Assessment of Irrigation Water Quality of River Okura in Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi State, Nigeria

The analysis of physicochemical quality of Okura River in Dekina Local Government area of Kogi State was undertaken in this study to assess its suitability for irrigation purposes by considering three different locations along the river, consisting of the upper, middle and lower locations. In order to achieve the objectives, water samples were taken from each location, and the samples collected were analyzed in the laboratory using appropriate methodThe important parameters considered were: electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolved solid (TDS), sodium adsorption ratio (SAR), residual sodium carbonate (RSC), contents of magnesium Mg2+, boron and chloride. The results showed that the parameters’ values fell within the safe limits for irrigation purposes. Thus, Okura river water can be developed for all year round crop production. However, the need to continuously monitor and assess water quality of the river for irrigation purposes is recommended.