Semi-arid Climatic Conditions Research Articles

Speleothem growth phases in the central Eastern Desert of Egypt reveal enhanced humidity throughout MIS 5

Speleothem deposits in nowadays arid environments are important climate archives, as they indicate phases of enhanced precipitation and can precisely be dated by uranium-series dating. So far only very few of such archives have been found in the today hyper-arid Saharo-Arabian Desert (SAD). Therefore, the study at hand fills a gap that exists for speleothem climate archives in Northeast Africa. A new record from Saqia Cave (Central Eastern Desert, Egypt) documents for the first-time speleothem growth in Egypt for all sub-stages of MIS 5 and singular phases during MIS 6. Most important growth phases occur during periods of strong increase and maximum orbitally-forced northern hemisphere insolation, but also during phases of low insolation, which are in general attributed to aridity in North Africa. Here, at least semi-arid climate conditions are proposed for periods of low insolation during stadials of MIS 5. This suggests an impact of different possible sources of precipitation, apart from large scale shifts of the African monsoon, such as Red Sea Troughs, tropical plums and a larger spatial extent of the Mediterranean winter-rainfall zone.Concerning the spatial rainfall pattern in Egypt, we propose a considerable east to west rainfall gradient in Egypt for the Last Interglacial and suggest a stronger impact of variable moisture sources in the Eastern Desert near the Mediterranean and Red Sea in comparison to the more continental Western Desert of Egypt. This reveals more favorable pre-conditions for an enhanced land use potential in the past. Therefore, the more sustaining wetter climate in the Eastern Desert point to a recurring feasible dispersal corridor for Homo sapiens from the tropical climate into the temperate climate regime throughout MIS 5. Such a more humid climate provided an ideal basis for long-term, favorable environmental conditions east of the Nile Valley, creating a kind of contiguous landscape corridor that may have been attractive to humans and wildlife alike, linking the East African tropical climate regime with that of the temperate zone in Northeast Africa and Eurasia.

Ammonia, nitrous oxide, carbon dioxide, and water vapor fluxes after green manuring of faba bean under Mediterranean climate

Green manuring of legume crops has increased in interest in recent years because of environmental and economic costs of synthetic fertilizers and need of sustainable cropping systems. Climatic conditions can reduce the agronomic and environmental effectiveness of green manuring promoting reactive nitrogen losses, or fostering soil heterotrophic respiration. This study aims to quantify ammonia and nitrous oxide losses, as well as carbon dioxide exchanges following green manuring of faba bean (Vicia faba spp. minor L.) under semi-arid climate conditions, typical of the Mediterranean basin. Ammonia emissions were measured by means of an aerodynamic gradient approach equipped with a multi-channel wet-denuder system (ROSAA), alongside with a concentration-based inverse dispersion modelling assessment. Nitrous oxide losses were measured with an automated chamber system, whereas carbon dioxide and water vapor exchanges were monitored jointly by means of eddy covariance technique. Ammonia volatilization lasted for three weeks and was triggered by the increase of soil water content due to rainfall, occurring 5 days after green manuring. Total emissions were 0.31% of the nitrogen supplied by green manuring (230 kg N ha−1). Nitrous oxide emissions from soil were of low intensity during the measurement period and were directly corelated to the water filled pore space. The biogeochemical model CERES-EGC was validated with the measurements of nitrous oxide, then used to reproduce the dynamic until the sowing of the succeeding crop. Cumulated emissions of nitrous oxide were 1% of the total nitrogen supplied. Soil became a net source both of carbon dioxide and water vapor soon after green manuring, with an emission of 900 kg C-CO2 ha−1 by heterotrophic respiration (23% of added carbon). In terms of water balance, 19 mm of water evaporated from soil surface, originated from the addition of fresh biomass. Green manuring proved to be a significant agronomic strategy to improve soil fertility, limiting reactive nitrogen and carbon losses to the atmosphere.

Zinc fractions and Barley productivity under zinc fertilization and sodic irrigation water management

An experiment was conducted to know the effect of different residual sodium carbonate (RSC) water, farmyard manure (FYM) and different levels of zinc fertilization on different zinc fractions of soil, yield attributes and yield of barley in loamy sand soil under semi-arid climatic conditions. The three levels of RSC of irrigation water (2.5, 5 and 10 mmol/ L), two levels of FYM (control and 15 t/ha) and four levels of zinc (control, 15, 30 and 45 kg ZnSO4/ha) were evaluated on barley production in split plots design. Results indicated that application of high RSC irrigation water (10 mmol/ L) significantly reduced the different fractions of soil Zn (except Occ-Zn), plant height, total and effective tillers, test weight and yield of barley during both the years, while 5 mmol/L of RSC irrigation level found at par with 2.5 mmol/L. Application of FYM significantly increased the different Zn fractions in soil (except Occluded- Zn) as well as yield attributes, grain and straw yield of barley. The increasing level of zinc application significantly increased the different fractions of soil Zn (except Occ-Zn), available soil Zn, yield attributes and yield of barley. It was observed that the grain yield of barley positive and significantly correlated with different fractions of Zn, viz. DTPA-Zn (r=0.888), Ads-Zn (r=0.525), Occ-Zn (r = 0.670), OC-Zn (r = 0.948) and Res-Zn (r = 0.923). The optimum dose of zinc for barley computed as 37.6 kg / ha ZnSO4 with corresponding optimum yield of 4365 kg/ha.

Phosphorus effect on the production and nutritional value of cactus genotypes in a region of semi-arid climate

The study aims evaluate the effect of phosphate fertilization on yield, chemical composition and in situ degradability of different cactus pear genotypes under semi-arid climate conditions. A randomized complete block design was adopted, the plots being three cactus pear genotypes [Doce and Baiano (Nopalea cochenillifera) and Mexicano (Opuntia tuna)] and the subplots being four phosphorus levels in the soil (0; 30; 60 and 90 kg P ha-1 year). The highest total green forage mass yield (TGFM) was observed in the genotype Mexicano with 87,830 ± 4,220 kg ha-1, and there was an increase of 34,630 kg ha-1 of TGFM when 90 kg of P ha-1 was used. The neutral detergent fiber content showed linear response with increase of 0.285 g kg-1 for each kg of phosphorus applied. Regarding the genotype Doce, the highest degradation values of fractions “a”, "b" and "c" of the dry matter (DM) were observed at the levels 90, 0 and 90 kg P ha-1 year, respectively, and of the crude protein (CP) at the levels 0; 0 and 60 kg P ha-1 year, respectively. Phosphate fertilization increases yield and improves the nutritional value of cactus genotypes in region of semi-arid climate.

Texture, mineralogy and geochemistry of Teri sediments from the Kuthiraimozhi deposit, Southern Tamilnadu, India: implications on provenance, weathering and palaeoclimate

The study examines about the red sand dune deposit locally designated as teri deposits; it is an omnipresent geomorphologic feature present in the coastal region of Thoothukudi and Ramanathapuram districts of Tamil Nadu, India. One of the inland teri sand dune outcrops is located around the Kuthiraimozhi village of Thoothukudi district in Tamil Nadu, India. Textural, mineralogical and geochemical studies were carried out in the teri sediments and its compact sandstone outcrops. The sediments are moderately sorted to well-sorted and finely skewed nature which indicates that fluvio-marine depositional environment. Geochemical analysis results of major, trace and rare earth elements for teri deposits help to predict the provenance, weathering status, depositional environment and climate. The geochemical study reveals that the sediments were derived from marine and non-marine sources. Teri sediments are geochemically classified as lithic arenite or wacke. Petrography and X-ray diffraction analysis reveal the predominance of quartz and feldspars along with the accessory minerals like ilmenite, rutile, garnet, magnetite, hematite, zircon, diopside, hypersthenes and biotite. Mineralogical observation illustrates that the teri sediments have originated from the weathering of felsic and mafic source rocks. The Chemical Index of Alteration (CIA) values of sediments represent moderate to the high status of weathering conditions in the source area. The depositional environment indicates that the sediments are fine-grained with high maturity index. Despite that the sediments are formed by fluvio-marine sources, the reddening character in the teri deposits is due to oxidation and leaching of iron-bearing minerals by percolating surface water from high rainfall and groundwater fluctuation of the aquifer under arid and semi-arid climate conditions.

Assesment of Biochemical Forage Quality of Sweet Sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench ssp. saccharatum

In this study, it was aimed to determine some forage quality characteristics of sweet sorghum genotypes in semi-arid climatic conditions. The experiment was set up in randomized complete block design with 4 replicates. Research was carried out in 2016 and 2017 under Harran Plain second crop conditions, Sanliurfa, Turkey. In the study 21 genotypes of sweet sorghum were used. Crude protein content, crude ash, acid detergent fiber (ADF), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), dry matter digestibility, dry matter consumption, were determined in the study. Significant differences were found between the genotypes for tested characteristics (P≤0.01). According to average of two years, crude protein content ranged from 4.20% (Tracy) to 5.90% (USDA S.Africa), crude ash from 4.44% (Theis) to 6.90% (Topper 76), acid detergent fiber (ADF) from 27.84% (Nebraska sugar) to 36.30% (USDA-Zaire). The highest NDF value was obtained from USDA-Zaire genotype (56.49%) whereas the lowest values were seen at N98 genotype (43.11%). Dry matter digestibility values were between 60.62% (USDA-Zaire) and 67.21% (Nebraska sugar), dry matter consumption between 2.14% and 2.85%. The highest relative feed value was obtained from N98 genotype (148.95) whereas the lowest values were seen at USDA-Zaire genotype (101.00). Net energy values ranged from 1.38 Mcal kg-1 (USDA-Zaire) to 1.50 Mcal kg-1 (Nebraska sugar). Considering the properties examined in terms of feed quality, it was seen that the crude protein content and net energy value was low. But ADF, NDF, digestible dry matter, dry matter consumption and relative feed values were within acceptable levels. Nebraska sugar, Topper 76, N98, Roma, M81E, Tracy and Corina genotypes were found as the best for forage quality in sweet sorghum. It was determined that sweet sorghum can be used as a forage source.

The Upper Jurassic Garedu Red Bed Formation of the northern Tabas Block: elucidating Late Cimmerian tectonics in east-Central Iran

The Garedu Red Bed Formation (GRBF) of the northern Tabas Block (Central-East Iranian Microcontinent, CEIM) is a lithologically variable, up to 500-m-thick, predominantly continental unit. It rests gradually or unconformably on marine limestones of the Esfandiar Subgroup (Callovian–Oxfordian) and is assigned to the Kimmeridgian–Tithonian. In the lower part, it consists of pebble- to boulder-sized conglomerates/breccias composed of limestone clasts intercalated with calcareous sandstones, litho-/bioclastic rudstones and lacustrine carbonates. Up-section, sharp-based pebbly sandstones and red silt-/fine-grained sandstones of braided river origin predominate. Palaeocurrent data suggest a principal sediment transport from west to east and a lateral interfingering of the GRBF with marine greenish marls of the Korond Formation at the eastern margin of the Tabas Block. Westwards, the GRBF grades into the playa deposits of the Magu Gypsum Formation. Red colours and common calcretes suggest arid to semi-arid climatic conditions. The onset of Garedu Red Bed deposition indicates a major geodynamic change with the onset of compressive tectonics of the Late Cimmerian Tectonic Event (LCTE), being strongest at the eastern margin of the northern Tabas Block. When traced southwards, the same tectonic event is expressed by extension, indicating a shift in tectonic style along the boundary fault between the Tabas and Lut blocks. The complex Upper Jurassic facies distribution as well as the spatio-temporal changes in tectonic regime along the block-bounding faults are explained by the onset of counterclockwise vertical-axis rotation of the CEIM in the Kimmeridgian. The block boundaries accommodated the rotation by right-lateral strike slip, transpressional in today’s northern and transtensional in today’s southern segments of the block-bounding faults. Rotation occurred within bracketing transcurrent faults and continued into the Early Cretaceous, finally resulting in the opening of narrow oceanic basins encircling the CEIM. Palaeogeographically, the GRBF is part of a suite of red bed formations not only present on the CEIM, but also along the Sanandaj-Sirjan Zone (NW Iran), in northeastern Iran and beyond, indicating inter-regional tectonic instability, uplift and erosion under (semi-)arid climatic conditions across the Jurassic–Cretaceous boundary. Thus, even if our geodynamic model successfully explains Late Jurassic tectonic rotations, fault motions and facies distribution for the CEIM, the basic cause of the LCTE still remains enigmatic.

Recreating a therapeutic blue urban space through the architectural restoration of the Triton Fountain in Valletta, Malta

ABSTRACT The presence of urban blue space is highly important for human health and wellbeing even more so within densely built-up environments and the semi-arid climatic conditions in Malta. Drawing on qualitative in-depth interviews this study explores the subjective value of the Triton water fountain at the entrance of the capital city Valletta, and its relationship with health and wellbeing. It explores the Maltese inhabitants’ perceptions and experiences of the fountain and square before restoration, the attributes that make the fountain and the square therapeutic following restoration; and the nostalgic memories that connect the past and present experiences of the place. This paper maintains that restoration and conservation are highly important for the therapeutic experiences of urban environments as they enable people to enjoy aesthetic attributes, reduce their feelings of inequality, and increase the possible experiences of biophilia, topophilia, a sense of identity, a sense of place and pride.

Performance of the FAO Penman-Monteith equation under limiting conditions and fourteen reference evapotranspiration models in southern Manitoba

Evapotranspiration is a key component of water and energy balance. An accurate estimate of reference evapotranspiration (ETo) is important for determining the water demand of field crops, water management, and hydrological modelling. The FAO-PM ETo equation is the standard equation for estimating ETo. Its use is limited by the requirement for too many observed inputs that are not always available in most weather stations. Empirical models requiring readily available inputs have been developed as an alternative. However, their performance is location-specific. Therefore, this study assesses the performance of the FAO-PM ETo computed with limited data and fourteen empirical ETo models. Meteorological data (2012–2019) was analyzed under the semi-arid climate conditions in southern Manitoba. Model performance was assessed using statistical indices, including R2, RMSE, NSE, MPE, and MAE. Results showed that ETo estimates under missing wind speed, relative humidity, or solar radiation were acceptable, although model performance decreased with increased missing data yielding average to poor performance. Based on R2, RMSE, and NSE values, among the 14 models compared, the best performing models are Valiantzas-1, Valiantzas-3, Irmak, Valiantzas-2, and Priestly-Taylor models. New empirical coefficients were developed, requiring one or two climatic inputs to improve empirical models. Results showed that the calibrated models performed better than the original equation. The sensitivity analysis showed that ETo is most sensitive to maximum temperature (Tmax) and solar radiation (Rs), followed by vapour pressure deficit (VPD), wind speed (U2), and minimum temperature (Tmin). Therefore, it is recommended to ensure accurate measurements of temperature and solar radiation for accurate ETo estimates. This study provides alternative ETo models with reasonable and accurate ETo estimates for southern Manitoba and other areas with similar climate characteristics.

Comparison of Measured and Estimated Sugarcane Water Requirement under Arid and Semi-Arid Climatic Condition: The Case of Wonji Shoa Sugarcane Plantation, Ethiopia

Sugarcane is one of the most important commercial crops cultivated mostly on the large scale basis all over the world from arid to semi-arid climate condition like Ethiopia. Wonji shoa sugarcane plantation was the first large scale irrigation in Ethiopia. But sugarcane crop is the most water intensive crop that requires critical determination of its evapotranspiration. Determination of crop evapotranspiration is more accurate through experiment but experiment was not mostly undertaken due to high cost, lack of instruments and laboratory facilities, and time it required. But to overcome those problems, some models were developed as an option in determining the crop evapotranspiration. In line with this, the current study focused on the performance evaluation of sugarcane evapotranspiration determined by different models as compared to the lysimeter experiment under study area. The main objective of this study was to analysis the variation of sugarcane evapotranspiration measured from the lysimeter experiment and that determined using different models under the current study climatic condition. In the current study, Blaney-Criddle, Drooger and Allen, Hargreaves, Irmak, Tabari and Thornthwaite were selected. The selected models were required only few climatic parameters. After reference evapotranspiration was determined by each selected models, the sugarcane evapotranspiration was determined by multiplying those reference evapotranspiration by crop coefficient recommended by FAO-56. The performances of those models were evaluated using the most commonly used statistical indices. Those statistical indices used were RMSE, MBE, t-test, R2 and IA. After all the data computed by each selected models the analysed, Blaney-Criddle model was the best model in determining the sugarcane evapotranspiration as compared to the lysimeter experiment followed by Irmak models. Therefore, from the current findings, it can be concluded that Blaney- Criddle model can be used to determine sugarcane evapotranspiration under current study climatic condition.

THERMAL PERFORMANCE OF AN EXTENSIVE GREEN ROOF UNDER SEMI-ARID CONDITIONS IN CENTRAL ARGENTINA

ABSTRACT Extensive green roofs improve the provision of ecosystem services in urban environments, particularly in semiarid regions. The aim of this paper is to compare their thermal performance during six months between two rooms, one with a green roof and the other with a conventional roof, in Córdoba (Argentina). The room with a green (planting) roof showed a lower inside surface temperature since the beginning of the study than the control room (between 5–6°C of difference). During the selected period, the indicators such as temperature amplitude (the difference between the maximum and the average temperature) and the anti-interference characteristics of the layers to the outdoor air temperature are produced a better performance for the green roof compared to the conventional roof. The pattern of a better performance was consistent across the study for the green roof, characterized by a higher cooling and warming of the roof surface during the day and night, respectively. The green roof was more effective at blocking an upward heat flux during the day and suppressing heat loss during the night. Evaporation, conductive flux and climatic conditions seem to dominate the thermal performance of green roofs in areas with semiarid climate conditions.

A Review of the Lithostratigraphy of the Early Cretaceous Sao Khua Formation, Khorat Group in Northeastern Thailand

Non-marine Cretaceous rocks are widespread in northeastern Thailand and is well known as “the red bed” Khorat Group. The Sao Khua Formation is in the upper half of the Khorat Group which is comprised of six formations. This formation was named and defined at the type section for the rocks between the restricted PhraWihan Formation and the Phu Phan Formation in the drainage area of the Huai Sao Khua, an intermittent stream that flows westward parallel to the highway between Nong Bua Lamphu and UdonThani Provinces. It contains richest and most diverse vertebrate and invertebrate Mesozoic fossils in Thailand. The Sao Khua Formation is characterized by the sequence of the fining-upward successions of at least 4-5 megacycles throughout the formation with the total thickness ranging between 400-700 meters. Each cycle starts with a channel lag conglomerate which the clasts consist totally of re-worked calcrete nodules. The conglomerates were overlain by fine-to medium-grained sandstones of point bar deposit. Finally, the top part of each cycle was covered by a succession of fine-grained floodplain deposit that makes up 60%-70% of the formation. Paleosols are commonly found in the Sao Khua Formation within the floodplain sequence and their geochemistry indicates a semi-arid paleoclimate. Based on lithostratigraphy, the Sao Khua Formation is interpreted to have been deposited by a meandering river system under a semi-arid climate condition. The age of the formation is assigned as the Hauterivian-Late Barremian based on vertebrate and bivalves fossils.

Sedimentological and Geochemical Charectesization of Manaveli and Cuddalore Formations, Puducherry Basin, India

Sedimentological and Geochemical Charectesization of Manaveli and Cuddalore Formations, Puducherry Basin, India 
 
 Shyam N. Mude, Shyam Yawale and Vishal Choudhari 
 
 Department of Geology, Fergusson College (Autonomous), Pune- 411004, India
 Email: shyam.mude@fergusson.edu; shyammude25@yahoo.co.in
 
 Abstract: The lithostratigraphically rocks of Puducherry basin (Sub-basin of Cauvery Basin) have been classified as Valudavur, Mettuveli, Karasur, Manaveli, Cuddalore formations in ascending order of deposition. The sedimentological and geochemical studies of sediments from Manavali (Paleocene) and Cuddalore (Mio-Pliocene) formations were carried out to understand grain size variation and distribution of major oxides and trace elements. 
 The sieve analysis was used to study grain size variation and on the basis of grain sizes various geo-statistical parameters were calculated to understand depositional environment. The discriminant function analysis of the sediments from the Cuddalore Formation infers that mostly the sedimentation was occurred in fluvio-deltaic environment with incursions of shallow marine environment whereas bivariate plots suggests that the deposition was occurred in riverine to deltaic environment.
 The major element geochemistry of the Manaveli and Cuddalore formations have been carried out to understand the provenance, paleoclimate and source area weathering conditions. The values of CIA (Chemical Index of Alteration), CIW (Chemical Index of Weathering), ICV (Index of Compositional Variability) and PIA (Plagioclase Index of Alteration) of the sediments infer high weathering was occurred in source area of sediments for Manaveli and Cuddalore formations. The ratio (Al2O3+K2O+Na2O)/SiO2 indicate semi-humid climatic conditions during deposition of Cuddalore Formation whereas Manaveli Formation was deposited in semi-arid climatic conditions. The discriminant function diagram (A-CN-K Plot), suggest Quartzose sedimentary provenance for Cuddalore and Mafic igneous provenance for Manaveli Formation. 
 
 Keywords: Grain Size, Geochemistry, Manaveli, Cuddalore, Puducherry Basin

Tillage effects on energy use and greenhouse gas emission in wheat-cotton rotation

Crop production process utilizes input energy and produces some biomass energy as output. During this process, greenhouse gases (GHGs) are also emitted which can make environmental risks. In this study, input and output energies, energy indices, and GHG emissions arising from inputs were estimated for wheat-cotton rotation under different tillage practices in Fars province. The study was conducted as a randomized complete plot experimental design with three tillage treatments and four replicates. Tillage methods included conventional tillage (CT), reduced tillage (RT), and no tillage (NT). Results showed that NT and RT decreased energy consumption in wheat and cotton production by 1.53 and 1.19%, respectively as compared to the CT due to less fuel and machinery utilization. More than 72% of energy requirement for wheat and cotton production was consumed by irrigation water and electricity for pumping irrigation water in all tillage methods. Conventional tillage resulted in the highest output energy, energy ratio, and energy productivity in wheat-cotton rotation compared to RT and NT. Total GHG emissions for wheat and cotton production were estimated to be 51829, 51608, and 51529 kg CO2e ha-1 in CT, RT, and NT, respectively indicating that NT and RT slightly reduced GHG emission compared to CT (0.6 and 0.4%, respectively). Results of this study indicated that irrigation showed the highest share in total energy requirement and GHG emission of wheat and cotton production in semi-arid climate condition of Fars province; therefore, total input energy and GHG emissions could be markedly reduced by using more efficient irrigation systems.

Native plant Maireana brevifolia drives prokaryotic microbial community development in alkaline Fe ore tailings under semi-arid climatic conditions

Native pioneer plants of high environmental tolerance may be exploited as early colonisers in alkaline Fe-ore tailings to drive the development of functional prokaryotic microbial communities, which is one of the critical pedogenic processes leading to in situ soil formation in the tailings. The present study deployed high throughput Illumina Miseq sequencing, to characterise the diversity and potential functionality of prokaryotic microbial communities in the aged Fe-ore tailings and topsoils colonised by native plant species Maireana brevifolia at an Fe ore mine in Western Australia, in comparison with those in the tailings/topsoils without plants. The composition of prokaryotic microbial communities differed between the aged tailings (AT) and topsoil sites (TS). Aged tailings (AT1-AT3) contained more bacteria tolerant of alkaline/saline conditions (e.g., Alkalilimnicola sp.) and those related to Fe biogeochemical cycling (e.g., Acidiferrobacter sp., Aciditerrimonas sp.). In comparison, the prokaryotic microbial communities in the topsoil (TS) contained abundant bacteria related to N cycling (e.g., Rhizobium sp., Frankia sp.). The presence of M. brevifolia plants significantly increased the diversity of prokaryotic microbial communities in tailings and topsoil, particularly favouring the development of bacteria related to N cycling and OM degradations (e.g., Mesorhizobium sp. Paracoccus sp., Oxalicibacterium horti, and Microbacterium sp.). The variation of microbial community were mainly explained by pH, amorphous Fe, and total N, which were regulated by M. brevifolia colonisation. The beneficial roles of pioneer plants M. brevifolia in the development of prokaryotic microbial community in the alkaline Fe ore tailings may be integrated as a key factor when designing and scaling up the process of eco-engineering Fe-ore tailings into soil under semi-arid climatic conditions.

Effects of water stress applied at various phenological stages on yield, quality, and water use efficiency of melon

In arid and semi-arid regions, plant responses to water deficits at different phenological stages should be investigated for efficient use of water resources and sustainable irrigation management. This study was conducted under the regional conditions in the Konya province with a semi-arid climate for two years (2016–17) to determine the effects of irrigation applied at different growth stages on yield and quality traits of melon (Cucumis melo L. cv. Dardanos). Thus, a total of eight different irrigation treatments were implemented at three different growth stages of melon (from planting to flowering (V), flowering to fruit swelling (F), and fruit swelling to harvesting (M)). These treatments were specified as single-stage irrigation (V, F, and M), two-stage irrigation (VF, VM, and FM), irrigation for the whole season (VFM–stress-free), and non-irrigated. The seasonal total water consumption varied between 129.7 and 418.5 mm in 2016 and between 161.8 and 428.6 mm in 2017. The greatest fruit yield (52.9 t/ha) was obtained from stress-free VFM treatment; however, significant decreases were observed in fruit yields for other treatments. When yield and quality traits were assessed together, principal component analysis (PCA) revealed that VF and FM treatments had similar values to VFM treatment. With regard to irrigation water productivity (IWP), there were no significant differences between VM and VFM treatments, and VM treatment provided about 47% water saving. On the other hand, significant decreases were observed in fruit yields of V, F, and M treatments, in which irrigation and the water stress were applied during only a single phenological stage and the other two periods, respectively. Since the yield response factor (ky) for the whole growing season of melon was greater than 1.0 (1.30), the melon was considered sensitive to water stress under semi-arid climatic conditions. In conclusion, two-stage irrigation treatments (VF, VM, and FM) could be applied in well-scheduled irrigation programs of melon for efficient use of water resources and sustainable irrigation management in arid and semi-arid regions.

Influence of Different Provenances of Spondias Tuberosa on Soil Mesofauna in the Semi-arid Region of Brazil

ABSTRACT The quantity and quality of plant residue deposited on the soil and the size of the canopy are conditioning factors for edaphic fauna, mainly due to changes in temperature, soil cover and the supply of food resources. Thus, according to their genetic characteristics, plant species can influence the abundance and diversity of soil invertebrates in different ways. Therefore, the objective of this work was to evaluate the influence of different provenances of Spondia tuberosa on the edaphic mesofauna community. The experimental area is located in the municipality of Contendas do Sincorá, Bahia, Brazil, and is composed of five different provenances of Spondias tuberosa. Mesofauna sampling was performed using the modified Berlese-Tullgren funnel method. The provenances did not influence the total density or richness of the mesofauna. However, it was possible to observe changes in the diversity indexes and in the relationship between mesofauna and dendrometric variables. The Lontra-Minas Gerais provenance (L) provided greater evenness between the mesofauna groups among the studied provenances. Together with América Dourada-Bahia (AD), this provenance favored the occurrence of detritivorous organisms, while Livramento de Brumado-Bahia (LB) and Macaúbas-Bahia (M) provide more conducive microhabitats to the occurrence of a greater number of the edaphic mesofauna groups. Thus, L and AD can optimize biological processes such as organic matter decomposition and nutrient mineralization, while L, LB and M can be more favorable to the overall biological health of the soil. These differences should be taken into account when choosing Spondias tuberosa provenances, since they can determine changes in biological processes and soil function, especially in semi-arid climate conditions.

Bio-Fuel Potential of Some Sweet Sorghum Genotypes [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench ssp. saccharatum

The fossil energy sources used in the world are gradually decreasing and limited. Fossil fuels cause environmental pollution, and the unit price is constantly increasing. For this reason, demand for cheaper and renewable energy sources that do not pollute the environment is increasing day by day. The sweet sorghum plant has attracted attention in recent years with its high biomass yield, sugar content and bioethanol yield. In this study, it was aimed to determine the bio-fuel potential of some sweet sorghum genotypes in semi-arid climatic conditions. The experiment was set up in randomized complete block design with 4 replicates. Research was carried out in 2015 under Harran Plain (36o 42’ N and 38o 58’ E) second crop conditions, Sanliurfa, Turkey. In the study 49 genotypes of sweet sorghum were used. Stalk yield, juice yield, syrup yield, brix, sugar yield and theoretical ethanol yield were determined in the study. Significant differences were found between the genotypes for tested characteristics (P≤0.01). Stalk yield ranged from 7110.0 kg da-1 to 24262.5 da-1, juice yield from 2550.0 L da-1 to 12187.5 L da-1, syrup yield from 291.4 L da-1 to 2242.5 L da-1. Also, brix value varied between %7.0 and %18.87, sugar yield between 247.7 da-1 and 1906.1 da-1, Theoretical ethanol yield between 131.9 L da-1 and 1014.8 L da-1. Considering to stalk yield, juice and syrup yield, brix, sugar yield and theoretical ethanol yield; Nebraska sugar, Topper 76, Smith, M81E and Corina genotypes were found as the best. As a result of research, 21 genotypes with better performance than the others were selected for further studies.

Differential physio-biochemical and yield responses of Camelina sativa L. under varying irrigation water regimes in semi-arid climatic conditions.

Camelina sativa L. is an oilseed crop with wide nutritional and industrial applications. Because of favorable agronomic characteristics of C. sativa in a water-limiting environment interest in its production has increased worldwide. In this study the effect of different irrigation regimes (I0 = three irrigations, I1 = two irrigations, I2 = one irrigation and I3 = one irrigation) on physio-biochemical responses and seed yield attributes of two C. sativa genotypes was explored under semi-arid conditions. Results indicated that maximum physio-biochemical activity, seed yield and oil contents appeared in genotype 7126 with three irrigations (I0). In contrast water deficit stress created by withholding irrigation (I1, I2 and I3) at different growth stages significantly reduced the physio-biochemical activity as well as yield responses in both C. sativa genotypes. Nonetheless the highest reduction in physio-biochemical and yield attributes were observed in genotype 8046 when irrigation was skipped at vegetative and flowering stages of crop (I3). In genotypic comparison, C. sativa genotype 7126 performed better than 8046 under all I1, I2 and I3 irrigation treatments. Because 7126 exhibited better maintenance of tissue water content, leaf gas exchange traits and chlorophyll pigment production, resulting in better seed yield and oil production. Findings of this study suggest that to achieve maximum yield potential in camelina three irrigations are needed under semi-arid conditions, however application of two irrigations one at flowering and second at silique development stage can ensure an economic seed yield and oil contents. Furthermore, genotype 7126 should be adopted for cultivation under water limited arid and semi-arid regions due to its better adaptability.

Nature Tourism in India-Red Sander Plant Species of YSR District, Andhra Pradesh

The Medical tourism studies report for the year 2015 indicates that more than 2,000,000 patients from abroad travelled to India. Ayurveda has attracted the attention of global population especially the developed countries since ages for the promotion of medical tourism encompassing modern medical sciences and the ancient Indian medical systems Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy (AYUSH). Foreign travellers were coming to India since centuries in search of knowledge. Medical tourism in India is a multibillion-dollar provider industry and attracting millions of foreigners and domestic to visit incredible heritage of country and enjoy the medicinal blessings of traditional Vedas and Upanishads. India is full of well trained, qualified and experienced professionals and doctors. India ‘s medical tourism sector is expected to experience an annual growth rate of 30%, making it Rs. 9,500-crore industry by 2015. Estimates of the value of medical tourism to India go as high as $2 billion a year by 2012. Currently, India is second only to Thailand in the number of medical tourists it has attracted since the early 1990s. Red sandalwood grown on the shale subsoil, at altitudes around 750 meters (2,460 ft), and in semi-arid climatic conditions gives a distinctive wavy grain margin. Lumber pieces with the wavy grain margin are graded as "A" grade. Red sandalwood with wavy grain margins sells at higher prices than the standard wood in market. Red sandalwood is used for treating digestive tract problems, fluid retention, and coughs and for “blood purification.” Red sandalwood might increase the loss of body water through the urine (diuretic effect). Red sanders are used for Cosmetic remedies face pack for dry skin. Many of the Indian hospitals have a holistic center in its premise with more ancient forms of treatments such as yoga and meditation programs, and herbal medicine, naturopathy, homoeopathy, and acupuncture departments.