Monitoring of Surface Soil Quality Parameters of the Sitalakshya River, Bangladesh

Abstract

The present study was carried out to monitor and assess the surface soil quality parameters of the Sitalakshya River, Bangladesh. The soil samples were collected from Kanchpur Bridge and Atlapur during rainy and winter season. Soil texture is an important tool that aids in organic matter retention, minerals dispersal, microbial biomass, and other soil properties. The soil of the study area was recorded sandy loam and loam. The concentrations of soil parameters ranged for EC: 65.7 μS/cm-99.83 μS/cm; pH: 6.67-6.97; organic matter: 0.43%-0.66%; and organic carbon: 0.23%-0.35% in the soil of the Sitalakshya River. Most of the parameters showed no substantial variations in respect of sites and seasons (p>0.05) except electrical conductivity and pH (p<0.05). Statistical analysis like correlation matrix exposed the close relationship between organic matter and organic carbon. The soil of the Sitalakshya River has low nutrient contents that are not enough for the plants and organisms. Rapid industrialization and the huge establishment of brickfields are the major factors behind this less productive ecosystem. The river must be protected from further deterioration by taking fruitful management plan. This preliminary study will be a useful tool in the conservation plan. This will also help the future researchers who want to work on the river. Contribution/Originality: The paper contributes the first logical analysis of the soil quality parameters of the Sitalakshya River. The study demonstrated the preliminary ecosystem condition of the river. This will provide baseline information for researchers and policymaker in the conservation issue. 1. INTRODUCTION The soil is a natural component of the environment that constitutes of mineral matter, water, air, organic matter and living community that varies according to place and time [1, 2]. Climate affects the type of rock weathering, removal and the redeposition of materials by wind, water, and glaciers that regarded as a crucial factor for soil formation [3]. It forms a natural buffer and filter system in water and offers a wide range of ecosystem services (e.g. food, fiber, water, and timber) [4, 5]. Soil exert great influence on the environmental quality and have an impact on the climatic conditions; water quality; nutrient cycling; and cultural services (e.g. aesthetic, spiritual, and recreational purposes) [6-8].