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Survey, Mapping and Documentation of Saline Soils of Bangladesh (2009)

Mainul Ahsan
Director (Retd.)

Abstract/ Executive Summary:

A reconnaissance soil survey was carried out in the coastal areas of Bangladesh excluding Sunderbans by SRDI in 2009. Soil association maps, ULSRU Guides, topomaps, aerial photographs, soil and landform maps, soil salinity map (2000) were used as base materials. A total of 2500 soil samples were collected. Detailed soil survey data were recorded. EC, pH, N, P, organic carbon, S, B, Cu, Mn, Fe, Zn, CaCO₃ and CEC were measured. Eighteen (18)districts viz., Cox's Bazar, Chittagong, Noakhali, Feni, Laxmipur, Bhola, Barisal, Jhalakathi, Pirojpur, Patuakhali, Borguna, Bagerhat, Khulna, Satkhira, Jessore, Narail, Gopalgonj, Madaripur were found affected by different degrees of salinity. The survey led to "Saline Soils of Bangladesh:2009" report with a salinity map of 1:2.8 million scale. The report focused on a fairly detailed characteristics of coastal saline soils. Land characteristics, constraints, hydrology and present cropping patterns in coastal ecosystem was presented in the report. Saline area increased by 0.0354 ha from 2000 measuring 1.056 million ha at present. The generated database would be considered as milestone for salinity related future research activities.

Keywords: Salinity, Saline soils, Coastal area, Land

Location: Coastal areas of Bangladesh

Start Date: 01-01-2009

End Date: 30-06-2010

Program Area: Crop-Soil-Water Management

Commodity: Soil salinity

Objectives:

The broad objectives were: a) updating of soil salinity map and total saline area in coastal areas of Bangladesh;

b) 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 excluding Sunderbans by soil survey teams in May 2009. 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 2500 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 using river transports. 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. Horizon wise samples were also collected from 20 representative soil pedons and 91 micropedons from 18 districts of Cox's Bazar, Chittagong, Noakhali, Feni, Laxmipur, Bhola, Barisal, Jhalakathi, Pirojpur, Patuakhali, Borguna, Bagerhat, Khulna, Satkhira, Jessore, Narail, Gopalgonj, Madaripur). 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 carbon, 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: Saline Soils of Bangladesh:2009. 2012 (2nd ed.). SFSDP-SRDI Pub.,Dhaka.

Article Link (Online Journal):

Funding Source:

1. Government

Budget: 500,000

Total Budget (Tk.) : 500,000

Achievement/Findings:

Special reconnaissance soil survey conducted by SRDI led to "Saline Soils of Bangladesh:2009" 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. The present extent of saline soils with land characteristics, constraints, hydrology and present cropping patterns in coastal ecosystem was also presented in the report. From the survey findings it was revealed that Saline area increased by 0.0354 ha from 2000 measuring 1.056 million ha at present covering eighteen (18) districts viz., Cox's Bazar, Chittagong, Noakhali, Feni, Laxmipur, Bhola, Barisal, Jhalakathi, Pirojpur, Patuakhali, Borguna, Bagerhat, Khulna, Satkhira, Jessore, Narail, Gopalgonj, andMadaripur. Distribution of soils with different degrees of salinity has been shown in the salinity map. A detailed recommendation for reclamatory management practices and research and development needs in the coastal ecosystem have also been proposed. The generated database would be considered as milestone for salinity related future research activities.

Knowledge Management: Report/Proceedings