Moisture Conservation Research Articles

Intercropping of linseed (Linum usitatissimum) and lathyrus (Lathyrus sativus) as influenced by moisture conservation practice in rice fallow

A field experiment was conducted at Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat, during the rabi season of 2021- 2022 to evaluate a suitable linseed and lathyrus intercropping system (s) in rice fallow and to evaluate the effect of mulching with paddy straw on growth and yield of linseed and lathyrus intercropping system. The treatments were laid out in a factorial randomized block design with three replications. The experiment consisted of two factors, viz. mulching and cropping systems. There were two levels of mulching viz. no mulching (M0 ) and mulching @ 2 tons/ha (M1 ) of paddy straw and five levels of cropping systems viz. sole linseed (C1 ), sole lathyrus (C2 ) linseed: lathyrus 1:1 ratio (C3 ), linseed: lathyrus 2:1 ratio (C4 ) and linseed:lathyrus 3:1 ratio (C5 ). Mulching with paddy straw @ 2 tons per hectare resulted in a significant increase in the growth and yield attributing parameters of both linseed and lathyrus. Among the cropping systems, the highest growth and yield parameters of linseed were obtained from linseed: lathyrus 1:1 row ratio succeeded by 2:1 and 3:1. Linseed had shown better performance when intercropped with lathyrus as compared to sole crop. However, lathyrus could perform best under sole cropping compared to intercropping systems since linseed offered competition to lathyrus. The highest relative crowding coefficient and land equivalent ratio was obtained from linseed: lathyrus 1:1 ratio followed by 2:1 and 3:1. Linseed+lathyrus 1:1 row ratio also resulted in the highest linseed equivalent yield among all the intercropping systems.

Productivity and profitability of upland rice (Oryza sativa L.) under varied crop geometry and soil moisture conservation practices

Rice, a vital staple food, plays a critical role in ensuring food and nutrition security for millions of people. Rice production faces various challenges from both biotic and abiotic stresses, with soil moisture stress being a significant limitation, especially in rainfed upland ecologies. While crop improvement strategies have made progress in addressing abiotic stressors, the complex and diverse nature of these challenges requires a combination of crop improvement and agronomic interventions to stabilize rice productivity and profitability. To explore these factors, an experiment was conducted during the Kharif (rainy) season of 2019 at the instructional farm of the College of Agriculture in Kerala. The aim was to investigate how cropping patterns and in-situ soil moisture conservation practices impact the growth and yield of upland rice. The research employed a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD), incorporating two distinct crop configurations and strategies for conserving soil moisture. The findings showed that paired-row planting in conjunction with live cowpea mulching, hydrogel application, and coir pith compost was superior in terms of crop growth, as evidenced by elevated Leaf Area Index (LAI) at 4.81 and increased dry matter production at 5.5 t/ha. Furthermore, this approach resulted in higher grain yield (3.8 t/ha), straw yield (7.7 t/ha), improved moisture content (29.12% at 60 days after sowing and 18.49% at physiological maturity), and reduced proline content (0.26 µmol/g FW). The maximized net returns of 62887 Rs/ha. and a Benefit-to-Cost (B:C) ratio of 1.8 was recorded for upland rice.

Floor management of banana orchard using banana biomat mulch and leguminous cover crop for sustainable production

The experiment was carried out at ICAR-AICRP on Fruits, Mohanpur centre of Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Mondouri, Nadia, West Bengal in Randomized Block Design with 6 treatments viz., T₁: Banana Biomat Mulch (BBM) @ 30 kg fresh/m2 + Leguminous Cover Crops (LCC) @ 3g seeds/m2 + 0% recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF), T₂: T₁ + 25% RDF, T₃: T₁ + 50% RDF, T₄: T1 + 75% RDF, T₅: T₁ + 100% RDF and T₆: Control – conventional practices (no BBM & LCC) with 100% RDF. Treatments were imposed thrice a year on orchard floor of banana cv. Martaman. Observations were recorded on suppression of weed growth, weed control efficiency, soil moisture conservation, status of organic carbon content, bunch weight, finger weight, TSS and B: C ratio. The results of the investigation revealed that application of BBM+LCC with 75 or 100% of RDF (T4 & T5) significantly suppressed weed growth in orchard floors (176.01 g fresh weeds/ m2) and increased weed control efficiency (87.85%) and soil moisture conservation (20.01% to 20.34% vegetative growth & 22.64% to 23.64% during reproductive growth), soil organic carbon content (0.81%) and higher bunch weight, finger weight, TSS and B: C ratio (19.43 kg, 118.31 g, 21.26 °Brix and 3.11, respectively), as compared with conventional practice (T6 : control) and rest of the treatments T1, T2 & T3 (BBM + LCC and RDF @ 0-50%).

Effect of Black Plastic Mulching on Yield of Tomato

The use of polyethylene mulch has increased dramatically in the last few years because they have many benefits viz., increase in soil temperature especially in early spring, reduced weed problem, moisture conservation and increased crop yields. Field experiments were conducted to maximize total yield of tomato (Lycopersicon Mill.) using black polyethylene mulch (BPM). Tomato variety Arka Rakshak having triple disease resistance against tomato leaf curl virus, bacterial wilt and early blight. Unmulched treatments under recommended N:P2O5:K2O dose of 120:200:200 yielded an average of 47.74 tha-1for ‘Arka Rakshak ’ which was significantly higher than the widely cultivated var.‘Rocky’(32.20tha-1 ) in the study area. With BPM, highest yield was recorded as 55.3 t/ha in var. Arka Raksha kwhich was significantly higher than cultivar Rocky (37.2 t/ha). A significant increase in yield was recorded over control (no mulch) in both the cultivars. Keywords: Tomato, Black plastic mulch, Unmulch, Triple disease resistance, Cultivars.

Effect of biochar and plastic mulch on growth, yield, and yield attributing characteristics of spring maize (Zea mays L.)

Spring maize is an important crop to meet the growing demand for maize. Moisture stress is an important yield limiting factor during the dry spring period. Biochar and plastic mulch help in soil moisture conservation and might contribute to the growth and yield of maize. A field experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of biochar application and plastic mulch on growth, yield, and yield attributing characteristics of spring maize (Zea mays L.) in a sandy loam soil at Rampur, Chitwan, Nepal in 2018. The experiment was laid out in a split-plot design (SPD) with three replications. The Main plots were allocated to the mulching (mulching, and no mulching) while the Subplot was to the biochar rates of 0 t/ha, 5 t/ha, 15 t/ha, and 25 t/ha. There were twenty-four plots of each plot size 4.8 × 1.5 m2. The grounded biochar passed through a 1 mm sieve and was applied in the well-prepared plots two weeks before seed sowing. The maize seeds were sown at 60 cm row to row and 25 cm plant to plant distance. There were no significant effects due to both factors on maize seed emergence, plant height, number of leaves per plant, leaf area index, root length, dry matter content, stover yield, and yield attributes. But the yield was significantly influenced by their interactions. Significantly highest grain yield (2.58 t/ha) was obtained from 25 t/ha with plastic mulch followed by plastic mulch with 15 t/ha biochar (2.06 t/ha) and the least was recorded from control plots (1.19 t/ha). From the result, it can be concluded that the application of a higher biochar rate of 25 t/ha with plastic mulch contributes to a higher yield of spring maize.

Impact of Irrigation Scheduling, Moisture Conservation Practices and Nutrient Management on Performance of Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

A field experiment was conducted during two consecutive Rabi seasons 2020-21 and 2021-22 at Students’ Instructional Farm of Chandra Shekhar Azad University of Agriculture and Technology, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, India, situated at 125.9 meter altitude, 26.491220 North latitude, 80.3070120 East longitude, to study “Impact of irrigation scheduling, moisture conservation practices and nutrient management on performance of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)”. The experiment consisted three irrigation scheduling viz: I1: two irrigations at CRI and Jointing stage, I2: three irrigations at CRI, Jointing and Booting stage and I3: Four irrigations at CRI, Tillering, Booting and Milking stage, two moisture conservation practices viz: M0: without mulching and M1: Organic mulch @ 10 t ha-1 + Kaolin 6% spray and three nutrient management practices viz: N1: 100% RDF (150:60:40 kg ha-1 NPK), N2: 85% RDF + FYM @ 5.0 t ha-1 and N3: 75% RDF + FYM @ 10.0 t ha-1. The experiment was laid out in double split plot design with three replications. On pooled basis of two years experimentation the results indicated that, four irrigations at CRI, Tillering, Booting and Milking stage (I3) recorded highest value of grain yield (4381.60 kg ha-1), straw yield (6651.15 kg ha-1) and harvest index (39.70 %) with profitability in terms of net return (Rs. 83908.79 ha-1), under moisture conservation practices, organic mulch @ 10 t ha-1 + Kaolin 6% spray (M1) recorded significantly highest grain yield (4230.40 kg ha-1) and straw yield (6578.57 kg ha-1). Among the nutrient management treatments, 85% RDF + FYM @ 5.0 t ha-1 (N2) also recorded maximum grain yield (4117.60 kg ha-1) and straw yield (6338.71 kg ha-1) and net return (Rs. 77770.83 ha-1) compared to other treatments.

GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT OF BLACK SAXAUL (HALOXYLON APHYLLUM) DEPENDING ON THE MAIN METHODS OF TILLAGE IN KAZAKHSTAN

Because of the intensive use of natural resources and increased anthropogenic loads, a tense ecological situation has developed in the Western regions of Kazakhstan. This has led to the necessity of urgent measures among which is enhancing areas for black saxaul forest plantations. Based on the study conducted at Samsk State Institution for Protection of Forests and Wildlife in Mangystau Region the authors of the article have proved that the main methods of tillage impact on the growth and survival rate of black saxaul in the arid conditions of Western Kazakhstan. The article presents the results of the effectiveness for the planting of black saxaul forest plantations with various methods of tillage. It has been known that agrotechnical methods of growing plantations are aimed at improving the water regime of the soil through additional accumulation, conservation and rational use of soil moisture. The system of tillage contributes to the creation of these conditions in many respects. The choice of the optimal method of tillage has had a positive effect on the survival rate and intensity of growth and development of the saxaul plantations.

Effect of in situ soil moisture conservation practices on maize and its crop residue incorporation on yield and economics of succeeding transplanted rice Var. ADT 46

Crop residue incorporation is a key component of sustainable cropping systems. It reduces the adverse effects of residue burning and enhances soil fertility. Effective usage of crop residue in the field and proper management are required. With this background, a field experiment was conducted during 2020 – 21 in the maize-rice cropping sequence at Annamalai University Experimental Farm, Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Agriculture, Annamalai University, Annamalai Nagar, Tamil Nadu to find out the residual effect of different mulching practices adopted in preceding maize crop and maize stubble incorporation on the growth, yield and economics of transplanted rice Var. ADT 46. The field experiment was conducted in Factorial Randomized Block Design with three replications. In factor I, soil moisture conservation in preceding maize crop viz., mulching of sugarcane trash, water hyacinth, hydrogel and control were allotted. In factor II, different levels of maize crop stubble incorporation on rice viz., 0, 33, 66 and 100% were provided. Water hyacinth mulched plot (M3) to the preceding crop registered significantly (þ <0.05) higher yield parameters, yield and economic returns of succeeding rice. The lower values were observed in unmulched (M1) plot. With respect to maize crop stubble incorporation on rice crop, the incorporation of 66% (SI3) of maize stubble registered higher yield parameters, yield and economic returns. In the interaction effects, mulching with water hyacinth to preceding maize + maize crop stubble incorporation at 66% in rice crop (M3SI3) recorded significantly (þ <0.05) higher yield parameters, yield and economic returns than other treatments. The lowest values were recorded with an unmulched + 100% crop residue incorporated (M1SI4) plot. Mulching the preceding maize crop with water hyacinth at a rate of 12 t ha-1 and incorporating 66% maize stubble into the transplanted rice (M3SI3) had a remarkable yield advantage and financial rewards.

Cascading Impacts of Change in Carbon Dioxide Concentration, Temperature and Precipitation on Horticulture Crops: A Review

The impacts of an increase in carbon dioxide concentration, temperature and precipitation on physiology, yield and biochemical contents of horticulture crops including its mitigation measures are evident globally. This study mainly focuses on South-East Asia and Africa. We have reviewed crop-wise published literature mainly from 2000-2021 regarding the impacts of rising carbon dioxide concentration, temperature and precipitation on horticulture. Visible phenophase changes in horticultural crops such as budburst, leaf initiation, flowering, fruiting, seedling and the overall development stages of the crops are evident from the available literature. The prevalence of many diseases like blight, mildew, abaca, black sigatoka and Pierce’s disease are the results of climate change. Changes in the biochemical content of the horticulture crops such as tannins, flavonol, alcohol level, acidic content, starch, amino acids, lipids, chloroplasts, sugar, organic acids and antioxidants were observed. The recommended mitigation measures throughout the literature are delayed sowing dates, efficient seed varieties, controlled fertilizer use, soil moisture conservation and other biotechnological measures. Salinity, moisture and environmental stress-tolerant crops need to develop for better management of climate change. Breeding of short-duration and heat-tolerant varieties, vulnerability quantification and early warning disease forecasting are some of the important research areas.

Warming offsets the benefits of elevated CO2 in water relations while amplifies elevated CO2-induced reduction in forage nutritional value in the C4 grass Megathyrsus maximus.

Tropical grasslands are very important to global carbon and water cycles. C4 plants have increased heat tolerance and a CO2 concentrating mechanism that often reduces responses to elevated concentrations of CO2 ([CO2]). Despite the importance of tropical grasslands, there is a scarcity of studies that elucidate how managed tropical grasslands will be affected by elevated [CO2] and warming. In our study, we used a combination of a temperature-free air-controlled enhancement (T-FACE) and a free-air carbon dioxide enrichment (FACE) systems to increase canopy temperature and [CO2] under field conditions, respectively. We warmed a field-grown pasture dominated by the C4 tropical forage grass Megathyrsus maximus by 2°C above ambient under two levels of [CO2] (ambient (aC) and elevated (eC - 600 ppm) to investigate how these two factors isolated or combined regulate water relations through stomatal regulation, and how this combination affects PSII functioning, biochemistry, forage nutritive value, and digestibility. We demonstrated that the effects of warming negated the effects of eC in plant transpiration, water potential, proline content, and soil moisture conservation, resulting in warming canceling the eCO2-induced improvement in these parameters. Furthermore, there were additive effects between eC and warming for chlorophyll fluorescence parameters and aboveground nutritive value. Warming sharply intensified the eCO2-induced decrease in crude protein content and increases in forage fibrous fraction and lignin, resulting in a smaller forage digestibility under a warmer CO2-enriched atmosphere. Our results highlight the importance of multifactorial studies when investigating global change impacts on managed ecosystems and the potential consequences for the global carbon cycle like amplification in methane emissions by ruminants and feeding a positive climate feedback system.

An investigation on the effect of soil solarization on soil temperature and soil moisture conservation

An investigation on the effect of soil solarization on soil temperature and soil moisture conservation

Role of Mulching in Dryland Agriculture

The efficient use of water is crucial factor during crop growth periods which can greatly improve the yield .soil moisture is the most limiting factor in dryland agriculture. It is lost as evaporation from the soil surfaces and as transpiration from the plant surfaces .Evaporation has to be arrested as it is not directly related to productivity whereas transpiration can be reduced to some extent without affecting the productivity of plants. The evaporation losses can be reduced by applying mulches. The agriculture in dryland can be done with mulching in different ways as stubble mulching, plastic mulching, straw mulching and vertical mulching Therefore, conservation of soil moisture by using mulching may be an efficient option to save water as well as rising production in dryland farming.

Effect of soil moisture conservation practices and foliar fertilization on the performance of hybrid maize (Zea mays) under Cauvery Delta Zone of India

One of the crucial variables that affects the growth and yield of the maize crop is soil moisture. Soil mulching and foliar nutrition are significantly impacted by the absence of moisture in the soil, which has a favourable impact on the growth and yield of the crops. With this background, a field experiment was conducted during kharif 2020 at Annamalai University, Tamil Nadu, India to maximize the productivity and profitability of maize by adopting various soil moisture conservation techniques and foliar fertilization. The experiment was laid out in factorial randomized block design (FRBD) with three replications. The experiment consisted of two factors comprising soil moisture conservation techniques viz., sugarcane trash, water hyacinth, hydrogel and control (no mulch plot), and foliar nutrient management practice at both knee high and tasseling stages using 19 : 19 : 19 1%, DAP 1%+MOP 1%, PPFM (Pink pigmented facultative methylotrophs) 1%, 19 : 19 : 19 1%+PPFM 1%, DAP 1%+MOP 1%+PPFM 1% and control (no foliar nutrition). Among the soil moisture conservation techniques, the results indicated that mulching with water hyacinth registered significantly higher yield parameters, yield and economic returns than other techniques. With regards to foliar nutrients, foliar application of DAP 1%+MOP 1%+PPFM 1% (F6) exhibited higher yield parameters, yield and economic returns than other foliar nutrient treatments. Therefore, integration of soil moisture conservation techniques and foliar nutrients, mulching with water hyacinth and foliar application of DAP 1%+MOP 1%+PPFM 1% (M3F6) significantly produced higher yield parameters, yield and economic benefits in maize cultivation.

Морфофізіологічні реакції мохів на дію абіотичних чинників на посттехногенних територіях видобутку сірки

The morphological structure of turfs and the activity of the main enzymes of antioxidant protection: peroxidase, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase of the dominant species of mosses Barbula unguiculata Hedw,, Bryum caespiticium Hedw., Bryum argenteum Hedw. and Brachythecium salebrosum (Hoffm. eх F.Weber & D. Mohr) Schimp. from different transects of the northern exposure of sulfur mining dump No. 1 in the summer and autumn seasons were studied. It is shown that the morphological structure of the turfs of the mosses Bryum argenteum and Brachythecium salebrosum in the post-technological areas of sulfur mining is important for moisture conservation and depends on the microclimatic conditions of local growth and the life form of the species. It was found that the activity of enzymes depends on the species characteristics of mosses. The dependence of the activity of antioxidant enzymes in the investigated mosses on the intensity of light and temperature on the transects of dump No. 1 was defined. In the summer period, the highest indicators of the activity of antioxidant enzymes were noted in moss samples from the northern top of the dump, where the influence of high temperatures and light intensity, as well as lack of moisture, are particularly noticeable. Under the experimental conditions, in Barbula unguiculata and Bryum caespiticium from the northern top of the dump, under the influence of 24-hour exposure to a temperature of 42 °C, the most significant increase in peroxidase activity by 1.2–1.4 and SOD by 1.6–1.9 times was found. Increasing in peroxidase activity and SOD caused by hyperthermia were reversed by pretreatment with the protein biosynthesis inhibitor cyclohexamide, that may indicate about involvement of the protein synthesizing system in this process. It is likely that the increasing of the activity of antioxidant enzymes is caused primarily by the change in gene expression of stress proteins that control the synthesis of specific adaptogens and protectors, indicating that the extreme conditions of an anthropogenically transformed environment contribute to the development of forms of organisms with the highest potential opportunities.

Spatial Estimation of Soil Loss and Planning of Suitable Soil and Water Conservation Interventions for Environmental Sustainability in Northern Karnataka in India Using Geospatial Techniques

The selected study area lies in Karnataka State of Southern India and is frequently subjected to prolonged dry spells, high soil erosion, declining groundwater levels, and reductions in crop yield. In order to make this region sustainable, estimation of soil loss, selection and prioritization of suitable interventions, and its adoption are very important. In this study, spatial soil loss estimation models were developed sub-district-wise using the Revised universal soil loss equation (RUSLE) and GIS for a period of 70 years (1951 to 2020). The observed soil loss data for the period of 2011 to 2015 were used for validation of the model (R2 = 0.89) and were found satisfactory. The average annual rainfall ranged spatially from 420 to 3700 mm, erosivity (R) ranged from 2606 to >15,000 MJ mm ha−1 h−1 year−1, and average annual soil loss varied from <2.0 to >15.0 t ha−1 y−1 in the northern dry zone of Karnataka. Most of the study area had an average annual rainfall of 550 to 800 mm and the soil loss was <10.0 t ha−1 y−1. A higher erosivity and soil loss occurred in the western part of the selected area where high rainfall is predominant. A considerable variability in rainfall, erosivity, and soil loss was found in high, medium, and low-rainfall regions from 1951 to 2020. The spatial soil loss was estimated catchment-wise and prioritized to determine the vulnerable areas. It was found that 7.69% of the area with soil loss ≥ 15.0 t ha−1 y−1 needs top priority for planning interventions (Priority 1) followed by 10.49% of the area with soil loss ranging from 10.0 to 15.0 t ha−1 y−1 (Priority 2) and 42.7% of the area under 5.0 to 10.0 t ha−1 y−1 (Priority 3), and the remaining area has lower priority. In order to make Northern Karnataka more sustainable, suitable site-specific moisture conservation practices and water-harvesting/groundwater recharge structures were planned using geospatial techniques. Among the selected moisture conservation interventions, conservation furrow and contour cultivation are very suitable for all the nine districts followed by compartmental bunding and semi-circular bunds. Out of the total area, conservation furrow was found suitable for 45.3% of the area, contour cultivation for 24.3% of the area, and compartmental bunding and semi-circular bunds for 16.8 and 16.9% of the areas, respectively. The study indicated that a considerable amount of topsoil is lost as erosion and, hence, planning and adoption of suitable in situ soil and water conservation practices and water-harvesting/groundwater recharge structures are the need of the hour for the sustainable management of this region. The identified locations were validated using visual interpretations, ground truth, and recorded data.

The Impact of Pyrolysis Temperature on Biochar Properties and Its Effects on Soil Hydrological Properties

Soil structure is a crucial constituent influencing soil organic richness, rooting systems, and soil moisture conservation. Adding biochar to the soil, which directly affects aggregation, can significantly alter the soil moisture status. The extent of this impact is influenced by the temperature at which pyrolysis biochar is formed. The impact of biochar derived from wheat straw made at 350, 450, 550, and 650 °C (B350, B450, B550, B650) on soil aggregation and moisture retention was evaluated in this study. Based on the results, B550 had the largest mean weight diameter, most water-stable aggregates, and highest available water content compared to the control, with increases of 235%, 39% and 166% compared to the control. On the other hand, B350 was identified as the weakest treatment, with no significant difference from the control. Using B550 and B650 significantly reduced the soil bulk density by 13% and 12% compared to the control. Therefore, the formation of micro-aggregates, the development of soil porosity, and the subsequent increase in soil available water are unavoidable during the addition of B550. The change in the hydrophilic character of biochar and the attainment of an optimal oxygen/carbon ratio with pyrolysis degradations is a critical factor in soil hydrology issues.

Continuous years of biodegradable film mulching enhances the soil environment and maize yield sustainability in the dryland of northwest China

Due to the limited disposal options for traditional polyethylene film (PF) mulch, interest is increasing in the use of biodegradable film (BF) mulching. However, little information is available regarding the impact of the continued use of BF on the soil environment and crop productivity. Therefore, we compared the effects of BF and PF on the soil total nitrogen (TN), soil organic carbon (SOC), soil carbon :nitrogen ratio (C:N), soil moisture, soil temperature (ST), leaf area index, accumulated aboveground biomass , grain yield, and water use efficiency (WUE) in the dryland of northwest China for four consecutive seasons. The results showed that BF and PF had similar effects on ST and soil moisture conservation in the early growth stage (0–60 days after sowing), but when the BF degraded, the ST and soil water content were significantly lower under BF than PF. After 60 days after sowing, the ST values were similar under BF and the control with no mulching (CK), which effectively alleviated the damage caused by high temperatures to a certain extent. The grain yield and WUE did not differ significantly under PF and BF, except in 2018. Compared with CK, the average grain yield and WUE increased by 12.8% and 6.8% under PF, respectively, and by 16.2% and 10.4% under BF. Both mulching methods reduced the SOC and TN contents in the 0–40 cm soil layer compared with the uncovered plots. However, they had different effects on the soil C:N where PF significantly reduced the C:N ratio whereas BF slightly increased it, thereby indicating that BF played an important role in maintaining the SOC and TN balance . Therefore, BF is recommended as a viable alternative to traditional PF for maize production in the dryland of northwest China. This study provides new evidence that BF can replace PF to address the problems of food security and residual film pollution in areas with similar conditions. • Biodegradable film (BF) effectively alleviates damage caused by high temperatures. • BF increased soil C:N to facilitate organic carbon fixation in soil. • BF can replace polyethylene film for sustainable maize production in dryland.

Experimental Study of Two Fallow Field Treatment Influence Methods on Soil Moisture Dynamics

Abstract The yield of any crop depends on soil moisture. One of the moisture conservation technological methods is fallow in the form of soil mulch with a layer not exceeding a thickness of 5–6 cm. To create this, a harrow utilizing special working devices was designed. This paper presents the results obtained on the dynamics of changes in soil moisture in a fallow field treated with a new harrowing unit compared to a serial cultivator operating at a depth higher than 6 cm. It was observed that the soil moisture in the harrowed area of the fallow field was 1.4 times higher, while the moisture reserves were 2.2 times higher in contrast to the field with the agrotechnical environment, treated with the sweeps of a serial cultivator. The actual soil tillage depth uniformity reached with the new harrowing unit is higher in comparison to that of the basic cultivator unit because, according to the F-test, the dispersion of fluctuations in the field tillage depth by the former (0.64 cm2) is significantly less than that for the latter (3.24 cm2).

Evaluation of fruit production, carbon sequestration and economic potential of mangoes (Mangifera indica L.) in degraded lands of Indian Himalaya

Experiment was conducted on mango at ICAR-Indian Institute of Soil and Water Conservation, Dehradun during 1995-2020. Mango cultivar ‘Mallika’ was the most vigorous and attained maximum plant height (6.80 m), canopy volume (220.25 m3) produced highest fruit yield (90.81 kg tree-1), litter production (5.35 tha-1), fine root production (847.21 g m-2 yr-1) and conserved 10.90 cm moisture in the soil profile upto 1.20 m depth. Whereas the lowest plant height (4.50 m), canopy volume (147.73 m3) in Amrapali cultivar, soil moisture conservation and lowest fruit yield (50.31 kg tree-1) in Ramkela were recorded in 25 years of orchard life and 20 Year of fruiting life of mango. The maximum fruit qualities like fruit weight (g), pulp content (%), totals soluble solids (0Brix), total sugar (%), reducing sugar (%), non-reducing sugar, β carotene (%) in Mallika cultivar whereas maximum acidity (%) and Vit.-C in Ramkela cultivar of mango were observed during 1995-2020 on degraded lands. The biomass productivity comprising stem, branches and roots was the highest in Mallika (82.37 Mg ha-1), carbon stock (40.02 Mg C ha-1) with carbon sequestration rate (1.60 Mg C ha-1yr-1) followed by Bombay green (1.50 Mg C ha-1yr-1) and Langra (1.48 Mg C ha-1yr-1). Net present value of mango cultivars ranged from 32,068 USD in Mallika to 20,514 USD in Bombay Green cultivars of mango. The benefit cost ratio ranged from 3.26 (Mallika) to 2.0 (Bombay Green), thereby presenting adequate choice to the cultivators / growers to select the appropriate cultivars for specialization. The Mallika cultivar of mango outperformed considering demand of pulp/juice industries and Ramkela cultivar well qualified for pickle industries under degraded lands.

Soil water dynamics and drought stress response of Vitis vinifera L. in steep slope vineyard systems

The accessibility to water is a crucial factor for grapevine performance in vineyards. A sufficient supply of water favors vegetative growth, yield formation and fruit ripening. Under a changing climate, especially steep slope wine-growing regions may face severe problems in soil moisture conservation due to oftentimes lower soil water holding capacity and a larger radiation intake on the, usually South-facing, hill slopes, which causes a higher evaporative demand compared to vineyards in the flat. The impact of two steep slope vineyard management systems on water retention and drought stress response of grapevines was assessed. Soil water dynamics in the inter-vine space of steep slope sites planted downslope (control, C) and of terraces (T) were compared. Terraced vineyards were capable to retain up to a 40 % higher relative percentage of winter precipitation, compared to the control. Vines in the early years of their adaption phase planted on terraced vineyards generally displayed a higher drought stress response, showed lower vigour, lower yield and lower sugar yield. The older the terrace system, the better the performance compared to C became. This suggests a high competition of young grapevines to the cover cropped embankments of terraced vineyards. Therefore, means to improve root development and to reduce water and nutrient competition in the early years of terrace construction are crucial for successful grapevine adaptation, for the increase of resilience to abiotic stress factors and finally for the maintenance of valuable steep slope vineyard sites for grapevine cultivation.