Assessment of Saline/Sodic Soils within Zauro Fadama Irrigation Farm Land NW Nigeria, +using 2D Electrical Resistivity Method

This study evaluates saline/sodic soils in Zauro Fadama Irrigation Farm Land, Kebbi State, Nigeria using 2D Electrical Resistivity Imaging with a Wenner array configuration with 3m electrode spacing within two profiles of 100m. Clay, sandy-silt, alluvial sand, shale/sandstone, and clay/limestone/gravel were the five lithological units identified by data processing software RES2DINV64 and SURFER13.The resistivity distribution indicated distinct salinity patterns, with clay layers at profile one (P1) labelled as zones A along the lateral length of 0-10m at depth 5.56m, 24-48m at depth 2.25-5.56m, and 72-100m at depth 5.56m. Similarly, the major zones of saline/sodic soils along the P2 are 24-72 m at 5.56 m, 80-83 m at 5.56 m, and 96-99 m at 5.56 m.These locations have low resistivity anomalies ranging from 6.59 Ωm to 30.1 Ωm. Saline soils' low resistivity zones are caused by high electrical conductivity, which could have an impact on crop growth. Sand/gravel deposits were found to be associated with high-resistivity zones (>700 Ωm), indicating high-permeability aquifers. These findings, which identify both severe saline zones and beneficial water-bearing formations, provide critical geophysical information on soil salinity distribution as well as helpful recommendations for irrigation management and sustainable agricultural planning in the study area.