QUALITY OF THE IRRIGATION WATER IN TWO ZONES OF TABASCO, MEXICO, WITH POTENTIAL TO CULTIVATE OIL PALM (Elaeis guineensis Jacq)

Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate the quality of irrigation water in lands with aptitude for the cultivation of oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) in two areas of Balancán and Tenosique, Tabasco, México. The information about the irrigation infrastructure and the bodies of water in the study area was gathered and integrated into a database and maps, to feed the Geographic Information System (GIS). For the map elaboration of the location of the bodies of water, 36 ortophotos taken in 2003 were digitalized. Sixteen (16) samples of 1 L of water were gathered on the bank of the Usumacinta River, for their later analysis and classification. The results indicated that most of it is of good quality and can be used for the irrigation of oil palm and other crops. Only four are conditioned by the Relation of Sodium Absorption (RSA), three for chlorides, three for boron, and one more for the content of Residual Sodium Carbonate (RSC).