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A Study on Exploitation of Various Fuel Sources in Rural Bangladesh and Their Impact on Soil Environment

S. S. Parul
Bangladesh Rice Research Institute, Gazipur

M. S. Pervin
Bangladesh Rice Research Institute, Gazipur

M. Hasan
Bangladesh Rice Research Institute, Gazipur

J. F. Fred
Agricultural University of Norway, As-1432, Norway

Abstract/ Executive Summary:

This study reports the findings of an investigation of sources of fuel, the extent of their use, underlying causes and impacts of their exploitation. The study area was the north-eastern and driest part of Bangladesh with lowest vegetation where rice is the main crop. Data were collected by survey and analyzing soil chemically. All the 155 households of three sample villages (Godagari, Haldibona and Alimgonj) were surveyed. Chi-square method was used for analysis. Peoples were using mainly cow dung (46.7%), straw and other crop residues (13.3%), scavenged crop residues (18%), and rice husk (20.8%). Total fuel consumption was found 8.45 kg/day/household among which 7.27 kg was gathered and only 1.18 kg was bought. Soil analysis result showed that the soil was deficient in organic carbon, Nitrogen and Phosphorus.

Keywords: Fuel, Vegetation, Cow dung, Straw, Crop residues, Rice husk

Location: Barind tract

Start Date: 00-09-1996

End Date: 00-12-1996

Program Area: Resource Development and Management

Commodity: Manures

Objectives:

1. To describe and analyze on the basis of questionnaire survey and soil analysis from three villages of Barind tract, the impact of exploitation of various sources of fuel and the impact of their exploitation on soil.

Methodology:

Research was done through survey and soil analysis. During August to December 1996 a period which covered the post monsoon as well as a part of winter season. Description of the Study Area: Barind tract is located in the northwestern part of Bangladesh with a total area of 7728 sq. km. within which 1600 sq. km. is undulated and 6128 sq. km. is plain land. Bangladesh has its total area of 143999 sq. km. with 81770 sq. km. arable area. So among the total area of Bangladesh, Barind Tract occupies around 5.37%. Climate: Rainfall: Barind areas receive a low amount rainfall compared to other parts of Bangladesh; average 1200 to 1400 mm per year. Temperature: Extreme temperature ranging from 7 to 42^oC is found in this part of the country. Soil: Soils of Barind Tract are formed on Mudhupur clay. The total area is mainly flood free high land and the soil is generally infertile.The high land consists of well-drained, silty-clay, red soil. But this kind of land does not cover a large area. The major portion of this area contains mixed gray and brown colour, loam or silt-loam type and a little below there, a hard silty layer is present; the drainage of this soil is not good and it becomes very soft in wet condition and very hard in dry condition. This results an unsuitable condition for crop cultivation. Crops: The usual cropping pattern of Barind tract is rice-rice-fallow or rice-rice-chickpea where the first crop is broadcast one giving a very low yield. Transplanted rice is the main crop of Barind tract that is cultivated as rainfed crop and it moisture is available some farmers go for "Rabi crops", mainly pulses and oil seeds. But in a few part of that area where water is ensured by deep tube well or by shallow tube well, farmers go for rice-rice-wheat or rice-rice-potato cropping pattern. . Now-a-days, a very few farmers are cultivating Pigeon peas (Cajanus cajan), a woody perennial crop planted specially on high lands, around the ponds, on ails etc. Pigeon peas provide both fuel and pulses. Site Selection: Three villages of terrace Barind tract were selected as the study area viz. Gopalpur, Haldibona and Alimganj, Rajshahi. Sample Size: All the households in the three villages were interviewed to get the picture of fuel crises and its consequent happenings and thoughts of the local people. The number of households was 155, among which 19 at Gopalpur (Village No. 1), 46 at Haldibona (Village No. 2) and 90 at Alimganj (Village No. 3). Data Collection: Both primary and secondary data were collected from different sources. For primary data, formal and informal interviews were conducted. Formal interview: A restructured questionnaire was used to interview every household to collect both the quantitative and qualitative information. Both husband and wife were interviewed and answered questions concerning their main activities. For example, questions concerning land holding and income were answered by men and questions about fuel and cooking were by women. Informal interview: It included discussions with the village leaders and agricultural extension peoples, group meetings with the villagers, and the personal observation from the field visits. Secondary data: Secondary data collected from Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS), Local offices of Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), regional office of Soil Resources Development Institute (SRDI) etc. Also data were collected from some organizations, working in the study area like ON-farm Research Division of Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute, the regional station of Bangladesh Rice Research Institute (BRRI) and forestry department. Soil collection and analysis: Soil samples were collected from the selected three villages from 6 inch of topsoil. Sampling plots were selected randomly by taking 8 plots from Haldibona; 9 plots from Gopalpur; and 9 plots from Alimganj. Samples from 9 spots were taken from each plots by soil auger and mixed properly. Then the whole lot was divided into two parts. One part was taken and again mixed properly. Then the whole lot was divided into two parts. One part was taken and again mixed properly - divided into two - and taken one. The procedure was continuing and until the sample was reduced to around 300 gms. Then it was taken into a poly-bag and tied the bag properly. That sample-containing poly-bag was again inserted into another poly-bag with labeled tag inside and taken into laboratory. In the laboratory, the soil was first air-dried, then grinned and sieved and finally bottled. The processed soil analyzed chemically for different nutrient elements following different methods as described below- P : Bray 1 K, Ca, Mg : IN ammonium acetate Zn, Fe, Cu, Mn : DPTA (Diethylene triamine penta acetic acid) S : Calcium dihydrogen phospate. Data Analysis: Statistical software MINITAB was used to summarize and analyze the data. The categorical data were coded before punching into MINTAB worksheet. Statistical method, linear regressions were used for analysis. Calculation of percentage was also used as another tool of analysis for interpretation of some information of the study area.

Source of Information: J. Environ. Sci. & Natural Resources, 2(1): 143-148, 2009; ISSN 1999-7361

Article Link (Online Journal):

Funding Source:

Total Budget (Tk.) :

Achievement/Findings:

Under high pressure of wood fuel scarcity, agricultural by-products and wastes as cooking fuel for household came into play. People of the study area were using mainly different by-products from crops and animals, for instance, cowdung 47.6%, rice husk 20.8% crop residues 18%, by-products 11.3%, leaves and household waste 2.7% and tree branches 0.7%. Total fuel consumption was 8.45 kg/HH among which 7.27 kg was gathered and only 1.18 kg was bought. Average daily per capita fuel consumption was 1.05 kg. Fuel crisis is one of the main problems in Barind Tract. Fuel wood problem must be addressed as an element of boarder aspects of agriculture, forestry, socio-cultural and economic challenges, and all activities that contribute to the problem. A suitable state policy is needed regarding landlessness among the villagers in the study area. This is crucial for motivating people to plantation program.

Knowledge Management: Journal