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Soil Fertility Status of Some Mango Orchards in Chittagong Hill Tracts

M. G. KIBRIA
Department of Soil Science, University of Chittagong, Chittagong 4331, Bangladesh

M. J. AHAMMAD
Department of Soil Science, University of Chittagong, Chittagong 4331, Bangladesh

K. T. OSMAN
Department of Soil Science, University of Chittagong, Chittagong 4331, Bangladesh

Abstract/ Executive Summary:

Major physico-chemical properties of mango orchard soils (Mangifera indica L.) in different sites of three hill districts, Rangamati, Khagrachari and Bandarban were evaluated. Soils were sandy loam in texture at all the sites except foot hill soil of Shapchari. Soil pH, organic matter, total N and available P varied from 4.76 to 5.58, 1.43 to 2.49 %, 0.10 to 0.16 %, 0.86 mg kg-1 to 2.69 mg kg-1 soil, respectively in surface soil of different sites of mango orchard. 1N NH₄OAc extractable K⁺, Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺ ranged from 0.35 to 0.82, 2.50 to 3.66 and 0.60 to 1.57 cmol kg-1 of soils. Soil pH, organic matter, total N and available P varied significantly among the slope positions within the sites. Similar results were found in case of 1N NH₄OAc extractable K⁺, Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺. The soils are generally poor in organic matter and nutrients.

Keywords: Mango orchard, Organic matter, Total nitrogen, Available phosphorus.

Location: Three hilly districts, Rangamati, Khagrachari and Bandarban of Chittagong Hill Tracts

Start Date:

End Date:

Program Area: Crop-Soil-Water Management

Commodity: Mango, Soil fertility

Objectives:

The present research work has been undertaken to evaluate fertility status of mango orchard soil in CHT of Bangladesh.

Methodology:

Study area: The study area covered mainly three hilly districts, Rangamati, Khagrachari and Bandarban of Chittagong Hill Tracts. Five different sites were randomly selected from these locations for collecting soil samples. There were variable numbers of sites in the locations depending on the orchard cultivations and variability of slope and soil conditions. A brief description of the sites is as follows:
Site 1: Shapchari: Shapchari is located in Rangmati district at the geographical position of 22°40´41´´ N and 92°07’13´´ E. This is a hilly area having 20-26 % slope and an elevation of 110 m on the north-east aspect. The numbers of mango plants were about 1100 in the orchard of this site.
Site 2: Waggaboraichari: Waggaboraichari is located at Kaptai in Rangamati district at the geographical position of 22° 31´592´´ N and 92° 07´ 728´´.This is a hilly area having 15-30% slope and an elevation of 55 m on the north- west aspect.
Site 3: Kheikhongpara: Kheikhongpara is located in Bandarban district at the geographical position of 220 12´ 272´´ N and 920 16´ 190´´ E .This is a hilly area having 5-22% slope and an elevation of 14 m on the east aspect. Site 4: Getsimonipara: Getsimonipara is located in Bandarban district at the geographical position of 220 11´ 605´´ N and 920 14´ 380´´E. This is a hilly area having 5-35% slope and an elevation of 14 m on the east aspect. There were about 2500 mango plants.
Site 5: Parachara: Parachara is located in Khagrachari district at the geographical position of 230 10´ 166´´ N and 910 56´ 508´´ E. This is a hilly area having 5-25% slope and an elevation of 115 m on the north-east aspect.
Soil sampling and Analysis: Soil samples were collected from three surface positions in each site. Samples were obtained from the hill top, mid-slope and foot hill of each site, taken in polythene bags, marked well and carried to the laboratory to assess physico-chemical properties and nutrient concentrations. Particle size distribution and soil textural classes were determined by hydrometer method (Day 1965). Soil pH was measured by an electronic pH meter from a soil-water suspension at a ratio of 1:2.5. Organic carbon was determined by wet-oxidation method of Walkley and Black (1934). Total nitrogen was determined by micro-Kjeldahl digestion and distillation method (Jackson 1973). Available phosphorus was determined from field moist soils spectrophotometrically. Available phosphorus was extracted by ammonium fluoride-hydrochloric acid (Bray & Kurtz 2) and determined according to the ascorbic acid blue color method (Murphy & Riley 1962). 1N NH₄OAc extractable potassium, calcium and magnesium were determined by an atomic absorption spectrophotometer.
Statistical Analysis: Analysis of variance and Duncan’s Multiple Range Test were done using statistical software Excel (Excel Inc. 2003) and SPSS version 12 (SPSS Inc. 2003).

Source of Information: The Chittagong Univ. J. B. Sci.,Vol. 6(1 &2):187-197, 2011.

Article Link (Online Journal):

Funding Source:

Total Budget (Tk.) :

Achievement/Findings:

It may be concluded that the soils are inherently poor in fertility as high rates of organic matter and nutrient depletion occur due to shifting cultivation. A long term fertility management program and monitoring are urgently needed for sustainability of mango orchards in the areas. Conservation tillage and cover crop management for eroded soil surface will be effective. The findings of the present research work may give an indication of the future planning and program in the management of mango orchards of Chittagong Hill Tracts.

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