Suitability of Groundwater in Auchi and Its Environs for Irrigation Purposes

Abstract

The study was conducted to assess the suitability of the groundwater in Auchi and evirons, Edo State, Nigeria for irrigation purposes. The parameters used to assess the irrigation suitability of the groundwater are: total dissolved solids (TDS), electrical conductivity (EC), sodium absorption ratio (SAR), soluble sodium percentage (SSP), residual sodium bicarbonate (RSBC), permeability index (PI), kelly ratio (KR), magnesium adsorption ratio (MAR), and total hardness (TH). The mean concentration of pH, TDS, EC, and TH are 5.8, 67.0 mg/l. 134.0 μs/cm, and 11.5 mg/l, respectively. The average SAR value is 0.16 meq/l while the mean value of MAR is 32.7%. The average value of SSP is 21.7% while mean RSBC values is 0.15 meq/l. The average value of PI is 23.8 % while the mean value of KR is 0.25 meq/l. The results of these findings revealed that the groundwater sample within the study area is suitable for irrigation purposes. The low salinity and magnesium hazards that characterized the groundwater system within the area further support the irrigation usability. The hydro-chemical facies classification using Piper diagram revealed the water-type in the area is Ca-Cl type, an indication of marine interaction. Based on these findings, private and commercial farmers in Auchi and environs can now use the groundwater system in the area for irrigation agriculture.