Urban wastewater reuse for irrigated agriculture in Jordan: Soil sustainability, perceptions and management

Gemma Carr (1) , S. Nortcliff (1) , R. B. Potter (1)

1 School of Human and Environmental Sciences

Jordan is a country with very limited water resources and urban treated domestic wastewater offers a valuable contribution to the country's water balance. Water reuse is particularly well-suited to irrigated agriculture, for which water is in constant demand. The physical characteristics of the water (high organic content and solute loaded) mean that suitable soil management strategies, such as periodic leaching and nutrient management are required to maintain soil productivity and prevent the accumulation of plant toxic solutes. The effect of water reuse on soil sustainability was investigated by means of soil sampling and analysis combined with interviews with farmers and organisations involved with water reuse. The results reveal that the perception and knowledge of the water is important in the process of decision-making as to the relevant management strategy to be applied. The research stresses that maintaining soil sustainability when reusing water is imperative for agricultural development in Jordan and is achievable through water management both on and off the farm.

Mots clés: Perception; sustainable development; urban water; water management; water re-use

Domaines: Environnement et Société

Gemma Carr, S. Nortcliff, R. B. Potter. Urban wastewater reuse for irrigated agriculture in Jordan: Soil sustainability, perceptions and management. 8th World Wide Workshop for Young Environmental Scientists WWW-YES-2008: Urban waters: resource or risks?, May 2008, Créteil, France. ⟨hal-00593638⟩