Hydrochemical characteristics of irrigation return flow in semi-arid regions of Iran

The study area is located on the Harat plain, in the central region of Iran. Four local-soil filled, free-drainage lysimeters were installed in wheat and barley farms operating under traditional farm management practices. The volume, electrical conductivity (EC), nitrate and major ions of the applied irrigation water and irrigation return flow (IRF) were measured during the growing season. The total dissolved solids (TDS) of IRF increased three to five times compared to that of the applied water. This enhancement was the same as for the chloride ion ratio, indicating the major impact of evapotranspiration in IRF salinity enhancement. Geochemical modelling using PHREEQCI confirmed the significant role of evapotranspiration and the minor effects of processes such as calcite precipitation, gypsum dissolution, fertilizer nitrification and ion exchange on the values of the IRF TDS. Time variations of EC were functions of the type of flow (preferential or matrix), lithology and soil type. The controlling parameters of the nitrate time series were the frequent applications of N fertilizer and the nitrification process. The annual N loads (NO3-N) of IRF varied from 22 to 195 kg ha(-1). These variations were due to the different N loads in the applied water, the amount of fertilizer, soil texture, N uptake and volume of IRF. The annual salt loads of IRF were mainly controlled by the volume of IRF.