Effects of Seasonal Flooding on the Quality of Irrigation Water in the Floodplains of Wukari, Taraba State of Nigeria
A. T. Gani *
Department of Soil Science and Land Resources Management, Federal University Wukari, Taraba State, Nigeria.
A. Ali
Department of Soil Science, College of Agronomy, Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria.
P. I. Agber
Department of Soil Science, College of Agronomy, Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria.
A. Christopher
Department of Soil Science and Land Resources Management, Federal University Wukari, Taraba State, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
This research was done in order to assess the effects of seasonal flooding on irrigation water quality of the floodplains of Wukari Area of Taraba state. Water samples were collected from five different flood plain locations (Nwuko, Tsokundi, Rafin-Kada, Gidan-Idi and Gindin-Dorowa) in 2016 and 2017. Completely randomized design (CRD) was employed replicated three times. The results obtained were subjected to analysis of variance and means separated using F-LSD test at P ≤ 0.05. The results of the water quality analysis showed that all the determined parameters were significantly different at the different sample locations, except water pH of the year 2016 which was not significantly different at the different sample locations. The results show that the flooded water could be used for irrigation since they were found to be relatively safe and hence required little or no treatment for soluble salts. Water from flooding within the Wukari Floodplains is recommended for supplementary irrigation.
Keywords: Floodplain, water, irrigation, seasonal flooding, quality