An eight-year study in Oman has found that treated wastewater could have real potential for agricultural use, particularly in water-stressed and increasingly saline farming areas. Conducted by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources in cooperation with Nama Water Services at the Al Rumais Non-Conventional Water Research Farm in Barka, the research found that Omani lemon trees irrigated with regenerated water maintained growth and production comparable to trees receiving desalinated groundwater. Researchers also found that the treated water supplied measurable nutrients, while soil and fruit quality remained broadly comparable, although periodic monitoring and careful irrigation and drainage management remain essential. The ministry is now working with Nama to expand the research and guidance programme and extend regenerated-water supplies to farmers in Al Shakhakhit, Barka, supporting the longer-term goal of strengthening sustainable agriculture and restoring parts of the Batinah Plainβs agricultural belt
