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Soil Physicochemical Changes as Modulated by Treated Wastewater after Medium-and Long-Term Irrigations: A Case Study from Tunisia

Author

Listed:
  • Sinda Bekir

    (Laboratory of Eremology and Combating Desertification, Arid Regions Institute, University of Gabes, Medenine 4119, Tunisia)

  • Rahma Inès Zoghlami

    (Laboratory of Eremology and Combating Desertification, Arid Regions Institute, University of Gabes, Medenine 4119, Tunisia
    National Institut of Agronomic Research, Laboratory of Agricultural Sciences and Techniques, Rue HédiKarray, Cp1004 Menzah 1, Ariana 2049, Tunisia
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Khaoula Boudabbous

    (Horticultural Sciences Laboratory, LR13AGR01, National Agronomic Institute of Tunisia, University of Carthage, Tunis-Mahragene 1082, Tunisia
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Mohamed Naceur Khelil

    (National Research Institute of Rural Engineering, Water and Forestry, University of Carthage, LR 7 16INRGREF02, LR Valorization of Unconventional Waters, 17 Rue HédiKarray, 8 BP No. 10, Ariana 2080, Tunisia)

  • Mohammed Moussa

    (Laboratory of Eremology and Combating Desertification, Arid Regions Institute, University of Gabes, Medenine 4119, Tunisia)

  • Rim Ghrib

    (National Research Institute of Rural Engineering, Water and Forestry, University of Carthage, LR 7 16INRGREF02, LR Valorization of Unconventional Waters, 17 Rue HédiKarray, 8 BP No. 10, Ariana 2080, Tunisia)

  • Oumaima Nahdi

    (Horticultural Sciences Laboratory, LR13AGR01, National Agronomic Institute of Tunisia, University of Carthage, Tunis-Mahragene 1082, Tunisia)

  • Emna Trabelsi

    (Horticultural Sciences Laboratory, LR13AGR01, National Agronomic Institute of Tunisia, University of Carthage, Tunis-Mahragene 1082, Tunisia)

  • Habib Bousnina

    (Laboratory of Eremology and Combating Desertification, Arid Regions Institute, University of Gabes, Medenine 4119, Tunisia)

Abstract

Treated wastewater (TWW) is considered as an alternative for agricultural irrigation. The aim of this study was to understand the medium- and long-term effects of TWW on soil physicochemical parameters. Two perimeters (P 1 and P 2 )receiving TWW for 38 and 20 years, respectively, in Tunisiawere selected for study. In each perimeter, two water types were adopted: TWW and groundwater (GW). Soil physicochemical traits (pH, EC, and concentrations of Na + , K + , Ca 2+ , and Mg 2+ ) were measured up to 100 cm, and three indexes were calculated: sodium adsorption ratio (SAR), cation ratio of structural stability (CROSS), and cation exchange capacity (CEC). Overall, all soil parameters were significantly affected in the irrigation area using GW. However, in the case of TWW, only the pH was found to be affected, increasing by 4.7% from P 1 to P 2 . Moreover, compared to GW, TWW enhanced the soil salinity by 127%, particularly at deeper subsoils. More interestingly, the results revealed an accumulation of Mg 2+ , Ca 2+ , and K + and a depletion of Na + at the soil surface. Notably, TWW showed the lowest CROSS and SAR indexes, indicating the benefits of applying TWW even after long-term use in improving soil physicochemical parameters such as sodicity and structural stability. Our results provide valuable information for decision-makers to use wastewater in irrigated marginal soils.

Suggested Citation

  • Sinda Bekir & Rahma Inès Zoghlami & Khaoula Boudabbous & Mohamed Naceur Khelil & Mohammed Moussa & Rim Ghrib & Oumaima Nahdi & Emna Trabelsi & Habib Bousnina, 2022. "Soil Physicochemical Changes as Modulated by Treated Wastewater after Medium-and Long-Term Irrigations: A Case Study from Tunisia," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 12(12), pages 1-14, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jagris:v:12:y:2022:i:12:p:2139-:d:1001550
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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