Land Treatment of Wastewater in Southeastern Michigan.
Abstract
The purpose of this investigation was to assemble and interpret data which could be used to develop irrigation zones for the purpose of wastewater utilization by land application as an alternative method of treating effluent from the Detroit area. The following major conclusions were reached in this study: The principal crops that will be grown under irrigation in Southeastern Michigan are: corn, beans (this will include both navy beans and soybeans with location controlling which is grown); wheat and other small grains; and alfalfa-brome hay. Major problems may be encountered with both percolation rates and drainage of some of the fine-textured soils in certain areas. For these soils the conclusion reached was that 12.5 inches of water per acre per year would be the maximum that could be applied. This would be designed to offset the moisture deficit during the summer months. Phosphorus adsorbing capacity of the soils will only limit application rates on the sandy soils. In these cases the application rate should be limited to 40 inches of water per year if the phosphorus content is 7 ppm P. The total application of water in the Southeastern 25 counties is approximately 68 million acre inches per year. This would mean that more than one-third of the potentially available area would need to be developed to receive wastewater from the Detroit area.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 1973
- Accession Number
- ADA041125
Entities
Organizations
- Michigan State University