Effects of greywater irrigation on germination, growth and photosynthetic characteristics in selected African leafy vegetables

Abstract

The reuse of greywater, wastewater from sources other than toilets, could enable low-income households to save potable water for drinking and cooking. Greywater irrigation of food crops is widely practised but its effects on African leafy vegetables (ALVs), which hold potential for cultivation to improve food security, are unknown. This study investigated the effects of synthetic greywater irrigation on germination in three ALVs, viz., Amaranthus dubius, Cleome gynandra and Solanum nigrum , and subsequent seedling growth in A. dubius and S. nigrum . Seeds and seedlings were treated with chlorinated and dechlorinated greywater and tap water, supplemented with nutrients. Greywater application decreased germination capacity (by 23–25%) when assessed in Petri dishes in A. dubius only. However, greywater application was less harmful to A. dubius seeds sown in soil. Vigour was compromised in greywater-treated seeds of all three species but greywater can be used to irrigate freshly-sown seeds of A. dubius without reducing percentage seedling production.

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