The effect of wastewater treatment plant water on the nodulation and nutrients in alfalfa plants (Medicago sativa L.)

It is aimed to investigate the effects of different rates of treated watewater on the nodule development, agronimic properties, plant nutrients and heavy metal content of Bilensoy cultivar of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.). The study was carried out with three replications in randomized plots, as a pot experiment. 100% pure water was applied to the control plot. Treated wastewate was applied at the rates of 25% wastewater + 75% pure water, 50% wastewater + 50% pure water and 75% wastewater + 25% pure water. While the number of active nodules decreased significantly with wastewater applications, the number of plant emergence, the number of withdrawals at the end of the trial, the green and dry weight (g / plant) and the root wet and dry weight (g / plant) were not affected. The P, K, Mg, Ca, Cu, Zn, Fe, Na, Co, Mo content of the herbage was not affected, only Mn content of herbage was effected significantly. The decrease in the Al and As content of the herbage and the increase in the Cd were significant. The Cr, Ni, Pb and Se concentrations of the herb were not affected. However, the increase in root concentration in Mn and the decrease in Mo concentration were significant. While treatment water has no effect on soil pH, organic matter, nitrate, sulfate and lime content, its effect on EC was significant. Other than Na, the macro, micro and heavy metal contents of the soil examined were not affected. In general, macro and micronutrient elelments and heavy metal concentrations of the soil decreased numerically. Urban treated wastewater is not recommended for use in alfalfa irrigation, as it prevents nodule formation and increases Na concentration.