Effects of Long-Term Wastewater Irrigation on Soil Properties

Abstract

ABSTRACT The use of wastewater for irrigation is increasingly being considered as a technical solution to minimize soil degradation and to restore nutrient contents of soils. This study describes changes in soil and plant nutrient contents after long-term irrigation with wastewater. Application of wastewater increased salinity and decreased pH. Several beneficial changes were observed including an increase in organic matter, N, concentrations of major cations and heavy metals of soils. Wastewater increased N, P, Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, B, Mo and Cd contents of cabbage (Brassica olerecea var. Capitate cv. Yalova-1) and potato (Solanum tuberosum) plants. In order to avoid undesirable side effects due to salinity and toxic concentrations of metals from the application of wastewater to soil, it is necessary to determine the effects of wastewater concentration in long-term periods.