An evaluation of the effects of changing wastewater irrigation regime for the production of alfalfa (Medicago sativa)

The purpose of this study was to explore the effects of improving the quality and reducing the quantity of wastewater used to irrigate alfalfa. These effects were measured in terms of vegetative matter production and composition, and soil and leachate quality. The Tula Valley, which has been irrigated with wastewater from Mexico City for over 100 years, was used as a focus for the investigations. Greenhouse experiments were conducted using columns of soil and a crop of alfalfa. Two different water qualities were compared under three irrigation rates.