Effects of Irrigation Water Quality on Growth and Nutrient Intake of Alfalfa

Abstract：Pot experiments were conducted to study the effects of different irrigation water treatments(sewage and reclaimed water) on Alfalfa growth and nutrient intake.The results indicated that sewage and reclaimed water increased stem length and yield comparing with the treatment of fresh water.Sewage irrigation also inhibited root growth of Alfalfa.Effect of irrigation water quality on Alfalfa K content was not remarkable at the first clipping,but sewage and reclaimed water irrigation showed higher K contents than fresh water irrigation by 33.05% and 40.68% at the second clipping,and by 12.90% and 23.39% at the third clipping.Compared with fresh water irrigation,sewage and reclaimed water irrigation significantly increased Alfalfa Ca contents at the first clipping,however at the second and third clipping,Ca content under sewage and reclaimed water irrigation treatments were lower than fresh water irrigation.Accordingly,sewage shouldn’t be used for irrigation,but after mixed or rotational with fresh water,it can properly decrease the adverse effects;reclaimed water can be used as a source of irrigation in Alfalfa growth for a short period of time and their long-term effect should be concerned.