why sea water cannot be used for irrigation ?
Answers
Answer:
Seawater is not fit for agricultural purpose as the high saline level may result in losing the fertility of the land.In addition,using seawater in crops may lead to plant disorder like chlorosis. Because of these reasons, seawater cannot be used in agriculture.
Explanation:
In any of the water used for irrigation activities, the major constituents considered are dissolved solids present in it. The optimum Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) for plant growth & developments are less than 2100 mg/l. Both WHO & IS standards permits the above limit for irrigation.
The sea water contains mainly Sodium Chloride up to a range of 45,000 - 60,000 mg/l and the same is not at all suitable for irrigation. The high salinity content in irrigation water will restrict the plant growth & most species dies when there is high salt content in water.
In the coastal belt of sea, only mangroves and highly salinity resistant plants will survive and no other species will grow. Out of the total water available in our planet, the sea water constitutes almost 97% and usable drinking & irrigation water is only 3%. Out of these 3% almost 2.6% are solidified in the form of ice & can’t be available for human consumption's & irrigation needs. The usable water is practically < 0.4% only.