Brackish groundwater and reverse osmosis concentrate influence soil physical and thermal properties and pecan evapotranspiration

The use of brackish groundwater (BGW) to supplement irrigation shortfalls has increased because decreasing surface water availability in the arid areas southern United States. Reuse reverse osmosis (RO) concentrate, a by-product resulting from desalination BGW, can increase portfolio. This 2-yr greenhouse study aimed quantify changes physical and thermal soil properties, evapotranspiration (ET) rate pecan [Carya illinoinensis (Wangenh.) K. Koch] irrigated with BGW RO concentrate. Another objective was predict conductivity (K) using electrical (EC) volumetric content (VWC) data 2017–2018. Three treatments four replications were prepared namely, control (EC = 0.8 dS m−1), 4.0 concentrate 8.0 m−1). Soil properties determined texture, moisture content, bulk density, hydraulic conductivity, retention. Thermal measured (K), diffusivity (D), resistivity (ρ), heat capacity (C). ET leaching fractions (LF) balance. Pecan had lowest among treatments. conductivities contents pots higher than control. However, increases increasing salinity most pronounced. new parameters-based model EC VWC explained 96% variability K (average R2 .96, RMSE 0.096, normalized [NRMSE] 11.14%). sensitivity analysis showed that contribution greater EC. Results indicate continuous be done for up 1 yr. A scheduling protocol based on optimal LF is needed sustain production New Mexico.