Critical parameters for maize yield under irrigation farming in the savanna zone of kwara state, Nigeria.

Abstract

This study examines the critical variables that determine maize yield under irrigation farming in the savanna ecological zone of Kwara State. Seventy-five soil samples were randomly collected from irrigation farm of Oke-Oyi irrigation project of the Lower Niger River Basin Development Authority Ilorin and bulked into 15 samples. In addition, copies of structured questionnaire were distributed to 15 irrigation farmers whose farm plots were
sampled. The soils were analysed using standard laboratory techniques. Correlation analysis was used to establish the relationships among the soil and socio-economic variables, Stepwise regression analysis was employed to identify the critical soil and socio-economic parameters responsible for maize yield. The result of the regression model revealed that Fertiliser and Volume of water are the two critical input parameters for maize yield under irrigation. They both account for 69% of the variation in the quantity of maize produced while fertiliser alone accounts for 54%of the total variance in maize yield.
Key words: maize, yield, irrigation, savanna soil

Ethiopian Journal of Environmental Studies and Management Vol. 1 (3) 2008: pp. 32-39