Wastewater reuse in the irrigation of Kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L) as a strategy for combating desertification

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter

Abstract

Combating desertification, a marked problem in countries located in the Mediterranean regions, such as Portugal, Spain and Italy, encompasses the management of water resources and the conservation of soil properties, factors that are essential to ensure food and water security and biological and landscape diversity. Moreover, it was considered that erosion and water availability are of greater concern in these regions. Establishing vegetation on land may be advantageous insofar as it reduces the air dispersion and runoff provides coverage to wildlife, introduce improvements in the visual impact, and can even allow an economically viable crop. Kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) is a short day, annual, herbaceous plant producing high quality cellulose. As a high yielding plant, is also a potential energy crop, presenting a high water and nutrient use efficiency with a deep, dense and extensive root system, important for the restoration of soil fertility and to slow down wind and water erosion. In this context, the purpose of this work was to test the use of treated wastewaters containing different concentrations of ammonium ion in the irrigation of kenaf. The plant was shown specificity on the wastewater phytodepuration, especially at 15 mg dm-3 (NH4), being capable to incorporate biomass at an average rate of 15 g day-1 m -2 , suitable for the production of bioenergy and fiber, involving low water consumption, in a short time period and with low production costs. In this framework the use of kenaf irrigated with wastewater as a strategy for combating desertification is modeled and discussed.
Original languageUnknown
Title of host publicationSoil bioengineering and Land management - New Challenges
EditorsJosé Matos Silva, Carla Rolo Antunes, Carlo Bifulco
Place of PublicationLisboa
PublisherAPENA
Pages231-238
ISBN (Electronic)978-989-20-4788-1
ISBN (Print)978-989-20-4788-1
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jan 2014
EventCascais World Forum 2012, Soil Bioengineering and land management, New challenges, Sustaining Our Land, Water and Life in Changing Climate, II Congress APENA, VII Congress AEIP, VI Congress EFIB -
Duration: 1 Jan 2014 → …

Publication series

NameII Congress APENA, VII Congress AEIP, VI Congress EFIB
PublisherAPENA

Conference

ConferenceCascais World Forum 2012, Soil Bioengineering and land management, New challenges, Sustaining Our Land, Water and Life in Changing Climate, II Congress APENA, VII Congress AEIP, VI Congress EFIB
Period1/01/14 → …

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