Effects of Alternating Saline Irrigation Strategies and ‎Different ‎Irrigation Amounts on Barley Productivity and Soil Salinity Dynamics ‎in a Semi-Arid Environment

Abstract

Given the scarcity of fresh water in Libya, reliance on brackish water for agriculture has ‎increased, requiring precise irrigation management to mitigate salinity effects. This study ‎evaluated the impact of three irrigation water qualities (4, 4–8, 4–12 dS/m) and three ‎irrigation amounts (80%, 100%, and 120% of water requirements) on barley yield ‎‎(ACSAD 176) and soil salinity over three seasons (2001–2004) in Tripoli. Results ‎showed that grain yield was significantly affected by water quality rather than quantity ‎at the 0.05 significance level. Cyclic irrigation between 4 and 8 dS/m maintained stable ‎productivity, while 12 dS/m led to seasonal declines. No significant yield increase was ‎observed at 120% irrigation levels. Soil monitoring revealed minor seasonal increases ‎without critical salt accumulation, thanks to good soil permeability and natural leaching ‎by winter rains. The findings suggest that sustainable use of brackish water up to 8 dS/m ‎is feasible for barley production on the Libyan coast using appropriate cyclic ‎management.

Keywords:Brackish Water, Barley Yield, Cyclic Irrigation, Soil Salinity Dynamics, Water Requirements

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