Abstract:
A variety of ecological, social, and economic problems arise as a result of
agricultural operations such irrigation, the application of fertilizers and pesticides, and
the livestock farming. The tank cascade system (TCS) in Sri Lanka also can affect
groundwater dynamics. The implementation of unsustainable agricultural activities in
TCS has the potential to significantly affect ground water quality and quantity. In
response to this pressing issue, a comprehensive literature review was conducted with
the dual goals of (a) bringing together existing knowledge about the agricultural ac-
tivities impact on groundwater quality and quantity and (b) providing an invaluable
resource for policymakers, researchers, and stakeholders dedicated to promoting sus-
tainable agriculture and safeguarding groundwater resources. This review focused on
English-language publications published in major academic journals and investigated
more than 50 scientific studies that were published between 2000 and 2022. In order
to investigate the various impacts of agricultural operations on both the quality and
quantity of groundwater, these investigations were subjected to rigorous examination
and extensive assessment. The review uncovered information on the different ele-
ments that affect groundwater quality, including trace element mobility from soil to
aquifers, pesticide infiltration, and fertilizer discharge. Investigating the mechanisms
underlying these processes provided information on the fate and mobility of contam-
inants as well as their potential long-term effects on ecosystems and human health.
This review examined the simultaneous effects of groundwater management strate-
gies, land use changes, and irrigation practices on groundwater quantity. Furthermore,
a complete understanding of the hydrological effects of expanded agriculture was pro-
vided by its investigation of the dynamics of groundwater recharge, depletion, and
natural aquifer system alteration. The review also highlighted regional variations in
how agricultural operations affect groundwater, highlighting the significance of geo-
graphical and geological variability. This review highlights the urgent ecological
challenges in agriculture, offering crucial insights for sustainable practices and
groundwater preservation.
