Water scarcity has led to increased interest in alternative irrigation sources such as treated municipal wastewater. This study evaluates the effectiveness of treated wastewater for irrigating a short-duration crop, okra (Abelmoschus esculents), compared with groundwater. Physico-chemical characteristics of both water sources were analysed, and their effects on soil nutrients, plant growth, and yield were assessed over a six-week period. Results indicated that treated wastewater contained higher levels of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, leading to improved plant growth and a 20–22% increase in yield compared to groundwater irrigation. Soil fertility also improved significantly under wastewater irrigation. However, slightly elevated electrical conductivity suggests the need for long-term monitoring. The study concludes that treated municipal wastewater can be a sustainable irrigation alternative for short-duration crops with proper management.

Treated municipal wastewater can be effectively used for irrigating short-duration crops such as okra. It improves soil fertility, enhances plant growth, and increases yield. With proper treatment and monitoring, wastewater reuse offers a sustainable solution to water scarcity in agriculture.This study assessed the application of treated municipal wastewater for irrigating a short term crop and compared its effects with conventional groundwater irrigation. The main findings include: Treated wastewater met irrigation water quality standards and had higher nutrient levels compared to municipal wastewater for irrigating a short-term crop(Okra) and compared its effects with conventional standards and had higher nutrient levels compared to groundwater. Soil nutrient content improved after wastewater irrigation, with increased organic matter and available nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Yield improvement of 21% demonstrates the potential for wastewater reuse in agriculture.

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