Reuse of treated wastewater in viticulture: Can it be an alternative source of nutrient-rich water?

Abstract

Water scarcity is a global problem, which leads to unprecedented pressure on water supply in arid and semi-arid regions. Treating wastewater is an alternative and valuable water resource, therefore its reuse for agricultural irrigation has been growing worldwide since the beginning of the 21st century. In several regions of the wine-producing countries subject to significant water stress (e.g., Australia, California-USA, Spain), wastewater recycling appears to be the most accessible alternative, both financially and technically, for the agricultural uses that notably not requiring drinking water. Therefore, this research was planned to quantify the contribution of treated wastewater (TWW) to fertilization-needs of the vine, evaluate the impact of irrigation with TWW on the soil, vegetative growth, yield, and wine and grape juice composition. The results provide scientific and technical knowledge on a strategy of water management with high added value. The fertilizer contribution of the TWW would be important, according to the plant's nutrient needs (e.g., in this study 19–39 Unit N, 0.5–1.1 Unit P and 14–28 Unit K ha−1 were supplied with TWW). Ensuring treated wastewater microbiological quality is essential, but without reducing of its nutrients. These nutrients would be a valuable input for crop growth and yield, and could reduce the need to resort for inorganic/synthetic fertilizers. A sustainable use of treated wastewater over the long term would, however, necessitate a good practice guidelines and an integrated vision of treated wastewater quality, crops, irrigation and post-harvest practices.

Sustainability assessment: Testing and validating a hierarchical framework in the Portuguese wine sector context

“…Wine-producing countries, in particular those subject to significant water stress, are today exploring this alternative, as wastewater recycling appears to be both financially and technically sustainable. It is pointed as a strategy of water management with high added value [48]. Even though water recycling and reuse can be implemented by almost any country, in Europe a small percentage of treated wastewater is being reused.…”

“…It is therefore important to ensure that the quality of the reused water is suitable for the intended purpose (irrigation, washing, cleaning, pH adjustment, fire protection, cooling or heating purposes), and that it does not harm the environment or public health when discharged. On the other hand, even though ensuring WW microbiological quality is essential, care should also be taken for not reducing its nutrients (mainly N, P and K) as valuable inputs [48]. Another parameter being measured for this indicator also focus on nutrient recirculation and recovery technologies (classified as KSI as indicator 9C of circularity index is used).…”

Suitability of urban river water for irrigation: the case of the Houet river in Burkina Faso

“…11,53,57,59,61,62 These include macronutrients such as nitrogen compounds, phosphorus and potassium, which contribute to plant tissues growth, roots development, photosynthesis and protein synthesis. 25,62,63 The presence of these elements in water must be controlled as at high concentrations they can hamper crops growth. The variations in Ca 2+ , Mg 2+ , K + , Na + are similar to those found by Senou and al.…”

A Proposed Low-Cost Viticulture Stress Framework for Table Grape Varieties

“…Vineyards can be irrigated by waste water. Etchebarne suggests that in order to maintain quality, especially for the wine grape, growers should maintain a perfect balance between fertilizing factors which are responsible for water quality [48]. We carried out an experiment on water quality and compared their study with other ones derived from the bibliography and showed that the nutrients concentrations and contents of the water could be directly linked to wastewater origins.…”