Research Note: Effect of tidal inundation on some chemical properties of soil of the Sundarbans (India)

Abstract

Soil samples from twenty seven sites of Indian Sundarbans were analysed for some chemical parameters. These sited were divided into three inundation types namely, diurnal, usual springtide and summer springtide. The study demonstrated that most of the soil properties significantly varied with inundation type. Sites inundated by usual springtides exhibited lowest concentrations of pH, salinity (Sal), available phosphorus (P), and exchangeable potassium (K), sodium (Na) and magnesium (Mg), whereas summer springtide inundated sites had the highest concentrations of Sal, organic carbon (OC), available nitrogen (N), Na, K and Mg. Highest level of P and lowest N in the diurnally inundated sites could be attributed to increased mobility of phosphates and denitrification or volatilization losses of inorganic nitrogen in the soils respectively. Highest concentration of N in summer springtide inundated sites could be attributed to increased ammonium ion mobility in the soils.