Evaluation of the Impact of Gurara Dam on Soil Quality within the Catchment in Kaduna State Nigeria

Abstract

This study evaluates Gurara dam impact on soil quality within the catchment. Its objectives were to assess the soil quality of Gurara dam catchment area and compare the quality of soil in the EIA baseline data with the present soil quality. The result of this research work was gathered through laboratory analysis of soil samples collected within Gurara dam catchment. Data collected were analsysed using mean, range coefficient of variance and student‘t’ test. This  study found that soil nutrient has reduce due to erosion caused by dam, The concentration load of soil nutrients such as nitrate, sulphate, phosphate and chloride ranged from 3.4mg/kg – 5.9mg/kg; 8.95mg/kg – 80.1mg/kg; 0.4mg/kg – 0.8mg/kg; and 18mg/kg – 23mg/kg for these parameters respectively; there is a significant difference in soil quality in terms of nitrate, sulphate, phosphate, chloride and organic matter but not for pH, temperature and electrical conductivity between present soil samples and EIA baseline data. Thus this study recommended among other things the implementation of the environmental management plan listed in the EIA.

Keywords: Gurara Dam, Soil Quality, Heavy Metals, Soil Nutrient, Evaluation, Impact and EIA