Dry Zone Research Articles

Physiological performance and fruit quality of noni (Morinda citrifolia L.) cultivated in different agro-climatic zones of Fiji

Noni (Morinda citrifolia) fruit juice is widely used as a strong antioxidant nutritional supplement. With its demand for supplementary products globally, commercial noni farming is now increasing in the Pacific Islands. Information on its growth performance and fruit quality under variable climatic condition is limited. This study aimed to establish the climatic requirements and identify the agro-climatic zone in Fiji that provides for increased antioxidant levels in fruits in addition to optimal plant growth and physiological performance. The study investigated plant growth, photosynthetic performance, fruit yield and antioxidant properties of plants that were cultivated under rain fed conditions in the dry, wet and intermediate agro-climatic zones in Fiji Islands. The physiological performance was significantly influenced by the soil moisture, sunshine hours and soil nutrients. Physiological performance including fruit yields were the highest in the intermediate zone which was characterized by a moderate rainfall and fairly good soil properties while it was lowest in the dry zone. Highest fruit antioxidant properties occurred in the dry zone followed by wet zone. The study implies that under cultivation, moderate abiotic stress can enhance the antioxidant properties of noni.

Influence of Bio-stimulants on the Yield Attributes, Peel and Pulp Color of Mango (Mangifera indica L.) cv Mallika under Central Dry Zone of Karnataka

The mango (Mangifera indica L.) is considered the ‘King of fruits’ and found to be economically important due to its excellent fruit quality, despite having good fruit quality characteristics, it is associated with production constraints such as low initial fruit set, heavy fruit drops, undersized fruit and improper fruit color development. On the other hand, bio-stimulants play an important role in improving the productivity and quality of fruits. In the present study, four biostimulants viz., jasmonic acid, salicylic acid, brassinosteroids and triacontanol, were sprayed at intervals of 70 and 90 days after anthesis at two different concentrations with four replications. Among the treatments, triacontanol @ 10 ppm (T9) showed a significant difference in yield parameters and recorded maximum average fruit weight (571.98 g), fruit length (17.53 cm), fruit diameter (92.38 cm), fruit volume (723.75 cc), pulp weight (435.91 g), pulp percentage (76.24), number of fruits (75.25), yield per tree (41.31 kg) in comparison to control. However, salicylic acid @ 150 ppm (T5) showed the highest colorimeter coordinates L*, a*, b*, C* and hº for both pulp and peel color. The study concludes the use of phytohormones enhances the fruit development and quality parameters of mango cv Mallika under the central dry zone of Karnataka.

Revalidation of potassium requirement for maize (Zea mays) in Eastern dry zone of Karnataka

Revalidation of potassium requirement for maize (Zea mays) in Eastern dry zone of Karnataka

Production and Dietary Diversities with Seasonality in Rural Agricultural Context in Sri Lanka: A Case of <em>Mahakanumulla</em> Village Tank Cascade System

Dietary diversity is considered a characteristic of a healthy diet. Improving production diversity is a way to increase dietary diversity in subsistence farming contexts. However, with the agricultural transformation, this association must be revisited. The study aimed to investigate the association between production diversity and dietary diversity in rural agricultural households in Sri Lanka taking seasonality into account. The study site was the Mahakanumulla Village Tank Cascade System in the dry zone of Sri Lanka. Pooled Ordinary Least Squares regression was used in the estimation. The results indicated that production diversity and dietary diversity have a positive and statistically significant relationship. The education level of the household head, income and household size were also identified as factors affecting household dietary diversity. The households seem to smoothen dietary diversity levels across months; hence, there is no significant difference in dietary diversity between Yala/Maha seasons or pre- and post-harvesting periods. Cultivating some specific crop types such as cereals, involvement of livestock farming, and the season affected the frequency of consumption of some food groups such as dairy and meat. This study concludes that increasing production diversity could improve the nutrition of rural agricultural households in Sri Lanka. Hence, nutrition development programmes may benefit from encouraging production diversity in rural agricultural contexts.

STUDYING THE DIVERSITY OF LENTIL VARIETIES BY ALLELES OF THE EARLY FLOWERING GENE LcELF3 USING MOLECULAR MARKERS

Lentils are one of the most widespread leguminous crops in the world and now Kazakhstan is also experiencing a significant expansion of acreage. Howev-er, late sowing is unacceptable for this crop, since in this case the photoperiod effect and drought lead to loss of crop samples if the flowering period of lentil plants is not optimized. The genes controlling early flowering (EFL3) are associ-ated with the rate of growth and the beginning of flowering and are independent of the length of daylight. In this study, the presence of the early flowering gene LcELF3 was analyzed in 76 collection samples of lentils. As a result of PCR am-plification and sequencing of the LcELF3 gene using the Sanger method, genetic polymorphism was detected and codominant SNP (Single Nucleotide Polymor phism) markers were developed. Further testing of collection samples of lentils by ASQ genotyping allowed us to identify 36 samples with homozygous geno-type aa (late flowering) and 40 samples with homozygous genotype bb (earlier flowering). The use of factor analysis of the productivity elements of lentil sam-ples bearing favorable bb alleles of the early flowering gene LcELF3 made it pos sible to conduct a visual analysis for the studied years. Thus, using the example of lentils, the possibility of sampling samples containing favorable bb alleles of the LcEFL3 gene, controlling early flowering, which are necessary to increase its yield in conditions of prolonged spring and short summer season in the dry steppe zone of Northern Kazakhstan, is shown.

Short-period variations in microphysical characteristics of aerosol nanoparticles in the dry steppe zone of southern Russia in summer

Short-period variations in microphysical characteristics of aerosol nanoparticles in the dry steppe zone of southern Russia in summer

Evaluation of Different Modeling Approaches for Estimating Total Bole Volume of Hispaniolan Pine (Pinus occidentalis Swartz) in Different Ecological Zones

Pinus occidentalis (Swartz) is the primary timber species in the Dominican Republic (DR). Despite its economic importance, studies conducted on this species are scarce, making it difficult to estimate current inventory levels. This study aims to enhance the accuracy of estimating the total bole volume of P. occidentalis in different ecological zones (EZs) within La Sierra, evaluating and comparing two established volume equations—combined variable (CV) and Schumacher and Hall (S&H) across nine modeling variants. An indicator variables analysis determined the necessity of distinct equations for two EZs. Fitting included both linear and nonlinear models. Our comprehensive statistical analysis included goodness-of-fit metrics to evaluate each model variant’s performance rigorously. The second modeling variant (SH02) for the SH equation was most effective in the Dry Ecological Zone, showing superior performance in both the fitting and validation phases. Similarly, the third modeling variant (SH03) for the SH equation emerged as the best fit for the Combined Intermediate and Humid Ecological Zones, achieving the lowest overall ranking sum among tested variants. SH02 and SH03 provide reliable and precise volume estimations, allowing for the optimization of forestry management practices for P. occidentalis trees. The SH models outperformed the CV model variants’ consistency in parameter estimation. This tailored approach ensures more accurate volume predictions, which is crucial for sustainable management and conservation efforts.

The Effect of Fertilizers and Growth Regulators on the Productivity of Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) in the Dry Climate of Russia

Background: Safflower is an oilseed crop capable of forming seeds in extreme conditions, so it can be used as an alternative to sunflower, because their growing technologies are similar. Increasing the yield of safflower seeds can be achieved intensively using agrochemicals. The proposed research results provide information on the use of mineral, micro fertilizers and growth regulators. Methods: Research was carried out in the dry steppe zone of chestnut soils. In the spirit-factor experiment, which was located on a field with an area of 300 m2, in triplicate, using two sorts of safflower. Mineral fertilizers were applied to the soil during sowing and by foliar treatment during the “budding” phase. The obtained yield results were processed by analysis of variance. Result: As a result of the research, elite safflower seeds were obtained using one of the experimental options Ultamag Bor 30 g + Biostim Growth 30 g/10 liters of water of the Alexandrite variety with a yield of 1.8 t/ha with the highest profitability of their production of 414.2%. Analysis of variance of the yield data from the experiment showed that 87% of the yield of safflower seeds depended on the use of mineral fertilizers, 0.62% on the plant variety and agro technical measures for growing safflower plants-11.8%.

Structuring And Fostering Traditional Markets, Shopping Centers, And Modern Stores At The Community Income Level

The market is a medium for bartering between the needs of sellers and buyers where sellers expect profits while buyers expect efficiency at very affordable prices. The purpose of this study is to explore the changes in the arrangement and guidance as well as the impact on the income level of the community after the fire. This research used a qualitative method with a case study approach. Three data collection techniques were used including observation, interview, and documentation. The research findings show that the authorized parties in implementing the policy are only the Cirebon Regency Trade and Industry Office. In terms of structuring, it is divided based on 3 elements, namely dry, semi, and wet zones. Based on Public Policy, structuring, and coaching have been implemented in accordance with government policy and in accordance with existing data. Policy Stakeholders have been well implemented, but not optimal because the traders are still not orderly and consumer interest is more to the marketplace making it easier for them to shop and more efficient in terms of time and expenses. Policy Environment has been well implemented, because it makes it easier for traders and consumers when selling and shopping. The conclusion of the impact on the income of business actors decreased due to a lot of competitiveness.

Role of Molecular Water Layer State on Freezing Front Propagation Rate and Mode Studied with Thermal Imaging.

In this work, we study the relationship between the molecular water layer (MWL) and frost freezing onset and propagation. The progression of frost has been reported to be governed by various localized icing phenomena, including interdroplet ice bridging, dry zones, and frost halos. Reports studying the state of water on surfaces have revealed the presence of a thin nanometer water layer on a range of surfaces. Regardless of further investigations that show environmental humidity, temperature, and surface energy to affect the thickness of the MWL on surfaces, the influence of the MWL on frost nucleation and propagation has not yet been previously addressed in the literature. To study the effect of the MWL on surface freezing events, a range of surface-functionalized glass substrates were prepared. In situ monitoring of freezing events with thermal imaging allowed studying the effect of surface chemistry and environmental relative humidity (RH) on the thickness and continuity of the MWL. We argue that the observed icing nucleation and propagation kinetics are directly related to the presence and continuity of the MWL, which can be manipulated by controlling the environmental humidity and surface chemistry.

RS-AAT for enhancing saturation and chloride resistance in unsaturated concrete: Experimental and numerical assessment

In this paper, the effect of RS-AAT (Reverse-seepage and Saturation based Active Anti-corrosion Technology) on chloride ion erosion and saturation of unsaturated concrete is studied. The design of partially opening of permeable pipes is proposed for partial purpose. The infiltration of chloride ions in cylindrical concrete by RS-AAT is experimentally and numerically analyzed. Based on the water vapor adsorption and adsorption isotherm test and chloride ion erosion test, a convection-diffusion model of chloride ions with varying saturation is established by using simultaneous V-G model and Richards' equation. It can be used for characterizing the effect of pore opening on saturation change and chloride ion erosion. The results show that the use of RS-AAT can accelerate the growth of concrete saturation in the alternating wet and dry zones, and keep the area in a saturated state, under the effect of reverse seepage and saturation, the durability of the structure is increased. Moreover, the opening size and spacing of the permeable pipe are especially investigated. The results recommend 8 mm opening diameter and 2 mm opening spacing, by which the opening spacing is reduced as much as possible, and the ability to resist chloride ion erosion for a long time can be improved s under the combined action of reverse seepage and saturation. The significance of these results is immense for the continued utilization of the novel anti-chloride attack technology in engineering applications.

Synergic Origin and Evolution of TDS, Mg and Fluoride in Groundwater as Relative to Chronic Kidney Disease of Unknown Etiology (CKDu) in Sri Lanka

The rural population in the Dry Zone of Sri Lanka is largely affected by Chronic Kidney Disease of Unknown etiology (CKDu). According to the multidisciplinary research carried out so far, quality of groundwater is considered one of the possible causative factors for CKDu. Therefore, assessment of the quality of groundwater being used for drinking and its evolution mechanism is the key to identifying the linkage between CKDu and drinking water. This study aimed to perform a detailed investigation on groundwater sources using isotopic, chemical, and hydrogeological methods in the CKDu-endemic (site A) and the control area (sedimentary formation—site B) in the Malwathu Oya basin and the control areas in the Malala Oya basin (site C) selected for a systematic comparison. Our investigation shows that elevated levels of TDS, magnesium, and fluoride in the shallow groundwater affected by climatic, geochemical, and hydrogeological processes may contribute to the CKDu in the Dry Zone of Sri Lanka. All the groundwater samples analysed have exceeded the hardness threshold. Prominent Mg hardness proportion together with excess F− in the CKDu endemic area may produce nephrotoxic MgF2 complexes that may trigger renal damage. In contrast, NaF complexes in the CKDu control area leads to reduction of F− toxicity in the human body. Elevated F− and Mg2+ are found in site A, low F− and high Mg2+ in site B, and either combinations of low F− and low Mg2+, high F− and low Mg2+, or low F− with high Mg2+ in site C. TDS, hardness, Mg2+, Na+, and F− are formed with different mechanisms in the three selected areas. The primary process that regulates the evolution of groundwater types and contents in sites A and C is the weathering of silicates. Similarly, in site A, carbonate dissolution and reverse ion exchange are quite strong. Cation exchange and evaporite dissolution are more pronounced in site C. Shallow groundwaters are evapo-concentrated, hence their quality deteriorates more significantly than the deep groundwater in the CKDu endemic area. Dilution decreases the ion content in site A while evaporite dissolution increases it in site C after the rainy season. Evaporation and seawater mixing affect the quality of groundwater in site B. It is also found that a statistically significant difference exists in the F−/Na+, F−/Mg2+, and F−/Ca2+ between the endemic and control areas. Intensive rock weathering combined with desorption has added excess F− to the groundwater in site A, while cation exchange and fluorite dissolution are contributing factors in site C.

The effect of substrate temperature on the dry zone generated by the vapor sink effect

Anti-condensation is important in various fields, e.g., transportation, power transmission, internal drying of precision instruments. Vapor sink is an important manner to suppress the happening of water vapor condensation, and shows potentials in some special scenarios. However, the mechanism of anti-condensation by vapor sink is not well understood up until now. In this article, the effect of substrate temperature on the dry zone generated by vapor sink were systematically studied with experiments and theoretical analysis. First, the effect of hygroscopic solutions on the local humidity were measured. The results indicated that the local humidity level near the hygroscopic solutions was effectively suppressed, reducing the water vapor condensation. Second, the variation of the dry zone with the cooling substrate temperature was systematically studied. The results indicated that the dry zone exhibits a hyperbolic relationship with the substrate temperature. The dry zone changing under different humidity conditions and cooling time were also studied. The dry zone remained approximately unchanged over time in a short period. Finally, a simple yet effective model between the dry zone and substrate temperature was deduced. The theoretical results are in good agreement with the experimental data. Our study may deeper the understanding of condensation suppression via vapor sink and offer guidance to the design of anti-condensation or anti-icing surfaces.

Adoption of production technologies by minor millets growers in central dry zone of Karnataka

Adoption of production technologies by minor millets growers in central dry zone of Karnataka

Soil Fertility Mapping Using GIS in Sirur Sub-Watershed of Kundagol Taluk of Dharwad District, Karnataka, India

Aims: To identify available nutrient constraints in soils and to generate soil fertility maps using remote sensing and GIS of Sirur sub-watershed in northern dry zone of Karnataka. Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out in the Sirur sub-watershed (4D5B5j) located in Kundagol taluk of Dharwad district, Karnataka during 2022-24. Methodology: Soil samples (601) from Sirur sub-watershed in northern dry zone of Karnataka were drawn at 320 m x 320 m grid interval and assessed for fertility parameters. Analytical data was interpreted and statistical parameters like range, mean, standard deviation and coefficient of variation were calculated for each parameter. Soil fertility maps were prepared for each parameter using interpolation technique. Results: Soils were neutral to alkaline in reaction and non-saline. Soil organic carbon content was low to medium. Available nitrogen and phosphorus were low to medium, available potassium was high and sulphur was medium to high. Regarding available micronutrients, iron, copper and manganese were sufficient in the soils whereas Zn was deficient in about half of the sub-watershed area and B content was medium to high. Conclusion: The major constraints in sub-watershed are low content of OC, poor status of available N, P2O5 and Zn indicating their immediate attention for sustained crop production.

Laboratory study of cyclic underground hydrogen storage in porous media with evidence of a dry near-well zone and evaporation induced salt precipitation

Large-scale storage of ‘green’ hydrogen is essential in our quest to transition to renewable energy sources and achieve the net-zero emission targets. As such, Underground Hydrogen Storage (UHS) in geological porous media, such as in depleted oil and gas fields or saline aquifers, provides a cost-effective solution to store such large volumes of hydrogen (H2) to buffer seasonal fluctuations in renewable energy supply and demand. Due to the novelty of the topic, many research gaps persist, but we focus on H2 transport characteristics in the subsurface, hydrogen recoverability during cyclic operations, chemical interactions, and acoustic velocity as an indicator of H2 saturation. In this study, we investigate UHS using a triaxial core-flooding experiment to address the above-mentioned research gaps by replicating field operations in the laboratory setup at representative subsurface conditions. Unstable displacement due to immiscible two-phase flow led to early H2 breakthrough at 18% of H2 saturation, ultimate H2 saturation of 36% and withdrawal efficiency of 78% during the first cycle. However, cyclic charging and discharging led to an eventual H2 withdrawal efficiency as high as 95%. Observed chemical interactions during our 3-day experiments were negligible, but our results also indicated a strong potential for evaporation-induced salt precipitation after injection of dry H2 gas, leading to decreased reservoir porosity and permeability over time. Our ultrasonic measurements confirmed the sensitivity of P-wave velocity to H2 saturation, which decreased by 3.5% when the H2 saturation increased to 36%. This indicates that H2 plume and leaks in UHS should be possible to monitor using 4D seismic surveys. Our results help to better understand H2 flow, storage, and transport during cyclic UHS. The results indicate that H2 withdrawal efficiency increases as the UHS reservoir matures and provides evidence of a dry near-well zone and evaporation induced salt precipitation in a UHS reservoir.

Development and evaluation of Fusarium wilt-resistant and high-yielding chickpea advanced breeding line, KCD 11.

Fusarium wilt (FW) is the most severe soil-borne disease of chickpea that causes yield losses up to 100%. To improve FW resistance in JG 11, a high-yielding variety that became susceptible to FW, we used WR 315 as the donor parent and followed the pedigree breeding method. Based on disease resistance and yield performance, four lines were evaluated in station trials during 2017-2018 and 2018-2019 at Kalaburagi, India. Further, two lines, namely, Kalaburagi chickpea desi 5 (KCD 5) and KCD 11, which possesses the resistance allele for a specific single-nucleotide polymorphism marker linked with FW resistance, were evaluated across six different locations (Bidar, Kalaburagi, Raichur, Siruguppa, Bhimarayanagudi and Hagari) over a span of 3 years (2020-2021, 2021-2022 and 2022-2023). KCD 11 exhibited notable performance, showcasing yield advantages of 8.67%, 11.26% and 23.88% over JG 11, and the regional checks Super Annigeri 1 (SA 1) and Annigeri 1, respectively, with enhanced FW resistance in wilt sick plot. Further, KCD 11 outperformed JG 11, SA 1 and Annigeri 1 in multi-location trials conducted across three seasons in the North Eastern Transition Zone, North Eastern Dry Zone, and North Dry Zones of Karnataka. KCD 11 was also tested in trials conducted by All India Coordinated Research Project on chickpea and was also nominated for state varietal trials for its release as a FW-resistant and high-yielding variety. The selected line is anticipated to cater the needs of chickpea growers with the dual advantage of yield increment and disease resistance.

Phytogeographic Considerations on the Flora of Mt. Abu

The Aravallis intersect the State of Rajasthan in a southwest-northeast direction. Mt. Abu on the Aravallis is the highest point in the wide gap between the Himalayas and the Nilgiris, and thus has phytogeographlc significance. The flora of Mt. Abu has been compared with that of other hilly regions of India, and also with the flora of adjacent regions of the dry zones. It is observed that : i. the flora of Mt. Abu has some representation of mountain element belonging to subtropical and temperate regions of India. This element comprises three groups of plants, namely, (a) those occurring in all or most hilly regions of India, such as in Himalayas, Parasnath, Pachmarhi, Western Ghats, Nilgiris, etc. (26 species); (b) plants found in the Himalayas or moist places of northern India, whose southern limit is the Mt. Abu (19 species); and (c) plants found in the Ghats and hills of Deccan Peninsula and whose northern limit of distribution is Mt. Abu 38 species).ii. there are only a few plants of alpine regions in this flora;iii. large number of plants are of wide general distribution;iv. biotic factors are resulting in increase of xerophytic species on this hill.A study ofthe world distribution of the plants of Mt. Abu shows that:i. out of 469 species, 267 are tropical;ii. 80 species are eastern, southeastern, Asian and Australian;iii, 46 species are African-Arabian; andiv. 22 species are American. The American plants are mostly weeds of cultivation.

Groundwater Marketing Dynamics in Northern Dry Zone Farms of Karnataka: A Comparative Study (2006 to 2021)

Groundwater is an essential resource, but it is becoming increasingly scarce and depleting rapidly, particularly in Karnataka. As a result, groundwater markets have emerged as an alternative strategy to manage this limited resource more efficiently and equitably. These markets enable farmers who cannot afford water extraction machinery to access irrigation. This article, aims to study present status of groundwater markets, temporal depletion of water table, groundwater security, economics and factors affecting water trade in Northern Dry Zone of Karnataka, mainly to compare with the results obtained in the past study [1] to analyze changes in scenario and have historical lessons. Multi-stage random sampling technique was used to select farmers, who were then categorized into water sellers, self-users, and buyers. Primary data was collected through a structured, pre-tested schedule and analysed using descriptive and logit regression analysis. Results show that unlike earlier study, buyers in present study owned wells. Depth of borewells has increased (overall 44%), resulting in increased drilling, deepening, and pumping costs. Very few farmers (8%) acknowledged over-extraction from their farms could also contribute to groundwater insecurity. While studying economics it was found that perennial crops had the highest economic rents (260, 610Rs/hr for sellers and buyers).Reason for participation in water market has shifted from no investment capacity to water scarcity compared to earlier study. So farmers could be motivated to participate in water markets instead of relying on new wells during water shortages to encourage optimal water use and reduce negative externalities like increasing wells.

Do remnant forest patches provide microclimate buffering? A case study from Sri Lanka

Tropical forests have declined in extent considerably owing to large scale deforestation for providing land for multiple uses, and this has reduced their collective capacity to provide many important ecological functions. In the present study, conducted in the tropical island of Sri Lanka, we focus on remnant patches of two common and co-occurring vegetation types in the dry zone, Dry Mixed Evergreen Forest and Scrub Forest, to test (a) whether small remnant forest patches facilitate microclimate buffering and, if so, (b) whether the two forest types differ in terms of their potential to buffer the microclimate, and (c) whether the extent of canopy cover influences the microclimate buffering capacity. Co-occurring Grasslands were used as reference habitats. We used multiple temperature, relative humidity and vapour pressure deficit related metrics, and showed that Dry mixed Evergreen Forest and Scrub Forest had significant microclimate buffering potential, the latter to a lesser extent than the former (Dry mixed Evergreen Forest > Scrub Forest). These results are noteworthy, given that the patches of both forest types were relatively small (mean ± standard deviation: Dry Mixed Evergreen Forest = 0.63 ± 0.13 km2 and Scrub Forest = 0.10 ± 0.07 km2), intermixed and scattered across the same landscape. The study also showed that, after controlling for effects of patch size, the extent of canopy cover had a significant impact on most of the microclimate metrics. The impact of patch size on microclimate metrics was less pronounced. These findings highlight the need for conserving remnant forest patches, especially of the Dry Mixed Evergreen Forest, as refuges of biodiversity, particularly in the context of tropical forests in developing countries facing severe threats of deforestation.