Soil salinity assessment of Kadawa Irrigation of the Kano River Irrigation Project (KRIP)

Soil salinity assessment was conducted at Kadawa irrigation area of Kano River Irrigation Project (KRIP). This study was carried out to assess the soil salinity status specifically at Imawa sector. Soil samples were randomly collected in three different farms at four sections with two samples each. The depth of 0-15 cm representing the top soil and 15-30 cm depth for subsurface soil samples. The conventional laboratory methods of determining soil salinity were adopted. Geostatistical analysis and interpolation by kriging technique were carried out to assess the spatial variability of the soil salinity. The mean effect of the soil chemical properties of the area shows a moderate level of salinity which is not yet detrimental to crops grown on that area. The results obtained showed that the mean value of EC, SA R and TDS were 1.09 dS/m, 0.82 and 12.9%, respectively, and these were all within the FAO recommended ranges of irrigation and have no restriction on the use. Similarly, the mean value of Ca2+ (18.00) and Na+ (1.56) were also within the FAO recommended range. However, the mean values of Ca and Mg were found to be higher than FAO recommended range. This may be due to soil contamination commonly caused by inundation due to lack of proper field drainage and overuse of synthetic fertilizer by the farmers.