N.U.Mahmud1, D. Hossain2, A. Sarker3, G.K.M.M. Rahman4
1Senior Scientific Officer, Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute, Bangladesh; 2Professor, Department of Soil Science, Patuakhali Science and Technology University (PSTU), Bangladesh; 3Regional Program Coordinator, South Asia & China Program & Principal Food Legume Breeder, International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA) NASC Complex, DPS Marg, New Delhi-110012, India; 4Professor, Department of Soil Science, Bangabandhu Sheikh MujiburRahman Agricultural University (BSMRAU), Bangladesh
Corresponding author. Tel: +8801912532303, E-mail: numahmudso06@gmail.com
The research area was selected Faridpur Sadar sub-district of Bangladesh. This area belongs to the agro-ecological zone (AEZ 12) namely Low Gangas River Floodplain (between 23o29’ and 23o44’ latitude and 89o 41’ and 89o 56’ Longitude). Arsenic contamination in crop lands has been a serious concern because of its high health risk through soil-food chain transfer. Arsenic (As) concentrations in soil, plant tissues and grain were evaluated in a field experiment following the transplantation of lentil (Lens culinaris) heavily As contaminated soil in Faridpur district of Bangladesh (38.2 ppm total As) receiving an rice husk biochar amendment, with all fertilizer and intercultural activities. A close investigation was also performed to established lentil seeds were able to germinate in various proportions of biochar added. Biochar significantly reduced As concentrations from root, shoot and grain of lentil compared to the control treatment (without biochar). Grain As concentrations were very low (155 ppb in 10 t ha-1 biochar) indicating minimal toxicity and transfer risk and highest As concentration observed in control (396 ppb in 0 t ha-1 biochar). Grain yield was significantly higher (1574 kg ha-1 ) for lentil fertilized with 10 t ha-1 biochar compared with others, whereas control treatment had the lowest grain yield (1179 kg ha-1 in control where biochar is 0 t ha-1) . Application of biochar increased soil organic matter as well as improved soil nutrients content such as Ca, K, Mg and S. The highest organic matter was found in treated with 10 t ha-1 biochar and the lowest was observed in treated with control treatment. Application of biochar also increased soil nutrients content in the soil. Similar trend was found in case of Ca, K, Mg and S nutrients.
Biography:
Nashir Uddin Mahmud is a doctoral student under the department of soil science at Patuakhali Science and Technology University, Patuakhali, Bangladesh. He studies “Arsenic mitigation for sustainable soil health and crop production using Biochar and peat in Bangladesh”. This research focuses on the arsenic contamination in lentil productivity in arsenic contaminated soil in Bangladesh. Last 12 years he also works as a soil scientist under the soil science Division of Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute, Bangladesh. His main research interests involve soil organic matter management, contaminated soil management, developing fertilizer recommendation for different cropping patterns in Bangladesh, soil fertility management, integrated nutrient management system, food security and sustainable crop production. Mahmud obtained his MSc Ag (Soil Science) from Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University, Bangladesh.
