Impact of Irrigation Practices on Soil Physicochemical Properties of Josepdam Irrigation Scheme

Abstract

The importance of irrigation practice in food production cannot be over-emphasised, however irrigation practices impact soils and other environmental parameters negatively. This necessitates the need for continuous monitoring of the impacts of irrigation on soils and the general environment. A study was carried out on the Josepdam Irrigation Scheme (JIS) located in Bacita, Ilorin, Nigeria. This study was limited to the impact assessment of irrigation practices on the soil physical and chemical properties. Soil samples were collected from irrigated lands at depths 0-20, 20-80 and 80-120 cm from 8 OLs on JIS using soil auger. During each season of collection, samples were kept in polyethylene bags and transported within 24 hours to the laboratory for analyses. The samples were analysed immediately according to ISRIC-FAO procedures for pH, Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC), Exchangeable Sodium Percent (ESP), Mg2+, Ca2+, Na+ and Sodium Adsorption Ratio (SAR). The results indicated that the soil texture was sandy loam and sandy clay loam, In JIS, the pH of 7.2 at inception reduced to 4.6; SAR increased from 0.4 to 2.14 meq1/2 and CEC increased from 18 to 26 cmolkg-1. The impacts of irrigation on the soil was determined. The results of these evaluations were compared with FAO standards and past research results.