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Forest Soils of Bangladesh

Mir Muhammad Hassan
Director (Retd.)
Soil Science Division, Bangladesh Forest Research Institute, Chittagong.

Abstract/ Executive Summary:

The forest soils of Bangladesh have been discussed under the four generalized dendro-ecological regions e. g. (i) Floodplain region, (ii) Plio-Pleistocene Terrace region, (iii) Mio-Pliocene Hill region and (iv) Anthropogenetic Land Types region. The dominant soil forming factors and their attributes on physic-chemical, mineralogical properties and the natural soil fertility in each region have been briefly narrated. In addition, major tree species of the dendro-ecological regions and the opportunity for forest production have been discussed. The limitations for tree growth on different dendro-ecological regions have been mentioned. Emphasis has been given on the role of soil moisture regime, acidity, soil fertility and soil depth on site specific species selection.

Keywords: Dendro-ecological region, Forest soils, Land capability, Physic-chemical properties of soil, Soil fertility

Location: Different dendro-ecological regions of Bangladesh

Start Date: 01-07-1990

End Date: 30-06-1993

Program Area: Crop-Soil-Water Management

Commodity: Land development productivity

Objectives:

Attempt has been made to through some light on the dominant factors which contribute to soil formation under the Bangladesh

Methodology:

The growth factors like the (i) land components, (ii) effective soil depth, (iii) soil texture, (iv) soil moisture regime, (v) soil reaction and (vi) soil fertility were interpreted combinedly for this purpose. These growth factors were arranged in a logical sequence.

Source of Information: Bangladesh Journal of Forest Science, Vol. 23, No. 2, July-December, 1994

Article Link (Online Journal):

Funding Source:

1. Asian Development Bank

Budget: 1,00,000.00

Total Budget (Tk.) : 1,00,000.00

Achievement/Findings:

Forest soils are infact the genetically normal soils excepting that in some cases the agricultural use of the forest soils are restricted due to one or more severe limitations. In Bangladesh, four different forest land types have been recognized. Their landforms are also distinctly different. Soil development in these landforms and the ecological distribution of forest vegetation related to several dominant growth factors. The growth factors like the (i) land components, (ii) effective soil depth, (iii) soil texture, (iv) soil moisture regime, (v) soil reaction and (vi) soil fertility were interpreted combinedly for this purpose. These growth factors were arranged in a logical sequence (Hassan and Emdad 1993). These growth factors were rated numerically for a particular tree species and the combined ratings were calculated using formula (Hassan and Emdad 1993). This generalized rules used may apply for whole Bangladesh for the purpose of site specific species selection. The following general comments may apply under the Bangladesh conditions.

The acid upland soils are suitable for most mesophytic tree species except for the ipil-ipil (Luceuna leucocephala).
The shallow soils on the high hills are suitable for drought resistant and shallow rooted tree species.
The intermittently flooded soils are suitable for most mesophytic tree species excepting the jack fruit (Artocarpus heterophylla).
The soils of the meander floodplain can be used for flood tolerant tree species.
The tidally flooded coastal saline soils are suitable for mangrove species, which are especially adaptable to the site conditions.

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