Irrigation Water Quality in Tank Cascade Landscapes in Sri Lanka

Tank cascade system (TCS) has been recognized as a globally important agricultural heritage system by the FAO. It is unique water storage and supply system used in Sri Lanka since the third century BCE, and the water is mainly utilized for irrigation and domestic purposes. Moreover, it maintains the water content of the soil and groundwater, control soil erosion, and keep the ecological balance. During the last few decades, usage of both tank water and groundwater has been increased rapidly to cater to the growing demand of water for intensive agricultural purposes and domestic activities. This has led to deteriorating the water quality in the tank cascade landscape in the dry zone of Sri Lanka. It highlights the need to examine both the quality and quantity of irrigation water in tank cascade landscape. This book provides a broad overview of the standard analytical procedures of water quality analysis, assessment of hazards, classification of irrigation water, and mapping of spatial variation of irrigation water in tank cascade landscape.