Articles
MANAGEMENT OF SALINE AND/OR RECYCLED WATER FOR IRRIGATED HORTICULTURE
Article number
792_12
Pages
123 – 134
Language
English
Abstract
Horticultural production depends on the availability of water, a precious but finite resource.
As the worlds water resources become increasingly strained efficient irrigation becomes more critical.
Competition from alternate water users (e.g. urban, industrial, environmental) has resulted in the expectation that potable water is used for drinking purposes and lesser quality water is utilised in irrigation.
This is referred to as ‘fit-for-purpose’ use and is logical – water is used for a purpose to which it best suited, frequently being reused or recycled.
However, water that is not of drinking standard from a human health perspective often also has salts as a major contaminant.
High salinity levels may be derived from the landscape, treated wastewater or industrial sources.
Horticultural crops are commonly sensitive to salinity and therefore specific standards and management practices must be adopted when irrigating with high salinity water.
This paper describes the underpinning knowledge associated with the use of recycled and/or saline water and some of the key management strategies.
As the worlds water resources become increasingly strained efficient irrigation becomes more critical.
Competition from alternate water users (e.g. urban, industrial, environmental) has resulted in the expectation that potable water is used for drinking purposes and lesser quality water is utilised in irrigation.
This is referred to as ‘fit-for-purpose’ use and is logical – water is used for a purpose to which it best suited, frequently being reused or recycled.
However, water that is not of drinking standard from a human health perspective often also has salts as a major contaminant.
High salinity levels may be derived from the landscape, treated wastewater or industrial sources.
Horticultural crops are commonly sensitive to salinity and therefore specific standards and management practices must be adopted when irrigating with high salinity water.
This paper describes the underpinning knowledge associated with the use of recycled and/or saline water and some of the key management strategies.
Authors
A.-M. Boland
Keywords
surface water, ground water, reuse, recycling, contaminants, management options, irrigation
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