Levels of Agrochemical in Soil and Irrigation Water: Case of Bontanga Irrigation Rice Farmers.

Abstract

The study analysed the contamination level of agro-chemicals in soil and irrigation water at Bontanga Irrigation Scheme. Irrigation and soil samples were collected and analysed in the laboratory for contamination parameters. One hundred (100) rice farmers were randomly selected and interviewed using a questionnaire. The results showed that majority of farmers used pesticides for rice cultivation. There was strong correlation between farmers’ knowledge on appropriate time of chemical applications, disposal of empty chemicals, farmers’ knowledge on agrochemicals contamination of soil and irrigation water. However, the soil pH and conductivity were within the WHO-EPA acceptable levels. Although, the levels being detected in the Bontanga Irrigation area were not alarmingly high, efforts should be made to develop models that will help to predict their long-term effects. Agrochemical residues may become an urgent problem, now that the Ghana government is pushing for the utilization of high-yielding hybrid rice varieties to increase rice production. This technology however would rely on the use of pesticides. Frequent monitoring is required to prevent this from contributing to the further deterioration of our environment and its resources.