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Journal of Environmental Hydrology
ISSN 1058-3912 |
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Electronic Journal of the International Association for
Environmental Hydrology
JEH Volume 13 (2005), Paper 21 Posted September 29, 2005 EVALUATING THE QUANTITY AND QUALITY OF GROUNDWATER FOR IRRIGATION IN THE BASEMENT COMPLEX OF ILE-IFE, NIGERIA
J.A. Osunbitan ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to evaluate the ground water yield and quality in relation to the irrigation requirements of common field crops grown on a small-scale basis in Ile-Ife, Nigeria. Quantitative and qualitative analyses of well water samples were carried out to determine their suitabilities for irrigation. Qualitative analysis showed that water from most of the wells is within a low electrical conductance (EC) range of 100-250 µmhos/cm. Several wells have ECs of up to 750 µmhos/cm. The groundwater yield in the basement complex areas is 70 m3/day on average. However a yield of 98 m3/day has been achieved in a well in this area. The yield capacity of the well showed that the average irrigable crop area is 0.49 hectares. As small as the irrigable area from an individual well may seem, it can be profitable to grow small vegetables. There is opportunity for a farmer with small holdings and some capital to purchase a low horse power pump and a few pipes to irrigate his land. Reference: Osunbitan, J.A., D.A.Okunade, H.O. Fapohunda. 2005. Evaluating the Quantity and Quality of Groundwater for Irrigation in the Basement Complex of Ile-Ife, Nigeria, Journal of Environmental Hydrology, Vol. 13, Paper 21. CONTACT: D.A. Okunade Department of Agricultural Engineering, Obafemi Awolowo University Ile-Ife, Nigeria E-mail: dokunade@oauife.edu.ng |
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