Resource Conservation Technologies Research Articles

Medium-term impact of tillage and residue retention on soil physical and biological properties in dry-seeded rice–wheat system in north-west India

Repeated puddling for rice cultivation and extensive tillage during wheat cultivation in the north-west of India has adversely affected soil health. Adoption of resource conservation technologies (RCTs) is required for long-term sustainability of conventional rice–wheat systems. However, the behaviour of these technologies is site-specific. A field study was conducted in 2016 to evaluate the medium-term impact of tillage and residue retention on soil physical and biological characteristics. Four treatments were imposed during 2011: conventionally-tilled (CT) rice followed by CT wheat all without residue retention (–M); zero-tilled (ZT) rice followed by ZT wheat and –M; CT rice followed by CT wheat and all with residue retention (+M); and ZT direct-seeded rice followed by ZT wheat and +M. In the surface layer (0–15 cm) of ZT, soil organic carbon (SOC) stock was higher by 15%, mean weight diameter (MWD) by 31.8% and bulk density (BD) by 4% compared to CT averaged across residue treatments. Irrespective of tillage, SOC stock was increased by 19% and MWD by 39% and BD decreased by 1.8% in +M compared with –M in the 0–15 cm soil layer. Infiltration rate was higher in +M than –M irrespective of tillage. Microbial biomass carbon, basal soil respiration and soil enzymatic activities were higher in ZT and +M than CT and –M respectively. Thus, medium-term adoption of RCTs such as ZT and residue retention enhanced soil physical and biological properties in this dry-seeded rice–wheat system. However, whether retaining wheat residue improves soil physical and biological properties requires further investigation.

A new algebraic tool for simultaneous targeting and design of a mass exchange network with stream splitting for sustainable environment

Process effluent recovery can be a potential source of revenue and an effective way to reduce environmental footprints of industrial processes. Use of resource conservation technologies, resource-efficient processes and measures to reduce, recycle and reuse of various raw materials and waste are among sustainable manufacturing and cleaner production options to consider. Mass integration, taking place in mass exchange networks (MEN) is an established concept for more efficient use of raw materials. The integration can help to reduce both waste disposal flows and external mass separating agents. This work presents a novel algebraic tool for simultaneous targeting and design of mass exchange networks to overcome the limitations of previously developed mass integration algebraic targeting approach such as the Composition Interval Table (CIT). The newly developed Segregated Composition Interval Table (SECIT) shows mass cascade profiles across composition ranges for individual rich and lean streams. The tool can simultaneously target and design MEN, locate mass Pinch Point and to visualise mass exchange network. The SECIT method is demonstrated for a multiple Pinch and threshold problem, as well as stream splitting scenarios. Three literature case studies are presented to illustrate the applicability of the new approach.

Short-duration mungbean (Vigna radiata (L.) R. Wilczek) genotypes differ in performance, water use and apparent water-use efficiency in southern Lao PDR

Improving nutrition-sensitive food security is important in low-income, food-deficit nations like Lao PDR, where subsistence farmers rely on a single rainfed lowland rice crop in the wet season. Access to resource conservation technologies, small on-farm water storages and electricity are starting to allow farmers to consider post-rice crops. With water availability still limited, short-duration pulse crops may be viable. This paper examined grain yield and water use during grain filling of eight short-duration mungbean genotypes after rainfed lowland rice at Champhone and Pakse in southern Lao PDR in the 2013 dry season. Two supplementary watering regimes were used, watered every 15 days (at 15, 30 and 45 days), and watered as needed at the first sign of visible wilting (at 23 and 45 days), with three replicates. Soil volumetric water content was measured by time-domain reflectometer. Over two drying cycles, VC1913A, VC3890A and VC7118A used significantly less water than other genotypes at both sites. Genotypes VC7118A and NM94 were higher yielding at Champhone, and VC6310 was higher yielding at Pakse. The relationship between grain yield and water use during grain filling was less straight forward, as it applied within apparent water-use efficiency categories. Overall, VC7118A was superior, due to its effective combination of higher apparent water-use efficiency during grain filling, lower water use in grain filling, and higher grain yield. NM94 also performed well, but required more water for similar yield performance. Drill sowing would allow timely establishment of the post-rice crop to utilize residual soil water in the dry season. These results suggest that mungbeans have a role as a post-rice crop with supplementary irrigation in Lao PDR and comparable environments, to improve nutrition-sensitive food security.

Impact assessment of zero-tillage on soil microbial properties in rice-wheat cropping system

Soil health which is deteriorating at the fast pace due to excessive use of fertilizers can be restored by the adoption of resource conservation technologies (RCT) which can affect the soil properties. The soil health can be measured by the ability of the microorganisms which can serve as early warning signals. In a farmers’ participatory field located in Karnal, Haryana, India, soil was sampled spatially and temporally at different stages of the wheat crop. The fields measuring one acre were under conventional tillage (CT), zero tillage (ZT) for the last five years under rice wheat cropping system. As the crop season of wheat progressed, standing stubble from the previous rice crop decomposed, resulting in higher microbial biomass carbon (MB-C) in zero tillage treatment than the conventional tillage. MB-C ranged from 70–269 μg C/g soil as compared to 62–200 μg C/g of soil. At the most vegetative phase of cropping season (i.e. 60 and 90 days after sowing) the MB-C showed a 103 and 46.6% increase over the conventional tillage. In general MB-C and MB-N account for 0.8–7% of total C and total N in the surface layers of arable soils, we observed similar values for the microbial quotient- C (1.16–5.38%) and for the microbial quotient- N (1.72–2.77%) in zero tillage fields. Zero tillage had a greater effect on microbial quotient values under the stubble retained systems and it reflected the seasonal changes and crop growth in the same way as microbial biomass.

Use of a Bidirectional Text Messaging System for Emergency Department Follow-Up Versus Usual Follow-Up.

Background: The use of text messaging is a growing trend. Usual care for follow-up with patients (no dedicated communication) has proven unreliable, and alternative communication methods may be beneficial. Introduction: The objective was to evaluate the effect of text messaging as a means of follow-up communication compared to usual care on patient satisfaction among patients discharged from the emergency department (ED). Materials and Methods: Participants completed a baseline survey about their text message usage and ED visit satisfaction. The participants completed a follow-up survey 2 weeks later. Participants randomized to text messaging received a text message at 24 h, 1 week, and 2 weeks after discharge. Control participants received usual care (typically no dedicated communication). Bivariate analyses were performed, and intent-to-treat and per protocol analyses were completed to examine follow-up satisfaction with ED communication/care. Results: A total of 802 subjects were recruited (text messaging-398 subjects, usual care-404 subjects). In the intent-to-treat analysis, text messaging subjects were not more likely to report satisfaction with follow-up communication (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.90 [0.46-1.75]) or follow-up care (aOR 0.66 [0.30-1.46]) than usual care subjects. In per-protocol analysis, text messaging subjects had 2.95 (1.52-5.73) higher odds of reporting satisfaction with follow-up communication and 3.24 (1.46-7.16) higher odds of reporting satisfaction with follow-up care. Discussion: The use of text messaging for follow-up, when comparing satisfaction with follow-up communication and follow-up care after discharge, performs at least equally as well as usual follow-up. Conclusions: Text messaging is a provider time-saving and resource-conserving technology allowing health care providers to potentially reach a larger proportion of patients, making it a valuable form of follow-up communication.

Climate smart agricultural technologies in rice-wheat water stressed regions of Punjab, India- A review

Intensively cultivated rice-wheat cropping sequence of Punjab, India responsible for many sustainability issues viz. declining underground water, declining soil health, arising micro-nutrient deficiencies etc. Around 1.3 M ha-m additional withdrawal of water from the ground is being taken place annually in Punjab and mainly it is used for the rice crop which is not a traditional crop of the region. Puddling, seepage and percolation losses are the main sources of water loss from the rice based cropping systems in the Indo-Gangetic plains (IGPs) and many Resource Conservation Technologies (RCTs) have been recommended for water saving. The real water saving techniques are those which hinder the water from going into those sinks from where it cannot be reused (Evaporation, E) and diverted greater fraction of water of ET toward transpiration (T) which is desired as greater transpiration, greater the inflow of water and nutrients andwhich ultimately increase the grain yield with the lesser consumption of irrigation water as interval in between two irrigation increases, which further increase the water productivity. Among different RCTs, short duration crop varieties and delaying transplanting time are the real water saving techniques for the regions where water table is already declining down, however other RCTs may be suitable for the regions facing water logging problems as these cut down the drainage losses and these energy saving rather than water saving techniques.

Structural diversity and efficacy of culturable cellulose decomposing bacteria isolated from rice-pulse resource conservation practices.

The diversity of cellulolytic bacteria from the rice-pulse system can be sourced for identification of efficient cellulose decomposing microbial strains. In the present study, the abundance, structural diversity, and cellulolytic potential of the culturable bacterial community were studied in 5-year old rice-pulse system under different resource conservation technologies. Higher cellulose (68% more) and xylanase (35% more) activities were observed under zero tilled soil. The populations of cellulolytic bacteria were significantly higher (44%) in zero tillage (ZT) treatment than those of conventional practice. Results revealed that the cellulolytic bacterial diversity was found to be significantly higher under ZT practice, but the present population may not be sufficient for effective recycling of organic wastes in this system. Out of 290 bacterial isolates, 20 isolates had significantly higher cellulolytic activities, of which the top three superior isolates were received from ZT practice. The cellulolytic bacterial diversity based on 16S rDNA sequencing data revealed that the Firmicutes was the most dominant phyla and the Bacillus spp. were the common genus, the observation also showed that there were 17 different haplotypes were recorded among 20 isolates of cellulolytic bacteria. The present findings indicated that long-term ZT in the rice-pulse system could be a unique source for efficient cellulose decomposing bacteria and further the efficient bacterial strains isolated from this system can be used as efficient bioinoculants for in situ as well as ex-situ decomposition of rice straw particularly in conservation agriculture.

A Hybrid Multi-Criteria Decision-Making Model for Evaluating Companies’ Green Credit Rating

Along with economic development and social progress, environmental issues are increasingly becoming the subject of public concern. Through green credit, banks intentionally direct money into resource-conserving technology development and environmental protection industries, thus, encouraging enterprises to focus on green products. Therefore, establishing a reasonable green credit evaluation mechanism for banks is an important issue. Based on this, this study combines grey relational analysis (GRA), the Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory technique (DEMATEL), analytic network process (ANP) and the Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) to develop a hybrid multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) model for quantifying data and, thereby, to establish a green credit rating mechanism. In order to verify the model, this study combines credit risk and economic, environmental and social performance evaluation criteria as green credit evaluation criteria. There are 55 high-tech listed companies in Taiwan in 2014 taken as the evaluation objects and conducted for a performance ranking. The empirical results can serve as a reference for financial authorities promoting green finance policies and for investors making investment decisions.

Impact of Resource Conserving Technologies (RCT) on soil physical properties and rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) yield in irrigated agriculture areas of the South-Eastern Kazakhstan

The aim of this resarch was to determine the effects of Resource Conserving Technologies (RCT) system and Conventional Tillage (CT) on soil physical properties and R apeseed ( Brassica napus L.) yield in irrigated agriculture areas of the South-Eastern Kazakhstan. The experimental study was conducted according to a radomized block design with three replications between 2015 and 2018. The CT system had maximum anthropogenic effect and caused loosening of arable soil layer, had the lowest bulk density values (1.19 -1.21 g /cm 3 ). The CT had a bulk density ranged between 1.13 and 1.30 g/cm 3 . With a RCT tillage, the bulk density during the growing season of rape was located in optimal density zone between 1.20 and 1.22 g/cm 3 . The RCT of rapeseed provided the greatest efficiency, where the yield of rapeseed increased by 13.3% and 22.0%. It has been revealed that with RCT of rapeseed cultivation, minimum technology (Mini-till) ensures sustainability of soil environment and its ecological condition, improves structure and raises water resistance of agroecosystem’s soil aggregate. In turn the structure of soil’s arable layer stabilizes with optimal soil density, which contributes to normal growth and development of rapeseed. It is proved that minimal technology of tillage is the leading agricultural practice ensuring preservation and improvement of qualitative and quantitative indicators of soil resource and productivity of oilseed rape.

РЕАЛІЗАЦІЯ ПРИНЦИПІВ ZERO WASTE В МЕХАНІЗМІ РЕСУРСОЗБЕРЕЖЕННЯ В СІЛЬСЬКОМУ ГОСПОДАРСТВІ

Introduction. Target priorities for accomplishing resource conservation tasks in agriculture require conceptual framework in order to determine the driving principles of taking effective measures in practice. As the problem of resource conservation is rather complicated, the implementation of resource conservation policy involves overcoming a number of existing organizational and economic problems, which updates the topic of the research. The purpose of the article is to explore the possibilities of implementing Zero Waste principles in the resource conservation mechanism in agriculture. Results . Basic concepts and theoretical models of resource conservation have been considered. The focus is on the Zero Waste concept, which involves : zero discharge, zero emission, and waste reduction to zero. The downside of the Zero Waste concept is that it focuses mainly on the environmental parameters of investing in the resource conservation technologies, while the enterprise is primarily interested in the profit s from them. The author proves the necessity for expanding the concept line with a specific to the agrarian complex concept of organic farming based on the agrobiological concept of farming . The place of organic agriculture in the system of multifunctional resource conservation agrarian production and ways of achieving the main goals of resource conservation organic farming are presented. Originality . Taking into account the effectiveness of the concepts of introduction of resource conservation systems of management it was proved that the main task is making scientific and technological advances in agriculture, as well as develop ing and implementi ng the mechanisms for the introduction of their elements, which in the future should change the concept underlying the resource conservation economy. The author has systematized the elements of the economic mechanism of resource conservation , the role of which is to create an environment for the interaction of the key components of agriculture in the system of the efficient resource conservation production. The experience of developing an effective practice of resource conservation in agriculture was generalized and the principles of harmonization of the management system were defined. A model scheme of the economic mechanism of resource conservation in agriculture has been developed, based on four subsystems that reflect the sources and target directions of the information , tangible and intangible flows: innovation field, functional basis (market environment and resource base), production subsystem (crop production and animal husbandry) , as well as the strategic core of the management system. It is proved that a prerequisite for the development of the system of agricultural resource use is availability of an appropriate functional basis, provided by the solvent demand from the market environment , and an appropriate resource potential of a natural origin , to create economically advantageous conditions for the development of agriculture. It is the needs of the market environment that are decisive in shaping the conditions of establishing and develop ing relevant agricultural sectors in the region concerned. The r esource potential appears to be an appropriate equalizer of competitive conditions, providing economic entities with a margin of economic strength in shaping their competitiveness. Using the proposed architecture, the scheme of the mechanism of resource conservation in agriculture in the innovative field of the Zero Waste concept was devised . Conclusion . It is concluded that the management of resource conservation in agriculture should take into account the general principle of nature management; the principle of replacing material and energy resources with intellectual and organizational ones; the principle of interconnectedness and synchronization of process es ; the principle of the proportionality of the processes of evolutionary and revolutionary approaches in the innovative provision of resource conservation processes; the principle of the need to ensure the long-term and systematic development and build-up of resources, their transformation into knowledge and their effective management, form ing the basis of the proposed mechanism of resource conservation in agriculture in the innovative framework of the Zero Waste concept.

Rice–wheat cropping systems in South Asia: issues, options and opportunities

The rice (Oryza sativa L.)–wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cropping system is the largest agricultural production system worldwide, and is practised on 24 Mha in Asia. Many factors have threatened the long-term sustainability of conventional rice–wheat cropping systems, including degradation of soil health, water scarcity, labour/energy crises, nutrient imbalances, low soil organic matter contents, complex weed and insect flora, the emergence of herbicide-resistant weeds, and greenhouse-gas emissions. Options for improving the yield and sustainability of the rice–wheat cropping system include the use of resource-conservation technologies such as no-till wheat, laser-assisted land levelling, and direct-seeded aerobic rice. However, these technologies are site- and situation-specific; for example, direct-seeded aerobic rice is successful on heavy-textured soils but not sandy soils. Other useful strategies include seed priming, carbon trading and payment, the inclusion of legumes, and eco-friendly and biological methods of weed control. Irrigation based on soil matric potential using tensiometers can be useful for saving surplus water in direct-seeded, aerobic rice. These options and strategies will contribute to resolving water scarcity, saving labour and energy resources, reducing greenhouse-gas emissions, increasing soil organic matter contents, and improving the soil-quality index. Seed priming with various substances that supplement osmotic pressure (osmotica) is a viable option for addressing poor stand establishment in conservation rice–wheat cropping systems and for increasing crop yields. To strengthen the campaign for using resource-conservation technologies in rice–wheat cropping systems, carbon-payment schemes could be introduced and machinery should be offered at affordable prices. The persistent issue of burning crop residues could be resolved by incorporating these residues into biogas/ethanol and biochar production. Because rice and wheat are staple foods in South Asia, agronomic biofortification is a useful option for enhancing micronutrient contents in grains to help to reduce malnutrition.

Impact Analysis of KrishiVigyanKendras on Zero Tillage Maize, a Resource Conservation Technology in Srikakulam District of Andhra Pradesh

Frontline demonstrations resulted in a yield of 80.83 q ha-1 with 14.01 per cent increase over farmer’s practice of 70.90 q ha-1which was much more than the district average yield of 47.33 q ha-1and increased net returns of Rs. 18,106 per hectare (53.16 %) over farmers practice. During the study period extension gap of 9.93 q ha-1 was found to be more than technology gap of 6.17 q ha-1 which emphasized the need to educate the farmers through various means for the adoption of this resource conservation technology for improved maize production with reduced cost of cultivation. Technology index of 18.51 per cent, indices of realized potential yield of 81.49 per cent and potential farm yield of 87.71 per cent had shown the feasibility of the demonstrated technology at the farmers’ fields.

Strengthening soil health under rice (Oryza sativa) fallows in Eastern Plateau of India with dwarf rice and moisture conservation practices

There is great scope in converting rice (Oryza sativa L.) fallows into productive agro-ecosystems through appropriate crop based interventions involving suitable varieties and appropriate resource conservation technologies (RCTs). Pulses such as chickpea, lentil, lathyrus and blackgram -through rotation or relay with rice - are the candidate crops for efficient utilization of conserved and scarce resources including soil moisture. Therefore, studying bio-physical aspects of popular rice - chickpea rotation so as to conserve resources and deriving maximum benefits is important and is the crux of the current investigation. A study was carried out in a vertisols at Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, Raipur (India) during 2011-14 under the existing conditions guarded by a tropical sub-humid climate receiving an annual precipitation of 1582 mm. Two transplanted rice habit groups (a tall local rice Masuri, maturing at 130-140 days and a dwarf HYV of rice Swarna, with 110-120 days duration grown during rainy season) were combined with three residue management practices, viz. residue removal, stubble (30 cm) and mulch for growing two contrasting varieties of chickpea (early high biomass JG 130 and medium high biomass JG 226) grown during winter season. Chickpea was planted with a zero till drill after rice. The study showed that soil moisture depletion (SMD) pattern was decreased over the crop season in case of mulched or 30 cm stubble retained plots in comparison to absence of mulch due to its possible role as a soil cover. On the contrary, SMD was higher in case of tall rice (Masuri) habit due to its relatively longer duration as compared to dwarf rice (Swarna) habit. Similar although to a lower degree in SMD was apparent in case of early biomass accumulating variety (BAV) chickpea JG 130 over medium BAV JG 226. Soil health parameters in terms of its physical and microbiological parameters (like, bulk density, soil strength, dehydrogenase activity etc), crop physiological parameters (such as relative leaf water content (LWC) and specific leaf weight (SLW), plant population), nodulation activities (Rhizobium population, nodule number and its dry weights) and crop growth/yield parameters (pods/plant, root characteristics etc) were positively influenced by mulch or stubble retention (due to its beneficial role as a soil cover) and dwarf rice habit (Swarna). Small yet consistently superior values of soil fertility indicators, viz. soil organic carbon (SOC) and nutrients (NPKZn, Fe, Mn and Cu) availability status were also evident following mulch or retention of stubble on the soil surface, whereas the values were abysmally small when comparison was made between chickpea cultivars (early BAV JG 130 and medium BAV JG 226). Besides these, weed dynamics, grain yield attributes and the resultant grain yield were especially favoured following soil moisture conservation strategies involving dwarf rice habit and mulch/stubble retention since availability of soil moisture was fairly extended over a period of time following these measures. Thus, it is inferred from the study on rice-chickpea system that efficient agronomic management of soil and land resources is crucial for augmenting soil health and enhancing output in prevalent rice fallow of Eastern Indian Plateau.

Direct seeded rice cultivation method: a new technology for climate change and food security

Rice (Oryza sativa) is the major food crop in terms of production and economy and grown in all ecological regions of Nepal. Rice is cultivated traditionally through transplanting of 20-25 days old seedling in the country. Due to unavailability of suitable technology for rice cultivation, there is a huge yield gap in rice production of Nepal. Country has made target of self-sufficiency in rice production by 2020 AD. This target can be achieved through adoption of Direct seeded rice cultivation technology of rice cultivation which also helps to adapt in the climate change scenario of Nepal. Due to issues of water scarcity and expensive labour, direct seeded rice cultivation technology is adopting worldwide. Direct seeded rice is a resource conservation technology and reduces water and labor use by 50%. Productivity of DSR is 5-10% more than the yield of transplanted rice. It offers a very exhilarating opportunity to improve water and environmental sustainability. Methane gas emissions is lower in DSR than with conventionally tilled transplanted puddle rice. It involves sowing pre-germinated seeds into a puddled soil surface (wet seeding), standing water (water seeding) or dry seeding into a prepared seedbed (dry seeding). Precise water management, particularly during crop emergence phase (first 7-15 days after sowing), is crucial in direct seeded rice. Furthermore, weed infestation is the major problem, which can cause large yield losses in direct seeded rice. Weed management in DSR can be done through chemical, hand weeding or stale seed bed method.

Soil carbon dynamics and enzymatic activities under different resource conservation technologies in rice-green gram cropping system

The effects of different resource conservation practiceson SOC pools, soil enzymatic activities were studied under tropical lowland rice (Oryza sativa L.)-green gram (Vigna radiata) soilsystem in a long-term experiment, which was established in 2012. Seven RCTs i.e., conventional farmer's practice, brown manuring, green manuring, wet direct drum seeding, zero tillage, green manuring plus real time nitrogen management by customized leaf colour chart and biochar application were broadly included in the experiment. Soil organic carbon (SOC) pools were significantly higher under Green manuring treatment compared to conventional control. Soil labile carbon fractions and enzymatic activities were significantly higher under RCTs over control. Soil organic carbon was significantly higher under zero tillage as compared to other resource conservation practices as well as conventional treatments and 13% more than that of conventional control. It can be concluded from the experimental data that resource conservation practices like zero tillage could offer carbon saving by increase soil carbon stock in tropical lowland rice-green gram soil.

Adoption of Resource Conservation Technologies for Sustainable Production: Evidence of Potential Impact from Haryana

Adoption of Resource Conservation Technologies for Sustainable Production: Evidence of Potential Impact from Haryana

Analysis of Socio-personal Characteristics of Adopters of Resource Conservation Technologies (RCTs) Under Rice Cultivation in Manipur

ABSTRACTThe present study with the primary objective to ascertain socio-personal, economic, communication and psychological characteristics of the farmers who have been practicing resource conservation technologies in rice cultivation was carried out in the Imphal West district of Manipur state in India. A total of 120 rice growers were selected as respondents through proportionate random sampling from 10 selected villages of the district. Data collection from the selected respondents was made with the help of pre-tested structured schedule through personal interview method. The study shows that out of 120 respondents, the majority was of middle age with medium education level and high social participation in case of their personal characteristics. Majority respondents were marginal farmers and they belonged to medium category of annual income, that is, between INR 32,285 to INR 165,066 under economic characteristics. In case of communication variables, most of the respondents had medium level of extensio...

Adaptation and mitigation of climate change in vegetable cultivation: a review

AbstractClimate change is an unavoidable phenomenon of natural and anthropogenic origin against which mitigation and adaptation are required to reduce the magnitude of impact and vulnerability, to avoid risk in vegetable farming and to ensure sustainable livelihoods of the agricultural community. Genetic improvement of vegetable crops is an appropriate adaptation strategy to cope with climate change adversities. A combination study of genomics and phenomics provides a clear understanding of the environment's effect on the transformation of a genotype into phenotype. Grafting of a susceptible scion cultivar onto a resistant rootstock is another way of utilising plant biodiversity against climate change. Agronomic practices such as resource conservation technologies, mulching, organic farming, carbon sequestration by cropping systems and agroforestry provide a suite of possible strategies for addressing the impacts of climate change on vegetable production. Protected cultivation and post-harvest technology can be significant practices in facing the challenges of climate change. Weather forecasting models and growth simulation models can be used to predict the possible impact of climate change on vegetable crop production and they also help in framing necessary adaptation measures.

Productivity Assessment of Drought Tolerant Rice Cultivars under Different Crop Management Practices in Central Terai of Nepal

Proper selections of resource conservation technologies and drought tolerant cultivars are being potential strategies determining productivity of rice in drought prone areas. Thus, a field experiment was accomplished in central-terai of Nepal during 2014 to assess the productivity of drought tolerant rice cultivars under different crop management practices. The experiment was carried out in strip-plot design with three replications consisting four drought tolerant rice cultivars and three crop management practices. The analyzed data revealed that SRI (System of Rice Intensification) produced significantly higher grain yield (5.28 t ha-1) than other management practices. The straw yield of SRI (5.12 t ha-1) was also significantly higher than other management practices. The cultivars had no influence on grain yield, but the straw yield was significantly influenced by cultivars, with the highest straw yield in Sukkha-3 (5.21 t ha-1). Thus, SRI management practice can be adopted as adaptation approach for obtaining higher productivity in central terai and similar agro-climatic regions of Nepal.

Managing weeds in rice (Oryza sativa)-wheat (Triticum aestivum)-greengram (Vigna radiata) system under conservation agriculture in black cotton soils

Conservation agriculture (CA) does have several advantages over conventional tillage (CT) based agriculture in terms of soil health parameters. However, weeds are the major biotic constraint in CA, posing as a great challenge towards its adoption. Field experiment was conducted at Directorate of Weed Research , Jabalpur (MP) during 2012–14 to monitor weed dynamics, crop productivity, and soil health parameters in a rice (Oryza sativa L.)-wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)-greengram [Vigna radiate (L.) Wilczek] cropping sequence under CA system. The treatments consist of ZT (DSR)+Sesbania brown manuring – ZT (wheat) – ZT (greengram), with or without crop residue cover; CT (DSR)+Sesbania brown manuring – CT (wheat) – ZT (green gram), with or without crop residue cover; farmers practice, i.e. CT (TPR) – CT (wheat). The lowest total weed density was recorded under ZT (DSR)+Sesbania. Compared to CT, significantly lower density of Cyperus iria, but higher density of Caesulia axillaris was recorded under ZT; while CT (TPR) recorded the lowest population of P. minima and D. retroflexa during rice. Similarly, in wheat, significantly lower population of Phalaris minor and Chenopodium album was noticed under ZT. Highest grain yield (3.42 t/ha) was recorded with transplanted rice; whereas, higher yield of wheat was recorded when sown after DSR and crop residues were recycled. Tillage systems did not differ significantly in terms of soil respiration rate when crop residues were recycled. There was significant gain in soil organic carbon pool only when the complete conservation package of ZT along with crop residue recycling was adopted. A preliminary survey conducted in the adjoining localities of Jabalpur during 2012-13 showed lack of awareness among the farmers about the resource conservation technology (RCT) to grow wheat. Subsequently, the trials laid out in 3 farmers’ field during rabi seasons of 2012-13 and 2013-14 also showed that wheat performed much better under CA, as compared to the conventional farmers’ practice, resulting in lower cost of production, higher income and higher benefit: cost ratio. Green gram, sown with RCTs and chemical weed control measure in the same farmers’ fields following wheat, also provided higher B:C ratio and an additional net return of `28 975/ha over farmers practice. It was concluded that the RCTs like ZT and residue cover could be practiced in the black cotton soils to increase farmers’ income.