INFLUENCE OF PERENNIAL FLOODING ON SOIL QUALITY INDICATORS OF A TROPICAL FLOODPLAIN IRRIGATION SYSTEM IN NORTHERN NIGERIA
Perennial flooding is an important ecological process influencing soil quality and agricultural sustainability in tropical floodplain environments. This study evaluated the effects of repeated annual flooding on selected physical and chemical properties of soils within the Lake Geriyo Reclamation Irrigation Project, Adamawa State, Nigeria. Soil samples were collected from selected irrigation blocks before and after annual flood events at three depths (0–30, 30–60 and 60–90 cm) for two consecutive years. Soil physical properties, including particle-size distribution, bulk density, porosity, saturated hydraulic conductivity and aggregate stability, together with chemical fertility indicators, were analyzed. Results showed that perennial flooding produced only minor changes in soil quality indicators. Soil pH remained unchanged at 6.63 before and after flooding, while electrical conductivity remained very low, indicating no development of salinity hazards. Organic carbon, organic matter, total nitrogen and some exchangeable base cations showed slight reductions after flooding, whereas available phosphorus remained relatively stable. Physical properties exhibited small structural adjustments, with bulk density increasing from 1.33 to 1.35 g cm⁻³ and porosity declining from 48.23 to 47.53%. Saturated hydraulic conductivity and wet aggregate stability decreased moderately after flooding but remained within favourable ranges for agricultural production. Soil fertility indices indicated high base saturation (mean 84.31%), low exchangeable sodium percentage (
Authors : Abdul-Rahman, A.B., Umaru, A.B. and Ankidawa, B.A.
Category : Open Access Volume (Issue) : 12(1) Date Uploaded : 14th August 2026