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Survey, Mapping and Documentation of Soil Salinity in Bangladesh (2000)

Mainul Ahsan
PSO when research carried out.
Former Director, SRDI, Dhaka.

Abstract/ Executive Summary:

Special reconnaissance soil survey was conducted by SRDI in the coastal area of Bangladesh in 2000. Soil association maps (1:125,000), ULSRU Guides, topomaps (1:50,000), aerial photographs (1:30,000/ 1:50,000), soil and landform maps (1:50,000), published soil salinity map were used as base materials. Profile descriptions were done according to Soil Survey Manual. Detailed soil survey data were recorded. A salinity map of 1:2.8 million scale was prepared. Present extent of saline soils calculated cartographically was 1,020,750 ha with varying degrees of salinity. About 0.282, 0.297, 0.191, 0.45 and 0.087 millions of land are affected by very slight, slight, moderate, strong and very strong salinity respectively. Agricultural development possibilities lies in very slight and slightly saline areas by adopting proper soil and water management practices with the introduction of salt tolerant varieties of different crops. Special emphasis should be given to adopt rain water harvesting technology to mitigate the demand of fresh water for irrigation.

Keywords: Soil salinity, Coastal area

Location: Southern coastal region of Bangladesh

Start Date: 01-01-2000

End Date: 30-11-2003

Program Area: Crop-Soil-Water Management

Commodity: Soil salinity

Objectives:

a). updating of soil salinity map of the coastal area prepared by SRDI in 1973 (the then Department of Soil Survey) and 1997

b). characterization of soluble salts in soils of coastal saline areas; and

c). identification of agricultural constraints and present land use patterns in coastal areas.

Methodology:

A special field survey was carried out in the south-western part of the coastal arable land and eastern part of Sunderbans by soil survey teams in February-May 2000. Soil association maps (1:125,000) of RSS reports, ULSRU Guides (Nirdeshika), topomaps (1:50,000), aerial photographs (1:30,000/ 1:50,000), soil and landform maps (1:50,000), published soil salinity map with pre-selected travers lines were used as base materials. The traverse lines were 3-4 km apart from each other. Along the traverse lines a total of 2129 soil samples were collected from both outside and inside the polder. Traverse routes followed the catena, from the bank of the river to the center of the polder. From each catena 6 soil samples (topsoil, subsoil, and substratum) from ridges and basins were collected by auger. Surface salt crust was also collected separately. Number of spots varied according to complexity of the soils. A number of 98 soil samples were also collected horizon wise from representative soil pedons and micropedons from 4 greater districts of Khulna, Jessore, Barisal, Patuakhali and eastern part of the Sunderbans. Using core samplers 137 core soil samples were collected. In the eastern part of Sunderbans the survey was carried out of exploratory nature. Profile descriptions were done according to Soil Survey Manual. Detailed soil survey data were recorded. EC and pH were determined from 1:5 and 1:2.5 soil-water extract respectively. N, P, organic matter, S, B, Cu, Mn,Fe, Zn, CaCO₃ and CEC were measured.Soluble salts of 74 profile samples were analyzed. A salinity map of 1:2.8 million scale was prepared. Present extent of saline soils was calculated cartographically.

Source of Information: Report on Soil Salinity in Bangladesh: 2000. Pub. 2009. SRDI.

Article Link (Online Journal):

Funding Source:

1. Government

Budget: 300,000 (approx)

Total Budget (Tk.) : 300,000 (approx)

Achievement/Findings:

Special reconnaissance soil survey conducted by SRDI led to "Soil Salinity in Bangladesh:2000" report with a salinity map of 1:2.8 million scale. This would be helpful for effective coastal ecosystem planning for improved irrigation and land drainage practices and other land use practices. The report focused on a fairly detailed characteristics of coastal saline soils including benchmark profile characteristics. The present extent of saline soils with land characteristics, constraints, hydrology and present cropping patterns in coastal ecosystem was also presented in the report. The generated database would be considered as milestone for salinity related future research activities.

Knowledge Management: Report/Proceedings