Soil salinity is a major problem in the southern part of Bangladesh. This is increasing day by day due to saltwater infiltration from the sea. All coastal area’s soils are affected by salinity. Soil fertility is reduced due to coastal floods in the rainy season, direct sub-merged of coastal areas land, and saline water coming off from the soil during the dry season. A large portion of arable land is becoming saline and remains fallow. Total of 19 districts of Bangladesh under saline-prone areas.
Causes of Soil Salinity
- Infiltration of saltwater due to the lower flow of river water
- Due to inconsistent and low rainfall in coastal areas
- Use of saline water for shrimp cultivation
- High ocean tides
- Saltwater overflowing from the river due to loss of river navigability
- Rise of world temperature
Duration of Salinity
- In the rainy season: from June to October
- In the dry season: from November to May
Generally, salinity levels increase from November with the onset of the dry season. Around April and May, it becomes highest. EC meter is used for measuring the Soil and water salinity. Suitable crops could be cultivated based on the salinity level of soil, river water, pond water, and canal water. A few coastal areas such as Barguna, Pautakhali, Bhola, Phirojpur, and Barisal, remain saline throughout the year except for 2-3 months.
Effect of Salinity on Livelihood
- Farmers are not getting jobs as there were many lands damaged due to salinity.
- Increase of disease and pests in livestock
- Shelter and fresh drinking water crises increasing day by day for families in coastal areas.
- The mortality of freshwater fish increased.
- River water cannot use for the irrigation of rice and crops.
- People have to buy water from faraway places.
- The female members of the household has to collect water for daily use from far places.
Finally, it is urgent to construct a strong embankment in coastal areas to protect livelihood of poor farmers who are regularly facing different calamities due to climate change.
