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Soil Characterization and Fertility Assessment of Char Lands for Increased Cropping Intensity and Crop Productivity

MM Ali
Soil Science Division, Bangladesh Institute of Nuclear Agriculture, Mymensingh 2202, Bangladesh.

MMA Tarafder
Soil Science Division, Bangladesh Institute of Nuclear Agriculture, Mymensingh 2202, Bangladesh.

N Mohsin
Department of Soil Science, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh 2202, Bangladesh.

MA Haque
Soil Science Division, Bangladesh Institute of Nuclear Agriculture, Mymensingh 2202, Bangladesh.

Abstract/ Executive Summary:

A study was done for soil characterization and soil fertility assessment in Char Latif and Char Monpura of Bhola District to identify suitable crops for increasing cropping intensity and crop yields. The soils of Char Latif were almost silt loam to silty clay loam in texture. Soil pH values were slightly alkaline in reaction. The organic matter contents were low to medium (1.23-2.53%), the total N very low to low (0.08-0.22%), available P low to very low (4.67-14.1µg g^-1 soil), available S low to very high (4.02-156.8 µg g^-1 soil) and exchangeable K low to optimum (0.138-0.311%), exchangeable Ca and Na very high in Char Latif areas. At Char Monpura areas, the soils were silt loam to silty clay loam in texture. The soil pH was neutral to slightly alkaline in reaction. The organic matter contents of the soil were low to medium (0.21-2.60%) and the total N contents were very low to low (0.03-0.18%). Available P contents were very low (2.40-6.65 µg g^-1 soil). Available S contents were low to very high (4.02-156.8 µg g^-1 soil). Exchangeable K, Ca and Na contents were medium to optimum (0.20-0.48 me%), in desired level (4.54-9.07me%) and very high level (1.64-5.14me%), respectively. The soils of both char land areas were normally erosive having low fertility and low water holding capacity. Generally, farmers of char lands cultivated local varieties of crops. As a result, crop yields are low. High yielding profitable crops and crop cultivation measures could be recommended for both of the Char Latif and Char Monpura areas. The findings could help the government and the other organizations to take proper steps for improving livelihood of the char peoples by improved crop varieties and management practices. Hence, there is great opportunity to increase crop production through intensification of crop cultivation with the selection of appropriate crop varieties and soil management at char lands.

Keywords: Vermicompost,; Soil fertility; Char land; Cropping intensity; Crop productivity

Location: District of Bhola

Start Date:

End Date:

Program Area: Farming System

Commodity: Soil fertility

Objectives:

The objectives of this study were: to characterize and assess of soil fertility for introducing suitable cropping patterns and increased cropping intensity and crop yields in Char Latif and Char Monpura of Bhola District.

Methodology:

Char Latif of Borhan uddin Upazila under the District of Bhola is an isolated char land in the Tetulia river in the North-West part of Borhan uddin Upazila. This char is surrounded by Bauphal Upazila of Patuakhali District on the South and West, Bhola Sadar on the North and Borhanuddin Upazila sadar area on the East. It is located in between 22°23´ and 22°29´ North latitudes and in between 90°36´ and 90°38´ East longitudes. The total area of this char is 2,274 hectare. Char Monpura, a separate island of Shahbazpur river is situated at the east of Bhola District. It is bounded by Tazumuddin Upazila on the North, Hatiya Upazila of Noakhali on the East, Bay of Bengal on the South, Lalmohan and Charfasson Upazila on the West. It is located in between 21° 50´ and 22° 24´ North latitudes and in between 90° 52´ and 91° 02´ East longitudes. Based on the objectives, brief information such as present crops and cropping patterns, irrigation and fertilizer management, crop yields, etc. have been collected from the study areas. Soil survey and crops across seasons have been done. The soil samples were collected from eight depths (D₁-D₈) from ten spots at Char Latif where at Char Monpura, soil was collected from 21 depths (D₁-D₂₁) from eight spots. About 1 kg of soil from each depth was brought to the laboratory for physio-chemical analyses. The soils were dried at room temperature and processed and passed through 10 mm sieve and stored for analysis. The soil samples were analyzed following standard methods for determination of texture, soil pH, electrical conductivity (EC), organic carbon (OC), total nitrogen (TN), exchangeable Ca, K and Na. Textural class: Particle size analysis was carried out by hydrometer method (Black, 1965) and finally textural class was determined by fitting the %sand, % for silt and % clay to the Marshall's Triangular Coordinates following USDA system. Soil pH and EC: Soil pH and EC were measured by a glass electrode pH and EC meter using soil: water suspension of 1:2.5 (10 g soil and 25 ml distilled water) as described by Jackson (1967). The underlying principle was used to oxidize the organic matter with an excess of 1N K₂Cr₂O₇ in presence of conc. H₂SO₄ and conc. H₃PO₄ and to titrate the excess K₂Cr₂O₇ solution with 1N FeSO₄.To obtain the organic matter content the amounts of organic carbon were multiplied by Van Bemmelen factor 1.73. The results were expressed in percentage (Page et al., 1989). Total nitrogen: Total N content was determined following micro-Kjeldahl method as described by Jackson (1967). Soil sample was digested with H₂O₂, conc. H₂SO₄ and catalyst mixture (K₂SO₄:CuSO₄.5H₂0:Se in the ratio of 100:10:1). After completion of digestion, made the volume to 100ml. Distillation was performed with adding of 40% NaOH into the digest. The distillate was received in 2% boric acid (H₃BO₃) solution and 4 drops of mixed indicator of bromocresol green and methyl red solution. Finally the distillate was titrated with standard H₂SO₄ (0.01N) until the color changed from green to pink. The amount of N was calculated using the following formula: %N = (T-B) ×N×l.4S, Where, T = Sample titration value (ml) of standard H₂SO₄ B = Blank titration value (ml) of standard H₂SO₄ N = Strength of H₂SO₄S = Sample weight in gram Available phosphorus: Available phosphorus was extracted from the soil samples by shaking with 0.5 M Organic matter: Organic carbon was determined by wet oxidation method as described by Black (1965). NaHCO₃ solutions at pH 8.5 following the method of Olsen and Sommers (1982). The extracted phosphorus was determined by developing blue color by SnCl₂ reduction of phosphomolydate complex and measuring the intensity of color calorimetrically at 660 nm wave length and the readings were calibrated to the standard P curve. Exchangeable Ca, K and Na: Exchangeable Ca, K and Na was extracted from the soil samples with 1N NH₄OAC (pH 7) and cations were determined from the extract by flame photometer (Black, 1965) and calibrated with a standard curve.

Source of Information: Progressive Agriculture 31 (1): 56-67, 2020

Article Link (Online Journal): DOI: https://doi.org/10.3329/pa.v31i1.48313

Funding Source:

Budget:

Total Budget (Tk.) :

Achievement/Findings:

At both of the char land areas, improved crop varieties of T.aman (HYV & local), Deep water rice, Boro (HYV & local), T.aus (Local), Mustard, Mungbean, Groundnut, Soybean, Potato, Jute, Maize, Chilli, Cauliflower, Cabbage, Onion, Garlic, Tomato, Water melon, Cucumber, Melon, etc. could be grown. Farmers could be benefited by the cultivation of modern crop varieties through improved management of soils such as application of balanced inorganic and organic (e.g. vermicompost, green manures, farmyard manures etc.) fertilizers, proper irrigation and tillage practices at these areas. Bio-fertilizer should be used for cultivation of legume (pulse and oilseed) crops. Cultivation of salt tolerant crop varieties should be expanded with fresh water irrigation adoption. Comprehensive agricultural development programs should be taken by different GO/NGO and other organizations at these areas. The findings could help the government and the other organizations to take proper steps for improving livelihood of the char peoples by improved crop varieties and management practices. Hence, there is great opportunity to increase crop production through intensification of crop cultivation with the selection of appropriate crop varieties and soil management at char lands.

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