Developing a New Foundational Understanding of SAR – Soil Structure Interactions to Provide Management Options for Recycled Water Use in Agriculture

The objective of this project is to elevate the state of knowledge about the impact of salts—especially sodium—in recycled water used for irrigation on soil physical conditions (e.g., infiltration rate and permeability) and the yield and quality of salt-sensitive crops. A guidance document will be produced, including the most practical applications of the results of this project distilled into a solutions-oriented handbook for field use by customers using recycled water for irrigation. Project outcomes will enable current and future users of recycled water to fine tune their irrigation practices and choice of chemicals based on an improved understanding of the potential impacts of available water supplies—especially recycled water. Research partner: California State Water Resources Control Board.