Tree Species Survival in the Homestead Forests of Salt Affected Areas: A Perception Analysis for Bangladesh
2004
A.K. Dutta | M.S. Iftekhar
One of the major problems in the coastal zone of developing countries is salinity intrusion. It is increasing in those countries due to natural and anthropogenic reasons. Soil salinity is causing decline in soil productivity and crop yield, which result in severe degradation of bio-environment and ecology. The effect of salinity on the agriculture crop is well understood even in developing countries but the effect on ecology is less explored. So in Bangladesh a perception analysis has been made on the effect of soil salinity on the homestead gardens of the worst salinity affected district Satkhira (21°36`-22°54` N and 88 ° 54`-89 ° 20` E). It has been found that the people have recognized salinity as a problem and construction of shrimp enclosures and maritime influence as the main reasons. Salinity increase results in reduction of crop production (2.50% per year), tree growth (2% per year) and vegetation coverage (1.87% per year). Tree species are disappearing due to salinity (three main species are Swietenia macrophylla King>Achras zapota Linn.>Spondias pinnata (Linn. f.) Kurz). The remaining trees are affected by diseases, like, top dying, leaf shedding and root rot. The main salt tolerant species are Acacia nilotica (Linn.) Willd. ex Del., Cocos nucifera Linn. and Phoenix sylvestris Roxb.
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