ANALYZING THE WATER QUALITY OF RIVER NIGER FOR IRRIGATED FARMING AT THE SHONGA IRRIGATION SCHEME

Abstract

In order to assess the water's appropriateness for crop production at Shonga Irrigation Scheme (250 hectares have been 
currently used), the study was conducted to look into a number of parameters required to assess common irrigation 
water quality issues. Twelve water samples were taken at random from River Niger; six each at upstream and 
downstream, thoroughly mixed in two separate bottles, making a total of two representative samples. Both physical 
and chemical parameters were assessed. Total nitrogen was measured using a modified micro Kjedahl method, colour 
was analyzed visually using a set of platinum-cobalt standards in Nessler tubes, and pH was measured using a glass 
electrode pH meter in soil-water and soil-KCL filtrates. Nephelometric turbidity units (NTU), exchangeable cations 
using a flame analyzer following extraction with neutral ammonium acetate, and sodium adsorption ratio (SAR) using 
an empirical model were used to measure turbidity. Results of analysis revealed that water samples 1 and 2 have 
electrical conductivities of 3.00 and 0.20 ds/m, total dissolved solids of 120.0 and 330 mg/l, sodium adsorption ratio 
(SAR) are 3.8 and 2.2, chloride are 1.95 mg/l and 1.50 mg/l, and boron are 1.50 mg/l and 1.80 mg/l, and sodium are 
11.3 and 9.12 mg/l, nitrate (N03-N) are 0.60 mg/l and 0.20 mg/l, phosphate (P04-P) are 1.57 mg/l and 0.50 mg/l, and 
ammonium (NH4-N) are 0.0 mg/l and 0.30 mg/l, respectively. Thus, it can be stated that the water from River Niger 
in Shonga Irrigation Scheme is acceptable for irrigation and of good quality for irrigated farmland.