Embedded Files
To promote sustainable agriculture through water reuse, it is necessary to consider crop feasibility by evaluating agronomic criteria for specific crop types. This evaluation can help limit the concentration of certain elements in the water or adapt agricultural practices to crops that are tolerant of the elements present in the water.
Fruits and vegetables
Considering the agricultural activity within the Mediterranean region, some species of fruits and vegetables have been assessed in the context of tolerance to certain elements.
These data serve only as a guide to relative tolerances between crops. Absolute tolerances vary depending on crop varieties, climate, soil conditions and cultural practices.
Crops relatively tolerant
Crops relatively sensitive
Crops may be especially sensitive to high levels of salts, chloride, boron, nitrogen, phosphorus and heavy metals, possibly present in irrigation water.
The yield potential of some crops will be affected by the tolerance of the crop to the presence (at different concentration levels) of the "toxic elements". Within this tool, guidance is provided to support farmers in the decision-making process of crop selection or adaptation to water quality.
Sources:
Grieve, C., Grattan S,. and Maas, E. 2012. Plant Salt Tolerance. ASCE Manual and Reports on Engineering practice Nº71. Agricultural Salinity Assessment and Management (2nd Edition). ASCE, Reston, VA. Chapter 13. Pp: 405-459
Ayers R.S., and Westcot, D.W. 1985. Water quality for agriculture. FAO Irrigation and drainage paper 29. Rev 1.
Rhoades, J.D., Kandiah, A. and Mashali, A.M. 1992. The use of saline waters for crop production. FAO Irrigation and drainage paper 48.
Additional to this information, other crops and suggested limits for certain elements are presented on the Risk assessment section (Tab: Crop criteria- Google sheets)
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse