Barka:Oman's Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources has affirmed that using "tertiary-treated" wastewater, known as "reclaimed water," is a key component of their sustainability strategy for agricultural activities in salinity-affected regions. This initiative aims to restore parts of the green agricultural strip in the Al Batinah plain.

According to Oman News Agency, a comprehensive Omani scientific study was conducted in partnership with Nama Water Services at the Non-Conventional Water Research Farm in Al Rumais, located in the Wilayat of Barka, South Al Batinah Governorate. The study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of reclaimed water in irrigating Omani lime trees (Citrus aurantiifolia), a traditional citrus crop of economic and cultural importance in Oman.

Eng. Alya Al Hinai, a Soil and Water Researcher at the Soil and Water Research Center, highlighted that the study compared fields irrigated with reclaimed water to those using desalinated groundwater under similar conditions. Over eight years, researchers monitored various indicators related to water, soil, plants, and fruit.

The findings revealed that lime trees irrigated with reclaimed water maintained comparable growth and production levels to those using desalinated groundwater. This supports the potential use of reclaimed water in sustaining lime cultivation under the study's conditions.

Additionally, the study found that reclaimed water not only provides hydration but also contains measurable amounts of nutrients such as nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus, potentially adding value to this water resource. However, the exact fertilizer contribution of these nutrients was not quantified.

Regarding soil impact, the study noted an increase in salinity during certain periods, though it was not cumulative or continuous, as levels decreased in subsequent seasons. Some sodium indicators did show an increase, emphasizing the need for long-term monitoring and effective irrigation and drainage management. Despite these findings, the study did not indicate any deterioration in soil structure.