Hilly Region Research Articles

Analysis of wavy leading-edge noise reduction and source mechanism in rod-airfoil interactions

Inspired by the wings of owls and the tubercles present on humpback whales' flippers, leading-edge serrations have demonstrated the potential to mitigate airfoil–turbulence interaction noise. To deepen our understanding of the underlying mechanisms driving this noise reduction, we conducted compressible large-eddy simulations on a rod-airfoil configuration equipped with wavy leading edges (WLEs) of varying amplitudes. All tested serrations exhibited some degree of noise reduction, with the amplitude of the WLE exerting a significant influence on the overall noise reduction effect. Notably, the wavy airfoil with the largest amplitude demonstrated the most substantial noise reduction in the mid-frequency range, achieving a remarkable decrease in up to 2.2 dB in noise levels. Applying multi-process acoustic theory, we delved into sound production on surfaces and near-field structures responsible for generating noise sources. Our findings underscore a crucial mechanism contributing to noise reduction—the source cutoff effects manifested through the significant weakening of noise sources at hill regions along the serrations' surface. Stronger source cutoff effects were observed with larger WLE amplitudes. Furthermore, our study reveals that destructive relationships among sources also play a pivotal role in reducing flow noise. The reduction in mid-frequency noise results from a synergy of the source cutoff effect and destructive source relationships induced by WLEs, while the decrease in low-frequency noise primarily emanates from the source cutoff effect.

Present status and prospects on conservation and promotion of Comilla cotton (Gossypium arboreum race cernuum) cultivation in the Garo hills region of Northeastern India

Present status and prospects on conservation and promotion of Comilla cotton (Gossypium arboreum race cernuum) cultivation in the Garo hills region of Northeastern India

Effects of set size and planting date on yield, quality and shelf life of kharif onion under low hill region of himachal pradesh

The experiment was conducted at an experimental farm to find out the optimum set size and suitable planting date of onion during kharif season for obtaining the maximum yield. The trials had three replications and 16 treatment combinations on Agrifound Dark Red. The treatments included four set sizes (small 1-1.5cm, medium 1.5-2.0cm, large 2.0-2.5cm, and extra large >2.5cm) and four planting dates (July 10, July 25, August 10, and August 25). The treatment combination of 1.5-2.0cm set size and 10th August planting was advantageous for several characteristics. Small sets (1-1.5 cm) produced small bulbs and also the yield was reduced. Large and exceptionally large size sets (2.0-2.5cm and >2.5cm) produced more twins, triplets, split bulbs, and bolting, which were undesirable features. Considering net profit and economic yields, medium set size and planting on August 10th was found to be more profitable (1: 3.84). Bangladesh J. Bot. 53(1): 17-23, 2024 (March)

Scale-dependent habitat selection is shaped by landscape context in dispersing white-tailed deer

ContextIdentifying how animals select habitat while navigating landscapes is important for understanding behavioral ecology and guiding management and conservation decisions. However, habitat selection may be spatially and temporally plastic, making it challenging to quantify how species use resources across space and time.ObjectivesWe investigated how landscape context and dispersal shape habitat selection at multiple spatial scales in white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus).MethodsUsing step-selection functions, we quantified habitat selection of landcover and topographic covariates at three spatial scales for juvenile males during three movement periods (before, during, after dispersal) in two regions of Missouri, USA—a fragmented, low forest cover region with rolling hills, and a forested, topographically variable region.ResultsAlthough selection for forest cover increased after dispersal in both regions, deer selected forest cover at smaller spatial scales in the fragmented, low forest cover region. This result indicates scale of selection was dependent on forest availability and configuration with deer likely perceiving landscapes differently across their distribution. Functional responses to topography differed in magnitude and direction between regions with deer avoiding roads and selecting valleys in the rolling hills region (especially during dispersal) while showing no response to roads and selecting for ridgelines (during dispersal) in the topographically variable region. This result suggests movement behavior is strongly dependent on topography.ConclusionsAlthough deer may select similar habitats among regions, landscape context and movement period shape the scale, strength, and direction of selection. This result has important implications for how animals use landscapes across different regional contexts.

Evolution of rates, patterns, and driving forces of green eco-spaces in a subtropical hilly region

Monitoring ecological resource change in mountainous and hilly areas (MHAs) is vital for theoretical and practical advancements of ecological resource utilization and management in complex ecosystems. The factors driving structural and functional changes in green eco-spaces (GES) in these areas are complex and uncertain, with notable spatial scale effects. However, analyzing the multi-scale driving mechanisms of ecological and socioeconomic factors at a fine spatiotemporal scale presents significant challenges. To address these challenges, we analyzed dynamic changes in GES and eco-socio-economic development in Shanghang County, a typical mountainous region in southern China. We used multiple linear regression and multi-scale geographically weighted regression model to identify key factors driving GES changes and their multi-scale effects at both global and local levels. Over the past two decades, the GES area in the study area has exhibited a consistent pattern of decline, characterized by phases of gradual decline (2000–2005), sharp decline (2005–2009), slow decline (2009–2019). Key global factors driving GES changes included elevation (ELE), slope (SLOPE), population density (PD), distance to settlements (SETTLE), and distance to administrative centers (ADMIN). These factors exhibited significant spatial heterogeneity and multi-scale effects on GES changes. Specifically, SETTLE, PD, SLOPE, and ELE consistently drove GES changes at the local level, while ADMIN only showed significant localized effects during 2005–2009. The synergy between SETTLE and SLOPE had a considerable impact on GES changes, increasing over time, whereas ELE and PD demonstrated a consistent trade-off effect. These findings provide detailed spatiotemporal insights into the driving mechanisms of natural ecological resources, offering crucial guidance for environmental management, land source management, regional economic development, and biodiversity conservation in Shanghang and analogous subtropical hilly regions worldwide.

Quantifying Prescribed-Fire Smoke Exposure Using Low-Cost Sensors and Satellites: Springtime Burning in Eastern Kansas.

Prescribed fires (fires intentionally set for mitigation purposes) produce pollutants, which have negative effects on human and animal health. One of the pollutants produced from fires is fine particulate matter (PM2.5). The Flint Hills (FH) region of Kansas experiences extensive prescribed burning each spring (March-May). Smoke from prescribed fires is often understudied due to a lack of monitoring in the rural regions where prescribed burning occurs, as well as the short duration and small size of the fires. Our goal was to attribute PM2.5 concentrations to the prescribed burning in the FH. To determine PM2.5 increases from local burning, we used low-cost PM2.5 sensors (PurpleAir) and satellite observations. The FH were also affected by smoke transported from fires in other regions during 2022. We separated the transported smoke from smoke from fires in eastern Kansas. Based on data from the PurpleAir sensors, we found the 24-hr median PM2.5 to increase by 3.0-5.3μgm-3 (based on different estimates) on days impacted by smoke from fires in the eastern Kansas region compared to days unimpacted by smoke. The FH region was the most impacted by smoke PM2.5 compared to other regions of Kansas, as observed in satellite products and in situ measurements. Additionally, our study found that hourly PM2.5 estimates from a satellite-derived product aligned with our ground-based measurements. Satellite-derived products are useful in rural areas like the FH, where monitors are scarce, providing important PM2.5 estimates.

Effects of forest type on carbon storage in the hilly region of Loess Plateau, China

The hilly region of the Loess Plateau has lush vegetation and high carbon sequestration potential. However, previous studies have not focused on differences in carbon storage of different forest types and their causes. This study aimed to explore the carbon storage of forest and identify the main influencing factors of carbon storage to provide basis for improving the carbon fixation capacity of planted forest in the region. Broad-leaved, coniferous, and mixed forests at different altitudes were selected from the Ziwuling Mountains in the Loess hilly region. The carbon storage as well as physical and chemical characteristics of the vegetation and soil samples from different soil layers were measured. The vegetation factor, terrain factor, and soil factor of the sample plot were evaluated by Mantel test and redundancy analysis (RDA). The carbon storage of the mixed forest (138.87 MgC hm−2) showed the highest carbon storage compared to broad-leaved forest (131.97 MgC hm−2) and coniferous forest (113.62 MgC hm−2) in the loess hilly region. The carbon storage of different components followed the order of soil carbon storage, vegetation carbon storage, and litter carbon storage. The soil organic carbon content and forest type had the highest explanations for total carbon storage, accounting for 57 and 26.9% of the variance, respectively. This indicates that forest type is an important factor affecting carbon storage, and selecting mixed forests can achieve better results when creating and transforming carbon sink forests.

Evolving Urban Expansion Patterns and Multi-Scenario Simulation Analysis from a Composite Perspective of “Social–Economic–Ecological”: A Case Study of the Hilly and Gully Regions of Northern Loess Plateau in Shaanxi Province

Over recent decades, the hilly and gully regions of the northern Loess Plateau in Shaanxi province have grappled with severe soil erosion and a precarious ecological milieu. Shaped by urbanization policies, this locale has encountered a gamut of issues, including an imbalance in human–environment dynamics and the degradation of ecological integrity. Consequently, the comprehension of how urban expansion impacts the optimization of regional landscape configurations, the alignment of human–environment interactions in the Loess Plateau’s hilly and gully domains, and the mitigation of urban ecological challenges assumes paramount importance. Leveraging data from land use remote sensing monitoring, alongside inputs from natural geography and socio-economic spheres, and employing methodologies such as landscape pattern indices, we conduct an exhaustive analysis of Zichang City’s urban fabric from 1980 to 2020. Furthermore, employing the CLUE-S model, we undertake multifaceted scenario simulations to forecast urban expansion in Zichang City through to 2035. Our findings delineate two distinct phases in Zichang City’s urban expansion trajectory over the past four decades. From 1980 to 2000, urban construction land in Zichang City experienced a phase of methodical and steady growth, augmenting by 64.98 hectares, alongside a marginal decrease in the landscape shape index (LSI) by 0.02 and a commensurate increase in the aggregation index (AI) by 1.17. Conversely, from 2000 to 2020, urban construction land in Zichang City witnessed an epoch of rapid and haphazard expansion, doubling in expanse, marked by a notable escalation in LSI (2.45) and a corresponding descent in the AI (2.85). The precision of CLUE-S model simulations for Zichang City’s land use alterations registers at 0.88, fulfilling the exigent demand for further urban expansion and land use change prognostication. Under the aegis of the natural development scenario, the augmentation of urban construction land in Zichang City primarily encroaches upon grassland, farmland, and woodland, effectuating an increase of 159.81 hectares. Conversely, under the ambit of urbanization development, urban construction land contends predominantly with farmland, grassland, and woodland, heralding an augmentation of 520.42 hectares. Lastly, under the mantle of ecological protection, urban construction land expansion predominantly encroaches upon grassland, farmland, and woodland, resulting in an augmentation of 4.27 hectares. Through a nuanced analysis of the spatiotemporal evolution of urban expansion and scenario-based simulations, this study endeavors to furnish multi-faceted, scenario-driven, and policy-centric insights for regional planning, urban spatial delineation, and regional ecological safeguarding.

Simulation of topographic effects on soil erosion and deposition in a small watershed of loess hilly region

AbstractTopography plays a critical role in soil migration and redistribution, but few studies have been conducted to quantify its effects on sediment deposition. In this study, we established a physical simulation and analysis framework to investigate the erosional and depositional impacts of two‐dimensional slope terrain, specifically applied to Xiannangou small watershed in the loess hilly region. The results showed that the slope gradient, slope length, and slope shape have significantly influence the distribution of soil erosion and deposition. The magnitude of the erosion/deposition rate (Yr) determines the relative intensity of slope erosion and deposition, where Yr < 0 indicates erosion and Yr > 0 signifies deposition. The erosion rate on straight slope exhibited a positive correlation with slope length, while the erosion/deposition rate on concave and convex slopes exhibited fluctuations with slope length. Soil erosion predominantly occurred along the main flow line and the middle slope, aligning with the observed distribution of gully and slope erosion in the field. The sediment deposition was primarily concentrated on the lower slope or the lowest outlet of the basin, notably in gullies and gentle slopes where the terrain slows, especially during transition from steep to gradual slopes. These results can effectively predict the relative erosion/sedimentation rate of two‐dimensional slopes, significantly contributing to a comprehensive understanding of how topography influences soil erosion and deposition. This study thoroughly considers the role of sediment deposition in the soil erosion process, providing a more accurate reflection of soil erosion/deposition in small watersheds. It addresses the existing deficiency in sediment consideration within soil erosion evaluation and supports the enhancement of soil erosion model.

Groundwater Characterization Studies Using Electric Resistivity Survey (ERS) in Kirana Hills, District Chiniot, Pakistan

This study demonstrates an application of resistivity surveys to understand local hydrological conditionsand basement configuration in Kirana Hills region of District Chiniot. Schlumberger configuration has been applied toacquire vertical electrical sounding (VES) data. The apparent resistivity curves were calibrated with theoretical curvesto compute true resistivity and depth of different layers. Maps of true resistivity at various depths were generated tostudy the lateral resistivity variation in the area. VES sounding data were compared with available lithological columnsto establish relationship of lithology and resistivity. Resistivity values are laterally variable due to lithology and qualityof water. Very low resistivity values were observed within alluvial sediments close to the Kirana Hills due to presenceof high Total Dissolved Solids in water. Resistivity value layers in unconsolidated sediments increases in the southernand western parts of the area where relatively better quality of groundwater occurs. In the northern and eastern parts ofthe study area very high resistivity (greater than 100 Ωm) is recorded at depth greater than 40m that indicates hard rockbasement. The resistivity survey in the area is useful to differentiate zones of low and high Total Dissolved Solidsgroundwater and also determine the zones where subsurface basement is shallow. Therefore, resistivity survey inKirana Hill regions is helpful in solving hydrological issues of the study area.

Edible flowers efficiency to boost the thermal oxidation stability of soybean oil: Polyphenolic and antioxidant insights

Indigenous people in Bangladesh's Chittagong hill regions use Curcuma longa and Zingiber officinale flowers in their traditional meals due to their vibrant color, exquisite flavor, and fragrant perfume. The induction time of soybean oil enriched with the ethanolic extract of the flower of Curcuma longa (CFE), Zingiber officinale (ZFE), and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) was compared to determine the effect on oxidation stability. The study also measured bioactive polyphenolic components, total flavonoid (TFC), total tannin (TTC), total phenolic (TPC), total antioxidant activity (TAA), and IC50 values of ZFE and CFE. The induction time was shorter for both 5 % of CFE (6.97 h) and ZFE (6.85 h) than 0.02 % BHT (7.18 h) but longer than 0.01 % BHT (6.49 h). TPC in CFE (37.57 mg GAE/g) was higher than in ZFE (26.14 mg GAE/g). TAA and IC50 values were not significantly different. TFC in ZFE (28.8 mg QE/g) was higher than in CFE (27.63 mg QE/g). The major polyphenols of CFE and ZFE were trans-cinnamic acid (12,209 and 678 μg/g); catechin hydrate (1758 and 1821 μg/g); p-coumaric acid (1186 and 126 μg/g); and quercetin (1309 and 1773 μg/g), respectively. This study demonstrated that antioxidants in flower extract improve fat and oil oxidation stability.

Formulation and Validation of Organic Insect Pest Management Module for Pests of Cabbage and Cauliflower in Valley and Foot Hills Region, Manipur, India

During the rabi seasons from 2017 to 2020 in the valley and foothill regions of Imphal, Manipur, a study was conducted to design and test three different organic insect pest management modules M1, M2 and M3 for cabbage and cauliflower. The focus was on three major pests: cabbage butterfly, diamondback moth, and cabbage aphid. Module three (M-3) emerged as the most effective strategy, incorporating various organic practices. This included seed treatment with Trichoderma harzianum at 10g/kg seed and soil drenching in nursery plots at 25g/100 m2, intercropping with mustard, application of anonnin extract at 5 ml/litre, Spinosad 45% SC (biopesticide) at 3ml/10 litres, and Verticillium lecanii at 10 ml/litre. Additionally, the module incorporated the installation of yellow sticky traps for aphids and pheromone traps for diamondback moths for monitoring and mass trapping. The results indicated that Module 3 performed well than other modules and the control group in reducing insect pest incidence on cabbage and cauliflower with the number of cabbage butterfly ranging from 0.07 to 0.11, in both cabbage and cauliflower, where as 0.06 to 0.04 in case of Diamond back moth and 0.21 to 0.47 number of cabbage aphid per square inch leaf area with B:C ratio of 1:12.4 and 1:12.7 for cabbage and 1:6:39 and1:6.41 for cauliflower at lamphel and lanol fields, respectively. Moreover, it contributed to an increased yield, demonstrating its superiority in organic insect pest management for both valley and foothill regions. This underscores the effectiveness of a holistic and integrated approach to pest management in organic farming practices.

Elucidating the changing particulate matter pollution and associated health effects in rural India during 2000–2019

Atmospheric pollution is a serious problem in many countries, including India, and it is generally considered as an urban issue. To fill the knowledge gap about particulate pollution and its adverse health effects in rural India for well-informed region-specific policy interventions, we present new insights on the rural pollution of India in terms of PM2.5. Here, we analyse PM2.5 pollution and its associated health burden in rural India using satellite and reanalyses data for the period 2000–2019. We observe a gradual and consistent rise of atmospheric pollution in rural areas of India. The highest PM2.5 levels are observed in Indo-Gangetic Plain (IGP) during winter and post-monsoon seasons (107.0 ± 17.0 and 91.0 ± 21.7 μg/m3, respectively). A dipole reversal in seasonal trends between winter and post-monsoon seasons is found for black carbon (BC) and organic carbon (OC) in the rural IGP. The rural North West India (NWI) experiences elevated PM2.5 concentrations due to dust storms, while the rural hilly region (HR) in the Himalaya remains the least polluted region in India. The highest PM2.5 associated cardiopulmonary mortality in 2019 is observed in the rural IGP districts (1000–5100), whereas the highest mortality due to lung cancer at district level accounts for 10–60 deaths. The highest mortality attributed to PM2.5 is observed in districts of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan. The priority-wise segregation of states as per World Health Organisation (WHO) Interim targets (ITs), as assessed in this study, might be helpful in implementation and development of policies in phases. We, therefore, present the first detailed study on the PM2.5 pollution in rural India, and provide valuable insights on its distribution, variability, sources and associated mortality, and emphasize the need for addressing this issue to protect public health.

Characteristics and Estimation of Dew in the Loess Hilly Region of Northern Shaanxi Province, China

As a non-precipitation water source, dew is important for plant and animal survival and crop production in arid and water-scarce areas. This study assessed the amount of dew in a dry zone in a long-term (2016 to 2022) field observation experiment at the Ansai Experimental Station, a typical loess hilly area in China. Dew primarily occurred in summer and autumn, with a frequency of >50%. The average annual dew amount was 29.20 mm, with an average annual rainfall of 641.8 mm. The average annual dew-to-rain ratio was 4.58%, and the average annual number of dew days was 143.6 d/a. The surface soil moisture content increased by approximately 1.02% with increasing dew amounts. The change in the soil moisture at a 5 cm depth was 0.14% on average and lagged substantially by 1 h. Using the Beysens model, the annual estimated and measured dew amounts in 2022 were 25.27 and 29.84 mm, respectively, and the annual normalized root mean square deviation (NRMSD) was 0.17. Thus, the Beysens model evaluated the dew amount in the study area well at the monthly and annual scales. The quantification of dew resources can provide support for the development, utilization, and management of limited water resources in arid areas, promoting more accurate decision-making for the sustainable development of water resources in the future.

Traces of Pesticides in Sources of Drinking Water in a Hilly Region of Uttarakhand

Traces of Pesticides in Sources of Drinking Water in a Hilly Region of Uttarakhand

Deterministic assembly of grassland soil microbial communities driven by climate warming amplifies soil carbon loss

Perturbations in soil microbial communities caused by climate warming are expected to have a strong impact on biodiversity and future climate–carbon (C) feedback, especially in vulnerable habitats that are highly sensitive to environmental change. Here, we investigate the impact of four-year experimental warming on soil microbes and C cycling in the Loess Hilly Region of China. The results showed that warming led to soil C loss, mainly from labile C, and this C loss is associated with microbial response. Warming significantly decreased soil bacterial diversity and altered its community structure, especially increasing the abundance of heat-tolerant microorganisms, but had no effect on fungi. Warming also significantly increased the relative importance of homogeneous selection and decreased “drift” of bacterial and fungal communities. Moreover, warming decreased bacterial network stability but increased fungal network stability. Notably, the magnitude of soil C loss was significantly and positively correlated with differences in bacterial community characteristics under ambient and warming conditions, including diversity, composition, network stability, and community assembly. This result suggests that microbial responses to warming may amplify soil C loss. Combined, these results provide insights into soil microbial responses and C feedback in vulnerable ecosystems under climate warming scenarios.

Soil quality evaluation of different land use modes in small watersheds in the hilly region of southern Jiangsu

The Yixing Yuantianjian small watershed is a provincial soil erosion key management area in the hilly region of southern Jiangsu. It has been implemented key national soil erosion control project for small watershed management, which is typical and representative in the region. It is important to quantitatively evaluate the soil quality of the area under different land use modes and then select suitable ecological restoration measures to promote the ecological and economic construction of small watersheds in the hilly region of southern Jiangsu. Used four types of land use (forest land, garden land, arable land and abandoned land) in the Yixing Yuantianjian small watershed as the research object, 13 soil physical and chemical property indicators were screened based on principal component analysis, correlation analysis and Norm value calculation to construct a minimum data set (MDS) for soil quality evaluation. The results showed that the variability of soil chemical indicators of land use modes was higher than that of soil physical indicators in the study area. The MDS indicators affected by soil quality in the small watershed are sand content (Sand), total nitrogen (TN), available nitrogen (AN), available potassium (AK), total soil porosity (TSP) and bulk density (BD), which provide valid information on soil quality in the area with high accuracy. The soil quality index for different land use modes in the small watershed in the hilly areas of southern Jiangsu was SQI forest land (0.83) > SQI cultivated land (0.74) > SQI garden land (0.66) > SQI abandoned land (0.46), with soil quality at a medium to high level. AN was the key factor limiting the soil quality of this watershed. This study can provide a scientific basis for soil quality enhancement and ecological restoration in the small watersheds of the southern Jiangsu hilly region.

Spatial variation in iodine content with relation to soil physicochemical properties in lower Himalayan region

Topography of a place has a significant impact on soil characteristics that ultimately influence soil iodine levels. Lower Himalayan region (LHR) in Pakistan has a wide range of climatic and geological variations. Hence, an investigation was conducted to analyze the iodine concentration and other physicochemical properties of soils in two LHR districts, Haripur and Mansehra. Spatial analysis indicated a decrease in iodine levels in the mountainous regions in comparison to the flat portions of LHR. Soil samples obtained from different locations across Haripur had a stronger affinity for iodine due to variations in solubility and adsorption of iodine to soil clay components, which can be attributed to lower pH, higher organic matter, and a higher cation exchange capacity (CEC). In contrast to the plains of Haripur, elevated locations in the Mansehra district had decreased levels of iodine, along with a higher soil pH and reduced soil organic matter. The soil erosion and depletion of soil micronutrients in the hilly region of Mansehra may be attributed to the unfavorable soil conditions and excessive precipitation. Presence of clay, iron (Fe), and aluminum (Al) in the soil led to a rise in iodine levels. Iodine concentrations exhibited an inverse relationship with soil acidity. Study revealed a direct correlation between soil iodine levels and their cation exchange capacity (CEC) and clay content. This study aims to gather fundamental data for the chosen regions of LHR to address illnesses caused by iodine deficiency.

The Badenian/Sarmatian (Middle Miocene) boundary in the Central Paratethys (Kreminna, western Ukraine): Foraminiferal and palynological evidence

The Badenian/Sarmatian boundary in the Paratethys basin, that marks the transition from normal marine to restricted semi-marine conditions due to isolation of the basin from the world ocean at the onset of Sarmatian time, is still far from being fully understood. The Kreminna section is located at the northeastern margin of the Carpathian Foreland Basin (Central Paratethys) in the Medobory Hills region. The Miocene deposits that overlie here the Upper Cretaceous substratum comprise the >1 m thick upper Badenian marls and clays passing upwards into ~4 m thick Sarmatian marly limestones with intercalations of marls, clays and limestones, and >2 m thick limestones in the uppermost part of the exposure. Fifty-three species of benthic foraminifera and four species of planktonic foraminifera have been recorded. Six benthic foraminiferal assemblages are composed almost exclusively of calcareous forms; agglutinated taxa are practically lacking. Elphidium spp., miliolids, Lobatula lobatula and Ammonia spp. are the most common calcareous benthic foraminifera in the material studied. Planktonic foraminifera are represented only by species of Globigerina and occur rarely in the lowermost part of the section. A characteristic feature of palynofacies is the very low proportion of land-derived elements – sporomorphs and cuticles, which suggests a sedimentary setting without terrestrial influx, and taxonomical impoverishment of dinoflagellate cyst assemblages, which are either monospecific or consist mainly of two to three species: in a majority of samples, assemblages with Polysphaeridium zoharyi and P. subtile occur. Most δ18O values range from –1.5 to ~+0.5‰ VPDB and most δ13C values are between 0 and +2‰ VPDB. In general, the δ13C curve mirrors the δ18O changes in the section. The Badenian/Sarmatian boundary is placed at the level where the Cibicidoides ungerianus Assemblage is replaced by the Elphidium fichtelianum Assemblage. At the boundary, planktonic foraminifers and most abundant stenohaline benthic foraminifera disappeared. Bottom waters were well-oxygenated both in the latest Badenian and earliest Sarmatian in the Kreminna location.

An evaluation of energy and carbon budgets in diverse cropping systems for sustainable diversification of rainfed uplands in India's eastern hill and plateau region

With increasing cost and use of energy in agriculture, the traditional practice of mono-cropping of rice in upland is neither sustainable nor eco-friendly. It is necessary to identify crop diversification options with high energy efficiency, productivity, and low global warming potential (GWP). In this experiment, an inclusive system analysis was accomplished for 3 years (2016–2019) of five mono-cropping production (MCP) systems namely rice (R), finger millet (FM), black gram (BG), horse gram (HG), pigeon pea (PP), and four intercropped systems viz. R+BG, R+HG, FM+ BG, and FM + HG. The key objective was to evaluate the flow of energy, carbon balance, and GWP of these varied production systems. Puddled rice was recorded as an energy-exhaustive crop (27,803 MJ ha−1), while horse gram was noted to have the lowest energy use (26,537 MJ ha−1). The total energy output from pigeon pea (130,312 MJ ha−1) and diversified intercropped systems (142,135 MJ ha−1) was 65.3% and 80.3% higher than mono-cultured systems, respectively. Rice and rice-based intercropping production systems showed higher carbon footprints (1,264–1,392 kg CO2 eq. ha−1). Results showed that R+BG and R+HG were the most energy-efficient production systems, having higher energy ratio (5.8 and 6.0), higher carbon efficiency (7.41 and 8.24), and carbon sustainability index (6.41 and 7.24) as against 3.30, 3.61, and 2.61 observed under sole cropping production systems. On average, rice and rice-based production systems had 7.4 times higher GWP than other production systems. In productivity terms, pigeon pea and FM+HG had higher rice equivalent yields of 8.81 and 5.79 t ha−1 and benefit-cost ratios of 2.29 and 1.87, respectively. Thus, the present study suggests that pigeon pea and finger millet-based intercropping systems were the most appropriate crop diversification options for the rainfed upland agro-ecosystem of the eastern region of India.