Abstract
Enhancing soil quality in the marshland of the coastal region in Bangladesh, it is essential to gain a deeper understanding of how soil series and the timing of sampling affect soil properties. This study involved analyzing topsoil samples (0–20 cm depth) collected at different times throughout the year to evaluate soil quality indices. Physico-chemical parameters such as soil texture, density, porosity, infiltration rate, organic carbon (OC), pH, electrical conductivity (EC), phosphorus (P), nitrogen (N), calcium (Ca), potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), sulfur (S), sodium (Na), and trace elements i.e., iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), lead (Pb), arsenic (As), and cadmium (Cd) were analyzed to evaluate the overall soil quality in the coastal regions of Amtali and Kalapara Upazila, Bangladesh. Soil from the Jhalokathi series was sandy loam, whereas Ramgati and Barisal soil series fall in the clay loam texture. The mean concentrations of P, N, S, K, Ca, Na, and Mg were 0.006–0.009%, 0.071–0.086%, 0.014–0.036%, 4.10–6.23 Cmol kg−1, 3.80–6.60 Cmol kg−1, 5.54–10.8 Cmol kg−1, and 7.72–10.3 Cmol kg−1, respectively. Distinct variations were observed among the soil series for P, S, K, Ca, Na, and Mg. The average value of trace elements was observed as 39,024, 321.3, 92.9, 48.7, 28.9, 22.6, 13.7, 4.78, and 1.93 mg kg−1, respectively, for Fe, Mn, Zn, Cr, Ni, Cu, Pb, As, and Cd. Principal component analysis (PCA) suggested that OC, EC, pH, N, P, K, Na, As, Cd, Pb, and Ni were the key soil health indicators for the study’s soil quality index (SQI) assessment. The Barisal soil series had the highest SQI. The study highlighted that the seasonal variations had a potential influence on soil properties. These insights pave the way for developing targeted management and mitigation strategies to improve soil quality in the future.
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- Ecology
- Environmental sciences
Acknowledgements
The authors are thankful to the authorities of Patuakhali Science and Technology University and Khulna Agricultural University, Bangladesh, for the field survey. Furthermore, the authors are thankful to the members of Jashore University of Science and Technology, Jashore-7408, Bangladesh, for sample analysis. The authors are grateful for financial support from the Research and Training Center (Grants code: 4829 and 5921) at Patuakhali Science and Technology University (PSTU) and also for the Research Collaboration Fund provided by the University Grants Commission (UGC), Bangladesh.
Funding
The authors extend their appreciation to the Deanship of Research and Graduate Studies at King Khalid University for funding this work through Large Research Groups Program under grant number RGP2/156/47.
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The authors confirm that all methods were carried out in accordance with relevant guidelines and regulations. This study also confirms that the ethical committee of Patuakhali Science and Technology University, Bangladesh, approved all experimental protocols. For sampling and analysis, informed consent was obtained from all subjects and legal guardians from the ethical committee of the concerned authority.
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The Research Ethics Committee of Patuakhali Science and Technology University approved this study, and all respondents consented to participate.
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Roy, T.K., Islam, M. ., Ismail, Z. et al. Marshland soil quality assessment in a developing country: a preliminary study.
Sci Rep (2026). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-026-63480-5
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-026-63480-5
Keywords
- Soil quality indicators
- Nutrient status
- Seasonal fluctuations
- Soil series
- Trace elements
Source: Ecology - nature.com
