Arid Region Of Rajasthan Research Articles

Determination of phorbol ester content in Balanites aegyptiaca and use of enzymatic-catalyzed biodiesel in diesel engine

ABSTRACTThe present study deals with the estimation of toxic phorbol esters in Balanites aegyptiaca seed cake and evaluation of the performance and combustion characteristics of different blends of biodiesel in a diesel engine. Seeds were manually collected from arid regions of Rajasthan, India, and the oil extracted from the powdered kernel via a solvent extraction process. The extracted oil was processed by enzymatic catalytic reactions carried out at optimum reaction conditions. The total conversion rate of Balanites aegyptiaca oil to methyl ester by enzymatic-catalyzed transesterification was up to 98.3%. A performance and combustion study of the test fuel blends (BA10 and BA20) with pure diesel (D100) was carried out in a single-cylinder, four-stroke, water-cooled and computer-based VCR diesel engine at a constant speed (1500 rpm). The performance and combustion parameters such as BP, BTE and CP decreased, whereas BSFC and DP increased, with biodiesel blends.

Assessment of toxic content in Balanites aegyptiaca seed cake and use of enzymatic-catalysed biodiesel in diesel engine

ABSTRACTThe present study deals with the estimation of toxic phorbol esters in Balanites aegyptiaca seed cake and to evaluate the performance and combustion characteristics of different blends of biodiesel in a diesel engine. The seeds were manually collected from arid regions of Rajasthan, India and the oil extracted from the powdered kernel with Solvent extraction process. The extracted oil processed by enzymatic catalytic reactions are carried out at optimum operating conditions such as the molar ratio of 8:1 (methanol:oil), reaction temperature at 40°C for 4 h reaction time and xylanase 1% based on oil weight. The total conversion rate of extracted oil to methyl ester by enzymatic reactions yields up to 98.3%. The toxic content of seed cake was determined by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC, Shimadzu). The performance and combustion parameters such as BP, BTE and CP decreased, whereas BSFC and DP increased with biodiesel blends.

Study on Knowledge Level of Livestock Owners Related to Breeding Aspect of Organic Animal Husbandry Practices in Arid Region of Rajasthan

A study was conducted in two selected districts of arid region of Rajasthan i.e. Barmer and Bikaner. From each selected district, two tehsils were selected purposively. She and Chohtan tehsils from Barmer district and Kolayat and Lunkaransar tehsils from Bikaner district were selected on the basis of highest livestock population and two villages were selected randomly from each tehsil. Thus, total eight villages were selected and from each selected village, 15 respondents were selected randomly making the sample size of 120 livestock owners in present study. Data were collected from livestock owners with the help of semi-structured interview schedule, researcher’s own observations were also recorded regarding the breeding practices followed by livestock owners. From the study it was found that majority (40.8%) of the livestock owners had high level of knowledge followed by medium (32.5%) and low (26.7%) level knowledge about breeding aspect of Organic Animal Husbandry practices. The sub-areas under different organic breeding practices in which the livestock owners had highest knowledge was promoted animals for natural service and knowledge of heat detection (mean score 1.00 for each) from breeding practices and the livestock owners had highest adoption about traditional methods for heat detection (adoption index 99.58). It was concluded that Livestock owners in Arid Region of Rajasthan mostly kept desi (local) breeds and preferred natural service for reproduction. These practices of farmers were well fitted with the standards of organic livestock farming related to breeding aspect. You can submit your Manuscripts at: https://symbiosisonlinepublishing.com/submitManuscript.php

On-farm performance of wheat grown on sodic soils irrigated with high RSC water in arid regions of Rajasthan

On-farm performance of wheat grown on sodic soils irrigated with high RSC water in arid regions of Rajasthan

Impact of front line demonstrations on yield of cumin (Cuminum Cyminum L.) in arid region of Rajasthan

Impact of front line demonstrations on yield of cumin (<i>Cuminum Cyminum</i> L.) in arid region of Rajasthan

Impact of Microclimatic Factors on the Growth Stages of Sesame (Sesamum indicum L) Agro-Ecosystem for Betterment of Arid Zone Farming in the North-Western Arid Region of Rajasthan

The present study was done to understand the influence of microclimatic factors on the growth stages of sesame in the rain fed regions, of north-western arid region of district Bikaner (Rajasthan) India. The present study includes the following parameters: 1. Air temperature in °C, relative humidity in percentage and vapour pressure in mm of mercury at the ground surface and at different heights (5 cm, 15 cm, 30 cm, 60 cm and 100 cm). 2. Soil temperature in °C at ground surface and at different depths (5 cm, 15 cm and 30 cm). 3. Net radiations in g.cal/cm2/minute. These agro-climatic parameters have been recorded on various stages viz. vegetative growth stages, flowering stage, (i.e., at 50% flowering) and capsule stage (i.e., at 50% capsule formation) by visual rating at different times of that day (i.e., 8.00, 14.00 and 18.00 hours in the kharif season of year 2014, 2015 and 2016 The research site was located in crop field of sesame at village Ridmalsar lying 20 km in North-East to the city Bikaner, Rajasthan, India and the investigation was carried out in randomized block design with six replications. Each replication was separated with a path of 1.0 m. and each sub-plot was separated by 50 cm path. The sesame variety studied was RT46 as this variety was introduced in last few years and was famous between local farmers for it drought resistant property, early maturity and high disease resistant quality. To study the influence of these parameters the climatic history of last ten year and also the water budget was analyzed. The meteorological data’s were collected from KVK and the regional center of CAZRI (Central Arid Zone Research Institute Beechwal), Bikaner (Rajasthan). It can be concluded from present study that air temperature in profile, relative humidity distribution and also vapour pressure in the microclimatic zone (sesame agro-ecosystem) of the atmosphere varies with changes in the time of day (morning, noon and afternoon), change in height of profile (5, 15, 30, 60 and 100 cm ) and stages of crop. The net radiation values also show increase from morning to noon in all the different stages of growth.

A critical analysis of agro-climatic parameters: Soil temprature, air temperature, relative humidity, vapour pressure and net radiation in agro-ecosystem of Sesamum indicum L. in north-western arid region of Rajasthan

Climate is a major component of the environmental complex. In general, climate, as understood by the early Greek scientists, includes the general condition of the atmosphere such as temperature, rainfall, humidity, wind and other variables. The agroecosystem in the present study includes the following parameters: 1. Air temperature in°C, relative humidity in percentage and vapour pressure in mm of mercury at the ground surface and at different heights (5, 15, 30, 60 and 100 cm), 2. Soil temperature in°C at ground surface and at different depths (5, 15 and 30 cm) and 3. Net radiation in g.cal/cm2/min. These agro-climatic parameters were recorded on various stages viz., vegetative growth stages, flowering stage (i. e. at 50% flowering) and capsule stage (i. e. at 50% capsule formation by visual rating) at different times of that day i. e. 8.00, 14.00 and 18.00 h in the year 2016 at research site which was located in crop field of sesame at village Ridmalsar lying 20 km in north-east to the city Bikaner, Rajasthan, India. It can be concluded from present study that air temperature in profile, relative humidity distribution and also vapour pressure in the microclimatic zone (sesame agro-ecosystem) of the atmosphere varies with changes in the time of day (morning, noon and afternoon), change in height of profile (5, 15, 30, 60 and 100 cm) and stages of crop. The net radiation values also show increase from morning to noon in all the different stages of growth.

Monitoring of Sheep Migration in Arid Region of Rajasthan, India Using EO Data

The annual aggregate spatially normal rainfall is extremely variable and most erratic in the western arid region of Rajasthan state. As a result, it frequently experiences spells of drought. Surface water resources are also meagre and distributed unevenly. Drought is a multi-dimensional phenomenon and its direct impacts include like withering of crops, drying of watering points, reduction in fodder for livestock, etc. Such crisis eventually compels Rebari pastoralists to migrate to other places and regions as a coping mechanism against the scarcity of fodder and water in the arid zone of Rajasthan. The scarcity of fodder at any time is a function of stocking rate and carrying capacity of the system at that time, which is affected mainly by the amount of precipitation and livestock population. This has been covered through analysing migration routes and determinants by using the data collected from the ATS plus GPS Collars. It has been found that biomass density changed following grazing across gradients and ground cover. Also, normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) was 5-10% lower inside the grazing area than outside the grazing area.

Susceptibility of watermelon genotypes to fruit flyBactrocera cucurbitae(Coquillett)

Host plant resistance is an important component for management of the melon fruit fly, Bactrocera cucurbitae (Coquillett) owing to difficulties associated with its chemical and biological control. A total of 27 watermelon varieties/genotypes were evaluated for their susceptiblity to the fruit fly in hot arid region of Rajasthan. The results showed that the varieties/genotypes viz. percentage of fruit infestation and larval population per fruit varied significantly. Pooled data showed that the varieties/genotypes viz., AHW/BR-60, BSM-1, IC 582909, AHW/BR-9, AHW/BR-137, Durgapura Kesar, AHW/BR-10, AHW/BR-18, AHW/BR-8, AHW/BR-21, AHW/BR-20 and YF-4 can be categorized as susceptible with considerable fruit infestation (55.72%, 59.28%, 53.05%, 67.20%, 60.43%, 61.83%, 63.87%, 63.62%, 59.45%, 59.62%, 62.52% and 55.68%, respectively) and with larval population per fruit viz. 17.12, 17.85, 16.45, 19.23, 17.90, 18.48, 18.38, 18.32, 18.40, 17.57, 17.93 and 17.70, respectively. The varieties/genotypes Asahi Yamato, AHW/BR-16 and Thar Manak had 12–18% fruit infestation (12.75%, 15.05% and 18.18%, respectively) with 1–1 lawal per fruit (10.13, 10.82 and 11.08, respectively) and declared which can be considered resistant. Lower values of host plant susceptibility indices based on fruit infestation (HPSI) were recorded on resistance varieties/genotypes, viz., Asahi Yamato, AHW/BR-16 and Thar Manak (28.85%, 34.05% and 41.14%, respectively). These could be used as a source of resistance for developing watermelon varieties/genotypes resistant to fruit fly.

Estimates of heritability for growth and wool traits in Marwari sheep at arid region of Rajasthan

Data on 4201 records of Marwari sheep maintained at Arid Region Campus of Central Sheep and Wool Research Institute, Bikaner (Rajasthan) distributed over a period of 15 years (1996-2010) were analyzed for estimation of heritability of growth and wool traits. Traits studied were body weights from birth to yearling, average daily gains between adjacent stages of growth and greasy fleece yield of first and second clip. Heritability estimates from paternal half sib method were 0.23 ± 0.040, 0.65 ± 0.073, 0.83 ± 0.085, 0.72 ± 0.083 and 0.67 ± 0.085 for body weight at birth, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months of ages, respectively, 0.72 ± 0.074, 0.41 ± 0.056 and 0.88 ± 0.093 for average daily gains during 0-3, 3-6 and 6-12 months of ages, respectively and 0.98 ± 0.090 and 0.37 ± 0.065 for greasy fleece yield of first and second clip, respectively. Moderate to high heritability estimates indicated the presence of high genetic variance and low environmental variance. Hence, individual selection may be done effectively for improvement in these traits.

Variation in soil biological properties with legume crops in arid region of Rajasthan, India

A field investigation was carried out in five tehsils of Jodhpur district of Rajasthan, India to study the variation in soil biological properties. Acid phosphatase, alkaline phosphatase, phytase, microbial biomass C (MBC), N ( MBN) and P(MBP) ranged between 1.10-3.45 μg PNP /g soil / h, 2.45 -8.42 μg PNP / g soil / h, 4.15-12.42 μg Pi / g soil / h, 27-52 mg / kg, 5.7-10.9 mg / kg and 1.10-4.10 mg / kg, respectively. Microbial population was higher in the rhizosphere soil compared to non-rhizosphere soil with maximum in Jodhpur (12.85%) followed by Bhopalgarh (11.24%) and Osian (10.70%). In general, phytase activity in soil was 1.4 and 2.75 times higher compared to acid and alkaline phosphatase activities. On an average, the rhizosphere soils contain 12%, 11% and 15% more biomass C, N and P compared to non-rhizosphere soil. Microbial population showed positive and significant correlation with nutrient availability and microbial properties.

Evaluating Environmental Sensitivity of Arid and Semiarid Regions in Northeastern Rajasthan, India

Arid regions of Rajasthan in India are characterized by harsh environments, fragile ecosystems, and limited water resources and arable lands. Desertification is one of the major land‐degradation problems in these regions. Recent changes in the regional climatic regime and the low availability of water in this northwestern state of India, pose the threat of desertification in the agriculturally productive part of the state. This study aims to delineate the environmentally sensitive areas to desertification in the districts of Jhunjhunun and Sikar in Rajasthan, India. It uses geospatial data from various sources, and combines them to calculate an environmental sensitivity index (), which will allow the quantification of the area's vulnerability to desertification. The study uses the analytical hierarchical process () to assign respective weights to individual factors for each index calculation. Land‐cover maps and socio‐economic data have been used to understand their relationship with . Results showed that 13 percent and 45 percent of the study area are under highly sensitive and moderately sensitive zones, respectively. Mapping and monitoring of environmentally sensitive areas in such arid regions are critical to sustainable use and planning of natural resources namely water and land‐cover and are helpful in determining priority actions and their successful implementation.

Evaluation of pearl millet and mungbean intercropping systems in arid region of Rajasthan (India)

A field experiment was conducted during kharif season, 2011 to evaluate different row ratio of pearl millet with mungbean in the arid region of Rajasthan. The treatments comprised of sole pearl millet at 45 cm spacing, one sole mungbean and ten pearl millet with mungbean treatments row in different ratio. The intercropping of pearl millet with mungbean in 1 : 7, followed by 2 : 6 and 1: 3 row ratio produced maximum pearl millet equivalent yield (PMEY), land equivalent ratio (LER), aggresivity , net returns,benefit cost (B : C) ratio and also better nutrient uptake by these treatments compared to sole and other intercropping treatments. Aggressivity values showed that inter crop mungbean did not offer any competition to pearl millet in different row ratio, while relative crowding coefficient (RCC) values indicated was a yield disadvantage in mungbean in all the intercropping system except 1: 7 row ratio. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjb.v43i3.21616 Bangladesh J. Bot. 43(3): 367-370, 2014 (December)

Evaluation of pearlmillet (Pennisetum glaucum)and clusterbean (Cyamopsis tetragonolobaL.) intercropping system under arid western plain zone in India

A field experiment was conducted during kharif season (July-November) of 2011 to evaluate the pearlmillet and clusterbean intercropping system in the arid region of Rajasthan. Intercropping of pearlmillet cultivar HHB-67 with clusterbean cultivar RGC-1003 in row ratio 1:3 resulted significantly maximum effective tillers per plant. Sole pearlmillet cultivar HHB-67 produced significantly maximum seed yield and had the maximum harvest index. Among intercropping treatments pearlmillet cultivar HHB-67 with clusterbean cultivarRGC-1003 in row ratio 1:1 resulted significantly maximum seed yield over other treatment.Pearlmillet cultivar Raj 171 + clusterbean cultivarRGC-1003 (1:1 row ratio)resulted in significantly maximumstover and biological yield. Intercropping of pearlmillet cultivar HHB-67 + clusterbean cultivarRGC-986 in row ratio 1:3 was superior to all the intercropping treatments in terms of PMEY, net returns and B:C ratio. But LER ofpearlmillet cultivar HHB-67 + clusterbean cultivarRGC-986 in row ratio 2:2 was maximum among all the treatments.

Evaluation of pear lmillet (&lt;i&gt;Pennisetum glaucum&lt;/i&gt;) and mothbean (&lt;i&gt;Vigna acconitifolia&lt;/i&gt;) intercropping systems in hyper arid partially irrigated north-western plains zone

A field experiment was conducted during kharif 2008 to evaluate different row ratio of pearl millet + mothbean in the arid region of Rajasthan. The treatments comprised three sole pearl millet at 30, 40 and 60 cm spacing, one sole mothbean and eleven pearl millet + mothbean treatments [1:3, 1:7, 2:2, 2:6, 3:1, 3:5, 4:4, 5:3, 6:2, 7:1 and 2:1 (check) row ratio]. The intercropping of pearl millet + mothbean in 1:7 row ratio closely followed by 4:4, 2:6 and 3:5 row ratio, produced maximum pearl millet equivalent yield (PMEY), LER and net returns and also better nutrient uptake by these treatments compared to sole and other intercropping treatments. Aggressivity values showed that intercrop mothbean did not offer any competition to pearl millet in different row ratio, while RCC values indicated that there was a yield disadvantage in mothbean in all the intercropping system except 1:7 row ratio. Competition ratio indicated that row ratios such as 3:1 and 2:1 which offer less space to mothbean (intercrop) that leads to lower yield of intercrop as component crop (pearl millet) offer greater competition for mothbean in these row ratios.

Development of an organic integrated pest management (IPM) module against insect-pests of muskmelon in arid region of Rajasthan, India

Development of an organic integrated pest management (IPM) module against insect-pests of muskmelon in arid region of Rajasthan, India

Effects of steaming-up on the performance of grazing does and their kids in arid region

The present study was conducted to evaluate the effects of steaming-up on the performance of grazing does in arid region of Rajasthan. Twenty-four goats carrying last trimester of pregnancy were selected and divided randomly into untreated (T0) and treated (T1) groups having 12 goats in each. Animals of both the groups were let loosed for grazing in the morning and were offered concentrate feed in the evening. Goats of T1 group were fed additional concentrate feed @ 300g per animal per day. Average body weight gain of goats was significantly (P

Impact Assessment of New Pearl Millet Technology in Arid Rajasthan

This paper has assessed the impact of high-yielding short-duration pearl-millet hybrid on farmers’ income in the arid region of Rajasthan. The decomposition of total change in net returns has shown that adoption of modern technology accounted for 86 per cent of the incremental net income, in which the share of varietal change was 58 per cent. This suggests that there is a considerable potential of raising farm income through widespread dissemination of modern pearl millet technology in Rajasthan.

Economic viability of camel breeding enterprise in southern Rajasthan

Camel breeding is a source of employment for Raika community in southern Rajasthan. Primary survey of camel breeders (n=75) revealed that for more than 90% of sample households camel breeding was the main occupation with average herd size of 21.06 units of camel. Traders dominated camel marketing as more than 80% animals were sold in the village itself through them who take these animals for further sale in Pushkar, Jhalrapatan, Kasba Thana and other livestock fairs of Rajasthan state. The major demand of camel comes from farmers for use in agricultural operations, carters for transportation of goods and dairy owners selling camel milk. Average net return worked out per camel household per year was 1.01 lakh with B:C ratio of 1.99. The camel herding was found financially viable enterprise in southern Rajasthan with a payback period of 03 years, positive Net Present Value (NPV), and Internal Rate of Return (IRR) of 55.73%. The value of IRR was about 04 times higher than camel breeding enterprise in arid region of Rajasthan due to opportunity to sell camel milk in southern Rajasthan.

POLLUTION STATUS OF SURFACE WATER RESOURCES IN ARID REGION OF RAJASTHAN (INDIA)

Present investigation deals with the evaluation of DO, BOD and COD of six surface water resources of Bikaner district which fall in arid region of Rajasthan – a part of Great Indian Desert, to determine pollution status. Water sample analysed for two years 2008-2009 showed these parameters beyond the limit of standard prescribed by WHO. These parameters also showed great seasonal fluctuation, indicating the degree of organic pollution more during summer season and least during winter season.