1.0 INTRODUCTION
The water resources of a country are
used in a variety of ways. For example, in the agriculture and industrial
sectors, for public and recreation use, for aesthetic enjoyment and the
propagation of wildlife, and for the treatment of waste, decisions made
concerning water standards must keep in mind all these areas, this is not
always a simple task, especially when certain interests’ affect and conflict
with one another. When conflicts occur, water standards must be established
according to the best interests of the people.
These interests require the
preservation and restoration of water characterization for the greatest numbers
of use. Water is selected for various uses, according to certain
characterization standards which it must meet in order to be deemed suitable
for the purpose intended. These standards are very important, and should be
established only after careful consideration by knowledgeable groups.
The government department responsible for waters of
drainage basins is wise to consult with agencies or persons who have expertise
and are interested in present and future water use. There are many variations
in the characterization of water that is suitable for irrigation uses. For
example in humid areas heavy rainfall before and after the growing season
leaches excess salt and other element from the soil. This allow water to be
used for irrigation which otherwise would be considered too poor in
characterization for most crops.
Nearly all water contain dissolved
and trace elements, many of which result form the natural weathering of the
earth’s surface. In addition drainage waters from irrigated lands and effluent
from city sewage and industrial waste water can impact upon water
characterization these and suspended materials influence the soil structure. The
classification of water source is usually based on chemical analysis of water.
Irrigation water is usually classified in a way different from that used for
industrial and sanitary purposes. Some of the criteria of classification
include concentration of soluble salts, salinity hazard, concentration of
sodium relative to calcium and magnesium (Sodium hazard) and concentration of
boron, chloride and other constituent that may be harmful to crops.
In order to predict the success of
irrigation in any particular situation it is essential to have adequate
information on the characterization of irrigation water, its effect on the
physical and chemical properties of the soil, water transmission characteristic
of the soil, salt build up in the soil and the climate of the area, irrigation
water characterization is determined by it’s potential to cause problem which
will reduce yield unless special management practices are adopted to maintain or
restore maximum production capability under given conditions.
Due to irregular distribution of
rainfall in the study area, irrigation is a sure means of increasing crop
production. Based on this, therefore, there is the need to document the water
source for irrigation of this state.
The
general objective of the study is to find out if the water different source of
Ekoli Edda is good for irrigation.
1.1 SPECIFIC
OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY
The
specific objective of the study were;
1. To
determine the chemical properties of water for irrigation.
2. To
evaluate physical properties of water for its suitability for irrigation.