PHYSICO-CHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF SOIL OF RICE FIELD AT BATIAGHATA UPAZILA OF KHULNA, BANGLADESH

Abstract

Physico-chemical properties of soil of rice fields were analysed in Batiaghata Upazila, Khulna. Soil samples were
collected from different rice fields; pH, content of organic matter, electrical conductivity, nutrients levels (phosphorus,
sulfur, calcium, magnesium, sodium and potassium) and content of heavy metals were studied in the laboratory by
following different standard methods and Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy methods. The study results indicate the
significant variations in soil properties within the study area. The sulfur content varied from 16.74 to 78.68 mg/kg
and mean value was 43.31±22.71 mg/kg. The overall pH of the study area is strongly acidic, calcium and phosphorus
concentration is lower than the standard which negatively impacting plant growth and health. The magnesium
concentration found higher in the study area which indicates possible contamination. The electrical conductivity was
low, ranging from 0.26 to 2.276 dS/m, with a mean of 0.66±0.5713 dS/m. The organic carbon content were ranged
from 0.01 to 0.4%, with a mean of 0.21±0.133%, falling below the standard. The study also investigated heavy metal
concentrations, including cadmium, chromium, lead and mercury all of which were within acceptable limits. This
information emphasizes the importance of understanding and managing physico-chemical properties of agricultural
soil for long-term crop production and soil health.