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Properties of Soils from Madhupur Rubber Plantation Area in Bangladesh

A. T. M. Emdad Hossain
Divisional Officer (Rted.)
Soil Science Division,Bangladesh Forest Research Institute,Chittagong.

Z. H. Khan
Professor
Department of Soil, Water and Environment University of Dhaka, Bangladesh.

Abstract/ Executive Summary:

Physical and chemical properties of some soils form Mdahupur rubber plantation area in Bangladesh have been studied. Results of particle-size distribution, oven dry/air dry ratio, field moisture capacity, pH, organic carbon, total nitrogen, cation exchange capacity (CEC) and exchangeable cations of the soils on depth basis have been presented. The nutrient contents of these soils have also been reported. With respect to nutrient status and physic-chemical properties, these soils are considered to have good potentiality and prospect for increased production of rubber, if proper attention and management practices are adopted.

Keywords: Madhupur Tract, Rubber plantation, Soil properties

Location: Madhupur Tract, Bangladesh

Start Date: 01-07-1996

End Date: 30-06-1999

Program Area: Crop-Soil-Water Management

Commodity: Soil fertility

Objectives:

To gain detailed information about the physical and chemical properties of soils from Madhupur rubber plantation area in Bangladesh

Methodology:

Four pedons representing two topographic positions (two from top and two from middle of the slope) in Pirgacha block of Madhupur forest in Tangail District were selected for this investigation. The pedons were studied in the field, and samples were collected from variable depth of soil pits. All pits had a 1.5 x 1.5 x 1.0 m (length x breadth x depth) dimensions, and 1 kg samples representing each horizon were taken on the same day and kept in plastic bags. Soils were described by standard terminology (SSS 1993). The area under study is situated at an altitude of about 15 metres above mean sea level and belongs to the Madhupur tract. This tract includes well drained dissected terraces and few narrow valleys. It comprises of different kinds of landscapes such as level top, moderately steep slope, gentle slope and valleys. The climate of the area is humid sub-tropical with a mean annual temperature of 25.5^oC. The mean summer and winter temperatures are 30^oC and 19^oC respectively. The mean annual rainfall is around 2000 mm, the bulk of which is received between May and October. The collected soil samples were processed and analyzed in the laboratory for physical and chemical properties. Particle-size distribution was determined by hydrometer metho0d. Hygroscopic moisture was calculated from the loss of moisture from the sample as described by Black. Field capacity of the soils was determined following the procedure of Richards. Soil pH was measured in suspension at a soil; water ratio of 1:2.5 and at a soil; 1N KCI ratio of 1:2.5 with a Pye pH meter. Organic carbon content was determined by wet oxidation, total nitrogen by micro-Kjeldahl digestion and distillation, and cation exchange capacity (CEC) by neutral 1N ammonium acetate saturation. The exchangeable Na⁺, K⁺, Ca⁺⁺ and Mg⁺⁺ were also extracted with neutral 1N ammonium acetate. Available nitrogen was extracted with 1N KCI and available phosphorus with Truog’s reagent. Total phosphorus and potassium were extracted phosphorus by fusion of soil with sodium carbonate. Available K, Fe, Mn and Zn were extracted with 1N NH₄OAc solution at pH 7.0. Gallenkamp flame photometer was used for determination of Na and K. On the other hand, Ca, Mg and micronutrients were determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Phosphorus was determined by chlorostannous reduced molybdophosphoric blue color method in sulphuric acid system.

Source of Information: Bangladesh Journal of Forest Science, Vol. 29, No. 2, July-December, 2000

Article Link (Online Journal):

Funding Source:

1. Government

Budget: 2,00,000.00

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

Achievement/Findings:

Though there are some constraints in both physical and chemical properties of these soils, it has good potentialities for the growth of rubber plants if proper fertilization and management practices are well as environmental condition of these soils are conducive to favorable growth of rubber plants through their good internal drainage, level to gently sloping terrain, deep soil profile, clayey textures with more than 15% sand and acidic reaction. However, high P fixation capacities and lower K avail abilities in these soils require special consideration for fertilizer management. Similarly, these soils have low water holding capacity, which may need improvement through mulching or manuring.

Knowledge Management: Journal