PHYSIOCHEMICAL QUALITY ASSESSMENT OF IRRIGATION WATER AND FARM SOILS FERTILITY AROUND KOZA AND SABKE DAMS IN MAI’ADUA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, KATSINA STATE, NIGERIA

Irrigation water and farm soil are crucial for agriculture, as their quality impacts crop growth and ecosystem sustainability. This study assesses the physicochemical quality of irrigation water and farm soil in the vicinity of the Koza and Sabke dams in Mai’adua, Katsina State, Nigeria, to determine whether the water and soil meet the acceptable standards for safe agricultural use. Standard sampling techniques and laboratory analyses, as outlined by the American Public Health Association, were employed to measure water and soil parameters across both wet and dry seasons. Results revealed that water temperatures ranged from 27.16±0.89 °C in the wet season to 29.00±0.65 °C in the dry season for Sabke Dam, and from 26.24±1.30 °C in the wet season to 29.52±1.15 °C in the dry season for Koza Dam, exceeding the WHO standards and promoting microbial growth. Turbidity levels ranged from 303.58 ± 5.47 in the wet season to 290.60 ± 11.49 in the dry season for Sabke Dam, and from 290.36 ± 8.58 in the wet season to 263.89 ± 13.07 in the dry season for Koza Dam, both of which were far above the WHO limit of 5 NTUs. Nitrate values ranged from 14.543±0.44 in the wet season to 13.09±0.42 in the dry season for Sabke Dam and 17.90±0.82 in the wet season to 16.18±0.42 in the dry season for Koza Dam, remaining within permissible limits. Soil analysis revealed slightly acidic pH values, moderate moisture levels, and a high organic matter content, with adequate levels of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium supporting plant growth. The study recommends the need for sustainable water and soil management practices to mitigate risks and enhance agricultural productivity in the region.