Assessment of Water Harvesting Techniques for Supplemental Irrigation in Semi-Arid Zones

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Water scarcity limits crop production in semi-arid regions. This study assessed water harvesting techniques in Yobe State. Three techniques were evaluated: micro-catchments, contour ridges, and tied ridges compared to a control (flat planting). Sorghum was used as test crop. Results showed that micro-catchments harvested 45% of seasonal rainfall, contour ridges 35%, and tied ridges 28%. Soil moisture content was significantly higher in water harvesting treatments throughout the season. Sorghum yield was highest with micro-catchments (2.8 t/ha), followed by contour ridges (2.4 t/ha), tied ridges (2.1 t/ha), and control (1.4 t/ha). Water use efficiency improved by 60-100% with water harvesting. The study recommends micro-catchments for low-cost supplemental irrigation in semi-arid areas.