Foliar response of woody ornamentals to sprinkler irrigation with reuse water

This experiment examined foliar damage associated with sprinkle irrigation of reuse water. Reuse water, municipal water and a synthesized saline water were applied via sprinkler irrigation to 20 ornamental tree species. A visual damage index was created based on canopy and leaf level characteristics to assess damage. The index rated species tolerance to reuse water applied directly to the foliage. After 15 months of treatment, most species had higher index values (greater stress) when sprinkle irrigated with reuse or saline water. Six species even showed significant damage when spray irrigated with municipal water. Internal normalized tissue Na concentration (reuse-municipal) was the only ion tested that correlated with normalized index values. Higher cuticular wax levels were associated with time and with the reuse and saline treatments, suggesting a possible stress response. Only 7 of the 20 species tested would be recommended for landscapes sprinkle irrigated with reuse water.