Mitigation of Saline Soils in Bangladesh

1. Md. Nazmul Hasan, PSO, Central Lab, SRDI, Dhaka

2. Bidhan Kumar Bhandar, PSO, Regional Office, SRDI, Khulna

The coastal and off-shore area of Bangladesh include tidal, estuarine and meander floodplains. The tidal
floodplain land occurs mainly in the south of the Ganges floodplain and also on large part of Chittagong
coastal plains. The Ganges tidal floodplains constitute about 49% of the coastal areas. The tidal lands on
the coastal plain including the Chittagong coastal floodplain and the Matamuhuri tidal floodplain occupy
less than 6%. Meghna Estuarine floodplains occupy about 18% of the total coastal area located in
greater Noakhali, Barisal, Patuakhali and a smaller area of Chittagong districts.

Agriculture is a major sector of Bangladesh's economy and the coastal area of Bangladesh is suitable for
growing rice. More than 30% of the cultivable land in Bangladesh is in the coastal area. Out of 2.86
million hectares of coastal and off-shore lands about 1.056 million ha of arable lands are affected by
varying degrees of salinity. Farmers mostly cultivate low yielding, traditional rice varieties during wet
season. Most of the land remain fallow in the dry season (January- May) because of soil salinity, lack of
good quality irrigation water and late draining condition ( Karim et al., 1990; Mondal,1997 and SRDI,
2001).

Crop production of the salt affected areas in the coastal regions differs considerably from non saline
areas. Because of salinity, special environmental and hydrological situation exists, that restrict the
normal crop production throughout the year. In the recent past, with the changing degree of salinity of
some areas due to further intrusion of saline water, normal crop production becomes very risky. Crop
yields, cropping intensity, production levels and people’s quality of livelihood are much lower than that
in other parts of the country, which have enjoyed the fruits of modern agriculture technologies based on
high-yielding varieties, improved fertilizer and water management and improved pest and disease
control measures ( BBS, 2001). At the same time food demand in the area is increasing with the steady
increase in human population. The present paper analyze the soil and water salinity intensity, extent,
constraints and possible soil and water management practices to be followed in coastal areas of
Bangladesh for the betterment of the country .

Some facts and figures related to soil and water salinity are given below:
Table 1: Land types and water receding time from cultivated area in coastal zone

Land types Flood water receding Soils

District time from cultivated land having
Highland Medium Medium Lowland Very Within Nov. – Late >40-80%
highland lowland lowland Oct. mid. Dec. clay
Dec. content
Area in percent ( %)
Satkhira 17 62 3 0 0 27 34 21 49
Khulna 4 62 9 2 0 11 31 35 52
Bagerhat 5 61 7 2 0 15 31 29 35
Pirojpur 4 56 6 3 0 13 21 36 29
Jhalakathi 5 54 17 0 0 11 55 10 28
Barisal 3 56 9 3 0 19 26 22 16
Bhola 2 43 2 0 0 24 20 4 0
Patuakhali 1 57 4 0 0 15 41 7 19
Borguna 2 61 3 0 0 19 31 15 32
Narail 14 31 23 11 0 37 10 32 48
Jessore 31 33 11 3 0 55 9 13 47
Madaripur 3 32 30 11 2 47 20 10 14
Gopalganj 3 10 32 27 13 13 30 42 27
Laxmipur 3 62 7 0 0 12 58 2 01
Noakhali 1 51 11 1 0 24 27 13 Minor
Feni 3* 72 0 0 0 10 64 11 05
Chittagong 8* 31 3 0 0 22 17 3 10
Cox’s 10* 31 1 2 0 36 8 Minor 06
Bazar
Average 5 50 10 4 1 20 30 20 -
* Except hill area

Table 2: Extent of soil salinity during the last four decades (1973-2009) in coastal areas.

Salt affected area Salinity class and area (000’ha)

(000’ha) S1 S2 S3 S4
2.0-4.0 dS/m 4.1-8.0 dS/m 8.1-16.0 dS/m >16.0 dS/m
1973 2000 2009 1973 2000 2009 1973 2000 2009 1973 2000 2009 1973 2000 2009

833.45 1020.75 1056.26 287.37 289.76 328.43 426.43 307.20 274.22 79.75 336.58 351.69 39.90 87.14 101.92
* S3 = 8.1-12.0 dS/m, S4 = 12.1-16.0 dS/m.

A comparative study of the salt affected area during 1973 to 2009 showed that about 0.223 million ha
(26.7%) new land is affected by various degrees of salinity during the last four decades. It was also
found that about 35,440 hectares of new land is affected by various degrees of salinity during 2000-
2009.
 Table 3: A comparative study of the salt affected area between 1973 to 2009 in coastal areas.
Salt affected area Salt affected area increased Salt affected area increased during
( 000’ha ) during last 9 years (000’ha) last 36 years (000’ha)
( 2000-2009) ( 1973-2009)
1973 2000 2009
833.45 1020.75 1056.26 35.51 ( 3.5% ) 222.81 ( 26.7% )

It is observed that Na+, Ca2+, Mg2+ and K+ ions are the dominant cations in different saline areas. On the
other hand SO4= and Cl- ions are the dominant anions. In most of the saline soils the ionic preponderance
decreased in the order of Na +> Ca2+> Mg2+ > K+. But in the soils under prolonged brackish water shrimp
cultivated areas, ionic preponderance decreased in the order of Na +> Mg2+ > Ca2+> K+ .

In most of the pedons and minipits the ionic preponderance decreased in the order of SO 4= > Cl- > HCO3-
and in some pedons and minipits the ionic preponderance decreased in the order of Cl - >SO4= > HCO3- .
Soluble CO3= is found nil or trace in all the pedons. Sodium chloride salts were found more toxic than
sodium sulphate in most of the cases.

As salt concentration increases, water becomes increasingly difficult for the plant to absorb. A plant can
actually die from water stress or drought in a moist soil if the salt concentration becomes high enough.
Other effects of salts on plants are toxicities of specific salts and nutritional imbalances. Some elements,
such as sodium, chlorine,, and boron have specific toxic effects on plants. Plants sensitive to these
elements may be affected at relatively low salt levels in the soil can upset the nutrient balance in the
plant or interfere with the uptake of some nutrients.

River water

From south-west and southern part of the coastal saline area 80 water sampling points in 11 districts
showed very wide range of EC from 0.16 to 36.0 dS/m. Highest EC value was observed in Maheskhali
canal in Maheskhali Upazila of Chittagong district and lowest EC value is observed in Tetulia river in
Bhola Sadar Upasila of Bhola district. About 35% river water possess EC<2.0 ds/m, 6% river water
possess 2.0-5.0 ds/m and 59% river water possess >5.0 ds/m in dry season.

Except Telutia, Meghna, Kakdon, Subidkhali, Lebukhali, Laukathi, Kukua, Gopaldi, Kajal, Tajumuddin
canal under Noakhali, Bhola, Patuakhali, Barisal, Jhalakathi districts almost all the rivers remain highly
saline in dry season. In Jessore district almost all the rivers remain saline. Almost all the rivers in
Jhenaidaha, Magura, Barisal and Jhalakathi are found non-saline. In Pirojpur district Patharghata canal
and Baleswar river near Nazirpur upazila are found highly saline. Tikikata river in Mathbaria is found
marginally saline. In Patuakhali district Tetulia, Patuakhali and Pandob riers are found marginally saline
and these may be considered as marginally suitable for irrigation. Most of the rivers and canals in
northern part of Patuakhali and Borguna districts may be considered as suitable or marginally suitable
for irrigation. All the rivers in northern part of Bhola district may be considered as suitable or marginally
suitable. Most of the canals within the polder are found marginally suitable for irrigation. All the rivers
and canals in southern part of Bhola district is found highly saline.
Gher water (water within shrimp cultivation)

The EC ranges varies from 10.0 to 35.0 dS/m. Highest EC value is observed in Koyra upazila under Khulna
district and lowest EC value is observed in Dumuria upazila of Khulna district. All the gher water
possesses EC > 10.0 dS/m.

Ground water (Shallow tube well)

The EC ranges from 0.39 to 19.8 dS/m. Highest EC value is observed in Shyamnagar upazila of Satkhira
district. This water is used for brackish water shrimp cultivation. About 83% of the tube well water
possesses EC <2.0 dS/m and rest 17% tube well water possess > 2.0 dS/m.

Ground water (Deep tube well)

The EC range is also very wide varying from 0.55 to 7.8 dS/m. Highest EC value is observed in Paikgachha
upazila of Khulna district. About 50 % tube well water possesses EC < 2.0 dS/m and rest 50% tube well
possesses > 2.0 dS/m.

Table 4: Soil salinity (dS/m) at which initial yield decline begins and percent yield increase in salinity.

Name of the Soil salinity at which initial Percent yield decline with per
crop yield decline begins unit increase in salinity
Bean 1.0 19.0
Broad bean 1.6 9.6
Broccoli 2.8 9.2
Cabbage 1.8 6.2
Carrot 1.0 14.0
Celery 1.8 6.2
Cucumber 2.5 13.0
Lettuce 1.3 13.0
Onion 1.2 16.0
Pepper 1.5 14.0
Potato 1.7 12.0
Radish 1.2 13.0
Spinach 2.0 7.6
Sweet corn 1.7 12.0
Squash 3.2 16.0
Tomato 2.5 9.9
Turnip 0.9 9.0
Source: Technical Bulletin-1, Hisar Agricultural University.

Major agricultural constraints

Several agricultural constraints are identified in coastal saline area. The dominant soil, land and water
related constraints are mentioned below.
  Strong to very strong soil salinity.
 No or very little scope of ground water and river water exploitation for irrigation.
 Severe scarcity of quality irrigation water during dry season.
 Late draining condition in early dry season in considerable areas.
 Prolonged artificial water logging with saline water for aquaculture.
 Cyclone and tidal bore.
 Heavy soil consistency.
 Presence of toxic potential acid sulphate soil in some areas.
 Relatively high flooding depth during monsoon season for HYV transplanted aman crop.
 Presence of peat soils having low bearing capacity and very late draining condition.

Reclamation (management) practices for coastal saline soils

Besides adopting various methods for inducing salt tolerant crops including vegetables. It is important
to adopt various land and soil management practices including agronomical techniques for reducing the
adverse effect of salts.

Protective embankment
Land may be protected from inundation by saline water through establishment of earthen embankment
of suitable size. The recommended size is of free breadth with 1 meter high above the high tide level.
The side slope of the embankment should be of 2:1 ratio. The top width of the embankment may range
from 1 to 3 m (ICAR Bull no.7).

Provision of sluice gate on the protective embankment

There should be provision of one way manually operated sluice gate in the embankment system to
remove excess rain water and also to prevent ingression of saline water inward during high tide in dry
season.

Leveling of land
Land should be properly leveled to prevent accumulation of water in the low-lying patches and to
facilitate uniform drainage of excess water. It will also help to apply irrigation water uniformly in the
field during rabi season.

Control of water through field bunds

About 25 cm high bunds are to be made demarcating the catchments and the field plots, so that the
flow of excess water from outside the area and from one plot to another can be regulated. This will also
help in retaining about 20 cm standing water to meet the water requirement during the subsequent dry
period.

Draining of the catchments

Main and secondary drains are to be provided to directly let the excess rain water to move from
different areas towards the sluice gate.
Operation of sluice gate frequently
In coastal area, heaviest showers are received in the month of July and August when most of the land
operations are done. During this period, the sluice gate is to be opened more frequently and if necessary
for longer periods to maintain desired water levels for optimum crop growth.

Storing of excess rain water for irrigation

After meeting the crop requirement, evaporation and seepage losses in kharif season, about 500 mm of
rain water remain in excess. A part of this excess water may be stored in the dugout pond at the farm
level for subsequent utilization as irrigation water during the dry period for rabi crops. This excess rain
water can also be stored in the main drainage channel and re-excavated the derelict natural channels
and closed minor tidal rivers/creeks.

Selection of kharif rice variety

Even though the coastal area is relatively flat, there exist elevational differences between higher and
lower part of the catena, which cause different depths of standing water in the fields. The depths of
standing water in medium highland ranges from 15 cm to about 90 cm and major portion of the area has
the higher depths of water. At present, a number of high yielding rice varieties are available in the
country. The selection of the kharif rice varieties may be as such they can overcome the flooding depth
of the respective land situations. According to the depth of standing water and soil salinity of the field,
suitable rice varieties can be selected for maximum production according to the available guidelines.
Brridhan 23, 30, 40 and 41 are now practiced in the coastal area, particularly in the south-west and
southern part in kharif-2 season.

Introduction of a second crop in rabi season

Cropping intensity may be increased in about 0.602 million hectares of very slight (S 1) and slightly saline
(S2) areas by adopting proper soil and water management practices with the introduction of salt tolerant
varieties of different crops. If sufficient irrigation water of good quality is available, introduction to a
second rabi crop and even rice crop in winter is possible resulting additional production of grain yield.
Since certain depth of irrigation water is kept in the field for growing successful rice crop, this practice
simultaneously helps in leaching of soluble salts consequently reducing soil salinity. Leaching of salts in
this period is facilitated because of relatively lower water table. However, it is the fact that availability of
good quality irrigation water is a serious limiting factor for growing rice crop in winter season in the
area.

Keeping land covered in winter and summer months

As the ground water is saline and is present at a shallow depth (about 1.0 meter), keeping fallow leads
to high salinity in the soil due to excessive soil moisture evaporation. Growing cover crop or mulching is
expected to mitigate this problem. Amongst the various materials which can be used as mulch,
application of rice straw, rice husk and water hyacinth after harvest of transplanted aman and mixing it
partially or wholly with topsoil by ploughing to improve the soil physical condition as well. It will
enhance in leaching of soluble salts and increase rice yield in subsequent kharif season.

Introduction of winter rice and shrimp (Lobster) cultivation

In slightly saline (S2) and moderately saline (S3) areas cultivation of boro and sweet water shrimp
(Lobster) will help in reclaiming soil salinity. In Khulna-Bagerhat region it is called “Lockpur model”. It is
one kind of fish cultivation where both crops and fishes are cultivated on the same piece of land. A
dyke/ail/bund is to be built along the boundary of the plot by digging ditch inside the dyke. The length,
breadth and height of the dyke will depend upon the flooding depth in the monsoon season. The ditch
will be used as water reservoir for fish culture and small scale irrigation. For boro cultivation good
quality of ground water may be available in this ditch. By adopting this type of land use soluble salts will
be leached out easily within short time.

Introduction of Sharjan technique

Generally Sharjan technique is practiced in the south and south-west part of coastal saline areas where
land type ranges from shallowly flooded medium highland to moderately to deeply flooded medium
lowland having late draining condition. This facilitates to grow different dryland crops on beds and
accumulated water in the furrows during monsoon that can be utilized to irrigate the bed crops during
winter months. In this technique land is divided in to several raised subplots. Taking soil from the
adjacent site each subplot is raised. Between two raised subplots there should be a ditch for keeping
water permanently. Optimum size of the raised subplots is 10 m  1.5 m. It may be changed depending
on the local condition. Water present in the ditches can be used as irrigation source for dry land crops.
The land is irrigated with good quality water from the ditch and this practice will help in leaching of
soluble salts vertically and laterally and finally in reducing soil salinity.

Provision of sub-surface drainage

In many parts of the coastal area, the soil salinity is quite high and in order to grow a successful crop, it
is essential to bring down the salinity to a considerable level by leaching the salts. It is also necessary to
lower the water table that is shallow and enriched with salts and maintaining it below the critical depth
to prevent salinization. To achieve the above objectives, a proper sub-surface drainage is to be provided.
The sub-surface drainage has to be as such to keep the ground water at least 1 meter below the soil
surface. This technology is very effective but in our socio-economic condition it is rather expensive.

Raising of vegetable nursery beds in weakly saline beds of transplanted crops

It has been observed that raising vegetable nursery in weakly saline soils develops a certain amount of
adoption to saline soils and when such seedlings are transplanted in more saline fields, they perform
better and avoid initial salt injury.

Addition of organic matter and chemical fertilizers

Addition of extra amount of organic matter improves soil physical and biological properties of soil and
thus helps in better plant growth. Beneficial effort of higher doses of fertilization with N, P and K has
been reported in potato, tomato, brinjal and okra under saline soils. As the problem of nutrient
unavailability exists in salt affected soils, either due to fixation or competition in uptake, it is
advantageous to supply them through foliage.

Keeping soil always moist

Frequent and light irrigation are essential for growing vegetable crops under saline soils. Provision of
adequate drainage is also necessary. Sprinkler and drip irrigations are better as they keep the surface
layer wet near the root zone and also increases humidity near he plant atmosphere, thus lowering the
evapotranspirational rate of water.

Biological method
Very few efforts have been made to use biological methods for avoiding salt hazards. Some plants like
Chenopodium spp. Absorb large amount of salts which can be grown and latter on removed after
complete growth to minimize the salt concentrations from the fields. Vesicular-arbusecular mycorrhizal
funjai (VAM) are known to increase plant growth and yield in saline soils.