RECENT STUDY ON SOIL SALINITY STATUS OF COASTAL AREA IN KHULNA DISTRICT OF BANGLADESH

Abstract

ABSTRACT Soil salinity is one of the major problems in the coastal zone of Bangladesh. About 53% of the coastal areas are affected by salinity which is causing decline in soil productivity and crop yield which results in severe degradation of environment. Our present study was conducted to determine soil salinity status in Dacope upazilla of Khulna District. To fulfill the objectives of our study soil sampling was done by random sampling method at 0-15cm depth and samples were collected from agricultural, riverbed and embankment site. These locations are in Dhaki, Vodra and Chunkuri in Dacope upazilla. Salinity has a detrimental effect on soil physical and chemical properties in Dacope upazilla. Soils pH was found higher which expresses moderately alkaline. Electrical Conductivity (EC) of soils varied from 510.67µs cm 1.

expressing moderate to high salinity. Organic matter content is pretty low to medium (0.23 to 1.96) %. Nutrient deficiencies for total nitrogen were quite dominant in the study area. Total Phosporus, potassium and Sulfur contents were in medium to low level and the amount of accumulated salt was found high. The findings of the research showed that the salinity in study areas is increasing day by day which were affecting crops and vegetation depending on degree of salinity. So the present study suggests to imply necessary management plan to reduce salinity in Dacope upazilla of Khulna district. to 834 µs cm -1