IMPACTS OF WASTEWATER IRRIGATION ON SOIL PROPERTIES

Wastewater reuse in agriculture is a common practice in developing nations, particularly in urban areas where water scarcity leads farmers to utilize this resource.The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of wastewater irrigation on soil properties.A survey was conducted in various Peri-Urban sites of Jabalpur district (Madhya Pradesh) to assess the sites where wastewater was used as an irrigation resource to study the impact of wastewater irrigation on soil properties.Wastewater and soil samples were collected and analyzed following standard procedures.Parameters like pH, electrical conductivity (EC), and total content of essential nutrients (Ca, Mg, Na, K, Zn, and B) were evaluated for both wastewater and soil.Results revealed that wastewater characteristics were generally favorable for irrigation, with optimum pH and EC values.The pH of irrigated soils was neutral to slightly alkaline and was classified as non-saline, which indicated effective soil buffering capacity.Total potassium, calcium and magnesium contents in soils remained at optimum levels, whereas sodium hazard remained low to medium as indicated by SAR calculations.Though the concentration of zinc and boron in irrigation water was very low, their total content in soil was maintained at optimal levels.The study highlights that wastewater irrigation not only serves as an alternative water source but also contributes to soil fertility without adversely affecting soil properties.These findings support wastewater irrigation as a sustainable agricultural practice, particularly beneficial in water-scarce regions while maintaining soil health.