Irrigation of Sugarcane Fields with Sewage Effluents in Southern Puerto Rico

摘要

Primary and secondary sewage effluent and fresh groundwater were used to irrigate sugarcane fields in southern Puerto Rico. Because of a shortage of surface and groundwater, irrigation water production in this region is low and new sources of water are being urgently sought; it is estimated that production could be doubled if sufficient additional irrigation were available. Two sources of additional water used were the Ponce primary treatment plant effluent (10mgd), and the Fort Allen secondary treatment plant effluent. Ponce primary effluent was found to be generally good for sugarcane irrigation, comparing favorably with groundwater. Fort Allen secondary effluent was not suitable because of high salt content. Plots using sewage effluent were tested to determine their chemical state before and at the end of the study.