Impact of Reclaimed Water Irrigation on Soil Health and Plant Growth

Jenn Hoskins
2nd August, 2024

Impact of Reclaimed Water Irrigation on Soil Health and Plant Growth

Image Source: Natural Science News, 2024

Key Findings

  • The study by the International Hellenic University and Hellenic Agricultural Organization Dimitra used reclaimed water from domestic wastewater to irrigate Maize and Lavender
  • Plant biomass significantly increased when irrigated with reclaimed water compared to freshwater
  • Soil microbial diversity remained stable with reclaimed water, but specific microorganisms involved in nutrient cycling were selectively influenced
  • The study suggests reclaimed water can enhance soil fertility and support crop growth without significantly altering overall microbial diversity
The scarcity of freshwater poses significant challenges to agriculture, often necessitating the use of alternative water sources such as reclaimed water. While reclaimed water offers a viable solution by providing water and nutrients to crops, its potential impacts on soil microbial communities remain a subject of investigation. In this investigation by the International Hellenic University and Hellenic Agricultural Organization Dimitra[1], a field experiment was conducted cultivating Maize (Zea mays) and Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), employing irrigation with reclaimed water originating from domestic wastewater, while control samples were irrigated using freshwater. Utilizing high-throughput sequencing, the study assessed the effect of reclaimed water on soil bacteria and fungi. The study revealed that plant biomass exhibited a significant response to treated wastewater. However, alpha diversity metrics of soil microbial communities did not show significant changes in soils irrigated with reclaimed water compared to control samples. This suggests that while the overall diversity of microbial communities was maintained, reclaimed water demonstrated a selective influence on microorganisms associated with nutrient cycling. Co-occurrence network analysis unveiled that reclaimed water may alter soil microbial community structure and stability. These findings align with previous studies on wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) and their microbial communities. For example, the diversity and co-occurrence of fungal communities in WWTPs in Gauteng province, South Africa, highlighted the presence of fungal genera that can be beneficial for bioremediation[2]. Similarly, microbial communities in WWTPs play a crucial role in water purification, with specific bacteria aiding in the removal of organic matter, nitrogen, and phosphorus[3]. The current study builds on these findings by demonstrating that reclaimed water from WWTPs can selectively influence soil microorganisms involved in nutrient cycling, potentially enhancing soil fertility. Additionally, the reuse of treated wastewater for irrigation has been critically reviewed for its possible effects on soil microbiota and the accumulation of contaminants[4]. The current study supports the idea that maintaining a rich and diversified soil microbiota is essential for sustainable wastewater reuse in agriculture. By showing that reclaimed water can selectively influence beneficial microorganisms without significantly altering overall microbial diversity, the study provides evidence that treated wastewater can be a sustainable irrigation source. Despite the positive outcomes, the study emphasizes the need for further investigation into the long-term implications of reclaimed water irrigation. While immediate effects on plant biomass and microbial communities are promising, understanding the cumulative impact over multiple growing seasons is crucial for ensuring the safety and sustainability of this practice. In conclusion, the field experiment conducted by the International Hellenic University and Hellenic Agricultural Organization Dimitra highlights the potential of reclaimed water as an alternative irrigation source. By selectively influencing microorganisms associated with nutrient cycling, reclaimed water can enhance soil fertility and support crop growth. However, further research is needed to fully understand the long-term effects and ensure the sustainable use of reclaimed water in agriculture.

AgricultureEnvironmentPlant Science

References

Main Study

1) Short-term effect of reclaimed water irrigation on soil health, plant growth and the composition of soil microbial communities.

Published 30th July, 2024

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.175107

Related Studies

2) Diversity, Co-occurrence and Implications of Fungal Communities in Wastewater Treatment Plants.

https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-019-50624-z

3) The structure of microbial communities of activated sludge of large-scale wastewater treatment plants in the city of Moscow.

https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-022-07132-4

4) Wastewater reuse in irrigation: a microbiological perspective on implications in soil fertility and human and environmental health.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envint.2014.11.001


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