Salinity challenges and adaptive strategies in salinization-affected coastal Bangladesh

Implications for agricultural sustainability and water resource management

Dados Bibliográficos

ID15545646
AutoresMd Lokman Hossain (0000-0002-6103-4226, Chinese University of Hong Kong, autor correspondente), Jianfeng Li (0000-0001-5205-5167, Chinese University of Hong Kong)
Ano2024
Volume19
Fascículo11
Páginas114048-114048
Data de publicação2024-09-24
Peer ReviewedSim
Open AccessSim
TipoARTICLE
PeriódicoEnvironmental Research Letters (JOURNAL)
Identificadores do periódicoISSN: 1748-9326 • E-ISSN: 1748-9326
EditoraIOP Publishing (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1088/1748-9326/ad7edb
OpenAlexW4402789407
IdiomaEN
Citações recebidas8
Referências citadas56

Salinization has become a rising global concern due to its notable effects on agriculture and freshwater resources. Coastal region of Bangladesh has been struggling with elevated levels of soil and water salinity, exacerbated by storm surges and rising sea levels. We assessed nutrient and salinity contents in agricultural and homestead lands, and the level of salinity in pond and canal water in six sub-districts in coastal Bangladesh. Finally, using household (HH) survey, focus group discussion (FGD) and key informant interview (KII), we explored the adaptive practices and challenges of salinity issues in agriculture and drinking water management. Soil nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium contents exhibited significant variations across the sub-districts, which reflect the diversity of agricultural practices and soil management strategies. However, there was no notable difference in soil salinity across the sub-districts, which underscores the commonality of soil salinity as a pressing concern. Shyamnagar (13.99 dS m −1 ) recorded the highest level of pond water salinity, followed by Assasuni (13.96 dS m −1 ), Dacope (13.91 dS m −1 ), Koyra (13.58 dS m −1 ), Morrelganj (13.33 dS m −1 ), and Mongla (13.19 dS m −1 ) sub-districts, which highlights that water salinity decreased from exposed coast to the landward areas. Respondents in HH surveys, FGDs and KIIs identified salinity as a major challenge in agriculture and drinking water. Furthermore, climate-related stresses were recognized as significant challenges impacting crop productivity. The research highlights the feasibility of rainwater harvesting, with 89%–100% of HHs harvest rainwater in HH tanks, as an effective adaptive practice for managing drinking water. The study emphasizes the positive impact of vermicompost in reducing soil salinity levels, which is demonstrated by the 43%–88% of HHs using this practice, indicating its potential as a nature-based solution to address soil salinization. The findings underscore the need for resilient agricultural systems and sustainable water management approaches to tackle these challenges

Adaptive Management · Agriculture · Business · Climate change · Environmental planning · Environmental resource management · Geography · Resource (disambiguation · Resource management (computing · Salinity · Soil salinity · Sustainability · Water resource management · Water resources · Computer Science · Environmental Science · Fisheries and Aquaculture Studies · Water-Energy-Food Nexus Studies · Ecology · Geology · Oceanography