Assessment of the Physicochemical Quality of Irrigation Water and Soil for Sustainable Irrigated Rice Cultivation: Case of Irrigated Perimeter of M’Bahiakro (Central-East of Côte d’Ivoire)

Abstract

This study aims to assess the physico-chemical quality of irrigation water and soil in the irrigated area of M’Bahiakro. Seasonal campaigns to measure in situ the physical parameters (pH, temperature, salinity, electrical conductivity and total dissolved solids) of the N’Zi River were carried out, followed by sampling (water and soil) for chemical analyses. The physico-chemical quality of irrigation water was assessed on the basis of four (4) parameters, namely Dry Residue (SR), Osmotic Pressure (π), Kelly Coefficient (KCR), Sodium Absorption Rate (SAR) and Wilcox Diagram. In terms of soil quality, the parameters (pH, N, P, P, K, MO, CEC and ESP) were determined. Overall, the results show a good physical-chemical quality of the irrigation water and soil. Indeed, the irrigation waters studied show good physico-chemistry and low to medium salinity depending on the seasons of the year. As for the soils, they have a clayey-silt texture, a slightly acidic pH, favourable to rice cultivation and a good organic matter content, which best maintains an active microbial life. In addition, the major elements (nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium) present in irrigation water and soils could be enough to optimize the yield of rice cultivation. These results then lead to the conclusion that the irrigation water from the N’Zi River and the soils of the irrigated perimeter of M’Bahiakro are naturally suitable for agricultural use, particularly for rice cultivation. As a result, an additional supply of fertilizer (NPK) would not necessarily be necessary during the exploitation phase of the rice area.