Nutrient status of the Sundarbans forests soil in the southern region of Bangladesh

Abstract

The study aims to determine the macro-nutrient status of the Sundarbans soils under four administrative

ranges - Khulna, Chandpai, Sarankhola, and Satkhira. Composite soil samples were collected from 98

locations vertically from 0 to 60 cm, and the necessary processing was carried out in the Soil, Water and

Environment Discipline’s laboratory. Different parameters, i.e., pH, EC and different nutrients, were

assessed for chemical and nutrient properties of the soil following the standards. This study reveals that

among the four administrative zones, soil acidity ranged from moderately acidic to slightly acidic (pH from

5.3 to 6.4). EC ranged from 36.46 to 10.07 dSm-1 and showed an increased pattern from the North zone to

the South zone in all locations except Sarankhola, where it was converse. Available Nitrogen ranged from

0.017 to 0.021%, Phosphorus ranged from 3.55 to 6.61 ppm, Potassium ranged from 1.11 to 1.66 meq/100g,

Sulfur ranged from 326 to 513.44 ppm, and Sodium ranged from 0.31 to 0.42%. This research found that

Khulna range of the Sundarbans has comparable Nitrogen and Phosphorus nutrient stressors, while Satkhira

range has relatively more Potassium and Sulfur nutrient stressors. Therefore, the outcomes of this study

would help the researcher and policymakers for better understanding and managing the Sundarbans.