This research had the objective of studying the quality of irrigation water, especially confined to Jandaira calcareous aquifer, in melon producing region of the municipal districts of Mossoró, Barauna and other surrounding areas. The results of 45 complete analyses (electrical conductivity, pH and concentrations of Ca2+, K+, Cl- , HCO3- and CO3(2-)) of water samples belonging to different places, located in the study region were used. The water used for the irrigation collected from tubular wells presented high levels of salinity, varying from 1.25 to 3.00 dS m-1. Different areas exist, each one with different salinity values and obstruction risks. In some areas, the salinity and toxicity of the chloride may affect in a significant way the yield of sensitive crops. All analyzed water samples presented low sodicity and high alkalinity.
water quality; salinited; alkalinity
