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Environmental and Fertility Characteristics of Some Soils from the Social Forestry Project Area of Chandra

M. J. Uddin
Department of Soil Science, University of Dhaka, Dhaka-1000, Bangladesh

M. S. Hussain
Department of Soil Science, University of Dhaka, Dhaka-1000, Bangladesh

A. S. M. Mohiuddin
Department of Soil Science, University University of Dhaka, Dhaka-1000, Bangladesh

A. R. Mazumder
Department of Soil Science, University oj Dhaka, Dhaka-1000, Bangladesh

Abstract/ Executive Summary:

Twenty soil samples were collected from the four pedons representing four soil series belonging to the project area. Textural class, organic matter content, pH, and total and available nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium were chosen as the measures of fertility status of the soils. The soils were found to be moderately fertile except those of the Bhatpara series. In most places of the project area the forest plants showed vigorous growth. However, in some spots their growth was unsatisfactory. Faster growth of forest trees can be achieved by the application of supplementary fertilizer. lime and mulching. To prevent surface erosion in the upland soils collection of litter from the forest floor by the local inhabitants should be stopped.

Keywords: Environment, Soil fertility, Soil

Location: Kaliakoir upazila, Gazipur, Bangladesh

Start Date:

End Date:

Program Area: Crop-Soil-Water Management

Commodity: Soil fertility

Objectives:

Objective of this study was to characterize the environmental settings and the fertility status of the soils in the social forestry project area of Chandra that would be useful in identifying any problem affecting the vigorous growth of forest plants, and at the same time would provide valuable information for their better management.

Methodology:

Soils: Soil samples were collected from four pedons of the social forestry project area of Chandra in the Bara Kalampur village near Kaliakoir satellite station. The soil samples were collected to determine the fertility status. The four pedons belonged to four soil series, namely Tejgaon, Salna, Bhatpara and Kalma. The soils were studied in the field and 20 soil samples were collected on natural horizon basis. Some important field characteristics of the four soil series were studied. Tejgaon soil series. is well to moderately well drained and formed on deeply weathered Madhupur clay occupying high and broadly dissected upland sites. The Salna soil series comprises of somewhat poorly drained soils developed over Madhupur clay in gently undulating, closely dissected areas. Bhatpara soil series comprises of imperfectly drained shallow brown soils over little weathered Madhupur clay occupying gently undulating to gently rolling topography. Kalma soils occur in the valleys of the Madhupur tract. In the project area Tejgaon, Salna and Bhatpara soils are planted with forest plants. The Kalma soil on the other hand, is presently used for transplanted Arnan rice cultivation. Laboratory methods. The pH of the soil samples was determined with pH-meter in a suspension with a soil:water ratio of 1:2.5. The pH of soils was also determined with 1N KCI solution. Organic carbon was determined by wet oxidation method of Walkley and Black. Total and available nitrogen in soils were determined by Micro Kjeldahl method of Jackson. Total and available phosphorus were determined colorimetrically. Total and available potassium in soils were determined using a flame photometer.

Source of Information: Dhaka Univ. J. Btol, Sci. 6(1) : 85-95, 1997 (January)

Article Link (Online Journal):

Funding Source:

1.

Budget:

Total Budget (Tk.) :

Achievement/Findings:

The quantity of biomass produced over a period of time depends on the nature of the species and the nutrient supplying potential of the soil. There is continuous leaching loss of nutrients from the terrace soils because of their location on the upland landscape and also due to their good drainage condition. Conversion of available forms of nutrients into unavailable form takes place because of the presence of oxide and other minerals. This is specially true for phosphorus. An adequate depth of soil is a prime requirement for the deep rooting forest species. Organic mulching may help in reducing evaporation losses. If the leaf litter is not removed an organic matter rich surface layer may be formed which may act like an organic mulch. Although the dry season is long moisture stress even in the plants growing on the terraces have not been noticed. Irrigation however is not feasible in this kind of terrain. The impervious clay pan that is present in the subsoil of Bhatpara soil series is a problem that can be overcome by breaking this pan with deep plowing before the start of plantation.

Knowledge Management: Journal