ASSESSMENT OF SOIL QUALITY IRRIGATED WITH SURFACE WATER, IN ARGUNGU LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA
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ASSESSMENT OF SOIL QUALITY IRRIGATED WITH SURFACE WATER, IN ARGUNGU LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA
ABSTRACT
Nigeria is a big country with a wide range of climate and agroecological zones. Horticultural crops include vegetables, fresh legumes, fruit trees, ornamental plants, plantation crops, medicinal and fragrant plants, and spices.
The current study was carried out in Argungu local government area, Kebbi state, with the goal of determining the impact of surface water-irrigated soil quality on the production of horticultural crops, specifically onions and tomatoes.
The study’s results were acquired from two sources: soil and water sample analysis and a questionnaire designed to examine farmers’ perceptions of the factors influencing horticultural crop production in Argungu.
Soil samples were obtained from 10 small-scale farms at depths of 0-15, 15-30, and 30-40 cm, with 5 farms using surface water and the remaining 5 using ground water for irrigation. Six water samples were obtained during the dry and wet seasons, three from surface sources (dams) and three from subsurface normal wells.
The soil and water samples were analysed in the laboratory for a variety of factors. Using the questionnaire, fifty-six small garden holders (10%) were interviewed at random.
The data was analysed using statistical mean comparisons based on the T-test in Excel and SPSS. The study’s findings showed that water sources, both subsurface and surface, did not differ considerably and had chemical values that were appropriate for irrigation and crop development.
However, the concentrations of bicarbonates were quite high (between 50-135mg/L), although the concentrations of other chemicals (Na, Ca, Mg, K, and even EC and TDS) were well within the permissible limits for use. For example, the EC of water and soil extracts ranged from 0.03-0.1 and 0.38-0.01 dS/m, respectively.
The pH of surface water ranged from 7.38 to 7.68, whereas subsurface water was somewhat acidic (6.98-6.69). The soils were generally of low fertility, with very low levels of N, P, and, in some cases, K. Farmers’ perceptions of horticultural crop productivity were typically poor, with inadequate education and a lack of fertiliser inputs.
Chapter one
1.0 Introduction
1.1 General Background Information
Nigeria is a big country with a wide range of climate and agroecological zones. The country is abundant in plant genetic resources. However, these plant genetic resources are being eroded as mechanised agriculture spreads throughout Central, Eastern, and Western Nigeria’s rainy plains.
Horticultural crops include vegetables, fresh legumes, fruit trees, ornamental plants, plantation crops, medicinal and fragrant plants, and spices. Horticultural acreage in Nigeria is estimated at 273,000 hectares, accounting for around 3% of total crop area and contributing 12% to national production, compared to 21% for food grains and 8% for oil seeds (Ahmed, 2002).
Horticultural crop growers face many of the same management concerns as other producers. Although horticulture crops differ significantly, all require professional management to produce a high-quality result.
These crops rely substantially on effective soil, water, and nutrient management, as well as pest control. Water availability is the most important constraint on agricultural grade production in Western Nigeria.
This study was conducted in the Argungu local government region of Kebbi state to evaluate the soil and water resources used by farmers to grow horticulture crops (vegetables and fruits).
1.2 Statement of Problem
Kebbi state does not have a significant supply of horticultural items, hence it always imports some from adjacent states. Local yields are around 4 t/fed for vegetables, 4-5 t/fed for potatoes, 4 t/fed for tomatoes, and 6 t/fed for onions.
The low yield is due to poor water quality and soil sterility in the region. For example, high salts have an effect on nitrogen uptake from the soil. Poor water quality with excess salts affects plants in a variety of ways during irrigation, but the most prevalent issues are caused by salts, which disrupt the osmotic interaction between roots and soil moisture.
1.3 Justification and importance of the study
In Kebbi state, the water used by small-scale farmers to produce horticulture crops such as vegetables and fruits has an impact on onion and tomato output, whether in terms of quantity or quality. Soil has the same effect on crops as water because of its salt content and poor farming techniques.
There is a need to examine the water quality from diverse sources, such as surface and ground water, which are utilised to irrigate the area’s horticulture crops. Equally crucial will be the assessment of soil sustainability in terms of salt levels and their effects on horticultural crops.
This study is useful in shedding insight on the impact of water quality and soil productivity on horticultural crop output in the area. Vegetable and fruit production is thriving, providing income to farmers, serving as a key component of the human diet, and showing great promise for export.
To satisfy the country’s strategic aim of increasing export revenues while still growing enough quantities for fresh consumption and processing, yield per unit area must be increased and quality improved.
1.4 Objectives of the Research
The basic goal of this study is to analyse the quality of water used for irrigation and soil qualities for the production of onion and tomato in Argungu-Kebbi state, Nigeria, while the specific aims are:
To examine water’s chemical characteristics and their impact on horticultural crop productivity.
To evaluate the physical-chemical qualities of soils utilised by farmers for agricultural production.
To compare the chemical qualities of water sources used for irrigation (ground and surface water) on the soil
To evaluate the farmer’s opinion of onion and tomato productivity in relation to water sources used for irrigation and other
1.5 Research Hypothesis
Most horticultural crop production is influenced by the chemical characteristics of irrigation water.
Crop performance is affected by soil quality, including chemical and physical qualities.
The chemical characteristics of water sources (ground and surface water) affect soil qualities in diverse ways.
Farmers have insufficient understanding about horticultural crop production in terms of water use for irrigation and other
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