ABSTRACT
Soil chemistry and irrigation water chemistry are closely related, and both must be monitored because all elements and chemicals contained in the water will eventually end up in the soil(Stowell and Gelernter, 1998). Several approaches should be considered when monitoring existing or developing problems related to the use of poor-quality irrigation water and subsequent problems that develop within the soil. Options include visual observations; use of portable hand-held field monitoring equipment; mobile monitoring approaches; in-place sensors; and regularly scheduled comprehensive analysis of water, soil, and plant tissue samples by an accredited agricultural water/soil/tissue-testing laboratory. Historical records of the monitoring and testing results on a site-specific basis must also be maintained to document changes in soil and water chemistry over time as well as changes resulting from amendment and management programs.
