IMPACT OF IRRIGATION PRACTICES ON SOIL NUTRIENTS IN KAMPE (OMI) SCHEME

Abstract

Irrigation applications have impacts on soil properties and these impacts may be negative on soil, crop and
groundwater quality. This could be as a result of the quality of water used, method of application and the
nature of the soil viz the physical and chemical composition of the soil. For sustainable use of the soil, it
therefore becomes necessary to evaluate the effects of irrigation application on the soil from time to time.
This project work was aimed at investigating the impacts of irrigation on the soil nutrients on Kampe
irrigation scheme. Soil samples were collected from three operating lands of the scheme. Samples were
collected at depths 0 - 20 cm, 20 - 80 cm and 80 - 120 cm in accordance with the baseline data available.
The samples were taken to the laboratory and analysed for physical and chemical parameters (K⁺, Mg²⁺,
Ca²⁺, P and TKN). It was observed that there were little changes in the macronutrients such as Mg²⁺ and
Ca²⁺ which reduced appreciably as compared to the baseline data for the operating lands. There is a need
for proper monitoring of the soil condition in the irrigation scheme should be employed in order to prevent
further deterioration since changes have been observed compared to the baseline data.