The impact of irrigation return flow on seasonal groundwater recharge in northwestern Bangladesh

Irrigation is vital in Bangladesh order to meet the growing food demand as a result of increasing population. During dry season, groundwater irrigation main source water for agriculture. However, excessive abstraction causes level depletion. At same time, loss from could end up contributing aquifer recharge return flow. Therefore, investigating influence on important sustainable management this resource. This study aims assess impact northwest Rajshahi district Bangladesh. A semi-physically based balance model was used simulate spatially distributed with two scenarios (with and without irrigation). To evaluate effect irrigation, recharges these were compared. The showed that use increased over period whereas, there persistent trend decrease during period. Groundwater provides 91% overall area. average, about 33% total becomes flow contributes season. around 98% season region. seasonal varies 305 401 mm. In brief, has significant role area Hence, proper measurement are necessary resource