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The Agricultural Potentiality of Wetlands: a Case Study of the Chalan Beel Areas of Bangladesh

M. J. Uddin
Soil Resource Development Institute, Dhaka-1215, Bangladesh

M. A. Sobhan
Regional Laboratory Rajshahi, Soil Resource Development Institute, Rajshahi.

M. M. RAHMAN
Department of Soil, Water and Environment, University of Dhaka, Dhaka-1000.

N. Akhter
SAARC Agricultural Information Centre, BARC Complex, Farmgate, Dhaka-1215, Bangladesh.

Abstract/ Executive Summary:

Chalan Beel, the largest beel in Bangladesh comprises the low lying wetland area between the Barind tract and the Ganges river floodplains. This area is very important hydrologically, geo-morphologically and agro-climatologically in relation to its cropping pattern. The agricultural potential of the area particularly in respect to the soil fertility status at its present agro-climatological and hydrological conditions were studied following analysis of the soil samples collected from some selected locations. The analytical results revealed wide variations in the physico-chemical and nutritional attributes of the soils. The texture of the soils varied from loam to silty clay loam and organic matter contents varied low to moderate status. C/N ratio varied from 6 to 16 and the pH of the soil varied from 4.7 (slightly acidic) to 8.2 (slightly alkaline). Available K, Ca and Mg contents along with Ca/Mg, Mg/K ratio indicated that the soils were more or less calcareous in nature. Contents of N, P and Zn are low whereas S, B, Cu, Fe, K are medium and Mn, Ca and Mg are high. The soils can be of high potential for the existing cropping pattern (Boro, T. Aman and Sugarcane) if the deficiencies are taken care of through appropriate soil management.

Keywords: Wetlands, Chalan Beel, Agricultural potentiality

Location: Soil Resource Development Institute, Dhaka, Bangladesh

Start Date:

End Date:

Program Area: Resource Development and Management

Commodity: Land development productivity

Objectives:

Objective of the study was to evaluating the agricultural potential of the area with particular emphasis on the soil fertility status at its existing agro-climatic and hydrologic conditions and suggesting probable soil management options.

Methodology:

Nineteen composite soil samples were collected covering nine Upazilas of the beel area. Here land types have been categorized by the duration of inundation level. Soil texture studied in the field followed by standard laboratory methodology. The extraction procedure and interpretation of soil samples were made as Agro-Services International methodology (ASI) and analyzed for pH, OM, Total N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S, B, Zn, Cu, Fe and Mn. Soil, land type, land use, drainage, depth of inundation data were collected from aerial photography, field survey and interviewing farmers in the study area. Composite soil samples were collected from 41 sites at a depth of 0 - 30 cm. Collected soil samples were air dried, grinded and screened through sieve. The samples were analyzed for pH, organic matter, N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S, B, Cu, Zn, Fe and Mn. pH of the soils was determined by a corning glass electrode pH metre at a soil water ratio of 1: 2.5. Organic carbon was determined volumetrically by wet oxidation method of Walkly and Black. Total N was determined by Micro-Kjeldahl distillation method. Available P was determined by Olsen method. Ammonium acetate extract was prepared and the exchangeable Ca, Mg, K were determined from the extracts. Available sulfur was determined by a spectophotometer after developing turbidity with barium chloride, Zn, Cu, Fe, Mn were extracted with DTPA solution as followed by Agro-Services International methodology. Boron was determined by Azomethine H reagent buffer solution. Soil physical properties (drainage, texture, consistence, water supplying capacity etc) were assessed in the field using standard field methodology.

Source of Information: Dhaka Univ. J. Biol. Sci. 11(2): 139:145, 2002 (July)

Article Link (Online Journal):

Funding Source:

Budget:

Total Budget (Tk.) :

Achievement/Findings:

From the present investigations it can be ascertained that the study area including the wetlands can be economically exploited through appropriate nutrient management and selecting the proper cropping patterns.

Knowledge Management: Journal