Evaluation of different irrigation methods in Chanchaga irrigation scheme, north central Nigeria

Abstract

This study was aimed at evaluating different methods of irrigation based on parametric evaluation method for Chanchaga irrigation  scheme, Nigeria. Soil samples were collected at various rooting depths of 0-15 cm, 15-40 cm and 40-75 cm, the collected samples were  analysed for physical properties. Various suitability classes were generated for surface, sprinkler and drip irrigation methods using the capability index. The results revealed that the use of drip irrigation system for soil depths of 0-15 cm and 15 -40 cm within the study area were found to be suitable and not suitable for deep rooted areas of 40-75 cm. The sprinkler irrigation method was found to be suitable for study locations 3 and 4 at depths of 15-40 cm. At depths 40-75 cm, drip irrigation method was found suitable for locations 1, 2 and 5 while locations 3 and 4 supports the use of sprinkler irrigation method. It is therefore concluded that the sprinkler and drip irrigation methods are both highly favoured for irrigation purpose in the Chanchaga irrigation scheme.