Northern Eastern Research Articles

Effect of Chemical Weed Control on Growth, Herb Yield and Oil Content of Mentha (Mentha arvensis L.) Across Northern Eastern and Central Highlands of India

A field experiment was carried out during the summer season of 2015 at Crop Research Farm of Sam Higginbottom Institute of Agriculture, Technology & Sciences, Allahabad to study the effect of various weed management options on weed dynamics and production of mentha. In the experiment six treatments namely, propaquizafop 10% EC @ 50 ml/ha, propaquizafop 10% EC @ 62.5 ml/ha, propaquizafop 10% EC @ 75 ml/ha, fenoxaprop-p-ethyl 9.3% EC @ 100 ml/ha, hand weeding and un-weeded control were laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with four replications. The results revealed that a significantly lower weed density and weed dry matter weight, weed index and higher weed control efficiency were recorded under hand weeding which was found at par to fenoxaprop-p-ethyl 9.3% EC @ 100 ml/ha and propaquizafop 10% EC @ 75 ml/ha. The higher plant height, herbage yield (21.8 t/ha) and dry matter yield (6.00 t/ha) and oil yield (136.9 l/ha) of mentha were also obtained with hand weeding which was found at par to fenoxaprop-p-ethyl 9.3% EC @ 100 ml/ha and propaquizafop 10% EC @ 75 ml/ha. fenoxaprop-p-ethyl 9.3% EC @ 100 ml/ha also resulted in the most effective herbicide against grassy weed and generated maximum net return (Rs. 92303/ha) and benefit: cost ratio (2.30) followed by propaquizafop 10% EC @ 75 ml/ha.

A new species of Crinum (Amaryllidaceae) from the Eastern Ghats of Andhra Pradesh, India

Crinum andhricum (Amaryllidaceae), a new species from the Northern Eastern Ghats of Andhra Pradesh is described and illustrated. It is closely related to Crinum amoenum and C. stracheyi, but differs in its number of flowers per inflorescence, shape of the perianth lobes and filament length.

Radioactive potentiality and uranium migration as assessed from airborne gamma-ray spectrometric data, north Wadi Qena area, Northern Eastern Desert, Egypt

Radioactive potentiality and uranium migration as assessed from airborne gamma-ray spectrometric data, north Wadi Qena area, Northern Eastern Desert, Egypt

Iraqi Meteoric Water Line and its Application in Groundwater-Surface Water Connection

The LMWL was re-plotted from the isotopic analysis data (δ2H and δ18O) for rainwater samples collected from three stations in Baghdad city in the current study and data from previous studies. Four samples of shallow groundwater and five samples from the Tigris River were isotopically analyzed for 2H and 18O using a Liquid-Water Stable Isotope Analyzer (LWSIA). The samples were collected from the Al-Jaderia area within the University of Baghdad. The analysis was done against Vienna Standard Main Oceanic Water (VSMOW). The isotopic composition of groundwater ranges between -43.91‰ and -37.57 ‰ for 2H with an average of -40.06±2.7 ‰, while it ranges between -6.28‰ and -6.01‰ for 18O with an average of -6.14±0.1‰. These values are slightly more depleted compared to the isotopic composition of the Tigris River water (-38.79 ‰ to -37.87 ‰) for 2H with an average of -38.05±0.9‰ and between -6.23‰ to -5.11 ‰ for 18O with an average of -5.74±0.4 ‰. This is a logical result since the river is usually fed with fresh new rainwater, which isotopically is relatively more enriched. The current study confirms that the Local Meteoric Water Line (LMWL) has a formula of δ 2H‰ = 7.5 δ 18O‰ + 13. The LMWL is located above the Global MWL by +13.9‰ toward the Eastern Mediterranean (EMMWL δ2H‰ = 8 δ 18O‰ + 22), indicating the origin rainwater from the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. The groundwater and surface water isotopic compositions were below the LMWL due to the evaporation of shallow groundwater. There is interconnection between river water and groundwater, directly or by recharge from irrigation water. Iraq may have two different MWLs, one for the northeastern region and the other for the middle, western and southern Iraq. The MWL for the northern eastern region of Iraq is close to that of the EMMWL, indicating Mediterranean climate and vapor source, while the rest of the areas of Iraq have MWL with various isotopic compositions affected by more hot climate in these regions and by the continental tropical air masses.

Processing of mineralized microgranite dike for the recovery of niobium, tantalum, and rare earth elements using 1, 2-propyleneglycol extractant

ABSTRACT A number of strategic and economic rare-metal and Rare Earth Elements (REEs)-bearing minerals were recorded in mineralized microgranite dike (MMGD) from Ras Abdah area located in the Northern Eastern Desert of Egypt. Firstly, by sulphuric acid digestion at 300 °C, 3 h, 1/3 ore/Acid ratio, the RE, Nb, and Ta present in the MMGD can be efficiently extracted into the leach solution while Zr, Fe, and Th remained in the unattacked residue. The experimental digestion proved the dissolution of 98.9, 99.2, and 96 % for Nb, Ta, and REEs, respectively. In this study, a novel method was used to selectively recover Nb and Ta content from REEs in the digested concentrate sulphate solution. Solvent extraction using 1, 2-propyleneglycol was applied for the first time to achieve this secondary recovery process. From infrared and 1H-NMR data, the extraction was achieved, and the extractant bonded to Nb and Ta through glycol and alcoholic oxygen atoms. Niobium and Tantalum ions were stripped with water for Ta and 1M HF for Nb, achieving 98.6 and 98.8 % stripping efficiency, respectively. By employing an oxalic acid precipitation technique, a precipitate of extremely pure REEs was extracted from the raffinate solutions.

The thermal structure of the Colombian lithosphere: A regional and basin-scale analysis

It is well-established that the thermal state of the lithosphere strongly influences various regional and local geological processes, including crustal deformation, hydrocarbon maturation, hydrogen generation, and geothermal phenomena. Moreover, the thermal structure exhibits high sensitivity to tectonic features, a property of particular significance in Colombia, where three main tectonic plates converge, and lithospheric tearing has been documented. In this contribution, we focus on elucidating the impact of plate architecture on the thermal field in central-eastern Colombia at both shallow and deep levels. To accomplish this, we constructed a series of two-dimensional profiles and derived a numerical solution of the heat equation using the conservative finite difference method. As constraints, we incorporate an inferred distribution of rocks in the deep crust and upper mantle based on global and local lithospheric thickness models. Material parameters for the various rocks, both exposed and inferred, were obtained from the literature. Additionally, we used superficial heat flow estimates and apparent geothermal gradients compiled by the Colombian Geological Survey.Our results suggest a significant influence of the lithospheric Caldas tear on the thermal state of Colombia, with the breaking off occurring in the Nazca plate under the Eastern Cordillera range around 5°N. The modeled asthenospheric heat flow remains approximately 25 mWm−2, except in the northern Eastern Cordillera range, where the background heat flow increases rapidly to 40 mWm−2. Consequently, our model predicts partial melting in the lower crust to the north and a thermally unstable lower crust to the south of the Caldas tear. The material parameters that best fit the surface data suggest the presence of a basement moderately enriched in radioactive elements in the Eastern Llanos basin. After accounting for compaction, we also confirm a strong influence of the tectonic setting on the thermal state of sedimentary basins.

Mineralogy and Geochemistry of Titaniferous Iron Ores in El-Baroud Layered Gabbros: Fe-Ti Ore Genesis and Tectono-Metallogenetic Setting

The Neoproterozoic pyroxene gabbros and gabbronorites in the El-Baroud mafic intrusion in the Northern Eastern Desert (NED) of Egypt host Fe-Ti oxide ore deposits. This study discusses the major and trace elements of both titaniferous iron ores and their host rocks, along with the mineral chemistry (major and in situ trace elements) of interstitial clinopyroxene (Cpx), to gain a deeper understanding of the Fe-Ti oxide genesis. These ores occur as disseminated (55–60 vol.% of Fe-Ti oxides) and massive types (85–95 vol.%) in the form of the dyke, layer, and lens. They are composed of titanomagnetite (80–87 vol.%) with subordinate ilmenite (10–15 vol.%) and magnetite (3–5 vol.%), in accordance with their high Fe2O3 (75.66 wt.% on average) and TiO2 contents (16.30–17.60 wt.%). The Cpx in the investigated ores is diopside composition (Mg#; 0.72–0.83) and exhibits a nearly convex upward REE pattern, similar to Cpxs in the ferropicrite that originated from the primitive mantle. Melts in equilibrium with this Cpx resemble Greenstone ferropicrite melts; the parent melt of El-Baroud gabbros is possibly a ferropicritic melt that was derived from the lithospheric mantle during plume interaction. The El-Baroud gabbroic rocks were generated during the arc rifting and crystallized under a high oxygen fugacity at a temperature of 800–1000 °C and a pressure of 3 kbar with a depth of 12 km. The Fe-Ti oxide ores have been formed from ferropicritic parent melts by two processes, including in situ crystallization that leads to the formation of disseminated Fe-Ti oxides in the iron-rich gabbros at the bottom and liquid immiscibility that is responsible for the formation of thick Fe-Ti ore lenses and layers at the top of the gabbroic intrusion. Initially, titanomagnetite crystallized from the primary Ti-rich oxide melt. As cooling progressed, some of the excess titanium in this melt was exsolved in the form of the exsolution ilmenite lamellae within the titanomagnetite. The Fe-Ti oxide layers in the NED follow the trend of NW-SE (Najd trend), where their distribution is possibly controlled by the composition of parent melts (rich in Ti and Fe), high oxygen fugacity, and the structure related to the Najd fault system. The distribution of Fe-Ti oxide ores increases from the NED to the Southern Eastern Desert (SED), suggesting the dominant mantle plumes and/or shear zones in the SED relative to the NED.

Evaluation of the environmental and structural impacts on urban expansion using airborne geophysical data at Hurghada city, Northern Eastern Desert, Egypt.

Airborne gamma-ray spectrometric and magnetic data were processed and interpreted aiming to evaluate the environmental and structural impacts on urban expansion, Hurghada City, Northern Eastern Desert, Egypt. The eastern (coastal area), northern, and southeastern parts of the study area possess the lowest level of absorbed dose rate (ADR) and annual effective dose equivalent (AEDE), which were estimated from the airborne gamma-ray spectral data of this area. Consequently, these parts are considered as suitable sites for urban expansion from the radioactivity point of view. The relatively high level of ADR and AEDE is associated with granitic rocks, some parts of Gabir formation and recent Wadi sediments, situated at southwestern, central, and eastern parts of the study area. The ADR and AEDE of these parts are considered harmful to individuals. Airborne magnetic data were also used to detect major structures that may affect various construction projects in the study area in the future. The NNW-SSE, NW-SE, N-S, and NE-SW trends represent the common structures in the study area. The obtained results of airborne gamma-ray spectrometric and magnetic data illustrated that the urban expansion should not be constructed to the west of the ring road. However, site investigations must be carried out on this part of the study area before starting any construction projects there. The present study proved the important role of airborne gamma-ray spectrometric and magnetic surveys as useful tools to delineate the environmental and structural impacts on urban expansion.

Mountain as Living Oracles of the Past and the Future in Mamang Dai’s Poem “The Voices of Mountains"

Mountain as Living Oracles of the Past and the Future in Mamang Dai’s Poem “The Voices of Mountains"

Study on Sheep Flock Composition and Employment Generation of Kenguri Sheep Farmers in Yadgir, Karnataka

The valuable factors regarding Kenguri sheep flock composition and farmers employment generation were computed during the study. From both intensive and extensive rearing systems 20 farms were chosen randomly on accessibility basis from- Northern Eastern dry agro-climatic zone i.e., Yadgir district of Karnataka, India. The analysis was performed from January to February in the year 2022, for a period of 2 months. The main components of this work were tabulated by structured proforma by calculating mean, standard deviation and P-value. The total flock size was more intensive rearing system (270.46) when compared to extensive rearing system (122.15) and the other constituents of sheep flock were better seen in intensive rearing system than that of extensive rearing system. The sheep farmers have spent more time for feeding and watering of adults (1.75 and 1.60) hrs and lambs (1.55 and 1.45) hrs, followed by health care (1.17 and 1.10) hrs in intensive and extensive rearing systems, respectively, than other activities. As the flock size and employment play a major role in socio-economic profile of marginal farmers, so this type of evaluation uplifts the sheep farmers for more such rearing and breeding ventures in coming days.

On further specimens of the Spotted Eastern Ghats Skink Sepsophis punctatus Beddome, 1870 (Squamata: Scincidae) from Ananthagiri hills, Northern Eastern Ghats, India.

On further specimens of the Spotted Eastern Ghats Skink Sepsophis punctatus Beddome, 1870 (Squamata: Scincidae) from Ananthagiri hills, Northern Eastern Ghats, India.

Collective Study on Housing Management Practices of Kenguri Sheep Farmers under Intensive and Extensive Rearing Systems in Yadgir District of Karnataka, India

The main domains of housing management practices followed by Kenguri sheep farmers were analyzed during the research. Twenty sheep farms in intensive and extensive were pointed out based on the accessibility in the respective study location Yadgir (Northern Eastern dry agro-climatic zone) district of Karnataka, India. The examination was carried out during the months of January to February in the year 2022. The objectives of housing practices were assessed by computing frequency percentage values and average descriptive values. The majority of intensive sheep farmers had wooden type of flooring (60.00%) and whereas, mud flooring (100.00%) is the only option for extensive sheep farmers. All intensive sheep farms had galvanized roofing (100.00%), in contrast all extensive sheep farms were with no roofing. Sheep in intensive rearing had trough water sources (45.00%) majorly and in extensive rearing they had natural water source (70.00%) accessibility. Most of the intensive sheep farmers maintained proper commercial feed (60.00%) access for the sheep, but fodder (65.00%) was the key food type for sheep reared under an extensive system. The advantage of fans for better ventilation (40.00%) was seen in intensive rearing systems, whereas, only natural ventilation (100.00%) was observed in extensive rearing system. The good space availability and pen dimensions are the only concerns with an intensive rearing system. The outcomes of this work will help the sheep farmers become accustomed to the better housing management practices in the near times.

A remnant root of a Neoproterozoic island arc in the Northern Eastern Desert of Egypt: Evidence from the whole-rock and amphibole chemistry of the Gattar gabbro

The tectonic settings and petrogenesis of Neoproterozoic gabbroic rocks are critical to understand the formation and evolution of the Arabian-Nubian accretionary orogen. We present the whole-rock chemistry and amphibole chemistry of the Gattar gabbro in the northern Eastern Desert of Egypt to better understand the formation of this part of the orogen. The Gattar gabbro is composed of variable proportions of amphibole and plagioclase, which imply the hydrous nature of its parent magma. Trace element patterns of the gabbro and the calculated liquids in equilibrium with its amphibole show enrichment in large ion lithophile elements relative to high field strength elements, which indicate that the Gattar magma formed above a subduction zone. The low abundances of high field strength element in the gabbro are consistent with a depleted mantle source similar to intra-oceanic island arc rocks. However, the high Nb/La ratio of the Gattar gabbro (0.46–10.71) is reminiscent to Nb-enriched mafic rocks from subduction settings. The amphibole chemistry suggests that the hydrous magma of the gabbro crystallized at temperature and pressure estimates of 930 °C and 8 kbar and under oxidizing conditions. The Gattar gabbro is affiliated with the Tonian-Cryogenian arc-related mafic gabbro, which is rarely recorded in this northernmost segment of the Arabian-Nubian orogen. In terms of comparison with the Ediacaran post-orogenic gabbros from the northern Eastern Desert, the Gattar gabbro shows lower concentrations of incompatible elements and Ti/V ratio.

Comparative Evaluations of Abnormal Behaviour, Panting, Lamb Mortality and Fleece Cleanliness in Kenguri Sheep under Intensive and Extensive Rearing Systems, Yadgir District, India

The important welfare issues of Kenguri sheep faced during group welfare assessment were analyzed during the study.
 Total of 20 each intensive and extensive Kenguri sheep farms having the herd size ranging from 35 to 300 and 25 to 1480, respectively were cited for group welfare assessment in Yadgir (i.e., Northern Eastern dry agro-climatic zone) district of Karnataka state, India.
 Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Kawadimatti, Yadgir, UAS, Raichur. Here each selected herd raised up in both intensive and extensive rearing systems was assessed for 20 minutes, during the months of January and February of the year 2022.
 The group level welfare indicators such as abnormal behaviour (stereotypy), panting, lamb mortality and fleece cleanliness were evaluated as per Animal Welfare Indicators assessment protocol for sheep. The overall first group level welfare assessment was significant in between the intensive and extensive rearing systems.
 The comparative welfare study among total of 40 sheep farms revealed that, the stereotypy observed was 4.88 and 1.24%, panting was 1.71 and 3.66%, mild heat stress was 2.18 and 6.49%, lamb mortality was 30.06 and 26.47% in lambs born alive and 0.89 and 2.03%, in lambs born dead. Losses upto weaning was 3.40 and 4.45% and minimum ewes mated was 45.73 and 42.48%. Minimum lambs reared was 30.48 and 26.52%; Fleece cleanliness was very wet that is 2.19 and 3.47%, and filthiness is 0.14 and 1.11% of animals in both intensive and extensive rearing systems, respectively.
 This study may boost the quality of animal assessment for getting better value-added products under the frame work of welfare status in farming community in the future.

Identification and characterization of some phytopathogenic fungi in post-harvest potato (Solanum tuberosum) in the El Oued Region (Eastern Northern Sahara, Eastern Algeria)

Identification and characterization of some phytopathogenic fungi in post-harvest potato (Solanum tuberosum) in the El Oued Region (Eastern Northern Sahara, Eastern Algeria)

South Africa’s Energy Landscape Amidst the Crisis: Unpacking Energy Sources and Drivers with 2022 South African Census Data

This paper examines patterns and drivers of energy choices for cooking and lighting in South Africa using the Statistics South Africa Census data at the district municipality (districts) level. Employing spatial and ordinary least squares (OLS) regression analysis, the findings show that electricity is the main source of energy for cooking across South Africa. However, there is a large swathe of the country covering districts such as Vhembe and Mopani in Limpopo, eastern Mpumalanga, KwaZulu-Natal, and northern Eastern Cape provinces where wood is the predominantly used energy type for cooking. There is almost uniform use of gas for cooking across the country. Electricity is the main energy source for lighting in South Africa. It is followed by candles, likely explained by loadshedding, and, surprisingly, solar energy a distant third. In terms of drivers, dwelling types play a statistically significant role in what energy type to use for cooking and lighting, albeit differently. In terms of lighting, formal dwelling is positively related to the choice of electricity and informal dwelling is related to the choice of electricity (negatively) and candles (positively) for lighting. The level of higher education, household size, and the dependency ratio have varied statistically significant roles in the choice of either energy type for cooking or lighting by formal, informal, and traditional dwellers. Relevant policy prescriptions that are needed to engender the country towards sustainable energy use, diversification of energy types from electricity produced from fossil fuels to other renewable energy sources such as solar, and reduction in over-dependency on the biomass energy sources such as paraffin and wood, especially in rural and poor districts, are proposed.

Lithospheric underthrusting beneath the northern Eastern Cordillera plateau, Colombian Andes: Insights from analyzing tomographic inversion using local earthquake travel time and gravity data

The northern Eastern Cordillera in the Colombian Andes is a wide (~200 km) high-elevation (>2.5 km) subduction-related asymmetric plateau. This plateau is currently subjected to shortening and magmatic addition, and yet the nature of the lowermost crust and its transition to the underlying mantle remains poorly constrained. To improve our knowledge about the structure of the deep crust beneath the EC plateau, we conducted a joint inversion of travel times of local earthquakes and gravity data. Gravity contributes to up to 0.5% in dVp and dVs with no affectation of the shape or location of the discussed anomalies. Along the latitudinal profile with the highest resolution (~5.7°N), two anomalies are identified at depths of 40–60 km beneath the plateau. A western low-velocity anomaly is interpreted as crustal material underthrust eastward beneath the northwestern EC. This process is triggering the abrupt change in topography between the adjacent low-elevation basin and the orogenic plateau. Additionally, a high-velocity anomaly beneath the eastern flank of the EC is likely related to mantle metasomatism and westward underthrusting of the foreland lithosphere. This metasomatism is either related to the interaction between mafic magmas and the uppermost mantle or silica enrichment that occurred during a past episode of flat subduction. Evidence for foreland underthrusting includes relocated earthquakes at 33–42 km depth within the thrust system between the EC and the foreland, along with increased shortening in the eastern part of the plateau, an increase in exhumation rates, the eastward migration of deformation towards the foreland, and dominated thick-skinned deformation in the upper crust of the foreland with an eastward vergence of thrusts and related folds. Furthermore, within the central part of the plateau, our results show low velocities between 30 and 40 km depth, consistent with previous constraints, suggesting magmatic underplating beneath the Paipa-Iza volcanic complex.

Mineralogical, fluid inclusion and radiometric studies on Wadi El-Dob pegmatites, northern Eastern Desert, Egypt.

Mineralogical, fluid inclusion and radiometric studies on Wadi El-Dob pegmatites, northern Eastern Desert, Egypt.

Using edge detection techniques and machine learning classifications for accurate lithological discrimination and structure lineaments extraction: a comparative case study from Gattar area, Northern Eastern Desert of Egypt

Using edge detection techniques and machine learning classifications for accurate lithological discrimination and structure lineaments extraction: a comparative case study from Gattar area, Northern Eastern Desert of Egypt

Assembly processes in the eastern Northern Orogenic Belt and implications for the spatiotemporal transition of major tectonic domains in Northeast Asia

Assembly processes in the eastern Northern Orogenic Belt and implications for the spatiotemporal transition of major tectonic domains in Northeast Asia