Abstract
This study is based on the quality of wastewater from Hawassa University surroundings, which was assessed to determine its suitability for irrigation purposes during 2019. Grab samples of influent and the treated water were taken for assessing for quality parameters. The study revealed that the treated water could be used for irrigation purpose with some moderate restrictions. Even though Electrical Conductivity (EC) and Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) permit to irrigate fruit trees and fodder crops, there is a risk of soil degradation due to high value of Sodium Adsorption Ratio (SAR). Results also indicated that carbonate, potassium and phosphate exceeded the specified limits for wastewater reuse in agriculture. Despite increased nutritive elements, continuous use of treated sewage water for irrigation will make the soil acidic. Analysis of soil parameters indicated that there is an increase in nitrogen, phosphate and potassium nutrient levels considerably to benefit crop production but increase in soil EC is a serious concern.
 Int. J. Agril. Res. Innov. Tech. 10(2): 59-65, December 2020
Highlights
Water, a prime nutrient, which sustains life and it is the most important compound to the ecosystem and is often the limiting factor for successful crop production
Analysis of soil parameters indicated that there is an increase in nitrogen, phosphate and potassium nutrient levels considerably to benefit crop production but increase in soil Electrical Conductivity (EC) is a serious concern
The rate of decrease in rainfall is 1.76% and 8.9% based on 10 and 5 years average. This implies that the rate of decrease is increasing year by year resulting severe impact on agriculture and land management practices
Summary
A prime nutrient, which sustains life and it is the most important compound to the ecosystem and is often the limiting factor for successful crop production. Water quality concerns have often been neglected because good quality water supplies have been plentiful and readily available (Shamsad and Islam, 2005; Islam and Shamsad, 2010). The chemical constituents of irrigation water can affect plant growth directly through toxicity or deficiency, or indirectly by altering plant availability of nutrients (Ayers and Westcot, 1985). In this respect, the reuse of sewage effluent for irrigation purpose seems to be the most promising method to reduce dependability to other water resources and reduce environmental degradation. Various studies have revealed that the nutrient supply only by TSE irrigation was not sufficient to meet plant nutrient requirements resulting in yield decreases
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