Salinity effects of irrigation water on maize crop production at maizube farms, Minna, Nigeria

The salinity effects of irrigation water on maize crop production were determined by taking samples of the water from three locations at Maizube Farms. Laboratory analysis was conducted on the samples to determine the physicochemical properties. The sodium adsorption ratio (SAR) and the leaching requirement (LR) of the irrigation water were determined. The values obtained were 6.3%, 1.4% and 0.9% for SAR and LF at 100% and 90% yield potentials respectively. The low values of SAR and LR mean that the irrigation water should be used with caution on the maize farm even with low associated sodium hazard. The mean concentrations of sodium (1.83mg/L) and chloride (27.32mg/L) of the irrigation water are below 3mg/L and 70mg/L recommended values. Hence, the irrigation water has a tolerable salinity for maize crop production. The data collected in this research should serve as supplement to the existing information on soil salinity problems in Nigeria.