Suitability of Ekulu River Water for Irrigation Purposes in Enugu, Nigeria

Abstract

The study investigated Ekulu River in Enugu State, Nigeria as a potential source of irrigation water for enhanced year-round agricultural  productivity in Enugu. Water samples were collected from 3 different locations (upstream, midstream and downstream) and were  analyzed for their physical and chemical qualities in Enugu State Water Co-operation Quality Control Unit 3 laboratory. Sodium  Adsorption Ratio (SAR) of the water samples were also determined. The results obtained were compared with the Food and Agricultural  Organization (FAO) standard for irrigation water to ascertain its use as a potential source for irrigation. The results obtained for the  physicochemical parameters had pH to be 6.5, 6.6, 6.5 for Mami (downstream), Trans-Ekulu (midstream) and New Market (upstream)  sampling points respectively. Total dissolved solid was 170 mg/l, 70 mg/1, 110 mg/1 for Mami, Trans-Ekulu and New Market respectively.  Similarly, electrical conductivity was obtained to be 92.6µs/cm, 88.7µs/cm, 51.2µs/cm; potassium was within 0.28 mg/l – 0.48 mg/l; sodium was 12.997 mg/l, 14.933 mg/l, 10.278 mg/l; chloride 58.8 mg/l, 63.9 mg/l, 63.9 mg/l; bicarbonate 61.09 mg/l, 48.8 mg/l, 42.7 mg/l  for Mami, Trans-Ekulu and New Market sampling points respectively. Carbonate was not detected (ND) for all the samples. SAR index  value obtained were within 0.32 – 0.73 for the three locations. The result of the physical and chemical parameters conformed to the  standards established by Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) for all the samples. The result of the study indicated that Ekulu River  can be a good water source for irrigation