North-eastern Zone Research Articles

Drought Assessment in Kalaburgi District, North-eastern Dry Zone of Karnataka, India by Using Remote Sensing and Google Earth Engine

Drought is a significant natural disaster exacerbated by global warming, leading to severe environmental, economic and societal impacts. As one of the most complex phenomena, drought requires advanced methods for effective monitoring and assessment. Remote sensing indices have proven effective in analyzing drought's geographical and temporal distribution. In this study, the semi-arid nature of the North-Eastern Dry Zone of Karnataka, characterized by low rainfall and high temperature, was examined for its vulnerability to drought. The Google Earth Engine (GEE) platform was utilized, which provides cloud-based access to advanced computational resources for processing multi-temporal satellite data. This approach minimizes the need for extensive data downloads and complex software operations, enabling efficient drought monitoring. In this study, GEE was applied to create and execute customized scripts for drought assessment, thereby accelerating the procedure and minimizing the need for extensive data downloads and complex software operations. The study focused on the North Eastern Dry Zone of Karnataka, particularly Kalaburgi district, employing the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and Vegetation Condition Index (VCI) derived from MODIS data. The analysis revealed severe drought conditions, particularly in 2001, with NDVI values as low as 0.07 at Afzalpur station and 0.06 at Chitapur station, indicating significant vegetation stress. The VCI analysis further supported these findings, with values as low as 0.05 at Afzalpur station and 0.03 at Chitapur station, highlighting the drought's intensity. This integrated approach provides a reliable evaluation of agricultural drought, essential for enhancing drought management and mitigation strategies in the region.

Assessing the awareness level of farmers about weather forecasting advisory services in the north eastern plain zone of Uttar Pradesh

Assessing the awareness level of farmers about weather forecasting advisory services in the north eastern plain zone of Uttar Pradesh

Climatic and edaphic influences on productivity and carbon sequestration of farm grown teak (Tectona grandis, linn.f) in Tamil Nadu, India

Teak (Tectona grandis, Linn.f) is one of the most sought-after tree crops due to the exceptional quality and high market value of its timber. Currently, the Indian subcontinent imports a significant quantity of teak to meet its growing demand. The growth and wood quality of teak are influenced by edaphic and climatic variations across sites, a factor that has been largely underexplored in research. The primary objective of the study is to analyse teak growth, wood quality, and carbon sequestration potential under farmland condition. To address this, the study was conducted across three agroclimatic zones of Tamil Nadu: North Eastern Zone (NEZ), North Western Zone (NWZ), and Cauvery Delta Zone (CDZ), focusing specifically on farmland conditions. The analysis encompassed biometric attributes, volume, and carbon sequestration potential of farm-grown teak across different age classes. The findings of the study reveal that among the three agroclimatic zones, the NEZ (15-20 years age class) recorded the highest biometric attributes, including mid diameter (MD) (0.193 m), volume (0.379 m3), heartwood proportion (0.239 m3), and carbon sequestration (0.683 Mg/acre).. Based on the overall performance, trees in the 15-20 years age class exhibited superior heartwood formation under farmland conditions. Therefore, this age class is recommended for teak cultivation in farmland conditions across Tamil Nadu to maximize growth, wood quality, and carbon sequestration potential.

Challenges and the prospects of wheat (Triticum aestivum) improvement for limited irrigation in diverse production environments

An experiment was conducted at ICAR-Indian Institute of Wheat and Barley Research, Karnal, Haryana in which performance of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) varieties recommended for limited irrigation was compared utilizing the data generated in coordinated trials conducted during the period 2018–19 to 2022–23 at fixed sites in four agro- climatic zones of India. The yield loss, yield fluctuations, yield sustainability, shift in grain quality, physiological expressions and the key contributing traits were compared for the wheat varieties specific to such environments. In Indo-Gangetic plains (IGP), characterized as ME-1 by CIMMYT that includes two zones of northern India i.e. north- western plains zone (NWPZ) and north-eastern plains zone (NEPZ), limited irrigation expressed no abiotic stress on plant height, days to heading, maturity duration and grain weight and only grain bearing was adversely affected. In the warmer central-peninsular India (CPI) i.e. central zone (CZ) and peninsular zone (PZ) which is included in ME-5, there was a significant reduction in all the five traits. Yield reduction was highly significant in each zone and the yield loss varied zone-wise from 16% in NWPZ to 38% in PZ. It was more difficult to sustain wheat productivity under such situations. Protein content declined in IGP but CPI registered a significant gain in protein and gluten strength. Location specificity was apparent in each zone and durum was unsuitable for deficit irrigation. Farmer’s preference was restricted only to two zones namely CZ and NWPZ. For improving wheat varietal prospects under high temperature, supplementary irrigation has to be ensured at the time of heading beside CRI (crown root initiation) stage. This study suggested that irrigated wheat varieties can be tried for limited irrigation. The varieties that are particularly bred to tolerate moisture deficits should be preferred as the key yield contributing traits differ.

Time-series analysis of evapotranspiration using normalized difference vegetation index over north-eastern and north-western agro-climatic zones of Tamil Nadu

Estimation of evapotranspiration spatially is mandatory for water budgeting and water resource monitoring based on crop water demand. The amount of evapotranspiration can be estimated spatially from reference evapotranspiration and fractional vegetation cover over the region. The incorporation of specific characteristics like spatial variability over the land cover produced highly reliable results. The AquaCrop model gives reference evapotranspiration based on climatic parameters like temperature, rainfall, solar radiation, relative humidity and elevation. Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) depicts the health of vegetation spatially ranging from -1 to +1. The dimidiate pixel model converts NDVI to Fractional Vegetation Cover (FVC) which was then used as a substitute for crop coefficient value. The products of these two parameters produce actual evapotranspiration spatially over the region with high spatial resolution. The average amount of actual evapotranspiration varies for each Land Use Land Cover (LULC) type over different agroclimatic zones as the climatic parameters and water usage patterns vary for each land cover type.

Assessing the Effectiveness of Value Chain Management in Enhancing the Competitive Advantage of Farmer Producer Organizations in Tamil Nadu

This study investigated the effectiveness of Value Chain Management in enhancing the competitiveness of FPOs within the agricultural sector of Tamil Nadu, with a focus on millets and oilseeds. The research aimed to analyze factors influencing FPOs' competitive advantage, map the agricultural value chain and identify underlying factors affecting successful VCM implementation. Porter's Diamond Model was employed to analyze competitive advantage, while Factor Score Regression (FSR) was used to identify factors influencing VCM implementation. The study revealed the competitive advantages of the North-Western and North-Eastern agroclimatic zones, driven by favourable factor conditions, robust demand, supportive industries and strategic firm strategies, particularly exemplified by FPOs. FSR analysis validated the importance of factors such as product diversification, marketing, quality assurance, financial management, partnerships, infrastructure, leadership and farmer education in driving VCM for FPO sustainability. These findings provided valuable insights for policymakers and stakeholders to enhance competitiveness, sustainability and economic growth in Tamil Nadu's agricultural landscape.

Crop diversification in north-eastern agro-climatic zones of Karnataka

Crop diversification in north-eastern agro-climatic zones of Karnataka

Seasonal and annual trends in reference evapotranspiration and prediction using machine learning models across seven climatic zones of Bangladesh

ABSTRACT The primary aim of this investigation is to examine the historical (1989–2020) and future trends and magnitude of Reference Evapotranspiration (ET0) in terms of spatiotemporal measures, considering its significance as a hydro-meteorological parameter influenced by changing climate. The FAO-56 Penman-Monteith method is employed to analyze ET0, while the Modified Mann Kendall test is utilized to assess trends and Sen’s Slope Estimator is used for magnitude analysis. The future prediction is conducted using Support Vector Machine (SVM), Artificial Neural Network (ANN), and Random Forest (RF) models. Results show an increasing ET0 trend annually in the southeastern and northeastern zones, while decreased values are observed in other regions, particularly in the northwest (0.83 mm). Sen’s slope estimator reveals distinct fluctuations in ET0, with notable disparities in the Southeastern, Northeastern, Southwestern, and South-Central zones. Notably, Chattogram and Sitakunda experience an ET0 magnitude of 0.02 mm/Year, while other zones show a magnitude of 0.01 mm/Year. SVM outperformed other models, predicting rising ET0 in various seasons. These findings offer insights for optimizing irrigation systems and sustainable water management under changing climatic conditions.

Microsatellite based molecular characterization of Nattukuttai- a unique short statured Bos indicus cattle population of southern India.

Molecular characterization was conducted to characterise 'Nattukuttai', a native cattle population of the north-eastern agro-climatic zone of Tamil Nadu (India), using thirty microsatellite markers. The analyses revealed a high level of genetic diversity, with a total of 294 alleles observed across all the loci, averaging 9.8 alleles per locus. The allele sizes ranged from 83bp to 302bp, with frequencies ranging from 0.010 to 0.875. The microsatellite markers demonstrated high polymorphism, as indicated by an average polymorphic information content (PIC) of 0.763. Deviation from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium was observed in a significant number of loci, indicating possible genetic influences such as selection or population structure. Bottleneck analysis suggested that the Nattukuttai population did not undergo any recent significant population contraction. Comparative analyses with three other cattle populations (Kangayam, Malai Madu, and Malnad Gidda) revealed varying genetic distances. Nattukuttai showed a distinct genetic profile, diverging from a common source that also gave rise to the Kangayam and Malai Madu clusters. Multivariate statistical analyses and phylogenetic reconstruction supported the genetic differentiation of Nattukuttai from the other populations, while Malai Madu and Kangayam were found to be genetically closer to each other. Overall, these findings provide insights into the genetic structure and relationships of the Nattukuttai cattle population, highlighting its distinct genetic identity and potential conservation significance.

Grazing exclusion promotes soil organic carbon accumulation in Tibetan grasslands with lower temperatures

BackgroundGrazing exclusion is a practical approach to restore vegetation in degraded grasslands and enhance soil organic carbon (SOC) sequestration. However, the dynamics and drivers of SOC in grasslands after grazing exclusion have not been well documented, especially in ecosystems with cold climates.MethodsHere, we established 14 paired treatments (grazing exclusion vs. free-grazing) along a 600-km transect in the northeastern zone of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. After six years, we analyzed vegetation biomass dynamics and measured the soil physicochemical properties and organic C concentration across three depths (0–10, 10–20, and 20–30 cm).ResultsGrazing exclusion significantly increased above- and belowground biomass (139.85% and 43.30%, respectively), pH (1.38%), total phosphorus (3.29%), nitrate nitrogen (18.03%), and ammonium nitrogen (17.81%), but significantly decreased soil bulk density (2.43%) and clay content (10.49%), particularly in 0–30 cm. Specifically, SOC concentrations positively responded to grazing exclusion (0–10 cm) in 9 of the 14 sites evaluated. The effects of grazing exclusion on SOC concentrations were significantly higher in areas with a mean annual temperature (MAT) below 0 °C compared to those in sites with a high MAT (> 0 °C). The SOC concentrations significantly correlated with the mean annual precipitation (MAP) in both treatments, but these correlations diminished with increasing soil depth. Ridge regression analysis showed that soil chemical properties (e.g., total nitrogen and phosphorus) positively influenced SOC accumulation, while MAT negatively influenced it after grazing exclusion. Path analysis further revealed that MAT indirectly regulated SOC dynamics via soil chemical properties.ConclusionsOur study highlights that grazing exclusion results in an asynchronous SOC and plant biomass accumulation and may be more beneficial for SOC sequestration in Qinghai-Tibet Plateau grasslands with lower temperatures. Also, humid climates promote SOC concentration in alpine grasslands. These results could help develop management practices and policies that promote sustainable grassland management.

Seismic aberrancy unraveling basement flexures: A study from northeast India

The basement in the Upper Assam foreland basin, northeast India, is severely deformed and buckled. It is compartmentalized into several structural compartments. These compartments are breached with minute flexures (or fractures), which developed over the geologic period due to tectonic modifications by fault networks and overlying sediment loads. Flexure anomalies dominant within the basement interval are interpreted using high-quality 3D seismic data acquired from the basin. The data are spectral balanced and structurally conditioned to improve the visibility of suppressed and masked reflections. Attribute maps obtained by computing legacy seismic attributes like energy ratio-similarity and curvature are integrated to interpret flexure networks and associated deformed structures. An advanced seismic attribute called aberrancy is computed to complement the interpretations of the preceding legacy attributes. The aberrancy attribute prominently revealed the presence of flexure networks occurring within the basement interval in the study area. In addition, the geometric characteristics of flexure anomalies suggest that flexures are particularly intense in the northeastern (zone 1) and western (zone 2) parts of the basement. The intensity of the flexures within these zones varies between 0.3 and 0.6 m−1. Overall, the basement displays a low to moderate variation in the intensity of the flexures, with exceptions observed in the aforementioned zones. The method thus presented could be applied to similar tectonic settings to aid the interpretation of subtle deformed networks observed in seismic data.

Monthly, Annual and Seasonal Changes in Temperature by Using Mann Kendall and Sen’s Slope Estimator in Karnataka, India

The mean annual minimum temperature during the period 1979-2019 has increased significantly in Eastern dry zone, Southern dry zone and Southern transition zone to a cumulative of total of 0.010°C, 0.013°C and 0.08 °C respectively while it has decreased significantly in Hilly zone with a magnitude of -0.032°C. The annual maximum temperature significantly increased in North eastern transition zone (0.018°C), North eastern dry zone (0.017°C), Northern dry zone (0.014°C), Central dry zone (0.010°C), Eastern dry zone (0.011°C), Southern dry zone (0.013°C), Southern transition zone (0.016°), Northern transition zone (0.016°C) and Coastal zone (0.018°C). The hilly zone experienced a decrease in annual maximum temperature by-0.055°C. Therefore, it is evidential that, Karnataka is getting raised over the years. Researchers should develop crop varieties that are insensitive to temperature changes and scientist should develop packages of practices which will reduce adverse effect of fluctuations in climate parameters on crop productivity.

Econometric Analysis and Intercropping Nutri-Cereals with Legumes (Urad Bean, Arhar) on Climate Resilience in North Eastern Zone of Tamil Nadu

Background: Nutri cereal - Legume intercrop systems are particularly beneficial in North Eastern Zone of Tamil Nadu, which are characterized by high levels of malnutrition, resource limitation and rainfall variability. These conditions are further exacerbated by climate-related risks and uncertainty. Apart from enhancing water and nutrient use efficiency, improving soil fertility and financial gains, Millet-legume intercrop systems have become a better bet for increased food and nutrition security in marginal farming communities. Methods: A study conducted during the year of 2022 to 2024 at the Center of Excellence in Millet, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Athiyandal, Tamil Nadu. The study evaluated various intercropping ratios of finger millet with black gram and red gram across seven treatments, focusing on productivity, compatibility and economic viability. Result: Results indicated that intercropping finger millet with black gram at a 4:1 ratio produced taller plants (92.7 cm), more protective tillers (5.7 per plant), extensive root systems (19.9 cm), and higher chlorophyll content (3.67 mg/g). This combination resulted in the highest equivalent grain yield (2895 kg/ha) and demonstrated a favourable benefit-to-cost ratio (2.84), highlighting its potential for improving profitability and soil fertility. Conversely, intercropping with red gram yielded lower finger millet yields and less favourable economic returns, underscoring the importance of selecting suitable intercrops to maximize agricultural productivity and sustainability.

Serotypic and genotypic profile of dengue virus outbreaks in India between 2011 and 2017.

The epidemiology of dengue has been demonstrating significant changes in recent years, with rising incidence of infection in countries with known endemicity and occurrence of fresh outbreaks in previously unaffected territories. India, which has been a traditional hotspot dengue virus (DENV) transmission in the endemic south-east Asian region, has also been affected by the sweeping changes in dengue epidemiology. Two remarkable developments characterize the alterations witnessed by India 2011-2017. Firstly, all parts of the country have witnessed abrupt replacement of existing DENV lineages with emerging novel strains. Secondly, co-circulation of multiple serotypes of DENV have been reported from all across the country 2011-2017; thereby hinting at the transition of the country towards hyper-endemicity. Considering the potential clinical implications of such epidemiological transformation in terms increasing involvement of pediatric patients and growing predisposition to serious complications, the present review provides an update on the serotypic and genotypic profile of dengue outbreaks that have been witnessed by different zones of India between 2011 and 2017. Dividing the country into northern, southern, eastern, western, central and north-eastern zones, we describe discrete zone-specific distribution patterns of DENV serotypes and genotypes and observe simultaneous circulation of different DENV strains in different parts of the country. Random shifts in the genetic characteristics of the circulating strains and the widespread co- circulation of all four serotypes underscore the need for undertaking continuous and representative molecular surveillance of the circulating DENV strains across the country for prompt identification of emerging strains and novel mutants; gain insights into the formulation of Dengue vaccines and develop a clearer understanding of the molecular basis of immune evasion, disease epidemiology and pathogenesis.

Growth and productivity of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.) as affected by different levels of nano DAP in north eastern dry zone of Karnataka

Growth and productivity of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.) as affected by different levels of nano DAP in north eastern dry zone of Karnataka

Neostructural zoning of the Russian part of the Greater Caucasus megavault, the Eastern segment (advanced studies for engineering survey)

The use of the orotectonic method made it possible to detail significantly the previously proposed schemes of neotectonic zoning of the Eastern segment of the Greater Caucasus megavault. In the Russian part of the segment, the zones of the North-Eastern and Central uplifts are traced. Within the North-Eastern zone, Western, Eastern and Southern subzones are distinguished, differing in their structure and orientation of the main structures. Block structures predominate in the Western and Southern subzones, and folded ones in the Eastern subzones. Among the anticlinal folds, there are folds with eroded arches, as well as folds that are partially preserved. The zone of the central uplifts includes the subzones of the side and main ridges, separated by the subzone of the axial troughs. The trough subzone crosses the entire Eastern segment of the megavault and includes the Northwestern group of differently oriented grabens and the eastern Bezhtino-Samur suture-depression zone with longitudinal grabens. This zone and its subzones are limited by the largest faults and reverse faults. Most regional and local structures are separated by active faults, which may be dangerous for the stability of engineering structures. The obtained original data, which is not available in standard materials on geological surveying for a given area, is useful for construction design and geoecology.

Climate change impact assessment of growing degree days and thermal growing period of cotton in north-west India

ABSTRACT Temperature is an indispensable necessity of plant growth, which explains the 95% variability in plant development. Accumulated temperature, i.e. growing degree day (GDD) is a useful agro-climatic indicator that translates raw climatic data into meaningful decisions. In this study, the GDD concept is used to analyze spatio-temporal variability of accumulated growing degree days (AGDD) and thermal growing period of cotton for the past and future climates in the three different zones (north-east, central and south-west) of Punjab. During the baseline period, higher AGDD were accumulated in the south-western (2,441 °C day), followed by central (2,276.8 °C day) and north-eastern (2,073.8 °C day) zones. During the end of mid-century, AGDD of the central zone was increased by 4–11%, 3–27% for north-eastern, and 3–7% for south-western zones in contrast to the baseline period. This increase in AGDD of cotton might decrease the thermal growing period by 6–14%, 8–25%, and 4–8% for central, north-east and south-western zones, clearly indicating the thermal stress over the cotton crop. This study provides quantitative information for crop breeders and cotton scientists to develop new genetically modified cultivars and improved agronomic practices to mitigate the adverse effect of climate change.

A Diagnostic Accountability of the Proportional Contribution Rate of Extent of Biophysical Processes of Desertification and the Landscape Changes in the Drylands of North Eastern Zone of Nigeria

A Diagnostic Accountability of the Proportional Contribution Rate of Extent of Biophysical Processes of Desertification and the Landscape Changes in the Drylands of North Eastern Zone of Nigeria

Genetic Variability Studies for Growth, Yield and Quality Traits in Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) Germplasm under North Eastern Dry Zone of Karnataka, India

An experiment was carried out at College of Agriculture, University of Agricultural Sciences, Raichur under north eastern dry zone of Karnataka, India during late-kharif season of 2022-23 by using twenty-five tomato genotypes to study the variability, heritability and genetic advance for growth, yield and quality traits. Analysis of variance revealed that significant variability was observed among the genotypes of tomato for all character’s studied. Genetic variability revealed that a lot of variation was observed among the genotypes studied. In general, the lowest difference in phenotypic and genotypic coefficients of variation indicated lowest environmental influence in controlling the expression of the traits. Based on genetic variability studies, high PCV and GCV and high heritability coupled with high genetic advance as per cent of mean were recorded for plant height, number of nodes per plant, number of branches per plant, number of locules per fruit and titrable acidity, average fruit weight, fruit yield per plant and fruit yield per hectare indicating the existence of wider genetic variability for these traits in the germplasm under study.

Analysis of the Soil Fertility Condition in Jiliba Village, Ganjam District, Odisha

An assessment of soil fertility was conducted in Jiliba village, situated in the Bellaguntha block of Ganjam district in the North-Eastern agroclimatic zone of Odisha, India. Analysis of physical and chemical properties was conducted on soil samples obtained at a depth ranging from 0 to 15 cm. The findings indicate that the predominant soil texture in the hamlet under study consisted of sandy loam and clay loam. The soil hue ranged from Dark Grey at 10 years old to Yellowish brown at 10 years old. The pH of the soil varied from somewhat acidic (5.5-6) to neutral (6.5-7.5). The electrical conductivity of the whole research area remained uniformly below 0.74 dSm-1. Approximately 77.5% of the research region exhibited soil organic carbon (SOC) levels below 0.5%. The available nitrogen concentration was insufficient, varying from 87.8 to 150.5 kg/ha, indicating a possible requirement for nitrogen fertilization to adequately sustain crop development. The phosphorus content in Brays exhibited significant variation, ranging from 4.7 to 198.2 kg/ha, providing evidence of geographic heterogeneity in phosphorus availability throughout the hamlet. The soil potassium level exhibited significant variation, ranging from 54.6 to 435.6 kg/ha, potentially impacting the absorption of nutrients and the production of crops. The Nutrient Index readings for nitrogen (1.0) and phosphorus (1.32) were below expected levels, suggesting the necessity of implementing nutrient management strategies to enhance soil fertility. The potassium Nutrient Index value of 1.87 indicates a moderate level of potassium availability in comparison to nitrogen and phosphorus. The extractable soil sulphur from calcium chloride (CaCl2) ranged from 6.4 to 126.7 kg/ha, underscoring the significance of sulphur for crop fertilization. Modest variations in exchangeable calcium (Ca2+) and magnesium (Mg2+) levels suggest differences in soil cation exchange capacity and nutrient availability. The micronutrient levels exhibited variation, with copper (Cu) concentration ranging from 2.026 to 4.210 parts per million (ppm), zinc (Zn) concentration ranging from 0.736 to 4.440 ppm, manganese (Mn) concentration ranging from 19.0 to 79.0 ppm, and iron (Fe) concentration ranging from 44.36 to 160.64 ppm. The concentration of boron soluble in hot water varied from extremely low to medium (0.15 to 0.68 mg/kg), suggesting different degrees of boron accessibility for plant absorption. Finally, it is essential to fill the research gaps concerning soil fertility and nutrient dynamics in order to establish sustainable agricultural practices and guarantee food security in the region.