Organic matter status and organic recycling in Bangladesh soils

Abstract

Bangladesh has a tropical monsoon climate. The major climatic differences within the region concern the total rainfall. About 500 soil series have been recognized and in the local Bangladesh classification these are grouped into 17 general soil types. Organic matter is an important constituent of mineral and peat soils. Organic-matter content in soil is dependent on agro-climatic conditions and is difficult to conserve at a high level in tropical and subtropical conditions. Soils of Bangladesh are low in organic matter, and conserving and maintaining it at moderate levels is one of the serious problems in soil management. This may be accomplished through: maximum return of crop and animal residues to soil; balanced use of chemical fertilizers such as urea, triple superphosphate and muriate of potash; use of biofertilizers; green manuring in crop rotation; and proper utilization of farm manure, night soil, composts and nitrogenous organic materials, such as crushed bones, fish wastes, mustard, sesame, castor cakes, etc.