IS GREY WATER BAD FOR PLANTS?

Is greywater bad for the plants around your camp?

Grey water that you create when camping is not damaging to plants.

Campers often want to know whether the water they throw out on the vegetation around their camp, can damage the plants.

Greywater is wastewater that is generated from household activities such as bathing, washing clothes, and dishwashing. It is different from black water, which is generated from toilets and contains human waste.

Grey water can be treated and reused for non-potable purposes such as watering gardens, flushing toilets, and washing cars. In this article, we will discuss the effect of greywater on vegetation and how it can be used safely to irrigate plants.

Effect of grey water on plants

Several studies have shown that grey water can benefit plants when used appropriately.

The use of grey water in irrigation increases the yield of crops such as maize, beans, and cowpeas. The study also showed that greywater irrigation increased soil fertility and reduced the need for chemical fertilizers.

Research done in South Africa (pdf download) showed that greywater irrigation had a minimal contribution to heavy metal concentration build-up in soil and therefore greywater does not solely pollute the soil and pose an environmental risk to the soil.

The same research showed that greywater irrigation increased yields of onions and spinach, but in the case of other vegetable crops such as cabbages and carrots, there was no effect on the yields. However, greywater reduced yields in the case of beetroot and lettuce.

A study published in the Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology found that greywater irrigation improved the growth and yield of lettuce and basil plants. The study also showed that greywater irrigation increased the content of nitrogen and phosphorus in the soil, which are essential nutrients for plant growth.

If greywater is not a threat to vegetables, it is not a threat to wild plants around your campsite.

If you want to know whether you can dispose of your camping water on the surrounding vegetation, you may want to find out what your cleaning chemicals and soaps contain. If your grey water contains salts and acids it could be bad for plants, mainly when it is disposed of in the same place repeatedly.

Using grey water safely

To use grey water safely for irrigation, it is important to follow some guidelines, but when disposing of your used camping water, you should not feel guilty when you water the surrounding plants with it.

Grey water should preferably be discarded on non-edible plants, such as ornamental plants and trees. Grey water should not be used on vegetable gardens or fruit trees repeatedly, as it can pose a risk of contamination if it accumulates in the soil.

Secondly, grey water should be used in moderation and should be applied to a different area every time. Overuse of grey water can lead to salt buildup in the soil, which can harm plants.

Thirdly, it is important to use low-sodium detergents and cleaning products, as high levels of sodium (salt) can harm plants and increase soil salinity (the concentration of dissolved mineral salts).

Conclusion

There is no reason campers cannot dispose of their washing water in the vegetation around their campsite as grey water can be a beneficial source of water for plants when used appropriately.

It can increase soil fertility, reduce the need for chemical fertilizers, and improve plant growth and yield. However, it is important to use grey water safely and follow guidelines to prevent harm to plants and the environment.

It may be a good camping habit to throw out the grey water in a different place every time to allow the soil enough time to more effectively cope with it.

But keep in mind it does not apply to your other wastewater!

6 March 2023: Added after a comment by Dan Muller on the Lankstaan Kampers Facebook group:

Fats and oils are essential components of our diet, providing us with energy and aiding in the absorption of certain vitamins.

However, when these substances are discarded improperly, they can have negative effects on the environment, particularly in the case of camping sites in South Africa.

When fats and oils are disposed of improperly, they can cause significant pollution. When oils are poured down sinks, they can cause blockages in pipes and wastewater treatment systems. In addition, when they are discarded outside, they can leach into soil and groundwater, polluting these resources.

When it comes to camping sites in South Africa, oils and fats can have a negative impact on vegetation in the area.

Vegetable oils, in particular, have been found to affect the physical and chemical properties of sandy soil and plant growth. One study found that when vegetable oil residue was added to soil after soil extraction, it reduced soil porosity and increased soil density, ultimately decreasing plant growth.

Moreover, the improper disposal of fats and oils can have a significant impact on aquatic life. When these substances are discarded in water bodies, they can coat the surface of the water, preventing oxygen from reaching aquatic plants and animals. This can lead to the suffocation and death of aquatic organisms.

Used cooking oil should be placed in a sealed container and disposed of in the trash. It is important to never pour cooking oil down the drain or leave it outside, as this can result in environmental pollution.

The improper disposal of fats and oils can have negative effects on both the environment and aquatic life. It is essential to dispose of these substances properly, whether through recycling or proper disposal in the trash.

By being vigilant about our surroundings and realizing that Nature cannot repair and replenish faster than we damage, we can protect the environment and preserve the natural beauty of South African camping sites.