This study is the fifth part of a program established in 1974 to obtain a chemical-quality data base for irrigaion waters of western Kansas.

The primary objective of this study is a set of unified ground water chemical quality data for irrigation wells of the hydrogeologic observational network in west-central Kansas, i.e., southern Wallace, Greeley, Wichita, Scott, and Lane Counties. Compiled chemical quality data and chemical quality contour maps for the area of study are presented. This report represents the first of a program directed toward establishing base line chemical quality data for irrigation waters in western Kansas.

The utilization of irrigation waters in Kansas has increased dramatically since the drought period of the 1950's. With this development has come the need for information which can be used in the determination of compatability of groundwater with soils and crops and in the management of groundwater systems tapped for agricultural purposes. An important component of this information is the chemical character of the waters under consideration. The chemical quality data contained in this report show that groundwater presently in use from the Arkansas River Valley in Kearny, Hamilton, and Finney Counties and a band north of the river in Finney County is of sufficiently poor quality that it could produce adverse effects upon soils and crop yields with uncontroled long term usage. In most cases, poorer quality groundwater is associated with the presence of saline soils and shallow water tables.

This study represents the fourth year of a program begun in 1974 to establish chemical quality base-level data for irrigation waters of western Kansas.

This study presents the third part of a program begun in 1974 to establish chemical quality base-line data for irrigation of western Kansas.