Changes in physical and hydraulic properties of a clay soil due to the irrigation of tomatoes with recycled wastewater

Abstract

This study was carried out investigate the effect of treated wastewater on the physical, chemical and hydraulic properties of the soil in Bingöl conditions during 2013 and 2014 years. In this study physical (bulk density, particle density, porosity, wet aggregate stability) and hydraulic properties (field capacity, wilting point, available water content, infiltration) of the soil did not change significantly under different irrigation practices. However, the porosity, available water content, and infiltration improved partly under partial root-zone drying practice with 50% water shortage. Wet aggregate stability in surface soil increased significantly with wastewater treatment. Wastewater reduced the stable infiltration rate significantly as well. Although the physical and hydraulic properties improved when compared with the pre-planting values, the wastewater treatment could not provide sustainable important effects in a short-time period.