Seasonal variation in soil properties of an irrigated farm at the Institute for Agricultural Research (IAR) Samaru Zaria, Nigeria

Abstract

Soil properties of an irrigated farm at the Institute for Agriculture Research (IAR), Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria Nigeria were assessed along with the irrigation water at Bomo dam. The study was conducted to assess the seasonal variation of the soil properties as influenced by irrigation water and suggest some management practices for sustainable use of the land. The results showed that pH, ECe, Ca, Mg, K, Na, SAR and ESP in the soils were significantly lower compared to the values in the irrigation water during either dry or rainy season or both seasons. Soil pH, ECe, Ca, Na, exchangeable acidity and effective CEC were significantly higher during dry season compared to the rainy season, and was attributed to increase in content of salts in the soils contributed by the irrigation water. Rain water contributed significantly to leaching of excess salts, thereby reducing salinization and sodication processes in soils of the IAR irrigation farm. For sustainable irrigation; deep ploughing, construction of drainage system and incorporation of organic matter were management practices suggested. Monitoring of salinity and sodicity of the soils and water at periodic intervals was recommended to avert further salt-build up in the farm.