Assessment of Irrigation Scheduling Practices Among Dry Season Vegetable Farmers in Sokoto State

This study assesses irrigation scheduling practices and their effect on water use efficiency and vegetable yield among dry season farmers in Sokoto State, North West Nigeria. Irrigation scheduling, which determines the timing and amount of water to apply based on crop water requirements and soil moisture status, is a critical irrigation management practice that significantly affects both yield and water use efficiency. In Sokoto State, where water scarcity makes irrigation economy essential, current scheduling practices are largely based on farmer experience rather than scientific water balance methods. This study uses a survey and field measurement design, collecting data from 150 dry season vegetable farmers in Wamakko, Dange-Shuni, and Illela local government areas alongside field measurements of actual water application volumes, soil moisture levels, and crop yield on 30 monitored plots. Crop water requirements are calculated using FAO guidelines. Irrigation efficiency is assessed by comparing actual water applications against calculated crop water needs. Findings reveal that over-irrigation is prevalent, with average water applications exceeding crop water requirements by 44 percent. Early morning and evening scheduling, which reduces evaporative losses, is practiced by only 22 percent of farmers. Farmers using simple tensiometer-assisted scheduling show water savings of 28 percent with no significant yield reduction. The study concludes that irrigation scheduling improvements represent a major water conservation opportunity in Sokoto State. It recommends tensiometer distribution and irrigation scheduling training through the state extension system.

Keywords: irrigation scheduling, water use efficiency, vegetable farming, Sokoto State, crop water requirement.