Estimating the Water Balance of Irrigated Rice Fields in Dry Season Makurdi, Nigeria
Abstract
The water balance (WB) of three irrigated and isolated rice fields (1, 2, and 3) was examined during the dry season of rice cultivation in Makurdi from April 5 to May 6, 2023. Rice is mostly cultivated in the wet season, while dry season rice cultivation is limited by high irrigation costs, funding, and technical knowledge amidst vast water resources around the floodplains. Limited or no research estimates the water balance of a rice field in dry season Makurdi. WB took account of water inputs, outputs, and changes in soil water content (ΔW) in each water balance period. In Field 1, the WB showed a negative ΔW (–42.94 mm), which suggests that adequate water inputs are required to balance the water lost (outputs). The WB showed a positive ΔW of (89.36 mm and 464.75 mm) in Fields 2 and 3, suggesting that the water inputs be minimized to avoid wastage. The total irrigation in Fields 1, 2, and 3 was 499.28 mm, 1,186.95 mm, and 1,400.27 mm, respectively. The irrigation efficiency in Fields 1, 2, and 3 was 39.8%, 29.9%, and 20.9% respectively. The result indicates that Field 1’s rice cultivation can be improved by providing adequate irrigation and enhancing the soil water retention capacity, while proper irrigation scheduling can improve Fields 2 and 3 rice productivity.
References
2. Usman, J.; Ogbu, J.O.; Iji, S.E.; Afatar, S. Assessment of Some Wetland Potentials in Makurdi Supporting Rice and Sugarcane Production. Journal of Horticulture and Plant Research 2020, 9, 1–10, doi:10.18052/www.scipress.com/jhpr.9.1.
3. Coalition for African Rice Development (CARD) NATIONAL RICE DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY I (NRDS I) 2008-2018; 2009;
4. Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (FMARD) NATIONAL RICE DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY II (NRDS II) 2020-2030. 2019, 1–53.
5. Mapping of Rice Production Clusters In Nigeria; 2017;
6. Uduma, B.U.; Samson, O.A.; Mure, U.A. Irrigation Potentials and Rice Self-Sufficiency in Nigeria: A Review. Afr J Agric Res 2016, 11, 298–309, doi:10.5897/ajar2015.10284.
7. Udemezue, J.C.; Agwu Improved Rice Varieties, Production Technologies and Processing Constraints in Nigeria. 2018, 6, 360–373, doi:10.26765/DRJAFS.2018.2688.
8. Thomas, K.A.; Oyebode, L.A.; Essien, E.O. Competitive African Rice Initiative: Perceptions, Utilisation and Effectiveness of Its Practise among Rice Farmers in Kebbi State, Nigeria. Agricultura Tropica et Subtropica 2023, 56, 209–216, doi:10.2478/ats-2023-0023.
9. Kamai, N.; Omoigui, L.O.; Kamara, A.Y.; Ekeleme, F. Guide to Rice Production in Northern Nigeria; 2020;
10. Longtau, S.R. Rice Production in Nigeria. Literature Review. Selbut Longtau MULTI-AGENCY PARTNERSHIPS IN WEST AFRICAN AGRICULTURE: A REVIEW AND DESCRIPTION OF RICE PRODUCTION SYSTEMS IN NIGERIA; 2003;
11. Bashir, A.; Kyung-Sook, C. A Review of the Evaluation of Irrigation Practice in Nigeria: Past, Present and Future Prospects. Afr J Agric Res 2018, 13, 2087–2097, doi:10.5897/ajar2018.13403.
12. Shanono, N.J.; Nasidi, N.M.; Usman, N.Y. Appraising the Current State of Irrigation Schemes in Northern Nigeria Using Sustainability Pillars. Environmental Research and Technology 2022, 5, 305–314.
13. Sivapalan, S. Water Balance of Flooded Rice in the Tropics. In Irrigation and Drainage - Sustainable Strategies and Systems; InTech, 2015.
14. Mishra, S.K.; Tyagi, J. V.; Singh, V.P. Comparison of Infiltration Models. Hydrol Process 2003, 17, 2629–2652, doi:10.1002/hyp.1257.
15. Amami, R.; Ibrahimi, K.; Sher, F.; Milham, P.; Ghazouani, H.; Chehaibi, S.; Hussain, Z.; Iqbal, H.M.N. Impacts of Different Tillage Practices on Soil Water Infiltration for Sustainable Agriculture. Sustainability (Switzerland) 2021, 13, doi:10.3390/su13063155.
16. Eneji, I.S.; Onuche, A.P.; Sha’Ato, R. Spatial and Temporal Variation in Water Quality of River Benue, Nigeria. J Environ Prot (Irvine, Calif) 2012, 03, 915–921, doi:10.4236/jep.2012.328106.
17. Wang, T.; Stewart, C.E.; Ma, J.; Zheng, J.; Zhang, X. Applicability of Five Models to Simulate Water Infiltration into Soil with Added Biochar. J Arid Land 2017, 9, 701–711, doi:10.1007/s40333-017-0025-3.
18. Singh, S.; Nath Shukla, U.; Sisodia, V.; Shukla, U.; Khan, I.; Sharma, A.; Pawar, K.; Srivastawa, D.; Singh, L.; Jerman, M.; et al. Technologies for Water-Saving Irrigation in Rice; 2013; Vol. 4;.
19. Ojo, T.O.; Baiyegunhi, L.J.S.; Adetoro, A.A.; Ogundeji, A.A. Adoption of Soil and Water Conservation Technology and Its Effect on the Productivity of Smallholder Rice Farmers in Southwest Nigeria. Heliyon 2021, 7, doi:10.1016/J.HELIYON.2021.E06433.
20. Akinbile, C.O.; Sangodoyin, A. Crop Water Use Responses of Upland Rice to Differential Water Distribution under Sprinkler Irrigation System; 2010;
21. Li, Y.; Zheng, S.; Xiao, M.; Xia, Y.; Wang, W.; Cai, J. Effect on Physiological Growth and Water Utilization of Rice under Different Varieties and Irrigation Modes. Pol J Environ Stud 2022, 31, 5125–5137, doi:10.15244/pjoes/149447.
22. Akaakohol, M.A.; Aye, G.C. Diversification and Farm Household Welfare in Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria. Development Studies Research 2014, 1, 168–175, doi:10.1080/21665095.2014.919232.
23. Juliana Ekonyohe Ogbe; Kialee Nyiayaana Farmers-Herders’ Conflict and Goal Two (2) of the Sustainable Development Goals in Benue State. World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews 2022, 15, 058–068, doi:10.30574/wjarr.2022.15.2.0776.
24. Aho, I.; Utsev, J.; Isikwue, M. Trend Analysis of Raw Water Parameters in River Benue at the Reach of Makurdi, Nigeria. Global Journal of Engineering Research 2015, 13, 1, doi:10.4314/gjer.v13i1.1.
25. Abah, R.C.; Petja, B.M. Assessment of Potential Impacts of Climate Change on Agricultural Development in the Lower Benue River Basin. Environ Monit Assess 2016, 188, doi:10.1007/S10661-016-5700-X.
26. Ekwoanya, M.A.; Ojanuga, A.G. Productivity Assessment of Upland and Floodplain Soils at Makurdi, Nigeria; 2002;
27. Idoga, S.; Egbe, O.M. Land Use Planning for Vegetable Farming in Benue State of Nigeria Land Use Planning for Vegetable Farming in Benue State of Nigeria Land Use Planning for Vegetable Farming in Benue State of Nigeria. Type : Double Blind Peer Reviewed International Research Journal Publisher: Global Journals Inc 2012, 12.
28. M, U.; A.T, G.; P.I, A. An Assessment of Physical and Chemical Properties Status, Degradation Rate, and Vulnerability Potentials of Soils of Makurdi Area of Benue State, Nigeria. Journal of Agriculture and Ecosystem Management 2021, 1–7, doi:10.36265/jonages.2022.020101.
29. GPS Fields Area Measure - Apps on Google Play Available online: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=lt.noframe.fieldsareameasure&hl=en&gl=US (accessed on 7 March 2024).
30. Osujieke, D.N. CHARACTERIZATION AND CLASSIFICATION OF SOILS PROXIMAL TO BENUE RIVER IN MAKURDI, NORTH CENTRAL NIGERIA CHARACTERIZATION AND CLASSIFICATION OF SOILS OF SOUTHERN TARABA View Project Carbon Form Project View Project; 2019;
31. Allen, R.G.; Pereira, L.S. Crop Evapotranspiration Guidelines for Computing Crop Requirements. FAO Irrig. Drain. Report Modeling and Application Planejamento de Recursos Hídricos Em Bacias Hidrográficas. View Project Advanced METRIC Processing View Project; 1998;
32. Ukpoju, A.; Yuliawan, T.; Ichwan, N.; Oue, H. Effects of Plant Spacing on Evapotranspiration for Estimating Crop Coefficient of Japonica Rice. In Proceedings of the E3S Web of Conferences; EDP Sciences, November 14 2023; Vol. 444.
33. Annex 2 Infiltration Rate and Infiltration Test Available online: https://www.fao.org/3/S8684E/s8684e0a.htm (accessed on 7 March 2024).
34. Howell, T.A. Irrigation Efficiency., doi:10.1081/E-EWS.
35. Irmak, S.; Odhiambo, L.O.; Kranz, W.L.; Eisenhauer, D.E. DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska-Lincoln Irrigation Efficiency and Uniformity, and Crop Water Use Efficiency; 2011;
36. Chagbe, K.; Agber, P.I.; Ali, A. ASSESSMENT OF SOIL MANAGEMENT PRACTICES ON SOIL PRODUCTIVITY USING RIQUIER PRODUCTIVITY INDEX MODEL IN MAKURDI, BENUE STATE, NIGERIA; 2020; Vol. 7;.
37. Machibya, M.; Mdemu, M. Comparison Assessment of Water Use and Damage between Modern and Traditional Rice Irrigation Schemes: Case of Usangu Basin, Tanzania. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2005, 2, 335–342.
38. Annex I: Irrigation Efficiencies Available online: https://www.fao.org/3/t7202e/t7202e08.htm (accessed on 7 March 2024).
39. Surendran, U.; Raja, P.; Jayakumar, M.; Subramoniam, S.R. Use of Efficient Water Saving Techniques for Production of Rice in India under Climate Change Scenario: A Critical Review. J Clean Prod 2021, 309, doi:10.1016/j.jclepro.2021.127272.
40. Olanrewaju, R.M.; Abubakar, A.S. Effect of Tillage Operations on Soil Moisture Contents in the Southern Guinea Savanna Ecological Zone of Nigeria. J Water Resour Prot 2015, 07, 183–196, doi:10.4236/jwarp.2015.73015.
41. Yazaki, T.; Urano, S.I.; Yabe, K. Water Balance and Water Movement in Unsaturated Zones of Sphagnum Hummocks in Fuhrengawa Mire, Hokkaido, Japan. J Hydrol (Amst) 2006, 319, 312–327, doi:10.1016/j.jhydrol.2005.06.037.
42. Mandal, K.G.; Thakur, A.K.; Ambast, S.K. Current Rice Farming, Water Resources and Micro-Irrigation. REVIEW ARTICLES CURRENT SCIENCE 2019, 116.
43. Harisuseno, D.; Cahya, E.N. Determination of Soil Infiltration Rate Equation Based on Soil Properties Using Multiple Linear Regression. Journal of Water and Land Development 2020, 47, 77–88, doi:10.24425/jwld.2020.135034.
44. Cleophas, F.; Isidore, F.; Musta, B.; Mohd Ali, B.N.; Mahali, M.; Zahari, N.Z.; Bidin, K. Effect of Soil Physical Properties on Soil Infiltration Rates. J Phys Conf Ser 2022, 2314, 012020, doi:10.1088/1742-6596/2314/1/012020.
45. Basche, A.D.; DeLonge, M.S. Comparing Infiltration Rates in Soils Managed with Conventional and Alternative Farming Methods: A Meta-Analysis. PLoS One 2019, 14, e0215702, doi:10.1371/JOURNAL.PONE.0215702.
46. Adaikwu, A.O.; Ali, A. ASSESSMENT OF SOME SOIL QUALITY INDICATORS IN BENUE STATE; 2013;
47. Reinders, F.B. Irrigation Water Use Efficiency: A Water Balance Approach. River 2022, 1, 142–148, doi:10.1002/RVR2.18.
48. Gilley, J.R.; Watts, D.G. ENERGY REDUCTION THROUGH IMPROVED IRRIGATION PRACTICES. Agriculture and Energy 1977, 187–203, doi:10.1016/B978-0-12-454250-1.50019-8.
49. Ishfaq, M.; Farooq, M.; Zulfiqar, U.; Hussain, S.; Akbar, N.; Nawaz, A.; Anjum, S.A. Alternate Wetting and Drying: A Water-Saving and Ecofriendly Rice Production System. Agric Water Manag 2020, 241, 106363, doi:10.1016/J.AGWAT.2020.106363.
50. Mote, K.; Rao, V.P.; Ramulu, V.; Kumar, K.A.; Devi, M.U. Performance of Rice (Oryza Sativa (L.)) under AWD Irrigation Practice—A Brief Review. Paddy and Water Environment 2022, 20.
51. Surendran, U.; Raja, P.; Jayakumar, M.; Subramoniam, S.R. Use of Efficient Water Saving Techniques for Production of Rice in India under Climate Change Scenario: A Critical Review. J Clean Prod 2021, 309, doi:10.1016/j.jclepro.2021.127272.
52. Uphoff, N. AGROECOLOGICAL IMPLICATIONS OF THE SYSTEM OF RICE INTENSIFICATION (SRI) IN MADAGASCAR; 2000;
53. Tuong, T.P.; Bouman, B.A.M. Rice Production in Water-Scarce Environments. Water productivity in agriculture: limits and opportunities for improvement 2003, 53–67, doi:10.1079/9780851996691.0053.
54. Tuong, T.P.; Bouman, B.A.M.; Mortimer, M. More Rice, Less Water—Integrated Approaches for Increasing Water Productivity in Irrigated Rice-Based Systems in Asia. Plant Prod Sci 2005, 8, 231–241, doi:10.1626/PPS.8.231.
55. Ghosh, A.; Singh, O.N.; Rao, K.S. Improving Irrigation Management in Dry Season Rice Cultivation for Optimum Crop and Water Productivity in Non-Traditional Rice Ecologies. Irrigation and Drainage 2011, 60, 174–178, doi:10.1002/IRD.572.
56. Siéwé, F.; Egwuma, H.; Sanni, A.; Ahmed, B.; Abu, S.T.; Nwahia, C.O.; Fani, D.C.R.; Abdulkadir, A.; Ogunsola, E.O. A Best-Bet System of Rice Intensification for Sustainable Rice (Oryza Sativa L.) Production in Northwestern Nigeria. Agronomy 2023, Vol. 13, Page 2049 2023, 13, 2049, doi:10.3390/AGRONOMY13082049.
57. Arouna, A.; Dzomeku, I.K.; Shaibu, A.G.; Nurudeen, A.R. Water Management for Sustainable Irrigation in Rice (Oryza Sativa L.) Production: A Review. Agronomy 2023, Vol. 13, Page 1522 2023, 13, 1522, doi:10.3390/AGRONOMY13061522.
58. Ishaku, H.T.; Majid, M.R.; Johar, F. Rainwater Harvesting: An Alternative to Safe Water Supply in Nigerian Rural Communities. Water Resources Management 2012, 26, 295–305, doi:10.1007/S11269-011-9918-7.
59. Igbadun, H.E.; Ramalan, A.A.; Oiganji, E. Effects of Regulated Deficit Irrigation and Mulch on Yield, Water Use and Crop Water Productivity of Onion in Samaru, Nigeria. Agric Water Manag 2012, 109, 162–169, doi:10.1016/J.AGWAT.2012.03.006.
Authors
![Creative Commons License](http://i.creativecommons.org/l/by/4.0/88x31.png)
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Authors who publish with this journal agree to the following terms:
- Authors retain copyright and grant the journal right of first publication with the work simultaneously licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution License that allows others to share the work with an acknowledgement of the work's authorship and initial publication in this journal.
- Authors are able to enter into separate, additional contractual arrangements for the non-exclusive distribution of the journal's published version of the work (e.g., post it to an institutional repository or publish it in a book), with an acknowledgement of its initial publication in this journal.
- Authors are permitted and encouraged to post their work online (e.g., in institutional repositories or on their website) prior to and during the submission process, as it can lead to productive exchanges, as well as earlier and greater citation of published work (See The Effect of Open Access).