Treated Sewage Water Use in Irrigated Agriculture

Use of treated sewage water in Jordan is not a new idea. Advantages and disadvantages should be studied. However, what kind of research is then needed? We need research that integrates Gamma and Beta sciences, farmers and scientists, and the environment and agricultural production. Prototyping, a mix of experimental farm research and agronomic designing is an answer to those needs. We focused on designing, testing and improving theoretical prototypes of treated sewage water use in irrigated agriculture. Lessons, methods, techniques and recommendations gained from many experiments done on treated sewage water use in crop production in Mediterranean countries were integrated and introduced into farming methods. Farmers started the conversion process and learned how to deal with treated sewage water for irrigation. The purpose of this study is to design treated sewage water use in irrigated agriculture and to teach farmers to rely on their own skills and information. In particular, we created a situation of farm system research. Farmers had to do the job, facilitated by researchers. Farmer and facilitator tried to find a new balance between economical and socio-environmental goals.