Assessment of Soil Salinity and Irrigation Water Quality at Tahtay-Adyabo District, Northwestern Tigray, Ethiopia

Abstract

A study was conducted in Tahtay Adyabo northern Ethiopia to assess the salinity and irrigation water quality at farmer-level irrigation sites in the year of 2012.  irrigation sites was identified and sampling units was assigned. 38 soil samples were collected from 19 plots (Dugub, Endaserawat, Mytewldish, Egum dima, and scattered wells in  Mentebteb district ) at depths of 0-30cm and 30-50cm, along with, 21 water samples from 14 wells and 7 rivers. These samples were then analyzed at the Shire Soil Laboratory for salinity and fertility parameters. The results showed that the salinity status of surface soil at 0-30cm depth for dugub, scattered wells, and Myteweldish was 75% non-saline and 25% slightly saline. For Endaserawat, 50% was slightly saline, 25% moderately saline, and 25% strongly saline. Egum Dima showed 67% slightly saline and 33% moderately saline. In subsurface soil at 30-50cm depth, dugub, scattered wells, and Myteweldish were 75% non-saline and 25% slightly saline, while Endaserawat was 25% slightly saline and 75% moderately saline, and Egum Dima was 67% slightly saline, 16.5% moderately saline, and 16.5% strongly saline. Water analysis for the wells showed that out of 14 samples, 21% were non-saline, 21% were slightly to moderately saline, and 57% were severely saline. For the rivers, out of 7 samples, 43% were slightly to moderately saline and 57% were severely saline. Overall, out of 21 water samples from wells and rivers, 14% were non-saline, 29% were slightly to moderately saline, and 57% were severely saline. In general, the salinity status in Dugub, Endaserawat, Mytewldish, and Egum Dima varies from non-saline to strongly saline, but the severity is more pronounced in Endaserawat and Egum Dima. This salinity is attributed to the parent material and the water table. Crop selection, integration of organic matter, applying extra irrigation water and regular salinity monitoring is recommended, to optimize the productivity of the soils in the irrigation site.