Comparative Analysis of Drip and Sprinkler Irrigation Systems on the Yield of Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) in Kebbi State

Water scarcity is a critical constraint to vegetable and fruit crop production in the North West geopolitical zone of Nigeria, where seasonal aridity and limited rainfall characterize the dry season. Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) is an important income-generating horticultural crop in Kebbi State, and the adoption of efficient irrigation systems is crucial for sustaining its production. This study compares the effect of drip irrigation and sprinkler irrigation on the growth parameters and yield of watermelon during the 2023 dry season in Argungu, Kebbi State. A field experiment was designed using a randomized complete block design with three replications per irrigation treatment. Data collected include vine length, days to first female flower, number of fruits per plant, average fruit weight, and total marketable yield per hectare. Water use efficiency was computed for each treatment. Results indicate that drip irrigation produced significantly higher fruit yield and superior water use efficiency compared to sprinkler irrigation, using approximately 35 percent less water to achieve comparable plant growth. The study recommends the promotion of drip irrigation technology for watermelon production in semi-arid zones of North West Nigeria, supported by government subsidy programs for smallholder farmers. These findings contribute to evidence-based irrigation management in Nigerian horticulture. Keywords: drip irrigation, sprinkler irrigation, watermelon, Citrullus lanatus, Kebbi State