Assessment of Irrigation Water Quality of Some Selected Fadama Farms in Jos North LGA of Plateau State of Nigeria

Abstract

Water from irrigated Fadama Farms land in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State were assessed to ascertain their suitability for irrigation farming. The study area are Rafin Paa, Lamingo, Yalwa, Rikkos, Katako Bridge, Federal Government College, Jos, Student Village Hostel, Kunga, Tudun Wada, Naraguta Village, Maza village and Lambu Apata. All the waters were found to be neutral in reactions, except in Lamingo 2 that had pH of 5.8. Most of the pH range from 6.2-8.0 with mean (7.1). TDS values (in mgl"1) with mean 147, Ec, ' (mscm^-1) mean 143, SAR >3 and RSC mean >1. This suggests the irrigation waters are placed in C₁ S₁-low salinity water and low sodicity water categories. On the basis of combined TDS, Ec and SAR, the waters are rated fresh and safe for irrigation purposes for now.