Operational Characteristics of a Wastewater Irrigation System
1989
Payne, J. F. | Overman, A. R. | Allhands, M. N. | Leseman, W. G.
The City of Tallahassee, Florida began operation of a new wastewater irrigation system in 1980. The system now includes 13 center pivot units which apply 66 200 mVday (17.5 mgd) onto 700 ha (1750 acres) on Lakeland sandy soil. The soil has been effective in removing suspended solids, biological oxygen demand, bacteria and phosphorus from wastewater applied at 5 cm/week (2 in./week). Soil pH, organic matter, cation exchange capacity and available phosphorus have all increased in the upper soil horizon to increase crop productivity. The farm has been successful in producing high moisture corn, soybeans and forage grasses. The chemistry of the soil had not reached steady state, even after 50 months of irrigation. At this loading rate residence time in the root zone appears to be adequate for nutrient uptake by the crops, paticularly forage grasses which have a deep rooting zone, on highly drained soils. The wastewater irrigation system has achieved the dual function of wastewater renovation and crop production.
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