Effects of Wastewater Irrigation on the Growth of Two Bean Spices and Soil Chemical Properties under Greenhouse Conditions

Abstract

This study has the objectives to evaluate the short-term effect of different dilutions of the wastewater on the chemical properties of sandy loam and sandy clay soils in two bean species under greenhouse condition. The effect of the irrigation with different wastewater dilutions on the bean crops and their chemical properties were studied. The results showed that the irrigation with wastewater reduced the pH in the sandy loam soil significantly in comparison with sandy clay soil, and this could be due to lower buffering capacity of sandy loam soil as compared to sandy clay soil registering a change in pH increasing. Available N, P and K status, OC and metallic cation content were significantly higher in sandy clay than in sandy loam soils. Generally, sewage water irrigation improved chemical properties and fertility status of both soils. The metallic cations contamination of the bean crops were observed below the maximum permissible limit. However, several folds have been built of metallic cations in soils, fronds and grain of the bean crops indicating that it is possible to increase the metallic cations contamination beyond maximum permissible limit if the waste water is continuously used for irrigating for a long time.