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A Study of Soil Nutrient Status of Mulberry Nurseries at Rajshahi, Bangladesh.

M.A. Quader
Senior Research Officer
BSRTI, Rajshahi.

Abstract/ Executive Summary:

Some soil samples from important mulberry growing nurseries like Mirgonj, Bholahat and Nawabgonj of Rajshahi district were studied in detail for their morphological and physico-chemical characteristics. The results indicated that these soils, due to their good depth with good texture, structure, and adequate amount in organic carbon with suitable pH range, provide favorable physical conditions for the cultivation of mulberry. Further these soils were found to be fertile and well supplied in available N, P and K and also rich in exchangeable calcium and magnesium.

Keywords: Soil nutrient, Mulberry nurseries, Physico-chemical characteristics of soil.

Location: Bangladesh Sericulture Research and Training Institute

Start Date:

End Date:

Program Area: Crop-Soil-Water Management

Commodity: Mulberry

Objectives:

To study the physico-chemical characteristics along with other characters of soil and with the nutrient status of mulberry leaf in these areas.

Methodology:

Composite soil samples were collected at a depth of 0-25 cm, 25-60 cm and 60-100 cm from the mulberry nurseries of Bholahat, Mirgonj and Nawabgonj of Rajshahi district. The soil samples were collected from three different places in each nursery. Soil samples were then airdried, ground and screened through 2mm sieve. Particle size distribution of the soil samples was determined by hydrometer method as outlined by Bouyoucos (1929) and the texture was determined by pipette method (Piper 1969). The pH of the soil samples was determined by a corning glass electrode pH meter, the soil water ratio being 1:2 (Jackson 1973). Organic carbon was determined by Walkley and Black's Rapid titration method (De 1962). Soil nitrogen was determined by Kjeldhal method (A. O. A. C 1980). Available phosphorus and potassium were determined by standard phenoldisulphonic method and cobaltinitrite method respectively (Black 1965). Mulberry leaves were collected from three nurseries in three categories as Mature leaf, Medium leaf and Tender leaf (position of leaves being numbered from the top, Tender (1-6), Medium (7-10) and Mature (11-15). These leaves were cleaned, washed and dried at 60-80°c. These samples were then crushed to fine powder and analyzed for nitrogen, potassium, phosphorus, calcium and magnesium using the same methods used for soil analysis.

Source of Information: Journal of Asiatic Society Bangladesh (Sc.) Vol. XII (1&2) 1987: 73-77

Article Link (Online Journal):

Funding Source:

1. Government

Budget:

Total Budget (Tk.) :

Achievement/Findings:

Mulberry plants needed extra fertilizers in sufficient amount in order to produce a large amount of leaves and leaves rich in protein content which is essential for silkworms to produce quality silk and to make good cocoons (Anon, 1975). It was also observed that soil of these areas contained nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium but not up to the mark for mulberry. Mulberry needs additional fertilizers during the maximum absorption period of the plant for quantity yield and quality leaves ( Ullal & Narssimhanna 1978 ). Quader et al. (1983) reported that mulberry leaf yield and leaf quality has increased much with the application of fertilizers. Islam et al. (1982) also recommended fertilizer combination of 300kg N, 150kg P and 75kg K per ha. per year for optimum mulberry yield. So considering the above facts, it can be suggested here that nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium should be applied in quantities of 150kg, 100kg and 75kg per ha. per year in four split doses during April-May and September-October. In addition well decomposed organic manure 15 mt per ha. per year should be applied in substantial quantities.

Knowledge Management: Journal