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Fertility Characteristics of Some Major Tea Producing Soils of Srimangal Area of Bangladesh

M. S. Mahmud
Department of Soil Science, University of Chittagong, Chittagong, Bangladesh

S. Z. K. M. Shamsad
Department of Soil, Water and Environment, University of Dhaka

M. S. Islam
Department of Soil Science, University of Chittagong, Chittagong, Bangladesh

Abstract/ Executive Summary:

Soil samples were collected from Srimangal, one of the major tea growing areas of Bangladesh to evaluate some important physical and chemical properties of soil for tea production. Soil samples were collected from three topographical areas and from three different depths. The study showed that the soils varied from sandy loam to sandy clay loam, the pH values were around 4.0 with very high exchangeable aluminum, total soil nitrogen contents were satisfactory, and the level of organic matter was poor to marginal. The C/N ratio and cation exchange capacity were low. Concentrations of M g, K, Na, P and Fe were satisfactory, Ca level was low and the available phosphate contents of the soils were also very low.

Keywords: Tea, Soil, Soil fertility, Old tea garden, Tea crops

Location: Srimangal, Sylhet of Bangladesh

Start Date:

End Date:

Program Area: Crop-Soil-Water Management

Commodity: Soil fertility, Tea

Objectives:

To investigate the present nutritional status of long established tea growing areas (old tea garden), and
To establish important causes, if any, for the decline in the yield of tea crop

Methodology:

The present research work was carried out to study the fertility status of some major tea soils of Srimangal of Bangladesh. It was decided to select a number of sites, which would show some of the important features typical of the tea areas. The sites are within 10 kilometers of the Bangladesh Tea Research Institute. Samples were collected from three topographical areas: Tillah (hill), High Flat and Low Flat and from three different depths: 0-23 cm, 23-46 cm and 46-92 cm. Soil samples were analyzed in the laboratory. Among the physical properties particle size distribution was determined by mechanical analysis using a hydrometer. Particle density and bulk density was determined by using a pycnometer and by core method respectively. Total porosity and void ratio was calculated by the following formula of Karim et al. (1988). Available nitrogen and available phosphorus was determined by semi micro Kjeldahl's method and Vanadomolybdo-phosphoric yellow color method in nitric acid system respectively. Available sulfur and iron were determined turbidimetrically by Spectrophotometer u sing NH4 0Ac extract. Total exchangeable bases was determined by adding all the exchangeable bases plus trace of other cations, e.g. meg % Ca, meg % Mg, meg % Na, meg % K. Percent of base saturation was calculated on the basis of = Total exchangeable bases x 100/C.E.C. Percent of aluminum saturation was calculated on the basis of= meg % AI x I 00/C.E.C. Total P, K and S were determined as above using the HN0₃ and HC10₄ digest. An incubation experiment was carried out to stud y the effect of lime (as calcium hydroxide) on the exchangeable AI content 100g of soil was treated with different doses of calcium hydroxide at the rate of 0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8 and 1 ton/ha. Water was added to keep the soil moist and the soils were incubated at laboratory temperatures. After 6 days the pH of each samples was determined. The method applied to determine the lime requirements of the soils to bring the soil to optimum pH 5.0 for the growth of tea.

Source of Information: Bangladesh J. Soil Sci. 36(l-2): 73-79, 2010

Article Link (Online Journal):

Funding Source:

Total Budget (Tk.) :

Achievement/Findings:

An abundant supply of nitrogen and organic matter is essential for the vegetative growth o f plant. The present nutritional condition of Bangladesh tea soils indicates that the nitrogen level is satisfactory but the level of organic matter is poor to marginal. Organic matter in the form of cow-dung, compost or green manuring crops ma y be added to the soil in order to improve the fertility of the soils. This will also increase the cation exchange capacity and activity of microorganisms in soil. Very high exchangeable aluminum, which is the main problem under strong acidity and decline the crop yield, must be brought to a safe level by the application of lime. The minimum amount of lime should be determined on the basis of laboratory as well as field experiments. The available phopphate content in the soils is also very low. The application of soluble phosphate fertilizer may be preceded by the application of lime. From foregoing discussion it may be concluded that a project development program should be established based on the soil properties. Such research should have priority in relation to soil management techniques concerned mainly with soil acidity neutralization, increased fertility and organic matter conservation. A pragmatic and effective tea soil management program is immediately needed for sustainable productivity of tea soils in Bangladesh

Knowledge Management: Journal