June/July 2023
Flow paths in a soil column irrigated with wastewater from the Mezquital Valley north of Mexico City
Cut column of a soil irrigated with wastewater from the Mezquital Valley north of Mexico City (Photo: Heyde).
Brilliant blue was added to the irrigation water during the last irrigation event to stain the flow paths of the water. This method is used to analyze the flowpath of the substances dissolved in the wastewater, such as pharmaceuticals and nutrients. On the surface of the soil column the remains of cilantro can be seen, after harvest for analysis of pollutants and nutrients in the plant biomass.
These investigations are part of the DFG Research Group PARES 5095.
For more information:
Prof. Dr. Jan Siemens, Soil Science and Soil Conservation