Sustainable Water Resource Management: Issues, Challenges & Solutions

Schoenoplectus lacustris (L.) Palla, locally called Kouna, is a crucial macrophyte for the handicraft industry in Manipur. The water quality of agricultural fields is a critical determinant of both environmental sustainability and agricultural productivity for the plant. This study evaluates the water quality status of the Kouna fields in Khangabok, Manipur, through a seasonal analysis of physico-chemical parameters. Three Kouna fields were selected in Khangabok and studied to examine the influence of agricultural practices, including the use of fertilisers and other non-point sources of pollution, on water quality. The Irrigation Water Quality Index (IWQI) is tabulated for a single, comprehensive value to assess the suitability of water for irrigation purposes and understand potential risks to crop yields and soil health associated with the water's chemical composition. Results regarding the IWQI, Na% lie within the permissible limit of irrigation water quality for every season. However, the SAR (Sodium Adsorption Ratio) and the Magnesium hazard (MH) of the water show “Severe” and “Unsuitable”, which concludes with an unsuitable water quality for irrigation that can be detrimental to the Kouna cultivation and production in the long run. This research highlights the importance of interdisciplinary approaches combining agronomy, environmental science, and sustainable agriculture to address the challenges of nutrient management. Further research can explore the phytoremedial capacity of the Kouna plant, which can be examined with a broader scope and parameters in the future.