Irrigation Water Suitability in the Southern Gombe State Irrigated Fadama Lands of Nigeria

Abstract

Irrigation water from irrigated Fadama lands of Southern Gombe State, namely Tudu Bilhri, Ayaba, Geleugu, Pamadu Shongom, Tula wange and Dogon Ruwa where investigated to ascertain their current quality status. The pH of irrigation waters is slightly alkaline with overall range mean of 8.2-11.3 (mean 9.8), TDS (values in mg/l^-) mean 286, EC (values in Uscm) mean 140, SAR mean 0.15 and RSC mean -2.25. This result suggests low salinity and sodicity hazard. Concentration of basic cations (values in Mg/L^-1) low to moderate in Ca⁺⁺ranged 1.26-4.22 (mean 2.7), moderate to high in Mg⁺⁺and k⁺ range 0.23-2.40 (mean 1.00) and range 0.13-5.73 (mean 0.72), respectively. When TDS, EC and SAR of irrigation waters are considered, they are safe for irrigation purposes.