INVESTIGATION OF PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF SOIL AT OKE-OYI PHASE II IRRIGATION SCHEME FOR AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION

Abstract

Irrigation applications have impacts on the soil physical characteristic 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 composition of the soil. Soil quality analysis at phase II of the irrigation scheme was carried out in the study area. Twenty sampling points were considered from different locations of the irrigation scheme. Soil samples were collected using soil auger at the depths (0-20 cm, 20 - 40cm and 40 – 60cm) of the crops planted on the field making a total of 60 samples. A random sampling method was used and the soil samples were taken to the laboratory for physical analysis. Physical analysis results showed that the soil of the study area was sandy loam; the available soil moisture contents obtained for East, West, South and Northern side of the study area were 1.08%, 1.05%, 1.12% and 1.09%, respectively. The values of infiltration capacities (K) obtained were generally high and varied from 0.00956cm/s to 0.0104cm/s. Therefore, there is need for proper monitoring of the soil condition of the irrigation scheme in order to prevent further deterioration since reduction in crop yields have been observed from 2011 to 2013 growing period.