Assessment of Soil Moisture through Climatic Variables Using Remote Sensing Data in Semi-Arid Sokoto State, Nigeria

Abstract

Soil moisture availability is an indispensable requirement for not only the growth of crops but also other living organisms in any ecological settings This study determined soil moisture condition in Sokoto State using climate-based water index. Satellite-based estimations of mean monthly rainfall data was obtained from the USGS/FEWS database for each of the local government areas. Also, approximations of monthly values of minimum and maximum air temperatures (AIRS) were downloaded from the NASA website.  The latter variables were utilised in the computation of potential evapotranspiration using Hargreaves equation. It was very clear from the results that water surplus occurred in the months of July, August and September across almost all the locations. In addition, places lying in the southern part of the State such as Kebbe, Yabo, Tambuwal and Shagari recorded higher positive values of moisture availability in contrast to their counter parts in the extreme north bordering Niger republic. Thus, this study revealed slight spatio-temporal variation in soil moisture condition across the entire study area decreasing from the southern locations towards the north. Hence, the research could help improve agricultural planning and suggest irrigation during dry periods.  Consequently, the findings could offer useful insights for managing water resources and improving farming in dry areas.