Characterization of producers who use wastewater for irrigation of vegetables and forages

Resumen

Objective: To characterize the production systems of the users of Chilhuacán canal waters located in Atlixco, Puebla and to identify the role they play in the persistence of wastewater use in agriculture.

Design/Methodology/Approach: A characterization of regional producers was conducted applying a questionnaire and making field visits to the producers’ plots.

Results: There are seven types of producers who specialize in different types of crops (forages and vegetables); they also use agricultural areas of different sizes (< 3ha, ≤ 6ha and > 6 ha).

Limitations/Implications: Wastewater use in agriculture is a recurring phenomenon in the world (including Mexico). As a result of the low water availability, wastewater is used to irrigate crops for human consumption.

Findings/Conclusions: The awareness of the producers about the impact of this practice is low and they have no interest in the harmful polluting effects on their plots and their health.