Vinten, A.J.A., Agricultural Research Organization, The Volcani Center, Bet Dagan, Israel
Mingelgrin, U., Agricultural Research Organization, The Volcani Center, Bet Dagan, Israel
Yaron, B., Agricultural Research Organization, The Volcani Center, Bet Dagan, Israel

A method for labelling of suspended solids in sewage effluent is used to trace the distribution of deposited solids in three soils following leaching with effluent. This distribution is related to the effect of sewage effluent application on the soil hydraulic conductivity. A sand, a sandy loam, and a loessial silt loam were studied. The reduction in relative hydraulic conductivity was greatest for the silt loam. This was due to accumulation of solids at the soil surface. In the sand little deposition of solids in the soil and little change in hydraulic conductivity occurred. Results indicate that with proper management sewage effluent can be used for irrigation without causing problems due to lack of soil permeability.