Dry Zone Research Articles

Socioeconomic Sustainability of Chena Cultivation in the Forested Land of Hambantota District, Sri Lanka

Chena cultivation is one of the major agriculture systems and extensively practiced in rural areas of low country dry zone as their main livelihood. Generally, a slash-and-burn method is used to clear the land in the forested area where the land is prepared before the North-East monsoon starts. Short-duration, comparatively drought resistant crops such as grains, legumes, oil crops, and vegetables are commonly grown in Chena. However, scientific studies on Chena cultivation to assess socioeconomic status were limited in Sri Lanka. Therefore, this study attempted to assess the socioeconomic status of Chena farmers in the close proximity of forest lands in Southern part of Sri Lanka. Chena cultivation areas at Tissamaharama (8 Grama Niladhari divisions namely Gotabhayapura, Yodakandiya, Rathnelumwalayaya, Uddakandara, Viharamahadevipura, Ranakeliya, Wijayapura and Joolpallama) and Lunugamwehera (7 Grama Niladhari divisions namely Udamaththala, Padawgama, Pahalamaththala, Rabukwewa, new town-Lunugamwehera, new town-Weerawila and Keerthipura) Divisional Secretariats in Hambantota district was studied. 40 Chena farmers were purposively selected for the study. Primary data were collected from the farmers by using pre-tested structured questionnaire, personal interviews and field observations. Descriptive statistics and correlation tests were employed to analyse the data. Results revealed that farmers practiced four types of Chena such as Navadali Hena (clearing an untouched forest area), Ath Danduwa Hena (regrowth and cut), Mukulan Hena (consists of medium- sized trees) and Hen Kanaththa (land exist for survival). 98% of farmers are fully involved in chena cultivation in the study area. 32.5%, 22.5%, 20%, 12.5%, and 7.5% of farmers had 11-20, 21-30, 0-10, 31-40, and 41-50 years of experience, respectively in Chena cultivation. The result also revealed that 80% of the farmers were not a member of farmer`s societies and other organizations. A small number of farmers had received some relief from government such as fertilizer, agricultural extension services, 50% of subsidy seed, and 50% of subsidy loan. Chena farmers earned more than Rs.500,000.00 whereas the average income was Rs. 802,392.16 per annum. Further, 63% of the cost was contributed by labour followed next to land preparation (16%) and agrochemical (13%). Sweet melon, green gram, long beans, and tomato were recorded as major cultivated crops. Further, Chena areas were highly problematic by wildlife and cattle damage (87.5%), marketing issues (67.5%), legal (37.5%), drought (30%), and pest and diseases (27.5%). However, around 74% of respondents were willing to continue the Chena cultivation, because they have no other alternative livelihoods in this area. On the other hand, the majority (54%) were neutral or dissatisfied about their situation because they did not have land ownership. Introducing a registration procedure for land ownership, constructing the electrical fence to avoid wildlife damage, establishing a wildlife management unit to protect the wildlife habitat, and planning a proper irrigation method to secure the water supply throughout the year were the major suggestions to improve farming at a sustainable level of production and consumption.
 Keywords: Forest land use, Chena cultivation, Dry Zone, Hambantota

Evaluation of the Quality of the Groundwater used for Domestic Purposes in the Anuradhapura District of the Dry Zone and the Efficacy of Laterite Soil-based Household Water Filters as Adsorbents

High concentrations of hardness, Ca, Mg, NO3-, PO43-, F- and, heavy metals in the groundwater being consumed in Sri Lanka's North Central province are becoming a serious health concern. The current study examined the groundwater quality in the Anuradhapura district as well as the effectiveness of groundwater purification by a laterite soil-based water purification device for Domestic Purposes. Chemical parameters (hardness, Ca, Mg, NO3-, PO43-, F-, Cr, Cd and Pb) were analyzed in randomly collected 35 number of well water samples during the dry season to assess the quality. The range of hardness was (21-1730) mg/l, with an average hardness of 471 mg/l. Anuradhapura had high levels of Ca and Mg, with average concentrations of 122 mg/l, ranges of (5- 429 mg/l) and 40 mg/L (2-160 mg/l), respectively. Phosphate levels ranged from (0.02-0.83 mg/l), with an average of 0.08 mg/l. Whereas nitrate concentrations ranged from (0.05-6.5) mg/l with an average of 0.59 mg/l and, fluoride levels ranged from (1.8-4.0 mg/l), with 2.3 mg/l being the average. Heavy metal concentrations that were below the WHO and Sri Lankan Standard limits had no discernible effect. The laterite soil-based water purification cylinder removed the hardness, Ca, Mg, NO3-, PO43- and, F- by adsorption. It was removed the hardness at an average rate of 89.7%, Ca at 89.32%, Mg at 86.87%, P at 100%, NO3- at 92.6% and F- at 81.6%. The outcomes showed that, well water in Anuradhapura region needs to be treated beforehand so it can be consumed. The laterite soil-based water filter performed well in terms of removing high hardness, Ca, Mg, P, NO3-, and F-.
 Keywords: Groundwater quality, Laterite, Adsorption, Removal efficiency

Evaluation of Bitter Gourd Genotypes for Pest and Diseases Incidence Under Natural Condition

Bitter goourd or bitter melon botanically Momordica charantia L. is susceptible to many pest and diseases are now days challenge in its cultivation. So in the present study elucidate the incidence of pest (Fruit fly) and disease (mildews) of bitter gourd. The experiment was conducted under northern dry zone of Karnataka. Fifty six bitter gourd genotypes was under study but none of them shows resistance but the severity various with genotypes. Genotypes exhibit powdery mildew incidence from moderately susceptible (20.89%) to highly susceptible (66.67%) and downy mildew. Genotype ABG-DG-T-1 showed lower infestation for fruit fly (12.90%) and downy mildew (32.00%) among all the genotypes under study.

Economic Feasibility of Reverse Osmosis (RO) Water Treatment Plants: A Case Study from Dimbulagala, Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka

Social wellbeing is strongly linked with economic feasibility when it needs to attain with the technological advancements. Installation of Reverse Osmosis (RO) water treatment plants have been considered as a promising solution to provide clean water for human consumption, especially in the areas where the CKDu (chronic kidney disease of unknown etiology) prevails. At present, over 2,000 RO treatment plants were installed in the dry zone of Sri Lanka, yet economic feasibility for operation and maintenance of RO plants has not been assessed so far. The present study was intended to identify economic feasibility of operation and maintenance of RO plants. Investigations were carried out in six community RO plants which provided drinking water for over 17,000 people which accounts for 20% of total population in Dimbulagala Divisional Secretariat over a period of 12 months. Six in-depth interviews and questionnaire survey were caried out with RO plant operators. The operational cost per production of cubic meter of filtered water was computed by considering electricity consumption bills. The maintenance costs and service charges were also obtained from the records available with RO plant operators. The results found that the average electricity consumption to produce 1 cube of filtered water is approximately 9kWh and cost is LKR 734 (based on 2021 rates). The average water selling price ranged between LKR 1.00-2.50 per liter. The average monthly income generation from one RO plant is approximately between LKR 561- 875 per cube of filtered water and it largely depended on the type of water source, climatic conditions. It was found that the income generated from RO plants was sufficient enough to cover the operation cost (monthly electricity bill) and for the subsequent maintenance and service charges whenever required. It can be concluded that the use of RO treated water is an economically viable option to provide portable drinking water. 
 Keywords: CKDu, Economic sustainability, Drinking water, Purification cost

The influence of sowing time on the yield of dill fruits and coriander in the dry steppe zone of Transbaikalia

This article describes the history of the industrial development of the essential oil industry and the prospects for cultivating such essential oil crops as dill and coriander, including in the territory of Transbaikalia. Data are provided on the volume of essential oil production in Russia in different years. The noted morphobiological features of dill and coriander suggest the possibility of obtaining a high yield of fruits when they are cultivated by agricultural producers in the dry steppe zone of Transbaikalia. For the first time, in the conditions of the dry steppe zone of Transbaikalia, field research was carried out to study the effectiveness of some agricultural practices for cultivating zoned varieties of dill and coriander. The results of three years of research (2021-2023) on the formation of fruit yield of plants of the Umbrella family with a one-year development cycle - dill (Gribovsky, Lesnogorodsky varieties) and coriander (Karibe variety) in the driest soil-climatic zone of Transbaikalia are summarized. It was revealed that the heat supply of the growing season affects the formation of the fruit yield of the studied crops. The highest fruit yield was obtained from the Gribovsky dill variety at an average sowing time, and from the Lesnogorodsky variety when sowing early. At the same time, the Gribovsky variety is superior in yield to the Lesnogorodsky variety. The coriander variety Caribe provided the maximum fruit yield at a late sowing time in all years of research. In general, the soil and climatic conditions of the dry steppe zone of Transbaikalia make it possible to obtain a harvest of aromatic dill and coriander at the level of other regions of Russia, which determines the future development of essential oil crop production in our region.

Aquifers Recharge Potentiality Evaluation using Bivariate and Multivariate Statistical Analysis: A Case Study in Malwathu Oya River Basin

An aquifer is a body of porous rock or sediment saturated with groundwater that plays a vital role in the hydrological cycle. Due to rapid population growth and urbanization, these valuable resources face threats like climate changes, pollution, and over-exploitation. Overdraft, where extraction exceeds recharge, can lead to groundwater depletion. Although Sri Lanka is not considered a water- scarce country, it faces rising water demands due to rapid population growth. Especially in dry zones, groundwater is crucial for drinking and agriculture; unauthorized agro-wells exacerbate groundwater issues. Therefore, this research aims to assess groundwater recharge potential zones in Malwathu Oya river basin using Bivariate and Multivariate statistical analysis. Comparing these techniques will lead to the precise identification of potential recharge areas. And this study primarily focuses on the implementation of GIS to find solutions for this kind of challenge without performing field investigations. Therefore, eight conditioning factors; water level, electrical conductivity, lithology, soil, slope, lineament density, drainage density and land use were selected as groundwater recharge influencing factors. The well inventory database consisted of 380 well locations and, out of these, 70% was considered as the training dataset, and the remaining 30% was taken as the testing data set. Groundwater recharge potential maps (GRP) were developed in ArcGIS 10.8, based on the results obtained from Frequency Ratio (FR), Logistic Regression (LR) and their ensemble method. For testing the accuracy of the FR model, test well locations were cross tabulated with the GRP map, and the highest well percentage was achieved in high groundwater recharge potential zone (37.39%). In the LR model, cross-tabulation results showed that 62.61% of testing wells were in the very high potential zones. The ensemble method of FR and LR revealed that 53.04% of test wells fall into the very high potential class. Hence, it can be assumed that LR predictions are more reliable than the FR model. To further validate the LR model and ensemble model, Receiver Operating Characteristics curve method was used. The Area Under the Curve (AUC) values for Success rate curve (SRC) and prediction rate curve (PRC) in LR method were 63% and 57% respectively. In ensemble method, the AUC values for SRC and PRC were 89% and 75%. These results indicate that the LR model is relatively poor estimator, whereas FR and LR ensemble method is relatively good estimator to evaluate groundwater recharge potential in Mulwathu Oya river basin.
 
 Keywords: Area under curve, Frequency ratio, GIS, Groundwater recharge, Logistic regression

Assessment of Heavy Metal Accumulation in Freshwater Fishes in Irrigation Tanks, Anuradhapura


 Sri Lanka is well known for its dense freshwater irrigation tanks, especially in dry zones, which play an important role in sustaining both the environment and human livelihoods by providing essential resources such as drinking water, irrigation for agriculture, and nutrition through fish proteins. However, heavy metal contamination poses a significant threat to the sustainability of these valuable freshwater irrigation tanks due to their persistence and non-biodegradability. These heavy metals tend to accumulate in living organisms and biomagnified and have harmful effects on high tropic level organisms like humans who rely on aquatic fish species via food chains. This study was carried out to assess the heavy metal accumulation in muscle and liver parts of freshwater fishes, Tilapia (Oreochromis sp.), and striped snakehead; Lula (Channa striata) in Kammalakkulama, Hammillewa, Kirindegama, and Madawalagama tanks in Anuradhapura district, Sri Lanka. The Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) was used to analyse the randomly collected fish samples for total Cadmium (Cd), Arsenic (As), Lead (Pb), and Mercury (Hg) in the tanks. The results indicated a significant difference (p<0.05) in the detected concentrations of heavy metal levels in tested samples among the four tanks. The highest concentrations of Cd (2.098 mg/kg) and As (0.366 mg/kg) were recorded in the liver of Tilapia in the Kammalakkulama tank. The highest Pb (5.509 mg/kg) and Hg (2.015 mg/kg) concentration was recorded in the Tilapia muscle in the Hammillewa tank and the Lula muscle in the Madawalagama tank respectively exceeding the WHO/FAO standards. The accumulation levels of these heavy metals were higher in the fish liver compared to their muscle in most of the samples. Arsenic (As) showed a significant positive linear relationship (R2=0.531) between their dry body weight and accumulated concentration in the Tilapia muscle. The canonical discriminant analysis showed a significant differentiation among the four tanks concerning heavy metal levels in fish tissues.
 
 Keywords: Channa striata, Heavy metals, Irrigation tanks, ICP-MS, Oreochromis sp.

Total Lipid Content and Fatty Acid Composition of Two Morphologically Distinct Chlorella spp. for Biodiesel Production

This study investigated the potential of two morphologically distinct Chlorella spp. to assess the total lipid content and fatty acid composition targeting biodiesel production. Due to their rapid growth, less space requirement, and zero-conflict with current food demand, green microalgae-led biodiesel production has gained a key attention as an alternative, sustainable and eco-friendly substitute for fossil fuels diminishing the increased demand for fossil fuels, fuel prices and excessive release of greenhouse gases to the atmosphere. The Chlorella spp. were isolated from Beire Lake, Colombo (Wet Zone) and Kiriibban Lake, Monaragala (Dry Zone) of Sri Lanka. They were named as BCS1 and RCS2, respectively. Semi-mass culturing of Chlorella spp. in BG-11 medium (pH=7.5-8.5) was carried out in a greenhouse providing aeration and a 12:12 light: dark photoperiod. After 4 weeks, Chlorella spp. were harvested using aluminium sulphate, employing flocculation method. Harvested biomass was oven-dried and made into a fine powder for analysis. The total lipid content (TLC) of Chlorella spp. was determined using n-hexane as the extraction solvent in a soxhlet extractor maintaining three replicates for each. Extracted lipids were dried in a rotary evaporator and TLC was calculated gravimetrically. The total lipid content of BCS1 and RCS2 was recorded as 15.67% and 18.33%, respectively. After quantification, lipids were resuspended and concentrated in 1 mL of n-hexane to convert into fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs)/ biodiesel via a transesterification reaction. The trans-esterified lipids (FAMEs) were analysed via Gas Chromatography. The most dominant FAMEs of BCS1 were palmitic acid (C16:0), oleic acid [C18:1 cis (n9)], stearic acid (C18:0), lignoceric acid (C24:0), lauric acid (C12:0) and myristic acid (C14:0). The most dominant FAMEs of RCS2 were cis-10-pentadecenoic acid (C15:1), elaidic acid [C18:1 trans (n9)], linolelaidic acid [C18:2 trans (n6)], cis-11-eicosenoic acid [C20:1 (n9)], lignoceric acid (C24:0) and oleic acid [C18:1 cis (n9)]. A well-balanced saturated and unsaturated FAME composition is essential for the optimal biodiesel quality, herein it was found in BCS1 with 41.62% of palmitic acid and 33.38% of oleic acid. Higher percentage of oleic acid exhibits a combination of oxidative stability and low temperature properties determining the suitability of BCS1 as a biodiesel feedstock compared to RCS2. In conclusion, even though RCS2 has a higher total lipid content, BCS1 exhibits more favourable characteristics in its FAME composition as a promising feedstock for biodiesel production.
 
 Keywords: Green microalgae, Chlorella spp., Total lipid content, Lipid composition, Biodiesel

Comparative Analysis of Rainfall Data Sources in Agro-Ecological Zones of Sri Lanka: Expensive Meteorological Measurements vs Freely Available NASA Data

Rainfall information contributes significantly to weather-related research as it can be directly applied to many theories and models such as climate change, disaster management, environmental assessments. Therefore, the availability of long-term meteorological data and their accuracy are crucial. At the same time the access to these data from different sources have their own drawbacks. For example, meteorological department of Sri Lanka is responsible of collecting rainfall data. However, their data are very expensive, and their data are not available for all desired locations. On the other hand, the freely available satellite data sources have a question of reliability of the data although no missing data are found. Thus, a comparative assessment of rainfall data was carried out from two distinct sources: meteorological department of Sri Lanka and freely available National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) satellite-based data. The objective of this study was to compare and discern the distinctions in rainfall data obtained from these sources for the benefit of future usage of the data in various studies. The study was carried out in different agro-ecological Zones (wet, dry, and intermediate) of Sri Lanka for the period of 1981-2021. The stations were selected randomly to represent the zones. Identified missing values in the meteorological dataset were subsequently addressed using the mean imputation method. Statistical procedures were conducted on the non-normal rainfall data to identify similarities between the sources within individual agro-ecological zones. Results revealed that there is a statistically significant difference at 5% between the sources (NASA and meteorological measurements) in wet and intermediate zones. However, the comparison of the dry zone resulted in inconclusive decisions both at 5% and 1% significance levels. In conclusion, it is statistically advisable to use meteorological rainfall measurements over NASA data for the wet and intermediate zones.
 
 Keywords: Rainfall, Agro-ecological zones, Meteorological data, NASA data, Non-normal data

Change Point Detection of Temperature in Karnataka State in India During the Period 1979-2019

This paper deals with study of exposure of Karnataka state to climate change for a period 1979-2019. The Mann Whitney Pettit’s homogeneity test (MWP) was analysed for 240 data sets for monthly data of minimum (MTmin) and maximum temperature (MT max) across ten agro climatic zones) to estimate the year of structural break or year of shift in mean monthly temperature from one level to next higher level during the forty years of study period i.e., 1979-2019. About 77 data sets were identified to show year of structural break The annual mean temperature recorded anupward shift in all the agro climatic zones of Karnataka except in hilly zone. The break year was chosen based on its frequent occurrence in data sets of minimum and maximum temperature. It is observed to be 1998 for North Eastern Transition Zone and is 1997, 1994, 1996, 1995, 1996, 1999, 1999, 1999 and 1997 for North Eastern Dry Zone, Northern Dry Zone, Central Dry Zone, Eastern Dry Zone, Southern Dry Zone, Southern Transition Zone, Northern Transition Zone, Hilly Zone and Coastal Zone respectively. Therefore, it is a evidential picture reflecting the increase in temperatures across the zones. Researchers should develop crop varieties that are insensitive to temperature changes and should develop packages of practices which will mitigate adverse effect of fluctuations in climate parameters on crop productivity.

Effect of Organic Farming Practices on Soil Chemical Properties

A survey was conducted in the Bellary district Northern Dry Zone of Karnataka (zone-3). Only those farmers who had been practicing it for more than five years were selected and information on the type and quantity of organics used by them in different cropping systems viz., Groundnut, Ragi, Onion, Drumstick and Maize was collected, Soil samples from the selected 30 organic farms and the neighboring conventional farms under the same cropping system were also collected. The results revealed that organic farming approaches enhance the chemical composition of soil, augment the availability of macro and micronutrients, and elevate the soil's organic carbon status—all of which are critical for sustainable crop yields. It is possible to draw the conclusion that organic agricultural practices positively impact soil characteristics and sustainable yield, hence improving soil health.

Soil-site Suitability Assessment for Major Fruit Crops in Chikkumbi-3 Micro-watershed (4D7C5O2f), Karnataka Using Remote Sensing and GIS Techniques

A research project was conducted to assess the viability of three soil series (CLK, CKB, and HNL) in the Chikkumbi-3 micro-watershed of Dharwad district, located in the Northern dry zone (Zone-3) of Karnataka. Using criteria such as texture, depth, slope, erosion, graveliness, and stoniness, ArcGIS V 10.8 was employed to classify the soils into five mapping units. The suitability of these mapping units was then evaluated for cultivating major fruit crops, including mango, lime, guava, grape, pomegranate, and sapota. The analysis revealed that the soil series Chulki (CLK), Chikkumbi (CKB) and Hanchinal (HNL) are presently not suitable for growing mango and lime due to significant limitations in physical conditions, rooting, and moisture. However, the region is deemed moderately to marginally suitable for the cultivation of guava, grape, pomegranate, and sapota. These findings serve as foundational data for identifying specific soil constraints, aiding in the development of sustainable strategies for crop production in the study area.

Growth Dynamics of vegetable crops in Eastern Dry Zone of Karnataka, India: An Economic Analysis

The present study was initiated in the Kolar and Chikkaballapur districts of Karnataka with the overall objective of assessing the growth in production and allocation of the area under vegetables in situations. The study was based on time series data collected from the Directorate of Economics and Statistics, Bangalore. Compound Annual Growth Rate and Triennium averages were worked out to examine the trend in area, production and productivity of major vegetable crops. Markov chain analysis was used to examine the dynamic shift in the area, production, and productivity of major vegetable crops for a decade from 2007-08 to 2017-18. The triennium end average of area major vegetable crops in Kolar district for the period TE 2010-11 was 2480.20 ha reduced to 1424.00 ha in TE 2017-18. The productivity of major vegetable crops is increasing to 15134.30 kg/ha from 8830.10 kg/ha (TE 2000-01). The triennium end average of area major vegetable crops in Chikkaballapur district for the period TE 2010-11 was 1085.20 ha increased to 1311.00 ha in TE 2017-18. The productivity of major vegetable crops is increasing to 14422.30 kg/ha from 12166.40 kg/ha (TE 2000-01). The overall growth in the area and productivity of vegetables in Kolar was -7.37 and 8.14 per cent, respectively whereas the overall growth in the area and productivity of vegetables in Chikkaballapur was 4.80 and 1.98 per cent, respectively. Implies growth in the area, production, and productivity showing a decline turn to negative. Whereas, the triennium end average of area for major vegetable crops for the period TE 2017-18 was 124765.7 ha growth of 3.1 per cent and a productivity average of 2165.7 kg/ha with a growth of -0.3 per cent. The tomato and cabbage were the highest retention capacity of 69 per cent equally in both districts. Beans, Brinjal, and Dry chilli have zero retention capacity in the Chikkaballapur district whereas onion, brinjal, and cabbage have zero retention capacity in the Kolar district. i.e these crops lost their 100 per cent area to the other crops. This will be projected by using Markov chain analysis.

Response of chia (Salvia hispanica L.) to spacing and organic nutrient levels under Southern dry zone of Karnataka

Response of chia (Salvia hispanica L.) to spacing and organic nutrient levels under Southern dry zone of Karnataka

Data Center Energy Evaluation Tool Development and Analysis of Power Usage Effectiveness with Different Economizer Types in Various Climate Zones

Data centers are energy-intensive facilities, with over 95% of their total cooling load attributed to the heat generated by information technology equipment (ITE). Various energy-saving techniques have been employed to enhance data center efficiency and to reduce power usage effectiveness (PUE). Among these, economizers using outdoor air for cooling are the most effective for addressing year-round cooling demands. Despite the simplicity of the load composition, analyzing data center cooling systems involves dynamic considerations, such as weather conditions, system conditions, and economizer control. A PUE interpretation tool was specifically developed for use in data centers, aimed at addressing the simplicity of data center loads and the complexity of system analysis. The tool was verified through a comparison with results from DesignBuilder implementing the EnergyPlus algorithm. Using the developed tool, a comparative analysis of economizer strategies based on the PUE distribution was conducted, with the aim of reducing the PUE of data centers across various climatic zones. The inclusion of evaporative cooling (EC) further improved cooling efficiency, leading to reductions in PUE by approximately 0.02 to 0.05 in dry zones. Additionally, wet zones exhibited PUE reductions, ranging from approximately 0.03 to 0.07, with the implementation of indirect air-side economizer (IASE). Sensitivity and uncertainty analysis were further conducted. The computer room air handler (CRAH) supply temperature and CRAH temperature difference were the most influential factors affecting the annual PUE. For the direct air-side economizer (DASE) and DASE + EC systems, higher PUE uncertainty was observed in zones 1B, 3B, 4B, and 5B, showing ranges of 1.17–1.39 and 1.15–1.17, respectively. In the case of the IASE and IASE + EC systems, higher PUE uncertainty was noted in zones 0A, 0B, 1A, 1B, and 2A, with ranges of 1.22–1.43 and 1.17–1.43, respectively. The distinctive innovation of the tool developed in this study is characterized by its integration of specific features unique to data centers. It streamlines the computation of cooling loads, thus minimizing the burden of input, and delivers energy consumption data for data center cooling systems with a level of precision comparable to that of commercial dynamic energy analysis tools. It provides data center engineers with a valuable resource to identify optimal alternatives and system design conditions for data centers. This empowers them to make informed decisions based on energy efficiency enhancements, thereby strengthening their ability to improve energy efficiency.

Mission profile-based assessment of photovoltaic system reliability for Indian climatic zones

ABSTRACT Solar energy is expected to overtake wind energy as the leading renewable energy source by 2050, and therefore, accurate lifetime and reliability predictions for solar photovoltaic (PV) installations are necessary. The microinverter is a pivotal component of stand-alone PV power systems. The reliability of the microinverter depends on the mission profile of the geographical location, such as solar irradiance, ambient temperature, and wind velocity. This study developed a comprehensive reliability map for a 200Wp monocrystalline panel and a 250W microinverter based on mission profile data collected from 198 locations across India. A novel mathematical model is developed and validated using Ansys Icepak to evaluate the junction temperatures of microinverter components. The results show that the junction temperature significantly affects the reliability of PV system. In the hot and dry climatic zone of Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, the maximum MOSFET junction temperature and Mean Time Between Failure (MTBF) obtained were 63.14°C, and 27.34 years, respectively. Furthermore, in the cold and dry climatic zone of Leh, Ladakh, the junction temperature dropped to 29.74°C, increasing MOSFET’s MTBF to 49.8 years. These results prove that the reliability depends on the mission profile, and it should not be ignored in evaluating the reliability of solar PV systems.

Development of an information database of saline and wetlands in semi-desert and dry steppe zones of Abai, Pavlodar and Karaganda

In this article, the authors have developed and used soil morphogenetic indicators in the course conducted ground field work to determine saline and waterlogged soils in the semi-desert and dry steppe, zones of the Abay, Pavlodar and Karagandy regions of Kazakhstan. In Kazakhstan, there are no practical and scientific provisions for monitoring and managing saline and waterlogged soils based on digital technologies. This development makes it possible to determine the location of such lands depending on the location of soil and climatic zones. And also, the development of a cartographic model of these soils with the determination of the degree of their salinity makes it possible to develop recommendations for their development (improvement) with the subsequent preservation of productive longevity. The study of the current state of saline and waterlogged soils was carried out through field work along routes covering the territory of 3 administrative regions of the republic. Descriptions of the state of soils were carried out at 28 base points. A database of saline and waterlogged soils of the semi-desert and dry steppe (latitudinal), zones has been compiled, including the following indicators: soil type and subtype, profile morphology, content of humus and nutrients, water-soluble salts, particle size distribution, absorbed bases, and cation exchange capacity.

Endophytic bacteria associated with critically endangered medicinal plant Trillium govanianum (Wall ex. Royle) and their potential in soil nutrition alleviation

Trillium govaniaunm is a critically endangered medicinal plant commonly known as ‘Nag Chhatri’ that grows mainly in the dry temperate zone of western Himalayas India. Here, in the present study, T. govanianum plants have been explored to isolate and identify bacterial endophytes with plant growth promoting potential and to evaluate their effects on soil biochemical property under field conditions. In total, 107 endophytic bacteria have been isolated from T. govanianum which were then tested for their in vitro plant growth promoting activity. Twenty two bacterial strains which showed all PGP traits were selected for evaluating their enzymatic and drought tolerating potential. The best P-solubilisation and IAA production 92.56 ± 2.29 μg/ml, and 62.74 ± 0.58 μg/ml were recorded by strain Ar13 respectively" in this way, the strain Ar13 demonstrated the best P-solubilisation and IAA production, whereas Ms5 produced the highest siderophore production i.e. 94.86 ± 2.02%. The maximum protease (18.00 ± 0.11 mm) was shown by strain Ms5 whereas, Ar13 showed the highest cellulase (20.00 ± 0.41 mm), chitinase (22 ± .02 mm) and ACC deaminase (48.84 ± ± 0.17 µM ά-KB mg−1h − 1). In total three bacterial isolates were further selected for further studies and identified as Pantoea spp. Ar13, Microbacterium spp. Ar17 and Pseudomonas spp. Ms5 by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Furthermore, these three selected bacterial isolates were utilized individually and in consortia for the field application for consecutive two years. The findings unveiled a notably enhancement of micronutrients in all plants subjected to bacterial strains, when compared to the control group. The consortium of endophytes recorded significantly higher total soil organic carbon (2.58 ± 0.03%), electric conductivity (0.21 ± 0.01 dsm-1), and soil nutrients like available N (418.75 ± 1.42 kg ha-1), P (36.05 ± 0.12 kg ha-1), K (291.23 ± 0.99 kg ha-1) content and soil enzymes like dehydrogenase, phosphatase and microbial population. To our knowledge, this is the very first report of its kind of the isolation of endophytic bacterial strains from T. govanianum and microorganisms that can be utilized in future applications for agricultural sustainability.

A new species of gracile blind snake in the genus Letheobia (Squamata: Scolecophidia: Typhlopidae) from Sagalla Hill, south-eastern Kenya

ABSTRACT The members of the typhlopid Letheobia pallida group are characterised by having a divided or split ocular scale. Letheobia wrayi sp. nov., differs from all other members of this group by having a low mid-dorsal scale count of 355 (other taxa 376–670). It also has a rostral which is rounded, not truncated posteriorly, and its nasal suture arises from the base of the first (not second) labial. In the new species the number of middorsal scales is similar to that of L. swahilica, but it is larger in total body length (245 mm compared to 190 mm). Letheobia wrayi sp. nov., differs from L. toritensis and L. pallida that have > 400 mid-dorsals. The new species can be distinguished from L. mbeerensis (mid-dorsals > 600, long tail 2.9% vs 1.2% short tail). It is known only from the holotype collected on the Sagalla Hill–Taita Hills at an elevation of about 1 100 m within a dry deciduous forest zone.

Effect of Change of Agronomic Practices on Nutritive Value of Hybrid Fodder Sorghum Cultivated in Lowland Paddy Fields of the Dry Zone of Sri Lanka

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of low fertilizer rate and irrigation along with increased plant density on nutritive value of hybrid fodder sorghum cultivated in lowland fallowed paddy fields in dry zone during May to September. Seeds were sown in Yala season and continued as a ratoon crop to inter-monsoonal (Third) season. Four agronomic management packages (AMP1, AMP2, AMP3 and AMP4), which differ in fertilizer application rates, plant spacing, and irrigation intervals were tested with two fodder sorghum varieties (SX-17 and Dairygreen) in a split-plot design. The initial and first ratoon crops were harvested at dough grain stage. High fertilizer rate in combination with short irrigation interval, resulted in high (P<0.05) crude protein content in the initial harvest. AMP2 and AMP4 produced equally high (P<0.05) total dry matter yield (DMY) for SX-17 (24.7 and 20.9 MT/ha, respectively) and Dairygreen (27.7 and 25.7 MT/ha, respectively) varieties. Total digestible organic matter, crude protein and metabolizable energy yields were higher under AMP2 and AMP4 compared to other two packages for both varieties. Nutritive value was high in SX-17 under AMP1 for ratoon crop. In conclusion, AMP4 with plant spacing of 45 x 15 cm, low fertilizer rate (338-47-28 kg/ha, urea-TSP-MOP) and extended irrigation interval, could be recommended for cultivation of hybrid fodder sorghum in lowland paddy fields in the dry zone during Yala season. However, for cultivating SX-17 targeting to produce fodder with high nutritive level, AMP1 with spacing of 45 x 30 cm, high fertilizer rate (400-62-37 kg/ha of urea-TSP-MOP) and frequent irrigation could be recommended.