BayG.A.P. SERVICE PROGRAM MODULE 3
Water conditions:
• Avoid contamination of water sources and
ways, and minimize pollution where possible
(e.g. avoid untreated farm effluents)
• Minimize water runoff by installation of counter-
measures (such as conservation tillage,
terraces, raised ridges, etc.), particularly after
spreading fertilizers and pesticides
• Balance irrigation to minimize the potential for
soil salinization
• Avoid the use of untreated sewage water in
any case
• ...
Post-harvest:
• Grow and harvest clean vegetables and thus
reduce the volume of soil that needs to be
washed off
• Brush/scrape any solid dirt away before
washing down, the amount of water used
can be reduced significantly
• Recycle and reuse wash water in case of
crop wash
• Use pressurized washing water to improve
cleaning power and efficiency
• Remember: Recycle and re-use water where
water of high quality is not required, instead
of letting water go to waste!
• ...
Beware: If wastewater is applied for irrigation purposes, potential health risks may occur if water is not
adequately treated up-front. When effluent is used for irrigation, prevent workers and harvested crops
from contamination. Safety assured, effluent can be recycled to seize given nutrients. In case of using
treated sewage or collected water, water quality must be analyzed and must meet the WHO Guide-
lines for the Safe Use of Wastewater and Excreta in Agriculture and Aquaculture 1989. Farmers should
demonstrate compliance (based on analysis evidence) with the WHO guideline for irrigation water to be
sure to avoid potential hazards and/or contamination.
Never use untreated sewage for irrigation/fertigation.
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