Browsing by Author "Keneema, Christine"

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    Analysis of the Effect of Thematic Irrigation Schemes on Soil and Water Quality in Butaleja, Uganda
    (East African Nature and Science Organization, 2023-10-02) Keneema, Christine; Semwogerere, Twaibu; Kamalha, Edwin; Alio, Deborah; Kawuma, Carol
    Irrigation processes have been at the forefront of reasons for increased food production. However, the soil and water parameters are areas of focus when considering irrigation. The study aimed to assess the effect of irrigation on soil and water parameters in the Doho irrigation scheme in Eastern Uganda. The methodology used was generally quantitative, following experimental designs. Water and soil samples were picked from randomly selected blocks for experiments conducted directly in the field and in the laboratories. Parameters tested include the pH, Electrical conductivity, salinity, Ca, K and Na among others. Findings revealed that irrigation affected all the parameters either negatively or positively regarding soil and water considerations. Irrigation increased salinity (0.1 – 0.2), electrical conductivity (1.49 – 4.2) and sodium (0.75 – 1.53) levels in soil and water, while prolonged irrigation lowered calcium (2.8 – 3.25) and potassium (0.45 – 0.76) levels. There was no considerable effect on water and soil pH. A variation was recorded in water and soil parameters where the highest concentrations were recorded in water samples. Prolonged irrigation affects water and soil parameters because it causes leaching of soil, causing a high concentration of ions in down layers of soil. Furthermore, the equipment that is often used to construct these schemes is often heavy compacting soil, and resulting oil spills alter physical and chemical properties. The study recommends that there should be continuous assessment of chemical and physical properties for water and soil parameters in Doho and other similar irrigation projects around the globe
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    Statistical Model for Predicting Salinity of Water at Doho 1 Irrigation Scheme in Busia
    (East African Nature and Science Organization, 2021-12-13) Keneema, Christine; Semwogerere, Twaibu; Kamalha, Edwin; Alio, Deborah; Kawuma, Carol
    The concentration of salts in water or salt affects crop yields to a good extent. Irrigation salinity can be controlled by various methods including modelling. Therefore, this study aimed at designing a model for predicting the salinity of the water at the Doho Irrigation Scheme in Butaleja district, eastern Uganda for better rice growing. This study used the different water chemical parameters from the different sites of the scheme, where water samples were collected and measured in the laboratory. A multivariate regression method was used to model water salinity through the Electrical Conductivity as the dependent variable and other water chemical parameters like potassium (K), Sodium (Na), pH and Calcium (Ca) were used as independent variables. A non-linear statistical model was derived from the chemical results of the irrigation scheme, presented and validated by applying it on the water samples that were not used during the design of the model. The model measured salinity levels and can be used to determine which water chemical levels are good for rice growing in Doho and other similar situations. Hence, the model can be used to improve food quality and quantity as required in the food production goal