Abstract
In several Swedish wastewater treatment plants, an improved level of water treatment has been achieved through irrigation of short-rotation willow ( Salix viminalis) coppice (SRWC) with secondary or tertiary treated wastewater. The spatial variation in above-ground growth in two unevenly wastewater-irrigated SRWC fields in southernmost Sweden was measured during 3 consecutive years. Wastewater was distributed on the soil surface through pipes with emitters spaced at distances varying from 10 to 21 m. During the first year of irrigation, a very marked gradient in growth developed, with stools (i.e. resprouted stubs) standing within 2 m of wastewater emitters growing several times faster than those standing 5 m or more away. This situation prevailed after three growing seasons with wastewater irrigation, indicating that any redistribution of plant roots towards the emitters was insufficient for a spatial levelling of the growth. We conclude that, in order to promote growth and fully utilize the treatment potential of SRWC, wastewater should be applied fairly evenly, i.e. through emitters at spacings of less than 5 m.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.