Effects of wastewater irrigation on soil properties and turfgrass growth

摘要

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