EFFECTS OF IRRIGATION WITH TREATED WASTEWATER ON OLIVE TREES CV CHEMLALI OF SFAX AT THE STATION OF EL HAJEB (SFAX – TUNISIA)

Several agricultural regions of the world suffer of an important hydrous deficit, the resources of water are then limited and it appears that considerations for present and future needs, and the agricultural value of wastewater become of first necessity.
In this frame, the use of the treated wastewater is tested on irrigation of annuals crops in insertion with the olive-trees in the station of El Hajeb.
Olive-trees gave an important yield and a high rate of oil, because they take advantage of this water richness in N. The effect of treated wastewater of chloride-sodic composition on the soil and on the olive-trees, particularly on development and on chemical composition in N of organs was followed in comparison with the not irrigated control.

The results of chemical analysis and observations led us to point out that:

• The changes of chemical composition of soil from sulphate-calcic facies to chloride-sodic one may induce risks of soil salinization,

• The increase of contents in fertilizing elements (N, P) in the different soil layers confers to this water a good fertilizing value,

• The lengthening of branches improves yields,

• The accumulation of N in branches and in leaves of olive-trees irrigated with treated wastewater is, compared to control, more important in branches.

Otherwise, it is noted that in spite of the water contents in chloride-sodic, the olive-trees well known for their resistance to drought and salinity, do not show any sensibility in summer to the high rates of salinity and major elements in the soil.

III International Symposium on Olive Growing

D. Charfi, A. Trigui, K. Medhioub

irrigation, treated wastewater, olive-tree, salinity

https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.1999.474.80