The effect of irrigation with wastewater on soil chemical properties and availability of macronutrients (NPK)

Abstract

        In order to know the effect of irrigation with wastewater on some chemical properties of soil and availability of macronutrients NPK, a pot experiment was conducted in one of fields affiliated with Karbala Governorate sewage station using soil with a silty loam texture. A completely randomized design (CRD) was used with two types of irrigation water (wastewater and tap water) and six replicates. Zeya maize seeds of Sumer variety were planted on 1/9/2024. Experiment continued until the male inflorescences appeared on 3/12/2024. Plant and soil samples were taken after the experiment ended. Results showed the following: Soil reaction, electrical conductivity, organic matter, cation exchange capacity, and Sodium adsorption rate increased in soil irrigated with wastewater compared to soil irrigated with tap water. They were 6.80, 7.58 dS m^-1, 18.13 g kg^-1, 13.15 C.mol kg^-1, and 1.286 (mmol L^-1) ½, respectively. Concentrations of Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium in soil increased as a result of irrigation with wastewater, reaching 10.70, 22.10, and 98.00 mg kg^-1, respectively.