SUBSURFACE WATER QUALITY FROM SAND POINT OF IRRIGATION AND LIVESTOCK-A CASE STUDY OF OYO NORTH AGRICULTURAL DEPARTMENT PROJECT SOUTH WEST NIGERIA
Water quality is one of the basic parameters in agricultural development in any nation for sustainable growth. Subsurface water quality is always present a major challenge considering the fact that there are a lot of pollution associated with its sources. The study was undertaken in Shaki Southwestern Nigeria to assess the current irrigation practice and also to evaluate through a selected but strategic sampling points in the study area the subsurface water quality for irrigated agriculture. Auger sampling - Screw auger was driven into the soil to a depth of 15cm to collect soil samples in the field. Field studies were conducted at the Oyo North Agricultural Development Project, Shaki Sourth Western Nigeria to evaluate the quality of subsurface water resources in relation to irrigation and livestock usage. Based on data from 22 wells, 15 soil samples, seasonal consumption of water for 10 major crops and extensive hydrological analysis of data collated it was established that alkalinity and sodium hazards are low, hence the ground water of the study area is suitable for irrigation. Excessive boron level might restrict the usage of the ground water for certain crops. Maximum values of ECw and SAR is 2.8mmoh/cm and 3.4 respectively. Alkalinity and salinity hazards are low (fit for irrigation). All the water in the study area falls under the classes of C1 � S1 to C4 � S4. ECw, TDS, TH values are 8mmoh/cm, 133ppm and 10.10ppm respectively. Concentration of boron in 2/3 of the study area is higher than permissible limit for irrigation. Available water is 31x103ML while irrigation water requirement is 31.4x103ML. About 10,000 HA can be brought under irrigation. Out of the samples of water analyzed 45% exceeded the level of boron stipulated for livestock drinking water.
Authors : Faruk, A.H., Malgwi, G.S. and Songodoyin, A.Y.
Category : Open Access Volume (Issue) : 11(2) Date Uploaded : 23rd July 2025