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Evaluating Soils Fertility of Tea Gardens of North East Bangladesh

Sk. M. Billah*
Soil Science Discipline, Khulna University, Khulna

Ullah, S.M
Department of Soil, Water and Environment. University of Dhaka

Begum. A
Soil Science Discipline, Khulna University, Khulna

Abstract/ Executive Summary:

Soils from tea garden in Sylhet and Moulovibazar, North East Bangladesh were analyzed for texture, organic matter, loss of moisture, pH, N, C/N ratio, Na, K, Ca, Mg, S, Fe, and Al. The soils are loamy to sandy loam, extremely acidic to acidic. They were very low in organic matter (0.87-1.60%), nitrogen content (0.051- 0.121%) and pH (3.75-4.90). The exchangeable bases – Ca, Mg, Na and K - are also very low due to their leaching under existing acidic conditions. The C/N ratio is very low. The studied soils contain higher concentration of Fe, Al, and S. These soils are not ideal for tea cultivation because of low pH, organic matter, nitrogen, Na, Ca, Mg, and K contents. The data were statistically analyzed by LSD at a 5% level of significance.

Keywords: Tea soil, Tea garden, Bangladesh, Physico-chemical characters, Nutrient status

Location: Sylhet and Moulavibazar districts

Start Date:

End Date:

Program Area: Crop-Soil-Water Management

Commodity: Fertilizer, Tea, Physico-Chemical

Objectives:

This study analyzed the status of soil texture, Soil moisture, Particle size, Organic Carbon, Total nitrogen, pH, Na + , K+ , Ca2+, Mg2+ Al, Fe P and S from five old tea gardens situated in the North East Bangladesh.

Methodology:

Sampling sites: The sites selected for collecting the samples were five old (1857-1920) tea gardens in Sylhet and Moulavibazar districts for the experiments. The gardens were Sona Rupa Tea Estate, Pulchara Tea Estate, Zareen Tea Estate, Nurjahan Tea Estate and Malnichara Tea Estate.

Collection of soil sample: Soil samples were collected from the soil profiles at a depth of 0-5, 5- 10, 10-15, 15-20 cm respectively from five tea estates during the month of May, 2005. Three pits were dug in each of the tea estates and five soil samples were collected from each depth segment of the profile. Samples from respective depths were well mixed to prepare composite samples were prepared. The physical and chemical properties analyzed are Loss of moisture, Particle size, Textural class, Organic carbon (OC) and organic matter (OM), pH, total N, C/N ratio, Exchangeable K⁺ , Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, Na⁺ , available Al³⁺, Fe²⁺, S and P – following standard methods.

Source of Information: Khulna University Studies, 9(1): 47-52, 2008

Article Link (Online Journal):

Funding Source:

Budget:

Total Budget (Tk.) :

Achievement/Findings:

Conclusion The soils are very poor in OM and nitrogen contents both at the surface and at various depths. The pH of the soils (4.0) are at low critical level for tea cultivation compared to those of the other tea soils of the world (Child,1953). The exchangeable bases of the soils are also very low due to leaching of Ca, Mg, K and Na under acidic conditions. The investigated tea estates are generally poor in plant nutrients. Malnichara tea estate is particularly very different in nutrient elements. Soluble aluminum and iron in the soils are very high and may be in toxic concentrations. The available phosphate content in the soils is very low. The application of soluble phosphate fertilizer may be preceded by the application of lime (Anonymous,1935). It may further be concluded that a project development programme should be established based on the soil properties. Such research should have priority in relation to soil management techniques concerned mainly with soil acidity neutralization, increased fertility and organic matter conservation.

Knowledge Management: Journal