Preliminary Evaluation of Soils from Kwalkwalawa (Sokoto) and Bakolori (Talata Mafara) Regions Used for Rice and Fishing Activities

Abstract

Abstract:Kwalkwalawa is an area noted for extensive rice production and fishing activities, while Talata Mafara is a site used mainly for rice production. Soils of the two areas were taken and evaluated for potentialities of rice-cum-fish culture. Three replicate soil samples were collected in October 2004 and 2005 from three sampling sites within the study area at 0-15 cm and 15-30 cm depth. Analysis of the samples indicated that at Kwalkwalawa the soil pH was 7.35 and 7.28 for 0-15 cm and 15-30 cm depth, respectively, and 6.75 and 6.67 for Talata The soil was classified as loamy sand after fitting it into textural triangle. Results indicated the clay content at Kwalkwalawa over two seasons was stable, but at Talata Mafara it differed, even though the soil texture was the same for both seasons and sampling depths. The results showed that with some textural improvements, rice-cum-fish culture project can be undertaken in the study areas.

Heavy metal concentration in blood and selected tissues of cat fish from Kwalkwalawa River, Sokoto

“…Farmers and other villagers cultivate land and wash clothes at the river bank which could serve as a source of heavy metals due to application of pesticides/fertilizer and detergents. The area is characterized by mean annual maximum temperature of 41 °C, with monthly means varying from 40.0 °C in May to 33.0 °C in December (Misau et al, 2015;Akilu and Oladeji, 2017).…”