Fertility Status of Soils under Irrigation along the Jakara Stream in Metropolitan Kano

Abstract

This study was conducted on the irrigated lands along the banks of the Jakara Stream in metropolitan Kano, with the aim of assessing its fertility level. Two sites (Hajj Camp and Magami) were selected based on concentration of irrigation activity and irrigation water source. Grid sampling was employed in which 100m² of land was selected in each area and divided into ten equally sized grid cells of 1m². Five samples were collected from each cell to a depth of 20cm from the surface using an auger, and the five samples were mixed up to make a composite sample. Analytical methods were employed in determining the levels of various fertility related parameters. The fertility parameters determined were organic carbon, organic matter, CEC, exchangeable bases (K, Ca, Mg and Na), total nitrogen, pH and available phosphorus. Analysis of the data obtained shows that values fell between medium to low fertility level except for organic matter at Hajj Camp which was high. On the whole, results of the research revealed soils of marginal fertility when USDA/NRSC (2001) guideline for soil quality assessment was adopted and values were compared with those recommended by Landon (1991).

Key words: Quality, Soil, Fertility, Jakara Stream, Irrigation