SOIL Studies

SOIL Studies

2020, Vol 9, Num, 2     (Pages: 122-129)

Water Quality and Two-Way Effects in Terms of Animal Production

Mesut Yıldırır 1

1 Soil, Fertilizer and Water Resources Central Research Institute, Ankara

DOI: 10.21657/ topraksu.780468
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The use of safe, quality water sources as drinking water in livestock production is essential. Effects of livestock production on water sources by potential runoff and contamination is an environmental concern. A total of 628 water quality analyzes, carried out in Ankara province during three years (2017-2019), were evaluated in terms of animal production. In addition, the potential effects of animal production and manure management practices on water resources were evaluated. Water physicochemical properties of; total dissolved solids (TDS), pH, calcium, sodium, magnesium, sulfate and boron were evaluated. Based on the results obtained in the water analyze reports, the possible effects of water quality properties on animal production were discussed. In terms of salinity, the mean concentration of TDS was 1003,07±75,54 mg/l. TDS values above 3.000 mg/l were observed in 36 samples (5,7%) in total above the upper limit recommended for various livestock species.

According to livestock requirements water samples of; 4,9% above upper limit of 1.000 mg/l for sulfate; 1,0% was above 9,0 pH, and 7,5% exceed upper limit for boron. It was found that TDS hazards are low, hence the water of the study area is suitable for livestock usage. Excessive boron levels might restrict the usage of the study area for livestock. Ankara province represent around the mean value of livestock unit (LU) in Turkey as 0,25 LU/ha and 560.838 LU in a total of 16,02 million LU in Turkey. Livestock density ranged from 0,08 LU/ha to 0,75 LU/ha between districts. Especially in the high density areas, manure depots should be monitored, planned, necessary precautions should be taken in a way to minimize the effects on water resources and to prevent water contamination.


Keywords : Animal density, livestock unit, water quality, water pollution