Moisture Conservation Research Articles

Potential of Moisture Conservation Practices to Improve Soil Properties and Nutrient Status of Robusta Coffee Plant

Soil moisture conservation practices (SMCPs) have been adopted in Uganda to adapt to the effects of climate variability. However, limited information exists on how conservation measures influence the physico-chemical properties of soil and coffee leaf nutrient concentrations. Thus, we determined the effects of selected SMCPs on the soil physio-chemical properties and leaf nutrient concentrations in Robusta coffee in a randomized incomplete block design, replicated three times, in Kituza, Uganda. Soil samples were collected from 0 to 20 cm and 20 to 40 cm depths, and analyzed in the laboratory following standard procedures for selected physio-chemical properties. Coffee leaf samples were picked from each treatment (open sun coffee (COSS), coffee cover crop, Desmodium intortum (CCS), coffee mulch, Miscanthidium violoceum (CMS), and coffee A. coriaria (ACS)). Bulk density was significantly (p < 0.001) the highest under ACS (1.61 gcm−3) and lowest under CCS (1.29 gcm−3), and it significantly (p < 0.001) increased with depth. The soil organic matter was higher than the optimum range of 1–3% at the 0–20 cm depth across different SMCPs, but within the optimum range at the 20–40 cm depth. Leaf nitrogen was significantly the highest under ACS (3.19%) and lowest under COSS (2.30%). Overall, the findings suggest that SMCPs improve the soil physio-chemical attributes and leaf nutrients for sustainable coffee productivity. However, ACS improved the leaf plant nutrition better compared to other SMCPs.

Influence of Organic Mulches on Soil Moisture Conservation in Maize (Zea mays L.) in Alfisols of Eastern Dry Zone of Karnataka

Influence of Organic Mulches on Soil Moisture Conservation in Maize (Zea mays L.) in Alfisols of Eastern Dry Zone of Karnataka

Perception of climate change and coping strategies among smallholder irrigators in Zimbabwe

IntroductionAcross sub-Sahara Africa, governments and international aid agencies are making huge investments in smallholder irrigation schemes to enhance food security, climate resilience and economic transformation in rain-fed farming systems. Unfortunately, a majority of the smallholder irrigation schemes have performed dismally on these fronts. Climate change is a major exacerbating factor to existing challenges resulting in the poor performance of the schemes. Hence, it is crucial to understand smallholder irrigators' perceptions of climate change and current adaptation strategies to co-design appropriate and acceptable adaptation strategies to address water stress in the schemes. This area had received less significant research attention. This study aims to determine the perception of climate change and coping strategies in smallholder schemes.MethodsA mixed-method research strategy was used to collect data from 317 irrigation scheme farmers in three schemes (Exchange, Insukamini, and Ruchanyu) in Midlands Province. A binary logistic regression (BLR) method was used for data analysis.ResultsThe results suggest that scheme farmers have noticed changes in temperature and rainfall patterns. Results obtained from the model show that climate change perception was mainly influenced by age, gender, location, irrigation experience, and plot size. Farmers perceived that climatic change has resulted in decreased irrigation water availability, thus leading to poor yields. This study also shows that the main adaptation strategies to water stress include improving soil moisture conservation, construction of small-scale reservoirs, water charging and trade, setting clear water use priorities, and adoption of climate-resilient and short-season crop varieties. Perception of high temperatures, long dry periods, late rainfall, increase in the frequency of drought, shortening of cold season, and shortening of rain season influence adaptation strategies adopted by scheme farmers.ConclusionThis study offered useful data for policymakers and irrigation developers to develop appropriate policies and programs to improve the sustainability of schemes given current and projected water stress in Zimbabwe and sub-Sahara Africa in general.

Pre-sowing soil carbon dioxide emissions of the following year from the silage maize field irrigated with different levels of wastewater in conventional and direct sowing practices

Abstract While knowing CO2 emissions during the seasonal period are important, determining residual effect before sowing in the following year can be an available practice in improving wastewater irrigation strategies. Therefore, this study investigated CO2 emission from the silage maize field plots irrigated with wastewater at different levels under conventional and direct sowing in the pre-sowing period after two experimental years by comparing freshwater with full irrigation, and correlated with H2O emission and, soil moisture and temperatures. The results showed that irrigation with wastewater and conventional tillage in the previous two years resulted in higher CO2 emissions in the following period also, and 27 and 11% higher emissions were determined in irrigation with wastewater at 100 and 67% levels than full freshwater irrigation. In irrigation with wastewater at 100% level and direct sowing, soil moisture was found higher, while reduced H2O emission and the soil temperatures at 5 and 10 cm depths. Considering moisture conservation effect of direct sowing, it could be concluded that to reduce on the residual CO2 emission effect of irrigation with wastewater from previous years, deficit irrigation in direct sowing can be recommended practice.

Farmer’s Knowledge on Weed Management, Soil Fertility and Moisture Conservation Practices on Rice Production, A Case Study of Mbarali District in Tanzania

This study was intended to investigate farmer’s knowledge on weed management, soil fertility and moisture conservation in rice production. A field survey was conducted between December 2020 and February 2021 in Mbarali District involving 90 rice growers, whereby structured questionnaire was used cropping seasons 2020-21. The collected data were analysed to determine distribution of respondents per variables using statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 16. Mean separation in each variable was done using independent sample t-test at p≤0.05 level of significance to determine whether there was statistically significance different between each agronomic practice and productivity. The results revealed that weeds and soil fertility were big problems on rice productivity in Mbarali. The majority (98.9%) of interviewees reported to have challenges of weed infestation and all (100%) responding inadequate soil fertility constrains rice productivity, which forced them to use inorganic fertilizer for better yield. Farmers (43.3%) interviewed reported to have applied herbicides to control weed and majority (56.7%) of interviewees’ practised hand weeding as measures to manage weed infestation. Three practices which are application of inorganic fertilizer (100%) incorporating crop residues (90%) and application of organic manure (6.7%) were determined as being practised by farmers that facilitate the improvement of soil nutrients and conservation of water. Furthermore three types of seeds were identified as being used by farmers; Certified (6.7%), Quality declared seed (QDS) (36.7%) and Farmer saved seed (FSS) (56.7%). Furthermore, the results indicated significantly higher yield of famers use certified seeds (2.83 t/ha, P≤0.041), (23.67 t/ha, P≤0.001) and (3.52t/ha P≤0.001) for 2017-18, 2018-19 and 2019-20 production seasons respectively. How to Cite: Mkoka Hamza Juma, Kallunde P. Sibuga, Newton L. Kilasi, 2023. "Farmer’s Knowledge on Weed Management, Soil Fertility and Moisture Conservation Practices on Rice Production, A Case Study of Mbarali District in Tanzania." Journal of Agriculture and Crops, vol. 9, pp. 233-239.

Effect of moisture conservation techniques on almond (Prunus dulcis) productivity under rainfed conditions

A field experiment was conducted to study the effect of moisture conservation techniques on productivity enhancement in almond (Prunus dulcis Mill) during 2010-11 to 2012-13 at Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir. Treatment sincluded five water harvesting techniques, viz. half-moon (W1), full-moon (W2), cup and plate (W3), trench (W4) and control (W5) and three mulch materials, viz. plastic mulch (M1), organic mulch (M2) and control (M3) were laid out in factorial randomized block design with three replication. The experimental results revealed that maximum mean trunk cross sectional area (266.82 cm2), nut yield (5.37 kg/tree), productivity efficiency (19.47 g/cm2 TCSA) and soil moisture content (13.48%) were recorded in full moon water harvesting technique. Among mulch material, plastic mulch found better in respect to TCSA (255.59 cm2), nut yield (4.99 kg/tree), productivity efficiency (18.88 g/cm2 TCSA) and soil moisture content (12.86%) compared to other treatments. The combined effect of water harvesting and mulching indicated that maximum TCSA (270.48 cm2), nut yield (5.82 kg/tree), productivity efficiency (20.92 g/cm2 TCSA) and soil moisture (13.98 %) were recorded in full moon water harvesting + plastic mulch in almond cultivar Non Pareil under rainfed conditions of north west Himalayan regions of India.

Agronomic Interventions for Higher Water use Efficiency in Greengram (Vigna radiata): An Overview

Agronomic manipulations are imperative for apposite growth of crop leading to higher yields. Various management practices like seed rate, planting time and method, plant population, intercultural practices, weed management, fertilizers and irrigation application, intercropping, mulch application for soil moisture conservation, etc. results in increased water use efficiency (WUE) of the crop. Also selection of crop which necessities lesser water usage for crop growth encourages diversification. Greengram is paramount preference for areas with scarcity of good quality water. Being rich in protein content and minerals, it serves the purpose of healthy regimen. Timely sown crop results in better growth due to favorable climatic conditions. Whereas late sown crop is adversely affected by pest attack, temperature fluctuation etc. ensuing reduced water use efficiency and yield diminution. Planting method, plant population and intercultural operations are essential in agronomic point of view. Selection of apt irrigation regimes directly effects water use efficiency in any field study. As crop productivity is equal with water productivity, the efficient irrigation schedule assures water saving without affecting the crop yields. Because, where no irrigations are given, the water use may be low by the crop but, this may affect crop yields. Use of recommended fertilizers may facilitate the use of irrigation water by crop for its better growth and improved WUE. Insertion of low water requiring crop as intercrop can unswervingly increase water productivity. Applying mulch conserve moisture as its use lowers evaporation from soil surface. Usage of weed management practices conserves irrigation water as weeds compete with crop plants for water and nutrients. Wherefore, the present review will reckon upon the impact of innumerable agronomic interventions in increasing water productivity.

Role of Gypsum in Conserving Soil Moisture Macronutrients Uptake and Improving Wheat Yield in the Rainfed Area

Agricultural rainfed areas of Pakistan have been facing several issues in recent years, e.g., soil erosion, nutrient runoff, and soil dependency on rainfall for crop growth. Wheat is considered a major staple crop in Pakistan. The main concern in these regions is to conserve soil moisture as the crop depends on the moisture obtained by rainfall. Gypsum is considered one of the best moisture conservers, especially for rainfed areas. Hence, this study was initiated (1) to explore the effects of gypsum on soil moisture conservation and (2) to reveal the effects of gypsum on soil macronutrients, sulfur (S), calcium (Ca), nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) uptake, and, eventually, wheat yield. The study was conducted from July 2014 to April 2015 in the rainfed Pothohar region of Pakistan. The recommended mineral fertilizers (N120P80K60) along with the following gypsum treatments: T1 = gypsum @ 0 Mg ha−1 (0 kg plot−1), T2 = gypsum @ 1 Mg ha−1 (0.6 kg plot−1), T3 = gypsum @ 3 Mg ha−1 (1.8 kg plot−1), and T4 = gypsum @ 4 Mg ha−1 (2.4 kg plot−1) were applied. The Chakwal-50 wheat variety was sown, followed by gypsum application. The maximum moisture was recorded under the soil of treatment T4 each month. The soil moisture was conserved up to 21% (surface) and 23% (sub-surface) in January and February 2015, respectively, with a 4 Mg ha−1 gypsum application. The highest nitrogen (N, 448.68 kg ha−1), phosphorus (P, 50.6 kg ha−1), potassium (K, 185.7 Kg ha−1), sulfur (S, 9.75 kg ha−1), and calcium (Ca, 35.5 kg ha−1) uptake values were observed in treatment with a 3 Mg ha−1 gypsum application (p < 0.05). The mean values of the grain yield ranged between 1903.4 (T1) and 2387.2 (T4) kg ha−1. Compared with the yield under T1, the grain yields under treatment T2, T3, and T4 were increased by 11%, 24%, and 25%, respectively. The straw yield ranged between 2446 and 2767 kg ha−1. There was no noticeable impact of gypsum application rates on the straw yield of the wheat crop (p > 0.05). Overall, treatment T3 was found to be optimal for conserving soil moisture, a better nutrient uptake, and, ultimately, the wheat crop yield with less input cost.

ТРАНСФОРМАЦИЯ АГРОФИЗИЧЕСКИХ СВОЙСТВ ЧЕРНОЗЁМА ПОД ВЛИЯНИЕМ ЭЛЕМЕНТОВ АГРОТЕХНОЛОГИИ

In a multifactorial stationary experiment on the development of scientific foundations for extended repro-duction of soil fertility, studies were conducted on changes in soil density, structural coefficient and water consumption by sugar beet plants depending on the method of tillage and various doses of organic and mineral fertilizers. Research materials have proved the positive role of semi-ripened cattle manure both when used independently and in conjunction with mineral fertilizers in the decompression of the arable soil horizon. In this case, the soil density did not exceed 1.15 g/cm3. When organic fertilizers are intro-duced into the technology of sugar beet cultivation, the soil structure also improves. The value of the structure coefficient. The best option from the point of view of moisture conservation is the joint applica-tion of organic and mineral fertilizers. In this case, even with a significantly increased productivity of sug-ar beet, the total water consumption remained at the level of the control non-maneuverable variant. The organo-mineral system of sugar beet fertilization showed the most rational use of moisture for the for-mation of the crop, showing the values of the water consumption coefficient of 67-79 m3/t. In this case, the recorded values are at the level of a purely mineral fertilizer system with a decrease in the analyzed value by 7-14 m3/t, depending on the factors studied.

Studies on 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. The field experiment allocated three irrigation scheduling namely: I1: two irrigations at CRI (crown root initiation) 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 at the rate of 10 t ha-1 + Kaolin 6% spray and three nutrient management practices viz: N1: 100% Recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF) (150:60:40 kg ha-1 NPK), N2: 85% RDF + Farm yard manure (FYM) @ 5.0 t ha-1 and N3: 75% RDF + FYM @ 10.0 t ha-1. The field 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 recorded significantly highest value of crop growth rate (CGR) (13.15 and 19.28 g m-2 day-1 at 30-60 and 60-90 days after sowing (DAS), respectively), grain yield (4381.60 kg ha-1) and consumptive use of water (457.39 mm) while, significantly highest water use efficiency (11.97 kg ha-1 mm) was received under two irrigations at CRI and Jointing stage over the rest of irrigation schedules. In respect of moisture conservation practices, organic mulch @ 10 t ha-1 + Kaolin 6% spray recorded significantly water use efficiency (11.41 kg ha-1 mm) compared to without mulching treatment while, highest consumptive use of water (380.72 mm) was recorded under without mulching. Integration of 85% RDF + FYM @ 5.0 t ha-1 recorded significantly maximum water use efficiency (10.99 kg ha-1 mm) compared to other treatments while, highest consumptive use of water (381.41 mm) was recorded under the treatment of 100% RDF.

Moisture Conservations Options for Boosting System Productivity under Pearl Millet: Cluster Bean Strip Intercropping

The present investigation was carried out to study the Moisture conservations options for boosting system productivity under Pearl millet: Cluster bean strip intercropping under aberrant weather situations of south-western Haryana. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design comprising nine treatments replicated thrice. Pearl millet: Cluster bean strip cropping (6:3) under deep summer ploughing recorded maximum land equivalent ratio (1.37) and pearl millet equivalent yield (29.30 q/ha) over conventional and straw mulching practices. While, the highest gross return Rs. 50134, net return Rs. 21749 and B:C (1.77) also recorded under Pearl millet: Cluster bean strip cropping (6:3) under deep summer ploughing (30 cm depth) over other treatments. Pearl millet: Cluster bean strip cropping (with raw ratio 6:3) under deep summer ploughing (30 cm depth) moisture conservation practice significantly improvement of system productivity, land equivalent ratio and pearl millet equivalent yield of pearl millet + Cluster bean strip cropping system.

Potential of soil and water conservation technologies for dryland agriculture and forestry

ABSTRACT Objective: Drylands cover 41% of the earth’s terrestrial landmass while in Kenya; they cover 80% of the land surface with production in these areas often impeded by soil moisture limitation thereby necessitating soil moisture conservation. The study aimed at identifying feasible soil moisture conservation technologies for agriculture and forestry development. Methodology and Results: The current metadata analysis evaluated 80 reference materials comprising of journal papers, book chapters and conference proceedings; 38.8% being research conducted in Kenya, 31.2% was research undertaken in other parts of Africa while 30.0% was research done in other parts of the globe. Available data shows that mulching enhanced infiltration by 81% reduced runoff by 54% and enhanced crop yield by 39%; terraces enhanced infiltration by 8% and reduced runoff by 30%. Micro-catchments enhanced moisture content by 45%, reduced runoff by 63% and enhanced crop yield by 17%. Further, the use of polymers enhanced crop yield by up to 45%. In Kenya, soil and water conservation technologies have been tested in Machakos, Embu, Kitui, Busia, Makueni and Tharaka Nthi counties. The main impediments to adoption of these technologies in Kenya and other parts of the globe include increased risk of pest and diseases incidences; high labour requirements; require large land sizes and increased cost of production resulting from labour requirements. The research gaps identified by different researchers concerning soil water conservation technologies are: lack of effective dissemination platforms to highlight efficiency of the different technologies; cost-benefit analysis of the different soil water conservation technologies and limited data on potential of various soil water conservation technologies for tree growing in ASALs. Conclusion: This review has revealed that adequate information on soil and moisture conservation technologies is needed and tailored to specific farmers’ needs to enhance level of adoption. In order to realize the full potential of soil and moisture conservation technologies, effective dissemination platforms such as use of demonstration plots and farmers’ field schools are required. Key words: soil moisture, technologies, conservation, adoption, ASALs

A Multi-Parametric Investigation on Waterlogged Wood Using a Magnetic Resonance Imaging Clinical Scanner

In cultural heritage conservation science, moisture content (MC) is an essential factor to determine. At the same time, it is essential to choose non-destructive and non-invasive approaches for more sustainable investigations and make them safe for the environment and the sample. The question addressed in this work concerns the possibility and the opportunity to investigate waterlogged wood by using nuclear magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) clinical scanners to carry out non-destructive volumetric diagnostics. In this study, MRI, the most important non-invasive medical imaging technique for human tissue analysis, was applied to study archaeological waterlogged wood samples. This type of archaeological material has a very high moisture content (400%–800%), thus, it is an ideal investigative subject for MRI which detects water molecules inside matter. By following this methodology, it was possible to obtain information about water content and conservation status through a T1, T2, and T2* weighted image analysis, without any sampling or handling, and the samples were directly scanned in the water where they were stored. Furthermore, it permited processing 3D reconstruction, which could be an innovative tool for the digitalization of marine archaeological collections. In this work, 16 modern species of wood and a waterlogged archaeological wood sample were studied and investigated using a clinical NMR scanner operating at 3T. The results were compared with X-ray computed tomography (CT) images, as they had already been used for dendrochronology. The comparison highlights the similar, different, and complementary information about moisture content and conservation status in an all-in-one methodology obtainable from both MRI and CT techniques.

Influence of Heat Stress and Water Availability on Productivity of Silage Maize (Zea mays L.) under Different Tillage and Fertilizer Management Practices in Rostov Region of Russia

The aridization of the climate negatively affects the growth and development of plants and their productivity. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of heat stress and water availability on maize for silage under aridization and to find out the effectiveness of technological methods to maximize the use of available moisture. A long-term multifactorial experiment was performed during the period 1991–2020 in the region south of Rostov, Russia. The long-term multifactorial experiment is located in a zone of high heat supply and insufficient moisture, so the latter factor limits the yield of corn and dictates the need to find solutions to increase its environmental sustainability in extreme weather conditions. The values of the hydrothermal coefficient (HTC) were determined for the period of maize cultivation for each year of the study, ranked in ascending order and grouped into clusters. The results were mathematically processed by calculating the mean values (M) and their standard deviations (±SEM) with Statistica 13.3 software. The optimum conditions for silage maize development were found under the combination of 265 mm of rainfall and a 19.8 °C average temperature during the growing season. The maximum yield of silage maize was 33.8–45.2 t ha−1. In dry years (HTC = 0.3), tillage had an advantage: the yield increase was 0.2–1.6 t ha−1. In wet years, moldboard tillage was preferable: the yield increase was 0.3–2.9 t ha−1. The application of farmyard manure for fertilization increased the yield by 10.5–41.9%. Increasing the fertilizer rate by 1.5 times increased the yield by 21.0–59.8%. In drought, tillage and average fertilizer rate provided returns by increasing yields up to 7.7 kg/kg. Our study provides valuable recommendations in fodder production, promotes moisture conservation, preserves soil fertility on the slopes when cultivating corn for silage, and will be useful to specialists in improving the efficiency of agricultural production.

THE STABILIZED DUNES: A PILOT STUDY ON THE EFFECT OF ACACIA TORTILIS ON GROUND VEGETATION, FROM THAR DESERT, INDIA

In modern days, sand dune stabilization works are very common in desert areas globally. The purpose is multifaceted; developmental needs, soil moisture conservation works, and prevention of desert spread being the main among them. In the Indian state of Rajasthan, the same works have been ongoing for a long in the Thar desert, primarily by the forest department. This study was aimed as a non replicated administrative study, which has reflected on the possible correlation between the stabilization work by afforestation and gradual loss of native shrub species of desert ecosystem as found from the pilot sites. The preliminary findings of this study were then verified against previous research and findings in other arid regions of the world. Simple counting of standing tree and shrub species was done from 1 sq. m. sample plots of both forest department plantation sites and non-forest land areas. It was found that area with matured grown Acacia tortilis has less ground coverage than other areas. Arid ecosystem has unique survival adaptations, the fast growth of an introduced foreign species impacting the native ground cover can be due to multiple ecological reasons. A much broader replicated study is necessary to ascertain this fact and thereby take necessary measures for preserving both the desert ecosystem and enhance the sand stabilization works

Ecology of village ecosystems of Odisha, India

Abstract. Upadhyay VP, Nayak BK, Mishra MK. 2022. Ecology of village ecosystems of Odisha, India. Asian J Ethnobiol 5: 138-155. The present study was conducted in eight villages in the Niyamgiri Hills of Odisha, India. The human population varies from 83 to 312 in uphill villages and 76 to 150 in foothill villages. The cultivated area constitutes 3.37% to 18.85% of the village’s total area. Per capita cultivated area varies from 0.117 to 0.329 ha. The families generally devote more time to agriculture, followed by Minor Forest Products (MFP) collection. The women and children collect leafy vegetables, tubers, fruits, seeds, leaves, and flowers. Collecting and marketing firewood in head loads is commonly practiced in the rainy season. The area of forest cover is not affected much, but the quality of the forest has changed. This suggests appropriate steps to restore the forest and enhance its productivity. All villages depend on rain-fed agriculture. The natural stream water is available to the paddy fields by gravity flow in valleys. The agriculture practices include shifting (podu) cultivation in high hill areas, mid-hill orchards below the podu area, home gardens adjoining habitation, and valley cultivation near Nala beds (streams). Podu is a mixed cultivation practice where cereals, pulses, and oil seeds are grown together. The village productivity is much lower than in other areas of settled agriculture. Improvements in seed quality, Soil and Moisture Conservation (SMC) measures, and the health condition of the tribal community will help support the sustainability of the traditional cultivation and livelihood system. To help protect the indigenous biodiversity, we suggest in this paper other alternatives of livelihood to the local population and options for shifting cultivation areas.

Poly-Coated Brown Wrapping Paper Sheet as an Alternative to Black Plastic Film Mulch in Bhendi

Black plastic film mulching is widely practiced in crop production, especially in horticultural systems, because of its multiple benefits. However, its post-usage polluting residues and limited availability to farmers at all places cause concern. The objective of this study was to evaluate in a field experiment the potential of the commonly available stationery-purpose poly-coated brown wrapping sheet mulching in bhendi [Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench] in comparison with black plastic film mulching. Observations made on plant height and fruit yield, soil temperature and soil microbial population revealed that the less-polluting poly-coated brown wrapping sheet mulching was as good as the black plastic film mulching in performance which is discussed in the light of increase in plant growth and yield, moisture conservation and weed suppression, root-zone temperature moderation and termite activity.

Agronomic Practices Enhancing the Productivity of Bidi Tobacco (Nicotiana tabaccum L.) – A Review

Bidi tobacco is commercially cultivated under rainfed vertisols in late rainy season i.e., September (2nd fortnight). Six week old seedlings should be planted during August-September at planting geometry of 75 cm x 75 cm and ridge planting is advisable for higher moisture conservation. Standard bidi tobacco production requires 110 kg N, 70 kg P2 O5 and 50 kg K2 O ha-1 which is closely dependent on mineral nutrient supply. Topping is done either at bud stage or early flowering stage by keeping 12–15 leaves. Bidi tobacco grown with two irrigations each at 5 cm depth / 0.4 IW/ CPE (first at 60 days after transplanting and second between 35-45 days after first irrigation) increased the yield which resulted from more leaf width. Foliar application of 2.5% KNO3 or 2.5% AS + SOP twice at 45 and 60 DAT to bidi tobacco is optimum for supply of nitrogen and potassium under moisture deficit condition. Application of foliar spray with Triacontanol 0.1% EW @ 2ml /l at early growth stage and grand growth stage is economical during drought period. Bidi tobacco recorded higher seed yield (532 kg ha-1) and oil yield (173.4 kg ha-1) when planted at 60 cm x 60 cm with application of 150 % RDF (165 N+105 P2 05 +75 K2 O ha-1).

Effect of different source of N and insitu Soil moisture conservation practices for the maximization of Maize yield and economic return

Effect of different source of N and insitu Soil moisture conservation practices for the maximization of Maize yield and economic return

Impact of Forestry Interventions on Groundwater Recharge and Sediment Control in the Ganga River Basin

Water related services of natural infrastructure will help to combat the risk of water crisis, and nature-based solutions involve the management of ecosystems to mimic or optimize the natural processes for the provision and regulation of water. Forested areas provide environmental stability and supply a high proportion of the world’s accessible freshwater for domestic, agricultural, industrial and ecological needs. The present work on “Forestry Interventions for Ganga” to rejuvenate the river is one of the steps toward the Ganga River rejuvenation programme in the country. The consequences of forestry interventions for Ganga will be determined on the basis of water quantity and water quality in the Ganga River. The study conservatively estimated the water savings and sedimentation reduction of the riverscape management in the Ganga basin using the Soil Conservation Service Curve Number (SCS-CN) & GEC, 2015 and Trimble, 1999 & CWC, 2019 methodologies, respectively. Forestry plantations and soil and moisture conservation measures devised in the programme to rejuvenate the Ganga River are expected to increase water recharge and decrease sedimentation load by 231.011 MCM·yr-1 and 1119.6 cubic m·yr-1 or 395.20 tons·yr-1, respectively, in delineated riverscape area of 83,946 km2 in Ganga basin due to these interventions. The role of trees and forests in improving hydrologic cycles, soil infiltration and ground water recharge in Ganga basin seems to be the reason for this change. Forest plantations and other bioengineering techniques can help to keep rivers perennial, increase precipitation, prevent soil erosion and mitigate floods, drought & climate change. The bioengineering techniques could be a feasible tool to enhance rivers’ self-purification as well as to make river perennial. The results will give momentum to the National Mission of Clean Ganga (NMCG) and its Namami Gange programme including other important rivers in the country and provide inputs in understanding the linkages among forest structure, function, and streamflow.