Salinity and sodium hazards of three streams of different agricultural land use systems in Ile-Ife, Nigeria

In this study, three streams-Amuta, Agbogbo and Abagbooro were examined for salinity and sodium hazards and suitability of the water for irrigational purpose. The three streams are located within areas of three different agricultural practices and land uses. Water samples from the streams were collected twice a month for 1 year. Irrigation water quality parameters assessed included pH, electrical conductivity (EC), sodium adsorption ratio (SAR), percentage sodium, permeability index and potential salinity. Water samples were analyzed using standard chemical procedures. Results of the irrigation water quality parameters studied showed that water samples from the three streams do not exhibit toxicity problem in relation to salinity and sodium hazard. Although the data obtained for the three catchment areas for pH, EC and SAR were closely related, least concentrations of these irrigation water indices were obtained for Abagbooro stream where there is secondary forest; highest concentrations were found in Agbogbo stream and moderate values were obtained for water from Amuta stream where subsistent and mechanized farming are practiced, respectively.