30pc crop output wanes every yr for soil salinity
Monday, 22 November 2010
Md Mazadul Hoque
back from Satkhira
More than 30 per cent crop production in Satkhira, one of the coastal districts in Bangladesh, declines every year due to excess soil salinity, according to sources.
Salinity causes unfavourable environment and hydrological situation that restrict normal crop production in major part of the district throughout the year.
The freshly deposited alluvium from upstream in the coastal areas of Bangladesh becomes saline as it comes in contact with the sea water and continues to be inundated during high tides and ingress of sea water through creeks.
Observations in recent times indicate that due to increasing degree of salinity of some areas and expansion of salt-affected areas, normal crop production is hindered.
Soil salinity is believed to be mainly responsible for low land use as well as cropping intensity in the area. Salinity in the district received very little attention in the past.
Increased pressure of growing population enhances the demand for food. Thus it has become increasingly important to explore the possibilities of increasing the potential of these (saline) lands for increased production of crops.
The main obstacle to intensification of crop production in the coastal district Satkhira is seasonally high due to the content of salt in the root zone of the soil. The salt enters inland through rivers and channels, especially during the later part of the dry (winter) season.
The district is a suitable place for shrimp cultivation. Along with other factors, shrimp cultivation plays a major role to increase salinity.
In greater Khulna about 31,200 hectares of land in 1982-1983 and about 94,850 hectares of land in 1993-1994 were brought under shrimp cultivation instead of crop production.
back from Satkhira
More than 30 per cent crop production in Satkhira, one of the coastal districts in Bangladesh, declines every year due to excess soil salinity, according to sources.
Salinity causes unfavourable environment and hydrological situation that restrict normal crop production in major part of the district throughout the year.
The freshly deposited alluvium from upstream in the coastal areas of Bangladesh becomes saline as it comes in contact with the sea water and continues to be inundated during high tides and ingress of sea water through creeks.
Observations in recent times indicate that due to increasing degree of salinity of some areas and expansion of salt-affected areas, normal crop production is hindered.
Soil salinity is believed to be mainly responsible for low land use as well as cropping intensity in the area. Salinity in the district received very little attention in the past.
Increased pressure of growing population enhances the demand for food. Thus it has become increasingly important to explore the possibilities of increasing the potential of these (saline) lands for increased production of crops.
The main obstacle to intensification of crop production in the coastal district Satkhira is seasonally high due to the content of salt in the root zone of the soil. The salt enters inland through rivers and channels, especially during the later part of the dry (winter) season.
The district is a suitable place for shrimp cultivation. Along with other factors, shrimp cultivation plays a major role to increase salinity.
In greater Khulna about 31,200 hectares of land in 1982-1983 and about 94,850 hectares of land in 1993-1994 were brought under shrimp cultivation instead of crop production.