EFFECT OF SALINITY ON SOIL PROPERTIES OF COASTAL AREAS IN BANGLADESH

Abstract

A field study was conducted to determine the impacts of salinity on soil properties at Babuganj, Bakerganj, Gournadi and Kalapara upazila during the period of July to September 2016. Soil sampling was done by random sampling method at 0-50cm and 50100cm depth. Salinity

has a detrimental effect on soil physical and chemical properties. The dominant soil textural classes in the saline areas are silty clay. The soils pH of the surface horizon is slightly lower than those of the subsoil and sub stratums. Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC) of all these soils varies from 12.83 to 20.92meq/100 g soil. Electrical conductivity (EC) of all these soil varies from 1.23 dS/m to 6.6 dS/m at Babuganj, Bakergnaj and Gournadi and moderately saline at Kalapara. The organic matter content is medium to high (0.62 to 1.6)% at Kalapara and Bakerganj, pretty low (0.39 to 1.03)% at Babuganj and Gournadi. Nutrient deficiencies for total nitrogen were quite dominant in the study area. Exchangeable sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium were in high level. The dominant water soluble anions were Cl . The amount of accumulated salt was found higher at the surface and decreases with depth.