Electronic Pulses as an Anti-Clogging Strategy for Drip Fertigation with Saltworks Bittern in Semi-Arid Regions

Diluted solar saltworks effluent, applied via fertigation, can contribute to circular economy strategies by recycling nutrients and reducing the environmental impact associated with the disposal of hypersaline effluents. However, its adoption in drip irrigation systems is still limited, as are its effects on emitter performance. This study investigated whether electronic pulses could mitigate emitter clogging by applying dilution of saltworks bittern. Three systems (freshwater + saltworks bittern + electronic pulses; freshwater without electronic pulses; and freshwater + saltworks bittern without electronic pulses) were evaluated in Mossoró, Brazil, using three emitter designs over 0–320 h. Water physicochemical properties and hydraulic performance were monitored, and deposits were characterized by SEM—EDS and FTIR. Electronic pulses did not change bulk water chemistry but were associated with lower total suspended solids. Clogging risk was mainly related to alkaline pH, high electrical conductivity, and elevated Ca2+ and Mg2+ concentrations, which kept effluent dilutions within a high-risk range. Untreated effluent reduced irrigation uniformity, whereas treated effluent performed similarly to supply water. Electronic pulses reduced deposit complexity and the severity of critical events but did not eliminate clogging, and responses dependent on the emitter labyrinth’s geometry.