Characterization of water sources used in rice cultivation based on nitrate, ammonium, phosphate, and potassium content

Abstract

This study evaluated the agrochemical composition of different water sources used in rice cultivation in the Urta Chirchiq district of the Tashkent region, Uzbekistan. Irrigation canal water, rice field water, laboratory tap water, and deionized water were selected as research objects. The concentrations of nitrate (NO₃⁻), ammonium nitrogen (NH₄⁺-N), phosphate (PO₄³⁻), and potassium (K⁺) were determined using the VANSFUL Water Quality Rapid Detection Box rapid colorimetric test kit. The results revealed that phosphate and potassium concentrations were higher in irrigation canal water and rice field water compared to the other water samples. The highest nitrate concentration was detected in tap water, whereas ammonium nitrogen was more abundant in canal and field water. The obtained results indicate that irrigation water contains essential macroelements important for rice nutrition. These findings may serve as a scientific basis for irrigation water quality monitoring and for improving nutrient management strategies in rice cultivation.