniques, revealed a deterioration of water quality in western regions, likely influenced by anthropogenic activities such as excessive fertilizer use. Graphical analyses, including the Richard and Wilcox diagrams, further classified water quality from excellent to unsuitable. The integration of GIS provided a powerful tool for visualizing and interpreting spatial patterns of groundwater quality, enabling the identification of priority areas for intervention. These findings highlight the need for sustainable groundwater management practices to address salinity and sodium risks in arid and semi-arid regions. This study underscores the importance of combining traditional hydrochemical analysis with geospatial tools to develop comprehensive strategies for water resource management in agriculture.