Saline Nature Research Articles

Identification of Soil Fertility Constraints of Erstwhile Warangal District, Telangana, India, using GIS for their Precise Management for Sustainable Crop Productivity

The present investigation was carried out to identify soil fertility constraints and map the fertility status of erstwhile Warangal District, Telangana, India using geographic information system (GIS) and global positioning system (GPS). 241 geo-referenced surface soil samples (0-20 cm) from the study area were analyzed for their fertility parameters. Soil fertility maps were prepared for each parameter under GIS environment using Arc-GIS v 10.8.2. The soils in study area were slightly acidic to slightly alkaline in reaction (6.16 - 8.34), non saline in nature (0.14 to 1.00 dS m–1) and low to high (0.12 - 1.14%) in organic carbon (OC%) content. The soils were low in available nitrogen (136 to231 kg ha-1), low to high in available phosphorus (14.00 to 166.00 kg P2O5 ha-1) and medium to high in available potassium (199 to 997 kg K2O ha-1). The wide variation from deficient to sufficient was observed in the status of available zinc (0.13 to 2.05 mg kg-1), iron (0.09 to 11.80 mg kg-1), copper (0.14 to 2.14 mg kg-1) and manganese (0.18 to 10.30 mg kg-1). The soil fertility status in study area revealed that soil organic carbon, available nitrogen and zinc are important soil fertility constraints in the erstwhile Warangal District Telangana India. To build up organic matter, zinc content, native nitrogen and maintain nutrient balance in the soil the farmers are advised to adopt farmyard manure (FYM) and ZnSO4 application regularly.

Groundwater Quality and Suitability Assessment in Tirupur Region, Tamil Nadu, India

The study aims to understand the hydrochemical characteristics and groundwater suitability for agricultural and drinking purposes. For this purpose, 21 groundwater samples were collected, and major physicochemical parameters such as pH, EC, TDS, temp, salinity, Ca2+, Mg2+, Na+, K+, HCO3−, Cl−, and SO42− were analyzed, followed by the standard analytical procedures. Different groundwater quality graphical representations were constructed by using Aqua Chem software. The results indicate groundwater samples were alkaline with fresh to moderate saline in nature, sixty-eight percent of the samples were suitable for drinking in accordance with WHO, and thirty-two percent of the samples were unsuitable due to the excess amount of different ionic concentrations derived from natural and various anthropogenic sources. Irrigation water quality parameters such as SAR, EC, PI, Na %, RSBC, MR, and KR were used to understand the irrigation suitability. The US salinity diagram exemplifies that most groundwater samples fall in the C3S1 category with high salinity hazard and low alkali hazard. The Wilcox plot reveals that 80% of the samples were found under very good to permissible limits, and few samples fall with doubtful to unsuitable quality due to the excess amount of alkali and salinity. Permeability index values show that groundwater is suitable for irrigation. Three major hydrochemical facies were identified with the dominance order of mixed CaMgCl, NaCl, and CaCl. Gibb’s plot suggests that evaporation and rock-water interaction are the dominant natural mechanisms controlling the groundwater chemistry in the present study area.

Nutrient Status of Coastal Soils-24 Parganas (South), West Bengal, India

The study conducted in the year 2023-24 at the Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, The Neotia University, 24 Parganas (South), situated in coastal region of West Bengal, aimed to assess the nutrient status of the soils in the instructional farm. Soil samples (105 No) were collected at 0-15 cm depth and analyzed for pH, electrical conductivity (EC), organic carbon (OC), and major nutrients such as available nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. The result showed that the soils were neutral in reaction and saline in nature, whereas organic carbon and available nitrogen content were at a medium status, but available phosphorus and potassium status were high. Moreover organic carbon showed negative correlation with soil electrical conductivity (-0.384, p<0.05). The nutrient index values for available nitrogen and available phosphorus were between 1.66-2.33 range, categorizing it as medium fertile. Conversely, the nutrient index value for available potassium exceeded 2.33, classifying it as high fertile.

Influence of Zinc and Boron on Physico-chemical Properties of Soil under Maize Crop in an Inceptisol of Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, India

The research was conducted during the Rabi 2020-2021 and 2021-2022. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design with sixteen treatments and three replications with four levels of Zinc and Boron along with NPK as RDF. The non-significant findings were B.D, P.D, % pore space, water holding capacity, and pH were as, the present macro- micro nutrients in soil and also the morphological parameters have significant findings which comprises color is yellowish brown sandy loam textured neutral to alkaline soil that is non- saline in nature among all the treatment combination applied. The OC, NK observed significantly medium to high in treatment T16 RDF (120:60:40 NPK kg ha-1) + Zinc@20 kg ha-1+ Boron @5 kg ha-1), micro-nutrients such as Zinc, Boron were knowingly medium to high in T16 RDF (120:60:40 NPK kg ha-1) + Zinc@20 kg ha-1+ Boron @5 kg ha-1). The maximum mean value for bulk density (1.33 Mg m-3), particle density (2.589 Mg m-3) percent pore space (47.98%), and percent maximum water holding capacity (45.87%) were found. The chemical soil parameters with a cumulative mean of slightly saline soil pH (7.93), average Electrical conductivity (0.41 dS m-1), maximum percent OC (0.42), high Available N (288.52 kg ha-1), high Available P in T2 (16.85 kg ha-1) due to the antagonistic effect of zinc on Phosphorous, high Available K (207.98 kg ha-1), high Available Zn (1.144 mg kg-1), and high Available B (1.243 mg kg-1) were categorized in evaluation to other NPK and micronutrients levels treatments.

Impact of Zinc and Boron on Physico-chemical Properties of Soil under Green Gram Crop in an Inceptisol of Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, India

The research entitled “Impact of Zinc and Boron on Soil Health Parameters and Yield Attributes of Green gram in an inceptisol of Prayagraj U.P., India” conducted at the department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry Research Farm, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj, U.P during the Zaid 2021-2022. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design with sixteen treatments and three replications with four levels of Zinc and Boron along with NPK as RDF. The non-significant findings that is B.D, P.D, % pore space, water holding capacity, and pH were as, macro- micro nutrients, in soil and also the morphological parameters have significant findings which comprises yellowish brown sandy-loam textured neutral to alkaline soil that is non- saline in nature between all the treatment combination applied. The OC, NPK were founded significantly medium to high in treatment T16 RDF (20:40:20 NPK kg ha-1) + Zinc@6 kg ha-1+ Boron @3 kg ha-1, micro-nutrients such as Zinc, Boron were knowingly medium to high in treatment T16 RDF (20:40:20 NPK kg ha-1) + Zinc@6 kg ha-1+ Boron @3 kg ha-1. the maximum mean value for Bulk density (1.34 Mg m-3), Particle density (2.588 Mg m-3) percent pore space (47.63%), and percent supreme water holding capacity (46.25%) were found. The chemical soil parameters with a cumulative mean of slightly saline soil pH (8.35), average electrical conductivity (0.419 dSm-1), maximum percent O.C. (0.427), high Available N (284.62 kg ha-1), high Available P in T2 (16.60 kg ha-1) due to the antagonistic effect of zinc on Phosphorous, high Available K (206.93 kg ha-1), high Available Zn (1.132 mg kg-1), and high Available B (1.233 mg kg-1) were considered in evaluation to other NPK and micronutrients levels treatments.

Studies on the Physical, Chemical, and Biological properties of the soil of Jasra village of Prayagraj district, Eastern Uttar Pradesh, India

An assessment of the soil fertility status of Jasra village of Prayagraj District, Uttar Pradesh carried out in 2022-2023. The prime objectives of this study were to carry out the Physical, Chemical and Biological properties of soil at different depths of various sites of Jasra village, to determine the availability of macro and micronutrients on the soil of these soil samples and provide Soil Health Card for the village. For the assessment, 10 sampling locations were selected. Soil samples were collected at the depth of 0-15 cm and 15-30 cm respectively. The Soil colour (Dry Condition) of soil varied from Olive yellow to Olive grey and Soil (wet Condition) varied from Olive brown to Dark greyish brown. Soil textural class was sandy loam. It clearly indicated that the soil has good Water Holding capacity (33.45 to 42.82%) and good physical condition, Bulk density (1.23 to 1.37 Mg m-3). Particle density (2.223 to 2.405 Mg m-3). % Pore Space (38.45 to 48.34 %). The pH of the soil is slightly saline in nature (7.50 to 7.92) and the Electrical conductivity (0.10 to 0.35 dS m1 ) was suitable for all the crops. Organic carbon ranged from low to medium (0.25 to 0.43%). These soils have low to medium Nitrogen (126.42 to 234.68 kg ha-1), Phosphorus (11.48 to 24.82 kg ha-1), and Potassium (141.53 to 178.33 kg ha-1), in all the sites. Calcium (1.20 to 2.90 Meq 100g-1 of soil) and Magnesium (0.20 to 2.20 Meq 100g-1 of soil) are sufficient in soil. Sulphur (3.58 to 9.35 ppm) content was found deficient in the sites of the village. The Zinc (0.36 to 1.28 ppm) was also found low to medium at the different sites of the village. The bacterial (32 to 260 CFU g-1 of soil) and fungal (15 to 29 CFU g-1 of soil) colony was found low in cereals-grown fields but found sufficient in vegetable-grown fields. There is an awareness of the need to pay greater attention to the role of macronutrients and micronutrient enhancement for good soil health and proper nutrition of plants to attain optimum economic yield and soil is suitable for all major tropical and sub-tropical crops.

HYDROGEOCHEMICAL BEHAVIOUR AND GROUNDWATER SUITABILITY OF VISLON AREA, PART OF WRD WATERSHED, CHANDRAPUR DISTRICT, MAHARASHTRA, INDIA

An attempt has been done to understand the hydrogeochemical characteristics of groundwater from shallow aquifers of Vislon village, a part of WRD watershed (Lat. 20º06’30"N and Long. 79º 07' 00"E). The appropriateness of groundwater has also been checked for various purposes. The groundwater from study area is alkaline and slightly saline in nature. The Ca2+ > Mg2+ > Na+ > K+ and HCO3 - > SO4 2- > Cl- > NO3 - was the ascendancy of cations and anions. The earth metals (Ca + Mg) found to exceed the alkali metals (Na + K). The positive correlation interpreted from interrelationship of Na+ vs Cl- exhibited, silicate weathering process for liberation of ions in groundwater at rock-water interface. In addition the non-lithological source, anthropogenic inputs were also inferred indicating the agricultural fertilizers and domestic wastewaters. All the groundwater samples from the study area are suitable for drinking as well as domestic use. The groundwater from study area is also suitable for irrigation purpose with negligible exceptions

Characterization and Classification of Sugarcane Growing Soil of Haryana, India

Eight representative pedons of sugarcane growing soil of Haryana viz., Damla, Yamunanagar (P1), Shahabaad, Kurukshetra (P2), RRS, Karnal (P3), Kaithal (P4), Mehlana, Sonipat (P5), Nidhani, Jind (P6), Mokhra, Rohtak (P7) and Meham, Rohtak (P8) were studied for morphological, physico-chemical characteristics and classified as per Soil Taxonomy. The colour of the studied pedons varied from yellowish brown (10YR 3/2) to dark brown (10YR 5/5) in colour, with dominant hue of 10YR. The range of bulk density of different horizons was 1.05 to 1.33 Mg m-3. These soils were slightly alkaline to moderately alkaline in reaction. The soils of all the pedons of studied area were non saline in nature having EC < 1.36 dSm-1. Exchangeable Sodium percentage (ESP) and Base Saturation Percentage (BSP) ranged from 1.65 to 47.55 % and 23.18 to 99.60 % respectively. The CEC of the soils ranged from 1.98 to 13.82 cmol (p+) kg-1. The soils of the area were classified according to Soil Taxonomy as Fine loamy, Mixed, Hyperthermic, Typic Ustocrepts (Pedon 3,6 and 7), Fine loamy, Calcareous, Mixed, Hyperthermic, Typic Haplustepts (pedon-4), Fine loamy, Mixed, Hyperthermic, Typic Haplustepts (pedon-2), Coarse loamy, Mixed, Hyperthermic, Aquic Ustochrepts (pedon-5) and Coarse loamy, Mixed, Hyperthermic, Typic Haplustepts (1 and 8).

Nutritional survey of kinnow orchards soil series at Rawatsar and Fatehgarh of Hanumangarh district of arid Rajasthan

The present study was conducted to evaluate the fertility status of kinnow orchards at Rawatsar and Fatehgarh soil series of Hanumangarh district in irrigated area of arid Rajasthan. All kinnow orchards soils were found saline in nature, EC2 of all the orchard soil samples was normal. The calcium carbonate content in soils showed increasing trend with depth, low in organic carbon and available N, low to medium in available P2 O5, medium to high in available K2O content, majority of samples were found high in available Fe, available Mn and low to sufficient in available Cu and low in available Zn content. Leaf N content were found low in kinnow orchards, majority of leaf samples found medium to optimum in leaf P, Fe, and Mn content, whereas leaf K content and Zn content were found low to medium in kinnow orchards. The leaves Cu content were found optimum range in kinnow orchards. Fruit juice N, Fe and Mn content were found low to optimum, whereas fruit juice P, K and Cu content were found optimum and Zn content low at Rawatsar and Fatehgarh soil series of Hanumangarh district.

Physicochemical analysis of wastewater generated from a coating industry in Mauritius

The coating industry is one of the most important consumers of water and chemicals and consequently is a major water polluter in Mauritius. The focus of this study was to characterise wastewater generated by a coating industry in Mauritius. The objectives were to develop a wastewater sampling strategy and to analyse the pollutant parameters as per Mauritian regulations. The wastewater samples were analysed for physicochemical properties and metal abundances over a period of 6months. The physicochemical parameters analysed were pH, electrical conductivity (EC), true colour, total suspended solids (TSS), biological oxygen demand (BOD5), chemical oxygen demand (COD), nitrate, phosphate, sulphate and free chlorine. The wastewater samples were also analysed for metal ions such as sodium, potassium, arsenic, cadmium, chromium, cobalt, copper, iron, lead, manganese, mercury, molybdenum, nickel and zinc. The results of the physicochemical parameters indicated the presence of biologically resistant organic matters in all the wastewater samples with elevated values of BOD5 and COD, and low biodegradability index, respectively. The coating industry wastewater samples were acidic and saline in nature. Moreover, they presented high concentrations of TSS, free chlorine and sodium ions compared to standard limits promulgated by the Mauritian Government. Spearman's rank correlation matrix with non-linear regression analysis showed significant associations among the measured parameters which were found to have a common origin in the coating industry wastewater. This research will be useful for regular monitoring and setting up an adequate coating industry wastewater treatment for the potential reuse in production processes in Mauritius.

Mapping of DTPA Extractable Micronutrients in Sugarcane Soils of Sudhalagunta Sugar Factory, Andhra Pradesh, India – A GIS Approach

Sugarcane is the most important commercial crop grown in India and plays vital role in agricultural and industrial economy. In Andhra Pradesh, more than 50% of sugarcane is produced from Chittoor district for sugar and jaggery production. Sugarcane is heavy nutrient requirement crop and also removes considerable amount of nutrients through biomass. Continuous application of straight fertilizers, limited use of organic manures as well as non recycling of crop residues causes micronutrient deficiencies in soil. Keeping this in view, the present study was taken up to study the physico-chemical properties and DTPA extractable micronutrients and mapping of these nutrients. Soil samples along with geo reference coordinates were collected and analyzed for physico-chemical properties and DTPA extractable micronutrients (Fe, Mn, Zn and Cu). The digital soil maps for DTPA extractable micronutrients were generated with geo reference coordinates by using GIS approach. The analytical data of soils in Sudhalagunta sugar factory zone, Chittoor district showed that 80% of samples were slightly alkaline in reaction followed by 13% of samples were neutral in reaction. Regarding electrical conductivity, 16% of soils were slightly saline in nature. Among micronutrients, except DTPA-Zn, all cationic micronutrients were existed in above critical limit in this factory zone, 11% of soils showed Zn deficiency. Similar trend was noticed in plant Zn content. 18.4% of plant samples showed Zn deficiency. Remaining micronutrients were in sufficient range. Digital maps for DTPA - Fe, Mn, Zn and Cu have prepared.

Effect of malt barley varieties and nitrogen levels on crop phenology, PAR interception, GDD, RUE and thermal use efficiency under saline water irrigation

Barley is one of the most salt tolerant crops and can be adopted in a condition where the irrigation quality of the water is saline in nature. Due to uncertainty of rainfall and scarcity of water, farmers of Haryana often irrigate the crops with poor quality water and this situation is likely to become more alarming with the depleting water resources. Therefore, an experiment was conducted at CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar during rabi seasons of 2017-18 and 2018-19 to evaluate the effect of different malt barley varieties and nitrogen levels on crop phenology, PAR interception, GDD, radiation use efficiency and thermal use efficiency. The experiment was laid out in split plot design by keeping four varieties (BH 902, BH 946, BH 885 and DWRB 101) in main plots and four nitrogen levels (0, 30, 60 and 90 kg/ha) in sub plots with four replications. Variety BH 902 recorded significantly higher grain yield and took maximum number of days for flag leaf emergence, spike initiation and physiological maturity than variety BH 946, BH 885 and DWRB 101, respectively. Highest GDD, radiation use efficiency and thermal use efficiency was recorded by variety BH 946 which was statistical at par with DWRB 101 and significantly higher than BH 902 and BH 885. Application of 90 kg N/ha took maximum number of days for flag leaf emergence, spike initiation and physiological maturity as well as recorded higher GDD, radiation use efficiency and thermal use efficiency as compared to 0, 30 and 60 kg N/ha.

Soil fertility assessment and mapping of red and black soil farm of Regional Agricultural Research Station, Kovilpatti, Thoothukudi district, Tamil Nadu state

The soil fertility status and mapping their spatial distribution play a crucial role for sustainable planning of particular area. Thus, a study was conducted to assess the soil fertility status of the Agricultural Research Station, Kovilpatti, Thoothukudi district. The farm is situated 8° 48’ and 9° 20’ North latitude and 78° 25’ east longitude at 90 MSL. The total 18 samples were collected randomly at a depth of 0-20 cm by using soil sampling auger. A GPS device was used for determination of geographical position of soil sampling points. The collected samples were analyzed following standard analytical methods in the laboratory of Soil Science Laboratory, Agricultural Research Station, Kovilpatti. The Arc-GIS 10.1 software was used for the soil fertility distribution mapping. The In red soil farm, the observed data revealed that the soil pH ranged from 7.41 to 7.88. The distribution soil pH varied from mild alkaline to moderate. Soil EC ranged between 0.23 to 1.12 dSm-1. The nature of the soil EC was non-saline. The soil available nitrogen ranged from 158 to 199 kg/ha. This area having low level of soil available nitrogen distribution. The soil available phosphorus ranged between 12.5 to 18.5 kg/ha. The distribution of soil available phosphorus is medium in variability. The available soil potassium ranged from 255 to 478 kg/ha. The soil available potassium having high distribution in red soil. In black soil farm, the soil pH ranged from 7.78 to 8.46. The distribution of the soil pH extended from mild alkaline to moderate alkaline. The soil EC ranged from 0.25 to 1.23 dSm-1. The distribution of the soil EC was non - saline in nature. The soil available nitrogen ranged from 103 to 163 kg/ha. The soil available phosphorus ranged from 7.7 to 12.7 kg/ha. The distribution of the available soil phosphorus was low to medium in status. In spite of soil available potassium ranges between 360 to 560 kg/ha. The distribution of the soil available potassium is high in black soil farm. The determined soil test data can be used for sustainable soil management as well as developing future research strategy in the farm.

Characterization of Vertisols in Semi-arid Tropical Region of Chinnapalem Village of Guntur District in Andhra Pradesh

Eight representative pedons were selected from the study area and the soil samples collected from each horizon in these eight pedons were analysed for physical properties viz., particle size analysis, soil density, water holding capacity, volume expansion, pore space, COLE and LOI; physico-chemical properties like pH, EC and organic carbon; electro-chemical characteristics such as CEC, exchangeable bases, base saturation and ESP and chemical properties such as available macronutrients (N, P2O5, K2O, and S) and micronutrients (Zn, Cu, Fe and Mn). The Pedons 2, 3, 5, 6, 7 and 8 exhibited an increasing trend in clay content with depth. However, no specific trend with depth was observed in the remaining pedons. Physical constants like water holding capacity, loss on ignition and volume expansion followed the trend of clay content. Bulk density showed an increasing trend with depth corresponding to decreasing organic carbon with depth in all the pedons. COLE values not followed any specific trend with depth in any of the pedons. The soils were neutral to moderately alkaline in reaction, non-saline to slightly saline in nature and low to medium in organic carbon. The CEC values were medium to high and exchange complex was dominated by Ca2+ followed by Mg2+, Na+ and K+. Soils were low to medium in available nitrogen, low to high in available phosphorous, high in potassium and deficient to sufficient in available sulphur. However, the soils were sufficient in DTPA extractable Cu, Fe and Mn and deficient to sufficient in DTPA extractable Zn.

A brief review on conventional methods for screening, product development, downstream and evaluation of fibrinolytic enzymes from marine microbes

The ocean is a great reservoir of biodiversity and microbial metabolites. Enzymes from marine source have recently gained considerable attention as they have lower side effects and more potency when compared to other existing sources. Fibrinolytic enzymes from microbial sources possess ability to dissolve clots and help to circumvent cardiovascular problems in more efficient and safer way. The complexity of the marine environment involves high salinity, high pressure, low temperature, special lighting conditions. This contributes to the significant differences between the enzymes generated by marine microorganisms and homologous enzymes from terrestrial microorganisms leading to the boosted marine microbial enzyme technology. Further, it is believed that sea water, which is saline in nature and chemically closer to the human blood plasma, could provide biomolecules, in particular enzymes that could have lower or no toxicity or side effects when used for therapeutic applications. However, only a small proportion of fibrinolytic enzymes from marine microbiota has been examined and an even smaller proportion has been exploited. Therefore, much work needs to be done intensively and extensively in terms of potent fibrinolytic enzymes from marine resources.

Investigation of Lithium Application and Effect of Organic Matter on Soil Health

The extensive use of lithium (Li) ion-based batteries has increased the contamination of soil and water systems due to widespread dispersal of Li products in the environment. In the current study, the influence of Li application on soil fertility and leachate was observed. Three soil samples were collected and five treatments of Li (0, 50, 100, 150 and 200 mg/L) were applied. After three months of Li treatment, leachate was collected and soil samples were subjected to physical and chemical analyses. The results showed that the mean values of soil pH were increased slightly after Li application while electrical conductivity (EC) ranged from 1.2 to 5.1 µS/cm, indicating that soil was slightly saline in nature. The sodium was observed to be greater than the recommended values (0.3–0.7 mg/kg) in Li-amended soil while calcium and magnesium values decreased in soils compared to untreated soil. Mean values of phosphorus and potassium were greater before Li application and reduced considerably after Li application. Leachate analysis showed that all the parameters differed significantly except those of zinc and iron. The EC of leachate samples ranged from 2286–7188 µS/cm, which shows strong salinity. The sodium adsorption ratio (SAR) ranged from 1–11, which indicates that it falls into the marginal soil category. Lithium concentration in leachate samples ranged from 0–95 mg/L, which was significantly higher than the acceptable value for lithium (2.5 mg/L) in leachate. A soil sample (3) with an additional 10% organic matter showed that after Li application, the loss of nutrients in leachate was less as compared to the other two samples, demonstrating that organic matter improved soil conditions and suppressed the negative effects of Li on soil. Our results could raise concerns about risks in situations where food and fodder crops are associated with Li-contaminated waste disposal.

Low cost groundwater recharge technology for poor quality groundwater areas in Agra and Bharatpur region

A low-cost groundwater recharge structure was designed and developed for Agra-Bharatpur region where groundwater is mainly saline and sodic in nature. The recharge structure comprised of silt basin, filter pit and bore hole of existing shallow tubewell. As bore well of existing tube well was used as recharge shaft, the cost of recharge structure was reduced substantially. The 9 recharge structures were installed at village Odhara in Bharatpur district during 2008–2009. The groundwater recharge helped in dilution of exiting saline groundwater during monsoon season and there was reduction in groundwater salinity upto 3 irrigations of rabi crops. Irrigations by diluted groundwater during initial stages in wheat and mustard crop improved crop yields by 10–15% during all four years of data recording. The depth to groundwater was also monitored during 2008 to 2015. There was rise in water table of the area of 2 m. It indicated improvement in groundwater availability. Thus, low-cost groundwater recharge structure is environmental friendly and cost effective technology for region where groundwater quality and groundwater availability are major issues.

Study on Physico-chemical Properties and Fertility Status of Tumkur District (Zone-4) of Karnataka

A study was conducted to an assessment of physico-chemical properties of soil of Chikknayakana Hally (CNH), Koratigere (KTG), Madhugiri (MDG) Pavagada (PVG), Sira and Tiptur (TPT) taluks of Tumkur district was carried out in 2018-2019 under natural farming. The main objectives of this study was to carried out the survey, collection of information and analysis of chemical properties of soil. Totally 952 soil samples were collected at a depth of 0-15 cm and the study revealed that pH ranged 3.70-7.50 acidic to neutral, and EC is slightly saline in nature. Available nitrogen content ranged from 46.5-657.1 kg ha-1, phosphorus from 5.4-267.7 kg ha-1and potassium status in soils of different taluks ranged from 17.25 to 667 kg ha-1. Maximum soil samples of the area showed sufficient in manganese, Cu and Fe status, but Zinc and boron were deficient.

Performance of Ber (Zizyphus mauritiana lamk.) Varieties under Two Irrigation Scheduling of Saline Water in Central Gujarat Conditions in India

The field experimentation was carried out at Instructional Farm, BAIF Development Research Foundation, Nanodara of Ahmadabad district during 2014 to 2018 with an objective to evaluate the response of the two ber varieties (Seb and Gola) to number of irrigations on the growth and yield of ber crop. It was also intended to understand effect of saline irrigation water on soil status as irrigation water of the study location is slightly saline in nature. The study was conducted in Split Plot Design with six replications. Treatments consisted of two irrigation schedule; normal irrigation at 15 days interval and life saving irrigation at 30 days interval and two varieties (Seb and Gola). Soil and irrigation water of the study location was analyzed using standard procedures for initial and yearly status, respectively. Two ways ANOVA was carried out using R Studio Statistics Rx 64 software. Significance levels were tested at p≤0.05. The highest plant height (326.87 cm), girth size (60.75 cm), number of secondary branches per plant (7.24), dry leaf biomass per plant (3.96 kg), dry shoot weight per plant (16.65) as well as fruits per plant (337.58), fruit weight (56.96 g), fruit yield per plant (19.43 kg) and fruit yield per ha (5400 kg) were increased significantly with normal irrigation treatment (irrigations at 15 days interval) which was significantly superior over life saving irrigation. In case of varieties, all the parameters of the growth and yield of the crop were maximum for Gola variety compared to Seb. The pH, EC and SAR were comparatively lower in soil under life saving than normal irrigation.

Assessing the groundwater quality of the coastal aquifers of a vulnerable delta: A case study of the Sundarban Biosphere Reserve, India

The Sundarban Biosphere Reserve (SBR) of India lies in the southwestern part of the Ganges Brahmaputra delta. The SBR, traversed by tidal creeks and rivulets, suffers perennially from the scarcity of freshwater in spite of heavy precipitation in monsoon months. Rivers in Sundarbans are saline in nature with brackish groundwater in the subsurface. Fresh groundwater is mainly available from the confined aquifers and occurs at a depth range of 160–400 m below ground level. The 4.43 million population in the SBR depend fully on deep groundwater to meet their drinking water demand. It is, therefore, necessary to assess the quality of groundwater to fulfil the sustainable development goal. The water quality index (WQI) has been estimated for shallow and deep aquifers based on water quality parameters like pH, TDS, EC, Cl, SO4, HCO3, TH, Ca, Mg and Na. The dominant cations are found in the order Na > Mg > Ca, and dominant anions in the order HCO3>Cl > SO4. The groundwater in the SBR region belongs to NaHCO3, NaCl and mixed type hydro-geochemical facies. The Cl/HCO3 ratio indicates that the shallow aquifers are affected by the saline water intrusion. Following the limit set by the Bureau of Indian Standards, the shallow groundwater in the SBR is found to be unsuitable for drinking. Although the deep groundwater is within the permissible limit of safe drinking water, its quality is poor. The Coastal Regulation Zone notification of 2011 has identified the SBR region as ‘Critically Vulnerable Coastal Area’ and restricted the use of deep freshwater for drinking purpose only. The paper argues that to meet the goal of sustainable development and safe drinking water for all in the future, extensive rainwater harvesting and supply of treated surface water through pipeline and desalination of subsurface brackish water are some of the feasible options in the region.