Fertility status of Bangladesh soils - A review

Abstract

Fertility status of Bangladesh soils was critically evaluated by reviewing the studies which have been carried out in universities and research institutes of Bangladesh. Almost all upland soils are low in organic matter and deficient in N. Availability of P to the crops is a problem mainly in calcareous soils of Ganges floodplain and acidic soils of terrace and hill areas. Status of K is not a great problem in floodplain areas, but terrace and piedmont soils are not capable of supplying enough K to the crops. Although P and K deficiencies are not severe, addition of these two nutrients is a must for getting higher yield. Paddy soils remain under water during growing period which causes unavailability of S and Zn for rice crops. Other dryland crops also face the problem of S and Zn deficiencies in many areas of Bangladesh. Boron was reported to be deficient in some regions. Magnesium deficiency was found in the coarse-textured soils of Old Himalayan piedmont plain, Brown hill soils and Grey floodplain soils of the northern part of the country. The Ca reserve of many floodplain soils is depleting due to decalcification process and deficiency of Ca is probable in near future. Deficiencies of Cu and Mn were reported but very rare. The overall fertility status is not satisfactory; need for fertility conservation is stressed.