Effects of wastewater irrigation on soil properties and turfgrass growth

Abstract

Reuse of treated wastewater for turf irrigation is often viewed as one way to maximize existing urban water resources. The aim of this study is to evaluate the applicability of treated wastewater for turfgrass and assess the effects of continuous use of treated water on the soil and crop. Two turfgrass plots irrigated with drinking water and treated wastewater were monitored over a two-year period. Physical and chemical parameters in the soil and foliar tissue were analyzed. Plants irrigated with treated wastewater had highest sodium content. There were no negative effects with respect to changes in soil pH but a significant increase in electrical conductivity and sodium content was observed in wastewater-irrigated soil. Treated wastewater could be used as a resource for agricultural irrigation since it contributes phosphorus and organic matter. However, it is necessary to consider that several crops could be negatively affected by wastewater irrigation because of the sodium content and this should be taken into account when water-sprinklers are in use, since this is the case in the present study. The benefits of irrigation with treated urban wastewater include contributing plant nutrients to turfgrass while conserving freshwater.

Impacts of Abattoir Waste-Water Irrigation on Soil Fertility and Productivity

“…Sparkling et al [54] noticed that wastewater irrigation significantly increases the annual and total herbage production and by up taking high N and P from soils. Similar results obtained by [55] concluded that wastewater irrigation has positive impacts on plant growth and development (crop height).…”

Understanding farmers’ preferences for wastewater reuse frameworks in agricultural irrigation: lessons from a choice experiment in the Western Cape, South Africa

“…One reason why respondents in Segment 2 tend to disagree might be linked to the fact that more farmers in this segment currently use treated effluent compared to Segment 1; therefore, they advocated for this practice and they did not want to reveal possible negative effects on the soil. However, it has been demonstrated that extended use of treated effluent can increase electrical conductivity and sodium content in soils (Castro et al, 2011). Additionally, it can have consequences for groundwater, resulting in potential contamination with faecal coliforms and parasite ova (El Lateef et al, 2006).…”

Effect of Treated Waste Water Irrigation on Plant Growth and Soil Properties in Gaza Strip, Palestine

“…They concluded that amending soil with sewage sludge modified the physicochemical properties of soils, and might contaminate ground water, stock ponds, or produce food chain contamination from eating food grown in sludge-treated land. Castro et al [7] studied the effects of wastewater irrigation on turfgrass growth, and reported that plants irrigated with treated wastewater had the highest sodium content. Pritchard et al [8] investigated the risks of the environment and food crops that may come from land application of sewage sludge in Australia.…”