Umudike Journal of Engineering and Technology

The effects of irrigation practices on the soils at Bakolori Irrigation Project (BIP) scheme Zamfara State, Nigeria after 19 years was studieds. Soil samples were collected at depths of 0-15 cm, 15-30 cm and 30-60 cm and analyzed for chemical parameters (pH, CEC, ESP, Mg²⁺, and Ca²⁺). The soil pH which was slightly acidic (pH = 5.9) at inception of scheme, has increased (pH = 6.5). Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC) level has decreased from 5.0 cmol+kg ^-1 to 4.10 cmol+kg ^-1. There was little increase in Sodium Adsorption Ratio (SAR) from 0.55 to 0.57; while Percentage Base Saturation (BSP) decreased from 62 % to 48 % which is under medium class. For 1997 Ca (0.8 cmol(+)/kg), Mg (1.0 cmol(+)/kg) and K (0.3 cmol(+)/kg) on the other hand for 2016  Ca (0.82 cmol(+)/kg), Mg (0.32 cmol(+)/kg) and K (0.48 cmol(+)/kg), therefore, BIP soil can be rated as low in Ca-fertility, medium in Mg- fertility and high in K- fertility. Generally, the analysis shows the need for constant monitoring of the scheme soil to prevent further deterioration.