THE reuse wateris the reuse of wastewater, that is, it is the reuse of water previously used in commerce, homes and industry through treatment processes. Although this water is of inferior quality, it is widely used in various parts of the world and can also be used in agriculture for irrigation.
O use of recycled water in agriculture can be a very effective strategy to preserve water resources and reduce their indiscriminate use, given that this economic activity is the one that uses the most water in its production process, with about 70% of all consumption in the world.
In addition to providing greater savings in water resources, the reuse of water in agriculture can also serve to serve locations where these resources are scarce or where drought affects crops at certain times of the year. Another advantage is the fact that some of the residual elements that remain in the water after treatment can be beneficial to crops, such as nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus.
On the other hand, it is not in any type of crop that reuse water can be freely used. Depending on its quality, it can only be used in cultures whose products will be processed later, that is, which will not be consumed directly. One example is sugar cane. All of this depends on the quality and origin of the water being reused.
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In the southern region of Brazil, there are cases in which reuse water is used in rice crops in an average of more than 30,000 liters daily, which helps to considerably reduce the pressure on the existing springs in some locations in this region in question.
But the use of recycled water in agriculture does not only occur with treated sewage water. In many cases, rainwater is also reused through some specific but simple techniques. Terracing techniques or rainwater retention techniques are used by means of “barranguinhas”, which capture and store for later use. Not to mention that they also help to absorb water by the soil and reduce runoff, thus avoiding a higher rate of erosion.
As we can see, the reuse of water in agriculture has a series of advantages. In some locations, the use of treated sewage water is a great need. In areas close to large urban centers, water treatment with subsequent application in crops, in addition to ensuring productivity throughout the year and reduce the pressure on water sources, it is effective to prevent the pollution of soils and other water resources caused by the deposition of sewage generated in the cities.
By Me. Rodolfo Alves Pena
Would you like to reference this text in a school or academic work? Look:
PENA, Rodolfo F. Alves. "Water for reuse in agriculture"; Brazil School. Available in: https://brasilescola.uol.com.br/geografia/agua-reuso-na-agricultura.htm. Accessed on June 28, 2021.
