Using bamboo (Bambusa vulgaris) as a field drainage material in Nigeria

Abstract

Bamboo (Bambusa vulgaris), one of the most widespread member of its genus, was used as field drainage material in Akure, Nigeria. Pre-determined sizes of bamboo with uniform lengths and diameters were installed as sub-drains in agricultural field for drainage purposes, especially in developing countries like Nigeria. Soil properties such as the moisture content, bulk density, specific gravity and classification were determined. Though, with low efficiency, R-value ~0.2, the use of bamboo for agricultural land drainage looks promising. Further work on variations in drain holes diameter, slope, envelope materials and treatment of bamboo to increase its efficiency and also prolong its lifespan would be considered. Finally, it was concluded that the use of bamboo has enormous potential for alleviating many environmental problems facing the world today.

Keywords: Bamboo, drain outflow, drainage, outflow rate.