'What will be the nutrient value of soil in 40 years?': scientists demand economic study
“If this trend continues, what will be the value of soil and its impact on crop production in the next 30 to 40 years? This requires economic analysis," he said
Soil scientists have urged for an economic evaluation of losses caused by soil nutrient depletion, alongside scientific analysis, to understand its broader impact on agriculture at a seminar held by the Soil Resource Development Institute (SRDI) yesterday (2 August).
Speakers emphasised the urgent need for research to assess how declining soil nutrient levels are affecting agricultural productivity across the country.
In the chief guest's speech, Zakir Hossain, Additional Secretary (Extension) of the Ministry of Agriculture, questioned whether degraded soil still holds value and called for an economic analysis of its long-term impact.
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"If this trend continues, what will be the value of soil and its impact on crop production in the next 30 to 40 years? This requires economic analysis," he said.
He highlighted the importance of crop diversification, warning that repeated cultivation of the same crops is depleting soil fertility and reducing pulse production.
"Soil nitrogen levels are gradually declining, and pulse production has decreased. Mung beans (Moog) grow well in saline soil, yet we are not focusing on that," he added.
Experts also stressed adopting low-water cultivation methods and warned that continued soil degradation will eventually prevent crop production.
The seminar was presided over by SRDI Director General Begum Samia Sultana. Chief Scientific Officer, Md. Mamunur Rahman, in his welcome speech, emphasised administrative reform and greater focus on protecting soil in salinity-affected southern regions.
Other participants included SRDI Chief Scientific Officer, Md Jalal Uddin; Central Laboratory Chief, Md Joynal Abedin; and divisional officers like Md Afsar Ali and Md Abdul Halim.
