Characteristics of Some Soils Developed on Madhupur Clay in Bangladesh

Four soil profiles representing two typical soil series of Madhupur clay in Bangladesh were studied for some of their morphological, physical and chemical properties. Formation of these soils appeared to be controlled by the composition and age of the parent materials, influenced by climate and relief. All the soils have developed on reddish brown clay of uniform nature called Madhopur clay. Movement of clay from the summit to the bottom of the valley indicates that there has been considerable dispersion of clay on wetting by rain water and movement of clay down the slope along with runoff water. Soil reaction is acidic, the organic matter and nitrogen content are low, and also base saturation is low. Highly soluble sodium and potassium have leached out of the catena. Calcium and magnesium are the dominant cations in the profiles which increase with increasing depth. The soils have been classified as Inceptisols.