Effect of low‐cost irrigation methods on microbial contamination of lettuce irrigated with untreated wastewater

Urban Farm DB summary

The effectiveness of low-cost irrigation methods (drip irrigation kits, furrow irrigation, and watering cans) in reducing contamination of lettuce irrigated with untreated wastewater in urban farming in Ghana was assessed. Analysis of 396 lettuce, 72 soil, 15 poultry manure, and 32 water samples revealed that lettuce irrigated with drip irrigation kits had the lowest contamination levels, with an average of 4 log units per 100g fewer thermotolerant coliforms than those irrigated with watering cans. However, drip kits often clogged, required lower crop densities, and restricted other routine farm activities.