INVESTIGATION OF GROUNDWATER POTENTIAL FOR MINI-IRRIGATION PURPOSES AT GOVERNMENT SECONDARY SCHOOL NARAYI, CHIKUN LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, KADUNA STATE, NIGERIA
Abstract
ABSTRACT
This study investigated groundwater potential specifically for mini-irrigation purposes at Government Secondary School Narayi, Chikun Local Government Area, Kaduna State, Nigeria, in a basement complex terrain prone to dry-season water scarcity. Twenty-five Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) points were conducted using the Schlumberger configuration (AB/2 up to 100 m), with data inverted using IPI2win software to delineate subsurface layers and aquifer zones. Results identified a typical sequence: thin conductive topsoil (20–120 Ωm), weathered/saprolite aquifer (100–900 Ωm, thickness 15–61 m), and resistive fresh basement (>1,000 Ωm). Exceptionally thick weathered layers (>40 m) were delineated in high-potential zones, notably Profile 5 VES 4 (61.47 m at 618.5 Ωm), exceeding typical thicknesses reported in similar Kaduna settings. The investigation confirms viable groundwater resources for sustainable mini-irrigation on small plots via efficient systems like drip irrigation. These findings provide critical baseline data for borehole siting, reducing drilling risks, and enhancing agricultural resilience and food security in basement complex regions.
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