ISHS Acta Horticulturae 1416: EHC2024: International Symposium on Sustainable Vegetable Production from Seed to Health Booster Sources
Effects of civil reclaimed wastewater for the irrigation of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) and zucchini (Cucurbita pepo L.) in open field |
| Authors: | R. Calí, N. Al Achkar, G.F. Rizzo, V. Scavera, S. Barresi, M. Milani, G. Cirelli, F. Branca |
| Keywords: | sustainability, production, water depuration |
| DOI: | 10.17660/ActaHortic.2025.1416.74 |
| Abstract:
As consequence of global warming, the scarcity of water availability for agricultural purpose is becoming a real threat and a critical point, especially for the Mediterranean countries. New water resources and strategies to optimize the available water resources are therefore needed. Within the framework of sustainable water resource management and the promotion of eco-friendly agriculture, this study aims to assess the effectiveness of civil reclaimed wastewater from a constructed wetland for the irrigation of horticultural crops. The reclaimed wastewater (RW) was used in the irrigation of zucchini (Cucurbita pepo L.) ‘Sayonara’ and lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) ‘Flavius’. During the growing season of summer 2023 in open field conditions in Scicli, Italy. The field was divided into two sections: one irrigated with conventional water (CW) and the other with RW. The plants were characterized at maturity for their major agronomic traits. The results showed a significant impact of irrigation water type on crop yield and fruit weight. Plants irrigated with RW demonstrated higher productivity compared to those irrigated with CW for both crops. Particularly, a significant increase in fruit weight was observed in zucchini irrigated with constructed wetland treated wastewater. Regarding lettuce, besides increased yield, a higher number of leaves were recorded in plants irrigated with constructed wetland treated wastewater. These findings indicate that constructed wetland treated wastewater represents a valuable and sustainable resource for agricultural irrigation, contributing to water resource conservation and the promotion of eco-friendly agricultural practices. The utilization of such water sources could constitute an effective strategy in addressing challenges related to water availability and food production, with potential long-term environmental and economic benefits. | |
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