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Properties of Soils from the Off Shore Islands of Bangladesh

Z. H. Khan
Research Officer
Soil Science Division, Bangladesh Forest Research Institute, Chiitagong.

M. S. Hussain
Professor (Retd.)
Department of Soil, Water and Environment, University of Dhaka.

A. R. Mazumder
Research Officer
Soil Science Division, Bangladesh Forest Research Institute, Chiitagong.

Abstract/ Executive Summary:

Physical and chemical properties of some soils from the off shore islands of Bangladesh have been studied. Results of particle size distribution, pH, ECe, organic carbon, total nitrogen and cation exchange capacity (CEC) of the soils on profile basis have been determined. The predominantly loamy texture of the soils indicate that they are physically suitable for agricultural use. Daily tidal inundation during the monsoon months and moderate salinity along with poor drainage conditions are the characteristic features of these soils which may favour the growth of mangrove species. In fact, in some of the older island the mangrove species such as keora (Sonneratia apetala) are growing luxuriantly.

Keywords: Bangladesh, Mangrove species, Offshore Islands,Soil properties

Location: Off shore islands of Bangladesh

Start Date: 01-07-1994

End Date: 30-06-1996

Program Area: Crop-Soil-Water Management

Commodity: Soil fertility

Objectives:

To determine some physical and chemical properties of the soils and sediments.
To determine their suitability for afforestation with mangrove species.

Methodology:

Soil samples were collected from the off shore islands in the month of December when the sea remains calm. Samples were collected from mostly new islands where sedimentary deposition is still going on. A total of 34 soil samples were collected from 10 selected locations on the islands. The soil samples were collected on depth basis as the soils have very little genetic horizon formation. The soil samples were processed and analyzed in the laboratory for physical and chemical properties. Particle size distribution was determined by the hydrometer method (Day 1965). Before the hydrometer reading the soil samples were treated with hydrogen peroxide to destroy organic matter, and thereafter dilute NaOH solution was used to disperse the soil in the in the suspension medium. The pH of the soils was determined with a Pye pH meter at a soil:water ratio of 1:2.5. Organic carbon content in the soil was estimated by wet oxidation method as described by Jackson (1967). Total nitrogen was determined by micro kjeldahl distillation method (Jackson 1967) and the cation exchange capacity (CEC) by neutral 1N ammonium acetate method (Black 1965). Electrical conductivity (ECe) was measured on a saturation extract of the soils using a conductivity meter.

Source of Information: Bangladesh Journal of Forest Science, Vol. 27, No. 2, July-December, 1998

Article Link (Online Journal):

Funding Source:

1. Government

Budget: 2,00,000.00

Total Budget (Tk.) : 2,00,000.00

Achievement/Findings:

With respect to the physical and chemical properties, the soils of the off shore islands are similar to those in the Sundarban mangrove forest. As has been noted above these islands are tidally affected, and the salinity is moderate. Mangrove species have been planted in many areas of these islands where they are growing well. In other islands also similar effects may be expected. Since the afforestation programme with keora in the off shore islands is successful, it should be extensively planted in suitable sites in all the islands.

Knowledge Management: Journal