Hydrogeological Investigation and Well Inventory Study in Lar Agricultural Scheme – Sudan

Abstract

Irrigated agricultural LAR scheme in Merowe locality commenced in 2007. Since 2016, the surrounding area has been subjected to a rise in the groundwater table to the land surface, i.e., waterlogging. As a consequence, a lot of houses in the Elregaila region, just adjacent to the main canal, have fallen down. The paper aimed to study this phenomenon in order to propose ample solutions and further mitigation actions. Geophysical and hydrogeological investigations were conducted, and irrigation practice was studied to understand different aspects of the problem. The investigations showed that the main aquifer consists of Nubian Sandstone layers including pebbly sandstone and coarse to medium sandstone intercalated with mudstone. The aquifer area has an annual accumulation (water depth) of 1 to 1.8 m as a result of continual irrigation with approximate storage of 8 million cu m/year and annual abstraction about 1.5 million cu m/year. In accordance with the situations mentioned, it implies that the design of the irrigation conveyance system should be reviewed and weaknesses must be repaired and rehabilitated. Irrigation practice must be changed, as overwatering is a noticed tradition. Integrated irrigation policy using groundwater should be implemented