Experimental study of wastewater irrigation influence on soil parameters evolution and tomato crop
Abstract
The influence of irrigation water quality on soil physical and chemical properties and tomato crop yield was assessed in this study. Two types of soil (sandy loam and clay loam) and three types of water (Fresh water FW, Raw wastewater RWW and treated wastewater TWW) were used to irrigate tomato crop cultivated in 6 PVC columns. During the experiment, laboratory analysis and measurements for irrigation water, soil, drainage water and tomato crop were performed. The results showed that the application of wastewater increased soil salinity and soil bulk density, decreased pH and soil porosity. High concentration of cooper was measured in RWW used for irrigation. The analysis of cooper in drainage water and tomato crop showed that it was absorbed by soil particles and not by plant.
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Irrigation with wastewater was beneficial in increasing tomato yield without affecting the fruit with heavy metals.From this study, we concluded that the real effect of irrigation with wastewater on soil and crops will appear in long term period.