8-Reuse of Wastewater for Crop Irrigation.

Abstract

Paper highlights the importance of domestic and industrial wastewater reuse through crop irrigation for exploitation of food, feed, fodder and fuel production in the country. Role of dynamic multicomponent soil ecosystem in wastewater management through renovation, recycling and reuse of nutrients and water is described for conservation of resources and prevention of environmental pollution. Water quality criteria to evaluate the suitability of wastewater for crop irrigation are discussed in detail based on salinity, sodicity, toxicity and health hazard due to the presence of enteric pathogens in the wastewater. Minimum degree of treatment required for the wastewater and appropriate cropping pattern is suggested to minimise the health hazard and to maximise the reuse benefits. Triangular matrix presented in the paper suggest the suitability of soil, crop and wastewater for reuse through crop irrigation. The paper further describes the importance of appropriate farm management to use the marginal quality wastewater with minimum hazard to soil, plant and human beings.