Central Dry Zone Research Articles

Farmers’ Acuity on Climate Change in the Central Dry Zone of Karnataka

To counteract the vulnerability results from climate change, it is critical to understand farmers’ viewpoints. In Karnataka, farmers’ perspectives, implications, adaptive measures, and barriers were investigated during 2021 by collecting the data from farmers using multistage random sample technique. Farmers witnessed significant changes in temperature, rainfall distribution, emergence of new plant pests and infirmity over time as a result of the introduction of new cultivars/crops, and the occurrence of drought/flood, according to the data. Crop harvests were inconsistent, depleted common property resources, and costs had risen as a result. Cultivation of stress-tolerant cultivars, drilling bore wells, novel plant protection molecules, changing sowing/harvesting dates, and water-saving techniques were among the adaptation strategies. Climate adaptation challenges in the region included highcost farm inputs for climate-smart agriculture, labour scarcity, lack of shared water resources, and knowledge gaps. For the best results, adaptation strategies should be implemented “collectively” rather than “individually”. Weather based Crop insurance must be marketed with assured indemnity.

Agrochemical exposure in Sri Lankan inland water systems

Sri Lanka has undergone a number of development efforts over the last few decades, including the development of a series of water reservoirs in the central dry zone resulting in the expansion of primarily rice growing agricultural communities. These rapidly developed communities were built with shallow wells that are impacted by surface water runoff composition, which may intermittently contain significant amounts of agrochemicals as they are applied onto the fields. Chronic kidney disease of unknown etiology (CKDu) has been a growing threat in tropical low-land agricultural regions globally, including Sri Lanka, and agrochemical pollution is suspected as one of the factors in this disease. This study compares water quality parameters including target agrochemicals in a transect along the major Mahaweli River and across the local rice farming community of Wilgamuwa in the dry zone that receives water from Mahaweli reservoirs. The study shows elevated phosphate ,with and average phosphate concentration of 0.47 mg/L in Wilgamuwa wells compared to the US EPA water quality criteria of 0.05 mg/L. This study also shows 68% of sampled Wilgamuwa wells and 20% of Mahaweli water samples had agrochemicals above water quality guidelines. These results indicate some concern of Mahaweli water quality but primarily localized water contamination sources, and may help inform other studies of CKDu factors globally.

The Influence of Habitat Changes on Elephant Mortality Associated with Human–Elephant Conflict: Identifying Areas of Concern in the North Central Dry Zone of Sri Lanka

Human–wildlife conflict (HWC) is becoming increasingly prevalent as human activity expands, and monitoring the impact of habitat quality on wildlife mortality related to HWC is critical for the well-being of wildlife and people. Using ten years of necropsies from free-ranging Asian elephants in the Northwestern Wildlife Region (NWR) of Sri Lanka, we quantified the effect of habitat quality on human–elephant conflict (HEC) (i.e., human-caused elephant mortality), hypothesizing that both artificial (e.g., forest cover loss) and natural (e.g., water availability, temperature) changes would be associated with elephant mortality. We collated necropsies from 348 elephants that died due to human activity from 2009 to 2018, comparing the results with data on forest cover loss, perennial water, rainfall, temperature, and human population sizes. Over the study period, we found that forest cover loss was significantly correlated with human-caused mortality in a district-specific manner. Similarly, access to perennial water and precipitation levels appeared to influence mortality, but not temperature, human population density, or percent land cover used for agriculture. We conducted emerging hot spot analyses to identify areas within the NWR that should be prioritized for protection, which included landscapes that are not currently protected (approximately 43% of the hot spots we identified). Similarly, areas that we identified as cold spots included many areas with minimal forest cover loss. Together, our results emphasize the impact that human activity can have on the measurable outcomes of HEC. We suggest that adaptive HWC management strategies that use retrospective analyses should inform any potential changes to the protection of vital wildlife habitats, such as the north central dry zone of Sri Lanka.

Agro-climatic onset of cropping season: A tool for determining optimum date of sowing in dry zones of southern Karnataka


 The study was conducted to analyse the rainfall pattern of dry farming zones of Southern Karnataka to arrive at proper date of sowing by considering parameters like threshold rainfall (20 mm), threshold dry day (2.5 mm) and threshold dry spell period (10 days) as a main defining parameters for decision making in sowing of major crops (finger millet, pigeonpea, groundnut, etc.). In all the three zones, the agro-climatic onset of cropping season was earlier as compared to meteorological onset (June 1st week) due to bimodal distribution of rainfall having its peaks in May and September month. In Central Dry Zone, Southern Dry Zone and Eastern Dry Zone, fourteenth June, thirteenth June and twentythird May were the agro-climatic onset dates (average of all stations in each zone), respectively. Station wise analysis of the rainfall revealed different agro-climatic onset dates. Ninth May in central dry zone, eighth May in eastern dry zone and fifth May in southern dry zone were the earliest onset dates. These variations in between zonal and station specific onset dates were due to spatio-temporal variations in rainfall. Therefore, advancements in sowing of crops based on the agro-climatic onset should be taken into account for betterment of crop production.

Can nutrition education mitigate the impacts of COVID-19 on dietary quality? Cluster-randomised controlled trial evidence in Myanmar's Central Dry Zone.

We evaluate the immediate impact of a nutrition and gender behaviour change communication on dietary quality in rural communities in Myanmar and assess whether the communication helped mitigate the effect of the COVID‐19 crisis on dietary quality. The intervention was designed and implemented as a cluster‐randomised controlled trial in which 15 villages received the intervention and 15 control villages did not. The intervention was implemented from June to October 2020. This paper provides an assessment of the intervention's impact on dietary quality based on the results of two phone surveys conducted in August and October 2020. Immediate impacts of the intervention indicate an improvement in women's dietary diversity scores by half a food group out of 10. At baseline, 44% of women were likely to have consumed inadequately diverse diets; results indicate that 6% (p‐value: 0.003, SE: 0.02) fewer sample women were likely to have consumed inadequately diverse diets. More women in treatment villages consumed pulses, nuts, eggs and Vitamin A‐rich foods daily than in control villages. In response to economic shocks related to COVID‐19, households in the treatment villages were less likely to reduce the quantity of meat and fish consumption than in control villages. The long‐term impacts of the intervention need to be continuously evaluated.

Understanding Production and Marketing Activities of Contract and Non-contract Sesame Farmers in Aunglan Township, Magway Region

Sesame is mainly grown in the central dry zone of Myanmar, in which, Magway Region occupied the largest sesame sown area for many years. Following the “Informal model” contract agreement among sesame farmers and buyers are practiced in Aunglan Township, Magway Region. This study aimed to explore the production and marketing performances of sesame farmers under contract and non-contract systems in the study area. By using purposive random sampling procedure, a total of 102 sesame farmers in Aunglan Township were interviewed by using structured questionnaires during November and December, 2017.

A Study of Severe and Extreme Drought in Central Dry Zone of Myanmar

A Study of Severe and Extreme Drought in Central Dry Zone of Myanmar

Optimization of Substrate and Nutrient Solution Strength for Lettuce and Chinese Cabbage Seedling Production in the Semi-Arid Environment of Central Myanmar

The growing population of tropical countries has led to a new awareness of the importance of vegetables as a source of essential foods and nutrients. The success of vegetable cultivation depends to a large extent on high-quality seedlings. This work aimed at evaluating the effects of different substrates and different nutrient solution concentrations on the development of lettuce and Chinese cabbage seedlings in a semi-arid tropical area. Three independent experiments were conducted at the Soil and Water Research Station at Yezin Agriculture University, Myanmar (Myanmar, 19.83° N; 96.27° E). In all experiments a randomized block design was implemented with four treatments and three repetitions. In the first experiment the adaptability of lettuce seedling to two substrates (namely a Hulls Manure mix composed by 50% of mature cattle manure and 50% of carbonized rice husk and a soil based substrate constituted by 70% local soil, 20% burned rice husk, and 10% fresh cattle manure) and two nutrient solutions with different electrical conductivities (ECs) (W0.1, stored rainwater with EC = 0.13 dS m−1 and NS1.2, nutrient solution with EC = 1.20 dS m−1) were tested. In the second and third experiments, two species (lettuce and Chinese cabbage) were assessed for their response to nutrient solution concentrations. In both crops, 4 fertigation treatments (W0.1; NS0.6; NS1.2; and NS1.8) were supplied, by modulating the concentration of a compound mineral fertilizer (15:15:15) in the following ranges: W0.1: 0 g L−1, electrical conductivity (EC) 0.13 dS m−1, NS0.6: 0.3 g L−1, EC of 0.60 dS m−1; NS1.2: 0.6 g L−1, 1.2 dS m−1 EC, and NS1.8: 0.9 g L−1, 1.8 dS m−1 EC. Adopting different substrates and applying different nutrient solutions significantly affected growth (fresh weight and leaf morphology) and some physiological parameters (stomatal conductance, leaf temperature, and leaf chlorophyll content) of lettuce and Chinese cabbage seedling. From the first experiment, the combination of the soil based substrate and NS1.2 treatments allowed us to improve the seedlings’ growth. In the second experiment, highest growth of lettuce and Chinese cabbage seedlings was associated with NS1.2 and NS1.8, respectively. The presented results allow for the optimization of both growing media and nutrient solution management when lettuce and Chinese cabbage seedling are produced in the Central Dry Zone of Myanmar.

Effects of Nitrogen Rates on Cotton under Different Plant Available Water Capacity Sites in Pyawbwe, Central Dry Zone of Myanmar

Soil water content and nutrient availability are two main factors of limiting plant growth and productivity in an uncertain rainfall area likes central dry zone of Myanmar (CDZ). The aim of this research was to observe the effects of nitrogen (N) rates on rainfed cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) under different plant available water capacity (PAWC) sites. The field experiments were conducted during post-monsoon season 2019 at two sites, Pawaingyoe and Kokkokhahla, of Pyawbwe Township having different PAWC. In both sites, six levels of N rate (T1 = 0, T2 = 60, T3 = 90, T4 = 120, T5 = 150 and T6 = 180 kg N ha-1) were laid out in randomized complete block design with four replications and cotton variety Ngwechi-6 was tested. The effects of N rates on growth, yield, residual soil NO3--N, nitrogen use efficiency (NUE), water use efficiency (WUE) and benefit cost ratio (BCR) were examined. Results showed that PAWC, soil N and OM levels of the clay loam soil from Pawaingyoe was higher than those of the sandy loam soil from Kokkokhahla. In Pawaingyoe, maximum seed cotton yield (2364 kg ha-1), NUE, WUE, BCR and lower residual soil NO3--N were achieved by T2 (60 kg N ha-1). In Kokkokhahla, maximum seed cotton yield (1976 kg ha-1), WUE, BCR and higher residual soil NO3--N were found in T4 (120 kg N ha-1), however, which were followed by T3 (90 kg N ha-1) with the statistically similar seed cotton yield (1787 kg ha-1), the maximum NUE and lower residual soil NO3--N. Therefore, it may be assumed that T2 (60 kg N ha-1) was the most suitable rate for Pawaingyoe site while within the range between T3 and T4 (90 to 120 kg N ha-1) was appropriate for Kokkokhahla. The finding of this study could be contributed some suggestions to the recommendation for cotton N rates under similar circumstances.

Yield and Quality of Rainfed Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) in Response to Nitrogen Rates under Different Plant Available Water Capacity Sites in Central Dry Zone of Myanmar

The aim of this research was to explore the optimum nitrogen (N) fertilizer rate for yield and quality of rainfed cotton under respective PAWC. A two-year field experiment was conducted in 2019 and 2020 during post-monsoon season at two sites, Pawaingyoe and Kokkokhahla, having different PAWC. Each year at both sites, six levels of N rate (T1 = 0, T2 = 60, T3 = 90, T4 = 120, T5 = 150 and T6 = 180 kg N ha-1) were laid out in randomized complete block design with four replications and cotton variety Ngwechi-6 was tested. Results showed significant response of cotton to N fertilizer application in each year in both sites and it was consistently lower in 2020 compared to 2019. The DUL, CLL and PAWC of Pawaingyoe were higher than Kokkokhahla. Each year, all yield components and yield were superior in Pawaingyoe than Kokkokhahla. At Pawaingyoe in 2019, maximum values of yield components, seed cotton yield and NUE were achieved by T2. In 2020, all the yield components and yield were non-significant in all N applied treatments and the maximum NUE was found in T2. At Kokkokhahla in 2019, maximum values of yield components and seed cotton yield were obtained in T4, but, maximum NUE was observed in T3 and it gave 90.43% of maximum yield. In 2020, maximum values of yield components, seed cotton yield and NUE were achieved from T3. For fiber quality, T2 gave significantly higher fiber strength in Pawaingyoe, while T4 provided maximum fiber length and strength in Kokkokhahla during 2019. This study suggested that T2 (60 kg N ha-1) would be the suitable rate for Pawaingyoe in both high and low rainfall condition (2019 and 2020). For Kokkokhahla, within the range between T3 and T4 (90 to 120 kg N ha-1) would be appropriate in favorable rainfall condition as 2019 and T3 (90 kg N ha-1) might be the most suitable rate in low rainfall such as 2020.

Identification of soil fertility constraints in boranakunte-1 micro-watershed, Tumkur district, Karnataka

Land resource inventory of Boranakunte-1 micro-watershed (939 ha) representing central dry zone (Zone-4) of Tumkur district, Karnataka was carried out using geospatial techniques. Totally 140 surface soil samples at 250 m2 grid were collected, characterized for chemical and fertility properties and soil fertility maps were prepared using geographic information system (GIS). The results revealed that the soils were moderately alkaline (pH 8.29±0.47) with low total salt content (EC 0.15±0.10 dS m−1) and low to medium in organic carbon (OC) (0.50±0.20%) status. The available nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) contents were 238.9±48.8, 31.6±13.3 and 330.8±109.2 kg ha−1, respectively and the available sulphur (S) was 17.36±9.74 mg kg−1. The exchangeable calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) were 21.62±6.32 and 10.82±3.35 cmol(p+)kg−1, respectively. The DTPA extractable iron (Fe), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn) and zinc (Zn) contents were 2.91±0.80, 0.90±0.32, 2.95±1.86 and 0.46±0.20 mg kg−1, respectively. The hot water extractable boron (B) content was 0.60±0.25 mg kg−1. Soil pH, OC, available N, P, Zn and B were found important soil fertility constraints for crop production in the micro-watershed. Thus, proper nutrient management along with correction of soil reaction and soil conservation measures needs to be done in order to enhance productivity.

Sequential studies on soil physical properties by application of hydrogel in groundnut (ArachishypogaeaL.) under Central dry zone of Karnataka.

Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise (MSME) sector has been undergoing a metamorphosis in the era of globalisation for over two decades. Many developments of relevance to SMEs (Small and Medium Enterprises) have taken place within the country and internationally. Globalisation resulting in fierce competition in various product lines has forced the SME sector to adopt strategies in tune with the global trends. A number of programmes of cluster–specific and firm-specific approaches are being pursued by all India organisations with a wide network of institutions associated with various functions supporting the SME sector at different levels. The paper reviews the progress of MSME sector from 2000-01 in particular, and discusses a few key approaches adopted in the sector. These include the following: Eleventh and Twelfth Plan approaches for inclusive growth, MSMED Act 2006, cluster development approach (CDA), National Manufacturing Competitiveness Programme (NMCP), Central Public Procurement Policy (CPPP) and Defence Production Policy. Conclusion and Suggestions are offered towards the end of the paper. Appendix I presents the websites of MSME and related organisations.

Sequential studies on soil physical properties by application of hydrogel in groundnut (ArachishypogaeaL.) under Central dry zone of Karnataka.

A field study was conducted at Zonal Agricultural and Horticultural Research Station (ZAHRS), Babbur farm, Hiriyur to study “Effect of hydrogel on soil properties in groundnut (ArachishypogaeaL.) in Central dry zone of Karnataka” with an objective to study the effect of hydrogel on soil physical properties. The results revealed that the treatment with an application of RDF + hydrogel @ 4 kg ha-1and FYM @ 10 t ha-1recorded the higher soil porosity (48.64 %), MWHC (25.27 %), higher field capacity of the soil (15.56 %), lowest PWP (2.13 %) and higher available water content (13.43 %). The treatment with RDF + 3.0 kg hydrogel ha-1 + 10 tons FYM ha -1 and RDF + 2.0 kg hydrogel ha -1 + 10 tons FYM ha -1 were found on par with the above said treatment. Thus, the moisture stress, which is limiting the yield in groundnut production, could be overcome by the combined application of RDF, FYM @ 10 t ha-1and hydrogel @ 4.0 kg ha-1.

Assessment of the status of soil organic carbon stocks under natural forest and plantation ecosystems in southern Karnataka

A study was conducted to assess the status of soil organic carbon stocks under selected plantation and altered and natural ecosystems in southern Karnataka. Seven locations were identified for the study following the agro-climatic variability. The sites identified were Brahmavara in Udupi (coastal zone), Balehonnur in Chikkamagalur (hilly zone), Madnur and Salegrama in Hassan (northern and southern transitional zone), Alburu in Tumkur (eastern and southern dry zone), Babbur and Javagamatur in Chitradurga (central dry zone). In each of these zones, natural forest ecosystems were assessed in comparison to the plantation-based ecosystems to understand the changes in soil development with emphasis to soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks. The SOC stocks at the surface varied from 1.24 to 6.44 kg m-3 in forests and from 1.53 to 6.51 kg m-3 in different plantation ecosystems. It was found from the study that SOC stocks followed the order hilly zone (per-humid climate) > coastal zone (hot humid climate) > eastern and southern dry zone (moist semi-arid climate) > northern and southern transitional zone (dry sub-humid climate) > central dry zone (dry semi-arid climate). The soils belonged to the order Ultisols and Alfisols. The major taxa of the soils identified at sub-group level of soil taxonomy are Rhodic Kandiustults, Typic Plinthohumults, Ustic Haplohumults, Typic Rhodustalfs, Rhodic Paleustalfs, Kandic Paleustalfs and Typic Haplustalfs.

Effect of soil types and age gradations on growth performance of Melia dubia under central dry zone of Karnataka

Melia dubia is a fast growing deciduous tree species has popularity among the farmers and wood based industries to fulfill their growing demands. Several workers have studied on growth performance of different tree species with respect to site factors. A field study was conducted to know the effect of soil types and age gradation on growth of M. dubia in central dry zone of Karnataka during 2018-19. Established plantation in two soil types (Black and red soil) with 2, 4, 6 and 8 year age gradations were selected. Results revealed that, trees grown in black soil recorded maximum height at initial (7.41 m) and at the end of 12 months (8.19 m) as compared to red soil at initial (6.89 m) and after 12 months (7.65 m). Diameter at breast height (DBH) and crown diameter did not differ significantly with respect to different soil types. Among the age gradation, the maximum height (10.75 m and 10.90 m), dbh (0.218 and 0.224 m) and crown diameter (3.44 m and 4.38 m), basal area (30.981 and 32.815 m2 ha-1) and wood volume production (200.279 and 241.529 m3 ha-1) at initial and 12 months after start of experiment were recorded in 8 year plantation. Interaction of black soil and 8 year plantation recorded the maximum growth for all the growth parameters and may be recommended for harvest to get maximum returns.

Aquatic Macroinvertebrate Indicators in the Zawgyi Irrigation Channels and a River in the Central Dry Zone of Myanmar

Rivers and wetlands in Myanmar provide essential services to people in terms of transportation, agriculture, fisheries and a myriad of other ecosystem services, all of which are dependent on a healthy ecosystem. Irrigation channels are also an important part of the infrastructure for daily water use in Myanmar. The objective of this research is to describe the aquatic ecosystem of irrigation channels using aquatic macroinvertebrate communities. The research focused on the taxonomic composition of the aquatic macroinvertebrates of the Zawgyi River and the associated irrigation channels in central Myanmar, east of the city of Mandalay. Significant differences between the river and channels, and among individual channels, were shown using an analysis of similarity: Bray–Curtis similarity, a multivariate equivalent of the univariate statistical method of analysis of variance: ANOSIM and an analysis of similarity percentages: SIMPER by Plymouth Routines in Multivariate Ecological Research: PRIMER v6 software. The initial findings suggest that there is a clear separation between macroinvertebrate communities at the morpho-species level of identification between river and irrigation channels, while there is less separation between functional feeding groups (FFG) between them. The lower taxonomic level of discrimination at the family level using a water quality index showed no significant difference between river and channels. The preliminary field results indicate that a recently modified biomonitoring index method could be applied in Myanmar to assess the ecological water quality of the modified river, as well as human-made channels.

Characteristics of Soil Nutrients and Fungal Community Composition in Crop Rhizosphere Under Different Rotation Patterns

To study the characteristics of soil nutrients and fungal community composition under different rotation patterns in the arid zone of central Ningxia, we used millet rotation soybean (MRG), rotation grain amaranth (MRA), rotation quinoa (MRQ), and continuous millet rotation (CK) as the objects. The soil nutrient content was determined, and the sequence of the ITS variation region of soil fungi was determined using the Illumina MiSeq high-throughput sequencing platform. The results showed that the effects of different rotation patterns on the soil nutrients were different. The soil pH and electrical conductivity decreased under three rotation patterns, and the soil total nitrogen, total potassium, total phosphorus, and organic matter contents increased. The number of OTUs and α diversity index was higher than those of continuous millet rotation. The results of the fungal community composition study showed that Ascomycota was the dominant flora in 4 patterns. The cluster analysis showed that the fungal genus composition of MRA and MRG was the most similar, followed by MRQ, and that of CK was significantly different with the other three rotation patterns. A correlation analysis showed that the soil nutrients were significantly correlated with several dominant fungal genera (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Further, the soil total nitrogen, total potassium, nitrate nitrogen, and organic matter contents were the most important factors influencing the soil fungal communities. Principal component analysis (PCA) showed that the MRG rotation patterns were better than those of the MRA and MRQ patterns. In summary, crop rotation improved the polytrophic index of the fungal community, changed the soil fungal community structure, and improved soil fertility. Among, the millet and soybean rotation were the best, and we have suggested to promote cereal rotation as one of the main rotation patterns in the cereal industry in the central dry zone.

Strategies for Improved Yield and Water Use Efficiency of Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) through Simplified Soilless Cultivation under Semi-Arid Climate

Simplified soilless cultivation (SSC) systems have globally spread as growing solutions for low fertility soil regions, low availability of water irrigation, small areas and polluted environments. In the present study, four independent experiments were conducted for assessing the applicability of SSC in the northeast of Brazil (NE-Brazil) and the central dry zone of Myanmar (CDZ-Myanmar). In the first two experiments, the potentiality for lettuce crop production and water use efficiency (WUE) in an SSC system compared to traditional on-soil cultivation was addressed. Then, the definition of how main crop features (cultivar, nutrient solution concentration, system orientation and crop position) within the SSC system affect productivity was evidenced. The adoption of SSC improved yield (+35% and +72%, in NE-Brazil and CDZ-Myanmar) and WUE (7.7 and 2.7 times higher, in NE-Brazil and CDZ-Myanmar) as compared to traditional on-soil cultivation. In NE-Brazil, an eastern orientation of the system enabled achievement of higher yield for some selected lettuce cultivars. Furthermore, in both the considered contexts, a lower concentration of the nutrient solution (1.2 vs. 1.8 dS m−1) and an upper plant position within the SSC system enabled achievement of higher yield and WUE. The experiments validate the applicability of SSC technologies for lettuce cultivation in tropical areas.

Comparative Economic Analysis of Zero Budget Natural Farming for Kharif Groundnut under Central Dry Zone of Karnataka, India

This research work is mainly focused on comparative economic analysis of Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF) for Kharif Groundnut under Central Dry Zone of Karnataka. The purpose of conducting the study is to examine the cost of cultivation for ZBNF with other treatments. This is mainly due to farmers are facing high cost of cultivation by practicing conventional farming as it is highly depends on external inputs. ZBNF is low cost technology where, farming is practiced by using jeevamrutha, beejamrutha, mulching and whapsa etc. The Groundnut experiment was conducted at ZAHRS, Babbur Farm, Hiriyur during Kharif 2019-20 in order to estimate economics for different treatments. Each treatment was having different input usage. For calculating economics of each treatment, conventional cost of cultivation method was followed (i.e. calculation of Variable cost, Fixed cost, Gross returns, Net returns and B:C).The results of economic analysis revealed that the per hectare yield (17.46 q/ha) total cost ( 53,019), gross returns ( 88,871), net returns ( 35,852) and B:C (1.68) were found to be highest in RPP among all treatments i.e. ZBNF, OPS and Control. The cost of cultivation of ZBNF 22.55 per cent lesser than RPP. The B:C ratio was found to be more in ZBNF (1.66) than OPS (1.58).This is due to highest cost for purchase of excess quantity of FYM in case of OPS. It is concluded from the study that RPP was best treatment among all treatments. This is due to highest yield, net returns and B:C was found in RPP treatment as compared to all treatments. In the economic point of view, there was reduction in total cost in case of ZBNF with fewer yields as compared to RPP.

An efficient online sequential extreme learning machine model based on feature selection and parameter optimization using cuckoo search algorithm for multi-step wind speed forecasting

Accurate wind speed forecasting (WSF) has become increasingly important to overcome the adverse effects of stochastic nature of the wind on wind power generation. This paper proposes a multi-step hybrid online WSF model by combining online sequential extreme learning machine (OSELM), optimized variational mode decomposition (OVMD) and cuckoo search optimization algorithm (CSO). OVMD decomposes the wind speed series into subseries, and CSO selects the input features for each subseries. Multi-step forecasting for each subseries is performed using OSELM model optimized by CSO. Finally, the forecasting results are obtained by the aggregate calculations. The proposed model has been examined by using 10-min average wind speed data collected in monsoon and winter seasons from a supervisory control and data acquisition system of a 1.5 MW wind turbine situated in central dry zone of Karnataka, India. The results reveal that the model proposed captures the nonlinear characteristics of the wind speed in a better manner in comparison with the batch learning approach, giving accurate wind speed forecasts. This can help wind farms to estimate the wind power in a location efficiently.