@article{CRSIJ26000283,
                  author = {James Thomas, C.Y Oche, N.L Binbol},
                  title = {Assessment of Hydro-Morphometric Characteristics and Seasonal Water-Budget Dynamics of Lake Ruma Wetland: Implications for Irrigation and Livestock Production in North-eastern Nigeria},
                  journal = {Cosmo Research and Science International Journal},
                  year = {2025},
                  volume = {2},
                  number = {1},
                  pages = {358-378},
                  issn = {3108-1584},
                  url = {https://cosmorsij.com/published/CRSIJ26000283.pdf},
                  abstract = {Wetlands provide important water resources for agricultural production, particularly in seasonally dry environments where rainfall is concentrated within a short period of the year. However, the agricultural usefulness of wetland water depends not only on the quantity stored but also on basin morphology, hydrological connectivity, seasonal replenishment, and the balance between water inputs and losses. This study assessed the hydro-morphometric characteristics and water-budget dynamics of Lake Ruma Wetland in Song Local Government Area, Adamawa State, north-eastern Nigeria, to determine their implications for irrigation and livestock production. Field surveys, GPS-based spatial delineation, bathymetric measurements, digital elevation model analysis, and long-term hydrological data were integrated to characterize the physical dimensions, storage capacity, hydrological connectivity, and seasonal water availability of the wetland. Lake Ruma has an elongated morphology, with a maximum length of 2.18 km, maximum width of 0.59 km, open-water surface area of 1.52 km², maximum depth of 2.23 m, mean depth of 0.97 m, and estimated water volume of approximately 1.47 million m³. The wetland receives water through multiple pathways, including direct rainfall, perennial stream inflow, seasonal river overflow, and catchment runoff. Water-budget analysis revealed pronounced seasonal variability. Positive mean water-balance conditions were restricted to July–September, with surpluses of 102.58, 82.20, and 64.73 mm, respectively, whereas deficits occurred during the remaining months. Annual mean inflow was 289.18 mm compared with a mean outflow of 702.84 mm, producing a mean annual deficit of 413.66 mm. Deficit conditions occurred in 28 of the 30 years analysed, while only two years recorded annual surpluses. The findings demonstrate that Lake Ruma possesses appreciable physical water-storage capacity but limited year-round hydrological reliability. Its agricultural potential is therefore constrained less by the absence of water than by the strong seasonal imbalance between water inputs and losses. Sustainable development should prioritize seasonal storage, regulated abstraction, efficient irrigation, protection of inflow channels, and designated livestock watering facilities. The study demonstrates the importance of integrating hydro-morphometric characteristics with water-budget analysis when evaluating the agricultural potential of small wetlands in seasonally water-limited environments.},
                  keywords = {Hydro-morphometric, water budget, wetland hydrology, water storage, seasonal water availability, irrigation, livestock production, Lake Ruma, Nigeria},
                  month = {July}
        }