Effect of Tobacco Cultivation on Soil Fertility and Farmer’s Profitability in the Socio-Economic Perspective of Bangladesh

Abstract Tobacco cultivation and production in Bangladesh have expanded by 99.68% and 219.4%, respectively, over the last decade. The study aimed to assess the impact of tobacco cultivation on soil fertility and to compare the soil fertility status of tobacco-based (TB) and non-tobacco-based (NTB) cropping fields. The study also compared the tobacco production cost and the financial cost-effectiveness of ranchers' land utilized for tobacco farming. The researchers used soil nutrient index (SNI) to analyze the soil fertility level of TB and NTB cropping fields. A total of 40 soil samples (20 TB and 20 NTB) were collected randomly from farmers' fields in Mirpur Upazila of Bangladesh's Kushtia district. Socio-demographic and financial data from 50 tobacco ranchers were collected from the investigation territory via a well-structured questionnaire. Soil nitrogen, phosphorus, sulfur, calcium and magnesium levels in TB fields were significantly lower than in NTB fields. Soil organic matter and pH in TB fields are substantially higher than in NTB fields. There was no substantial change in electrical conductivity or potassium. Based on the SNI results, the soil fertility in both cases was rated as medium. The average total cost of production for tobacco cultivation was 122190 BDT per acre of land. The average yield, all-in income, and net income per acre of land were 1292kg, 172851 BDT, and 50661 BDT, respectively, with a benefit-cost proportion of 1.42. Tobacco growers may benefit from reviewing the study's findings in making informed decisions on fertilizer applications for crops other than tobacco.