Environ Monit Assess. 2026 May 18;198(6):605. doi: 10.1007/s10661-026-15472-1.
ABSTRACT
The development processes of soil are influenced by temperature and precipitation; moreover, changes in soil properties are influenced by land use factors. This study aimed to identify the pattern of changes in climate over 40 years (from 1985-2024) and, concomitantly, the spatial and temporal variabilities in the soil properties of Sylhet, a humid subtropical region of Bangladesh. Soil samples were taken from 8 unions of the Sylhet sadar upazila during 2024 and tested in the laboratory to determine the present status of different soil parameters. The temporal changes in soil properties were assessed by comparing the laboratory-analysed data with soil resource development institute-reported soil data from 2007. The annual maximum temperature during the last 20 years of the study (2005-2024) increased by 0.42°C on average, and the hottest year was 2023. The total annual precipitation sharply decreased by 762.34 mm compared with that in the first 20 years (1985-2004), with continuous below-normal precipitation events (-1270.96 mm to -104.32 mm) from 2018-2023 and high interannual variability. In addition, this study revealed greater spatial variability in soils than temporal variability, which was influenced mainly by inherent soil characteristics such as texture and pH and assumed land management practices. Moderate temporal variability in soil organic carbon and other nutrient availability might be associated with changing climates. These findings on spatial and temporal changes in soil properties are expected to be helpful for guiding future soil and crop management in humid subtropical regions in a better way under changing climates.
PMID:42149408 | DOI:10.1007/s10661-026-15472-1
