ASSESSMENT OF IRRIGATION WATER QUALITY AND ITS SUITABILITY FOR SUSTAINABLE IRRIGATED AGRICULTURE IN MICHIKA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, ADAMAWA STATE, NIGERIA

Irrigation Water quality is crucial for sustaining crop yields and soil fertility. This study evaluated the physicochemical properties and irrigation-water quality of water samples collected from nine irrigation-water stations representing 23 farmlands in Michika Local Government Area, Adamawa State, Nigeria. Water samples were analysed for physicochemical parameters and major ions. The suitability of water for irrigation was evaluated based on the levels of Sodium Adsorption Ratio (SAR), Sodium Percentage (Na%), Kelly’s Ratio (KR), Magnesium Hazard (MH), Permeability Index (PI), Potential Salinity (PS), Total Hardness (TH) and Residual Sodium Carbonate (RSC). Results of the study revealed that the salinity levels of water sources were low with an electrical conductivity (EC) of 71–397 µS/cm and total dissolved solids of 38–203 mg/L. The SAR was low and ranged from 0.43 to 1.51, while the Na% ranged from 18.45 to 37.40%. The levels of KR, MH and RSC were within the desirable limits and suggested that the water sources had a low hazard of sodium, magnesium and carbonate. The PI values ranged from 43.20 to 61.59%, while RSC was negative (<0) in all stations with the exception of RSC. Therefore, out of the nine (9) irrigation-water stations, four (4) were rated excellent (Moda, Wara-Thalva, Watsila and Pambula) and five (5) were good (Shoshow, Kwadzali, Kankra, Diclchim and Buppa). None of the irrigation-water stations were rated unsuitable for irrigation purposes. However, six (6) of the irrigation-water stations had an extremely low pH (3.71–3.98). This study concluded that water sources in the study area were generally fit for irrigation use based on salinity and sodium content and recommended periodic laboratory assessment to ensure their continuous use for agricultural production