Geo-Environmental Assessment: Evidence from Geotechnical and Chemical Insight for Irrigation Purpose, Nigeria

Abstract

Aim of Study: Climate change constitute a serious challenge to food security globally. Its impact on food production has been alarming and this study aim to address the severe environmental problem linked to soil and weather variability condition.

Methodology: Selected exploratory pits within the study area for Geotechnical and chemical assessment were bored to elucidate the area for irrigation design that will serve the plantation. This study was done by getting ditch cutting samples at defined coordinates of the area. This facilitated better and deeper insight into the soil composition of the area.

Findings: The facies consisted of silty-sandy soil with some clayey-sandy soil and the area was thus noted more for its non-plastic property using Atterbergs test. Compaction analysis revealed maximum dry density that varied between 1263.0 kg/m³-1627.2kg/m³and Optimum moisture content that varied between 11.1% to 15.0. Compression Index used in determining the settlement potential of the fine-grained clay/silt material of the study area recorded 6.2 x 10^-4 of P3 sample to 8.6 x 10^-4 in P5 sample. Coefficient of volume compressibility (mv) varied 6.1 x 10^-4 to 8.6 x 10^-4.More importantly, Sulphate, Nitrate, Bicarbonate and Chloride have respectively shown a good area to enhance sugarcane plantation.

Conclusions: The area is tectonically stable as no tremor has been reported with underground water potential that can supplement the water need for irrigation of the proposed plantation. Chemical analysis of the soil has revealed its good for sugarcane plantation. Thus, study concluded that the soil of the study area is suitable for such purpose with Pad and Strip foundational footing recommendation.