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Characterization of Some Hydromorphic Soils from the Ganges Delta in Bangladesh

S. Ferdous
Department of Soil, Water and Environment, University of Dhaka, Dhaka-1000, Bangladesh

M. S. Hussain
Department of Soil, Water and Environment, University of Dhaka, Dhaka-1000, Bangladesh

M. J. Uddin
Department of Soil, Water and Environment, University of Dhaka, Dhaka-1000, Bangladesh

Abstract/ Executive Summary:

The parent materials of some typical soils from the Ganges delta area, 23 soil samples representing four soil series such as Bajoa, Kamalkathi, Amjhupi and Harta were found to be alluvial deposits of mixed origin and carried by the Ganges river. All the soils were fine textured and their textural class ranged from silt to clay. Morphological characteristics suggest the development of a cambic B horizon. The matrix colour of the soils is a combination of olive brown, olive grey, grey and dark grey. The grey matrix colours and mottles in various horizons indicate their hydromorphic nature. Seasonal submergence and drying set the condition of alternate oxidation and reduction which makes mottlings of yellow or brown colour. The soils were classified at the family level of the US soil taxonomy. The aforesaid soils have high percentage of base saturation with cation exchange capacities.

Keywords: Characterization, Hydromorphic soils, Ganges delta, Aquarizems

Location: Khulna and Satkhira districts, Bangladesh.

Start Date:

End Date:

Program Area: Crop-Soil-Water Management

Commodity: Land management

Objectives:

Objective of the study was to examine the morphogenetic processes in some hydromorphic soils from the Ganges delta area and classify them at the family level according to the US soil taxonomy.

Methodology:

A total of 23 soil samples on natural horizon basis from four soil profiles were collected for laboratory analyses. The study area covers a large area in Khulna and Satkhira districts of Bangladesh. Four pedons representing four soil series in Gangetic alluvium from the above districts were selected for this study. The soils were morphologically described in the field following the method of Soil Survey Manual (Soil Survey Staff 1993). The soil samples were processed and analysed in the laboratory of Soil, Water and Environment Department, University of Dhaka. The reconnaissance soil survey reports of greater Khulna district (SRDI staff 1973, 1977) were used as the guide for collection of soil samples. Particle size analyses of soils were carried out by a combination of sieving and hydrometer reading methods as described by Day (1965). Hygroscopic moisture content of soils was determined by drying the air-dried soils in an oven at 105⁰C for 24 hours as described by Black (1965). Organic carbon content was determined volumetrically by wet-oxidation method of Walkly and Black and as described by Jackson (1996). Total nitrogen was determined by micro Kjeldahl digestion and distillation methods. Cation exchange capacity was determined with IN NH₄0ac method buffered at pH 7 and exchangeable cations were determined in the extract of IN NH₄0ac (pH 7). Exchangeable CaH and Mg⁺⁺ were determined by atomic absorption spectophotometer while Na⁺ and K⁺ were determined by Gallenkamp flame photometer.

Source of Information: J. Asiat. Soc. Bangladesh, Sci., 31(2) : 37-48, December 2005

Article Link (Online Journal):

Funding Source:

Budget:

Total Budget (Tk.) :

Achievement/Findings:

The present four soil series belong to four soil families of US soil taxonomy. Kamalkathi soil, has acid sulphate properties and needs some special management practices such as when it is oxidized its pH will go down and this soil will become highly acidic. Bajoa soil is regularly inundated by river water and develops the hydromorphic features from within. Amjhupi is a relatively mature soil that develops hydromorphic features due to accumulation of rain water at the soil surface. Harta is an organic soil in the basin areas and is clayey and presents problem in its use during the rainy season. The classification presents of the four studied pedons at the family level. These four soils have formed on similar parent material, their characterization into four different soil families indicates that they have different management needs. Harta soil series belongs to a completely different order (Histosol) where the other three soils belong to Inceptisol order.

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