Semi-arid Region Of Rajasthan Research Articles

Survey the Infestation of Termite in Wheat in Semi-arid Region of Rajasthan

Survey the Infestation of Termite in Wheat in Semi-arid Region of Rajasthan

Catchment Storage Command Relationship for Sustainable Rainfed Agriculture in the Semi-Arid Regions of Rajasthan, India

This study conducted to evaluate catchment storage and command relationship and water use strategies under supplemental irrigation for sustainable rainfed agriculture in the semi-arid regions of Rajasthan, India. In southern Rajasthan, a small category of farmers is above 78%, the potential evapotranspiration is greater than the average rainfall with prevailing arid conditions, and rainfed agriculture is a challenging task. An agricultural micro watershed of 2.0 ha evaluated to establish a catchment storage command area (CSC) relationship and micro irrigation system as an effective water use strategy. The significant results indicate that a farm pond with a storage capacity of 560 m3 with permanent lining (cement + brick) is sufficient to harvest runoff water from a 2.0 ha catchment under the rainfall conditions of below normal (up to 50% deficit), long-term average, and wet years. Harvested rainwater can be used to irrigate a command area of even up to 1.0 ha, with supplemental irrigation of 5 cm in both the seasons of kharif as well as rabi. The two crops, maize (Zea mays) in the kharif season and coriander (Coriandrum sativum) in the rabi season, were significantly profitable with supplemental irrigation by adopting a drip irrigation system.

Enhancing drought tolerance in Indian mustard (Brassica juncea) through microbial inoculants under varying irrigation regimes

A field experiment was conducted during the winter (rabi) seasons of 2020–21, 2021–22 and 2022–23 at College of Agriculture, Sri Karan Narendra Agriculture University, Jobner, Rajasthan to identify the appropriate bacterial strains and irrigation levels to enhance drought tolerance and productivity in Indian mustard [Brassica juncea (L.) Czern.]. The experiment was laid out in a split plot design assigning irrigation treatments (no irrigation, 50% deficit irrigation and normal level of irrigation) in main plots and microbes (MRD-17, MKS-6, Biophos and Biophos+, CRIDAMI-I, CRIDA MI-II and control) in sub plots. Results demonstrated that normal level of irrigation (2 irrigations) yielded superior outcomes in terms of plant height, dry matter accumulation, yield attributes, viz. seed yield (1542 kg/ha), stover yield (3677 kg/ha), relative water content (70.72%), protein content (18.1%), oil content (38.7%), water use efficiency (7.50 kg/ha-mm), net returns (₹52529/ha) and B:C ratio (2.07). This was significantly higher compared to 50% deficit irrigation and no irrigation treatments. Among microbial inoculants, CRIDA MI-II exhibited the highest impact on growth and yield attributes, viz. seed yield (1312 kg/ha), stover yield (3262 kg/ha), protein content (17.2%), water use efficiency (5.88 kg/ha-mm), net returns (₹42294/ha) and B:C ratio (1.72). Notably, it was statistically comparable to the effects of CRIDA MI-I and Biophos and Biophos+ across most parameters. The comprehensive results of this study advocated the strategic implementation of both optimal irrigation practices and microbial inoculants as a sustainable approach to enhance productivity and drought tolerance in Indian mustard, particularly in the arid and semi-arid regions of Rajasthan.

Enhancing drought tolerance in Indian mustard (Brassica juncea) through microbial inoculants under varying irrigation regimes

A field experiment was conducted during the winter (rabi) seasons of 2020–21, 2021–22 and 2022–23 at College of Agriculture, Sri Karan Narendra Agriculture University, Jobner, Rajasthan to identify the appropriate bacterial strains and irrigation levels to enhance drought tolerance and productivity in Indian mustard [Brassica juncea (L.) Czern.]. The experiment was laid out in a split plot design assigning irrigation treatments (no irrigation, 50% deficit irrigation and normal level of irrigation) in main plots and microbes (MRD-17, MKS-6, Biophos and Biophos+, CRIDAMI-I, CRIDA MI-II and control) in sub plots. Results demonstrated that normal level of irrigation (2 irrigations) yielded superior outcomes in terms of plant height, dry matter accumulation, yield attributes, viz. seed yield (1542 kg/ha), stover yield (3677 kg/ha), relative water content (70.72%), protein content (18.1%), oil content (38.7%), water use efficiency (7.50 kg/ha-mm), net returns (₹52529/ha) and B:C ratio (2.07). This was significantly higher compared to 50% deficit irrigation and no irrigation treatments. Among microbial inoculants, CRIDA MI-II exhibited the highest impact on growth and yield attributes, viz. seed yield (1312 kg/ha), stover yield (3262 kg/ha), protein content (17.2%), water use efficiency (5.88 kg/ha-mm), net returns (₹42294/ha) and B:C ratio (1.72). Notably, it was statistically comparable to the effects of CRIDA MI-I and Biophos and Biophos+ across most parameters. The comprehensive results of this study advocated the strategic implementation of both optimal irrigation practices and microbial inoculants as a sustainable approach to enhance productivity and drought tolerance in Indian mustard, particularly in the arid and semi-arid regions of Rajasthan.

Effect of Supplemental Irrigation on Growth, Physio-biochemical and Yield Responses of Mothbean (L.) Genotypes under Vigna aconitifolia Rainfed Condition in Semi-arid Regions of Rajasthan

Effect of Supplemental Irrigation on Growth, Physio-biochemical and Yield Responses of Mothbean (L.) Genotypes under Vigna aconitifolia Rainfed Condition in Semi-arid Regions of Rajasthan

Grasshopper Species Composition and Severe Attack in the Semi-Arid Region of Rajasthan, India

Adequate knowledge is needed to know when grasshopper species abundance shifts and to follow severe outbreaks during microclimatic variations. Grasshoppers regularly cause enormous harm to a wide variety of crops and grazing lands; sometimes they show a potential attack on particular crops. A study was carried out in the southern region of Jaipur, Rajasthan, where 11 sites were weekly sampled to monitor grasshopper population dynamics, grasshopper densities, species composition, and vegetation loss from July 2021 to December 2022. A serious grasshopper attack was reported in 2021, with the highest grasshopper densities ranging from 5 to 17.5 per m2, whereas grasshopper densities dropped in 2022 from 4 to 14.5 per m2. In the survey area, the acridid grasshopper Hieroglyphus banian (Acrididae:Orthoptera) was reported as the most abundant species that was accountable for the majority of the crop damage in agricultural fields, followed by Spathosternum praciniferaum and Acrida turrita, respectively. The grasshopper population density was revealed to be significantly different in 2021 and 2022 (t = 1.568, df = 20, P = 2.086). Severe infestation was observed in all of the pearl millet fields and also in seasonal crops and vegetables, where H. banian caused 91% infestation, followed by S. praciniferaum with 7% and A. turrita with 2%, respectively. The study confirmed that climatic factors were significantly related to outbreaks and assessed their effect, which revealed a rare population in the summer season and peaked in the monsoon season. The finding provides important information for grasshopper risk forecasting, which is advantageous for preparing grasshopper risk maps, predicting the intensity of outbreaks, and developing an integrated pest management plan.

Groundwater quality, human health risks and major driving factors in arid and semi-arid regions of Rajasthan, India

Evaluating status, variability and identifying the factors influencing groundwater quality is essential to manage and conserve groundwater resources. The present study aims to examine groundwater quality for 15 water quality parameters from 84 stations in arid and semi-arid districts of Rajasthan, India, using annual data from 2000 to 2018. Statistical methods such as descriptive test statistics, Mann-Kendall (MK) test, Sen’s slope estimation, and Principal component analysis (PCA) were used to analyze the hydrochemical parameters. While World Health Organisation (WHO) and Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) guidelines were used to assess the suitability of groundwater for domestic purposes, sodium adsorption ratio (SAR), electrical conductivity (EC), and United States Salinity (USSL) diagrams were used for irrigation suitability. Further Generalized Additive Model (GAM) was used to explore the effect of climatic (precipitation, temperature) and anthropogenic (net irrigated area (NIA), fertilizer usage, industrialization, and population) variables on groundwater quality. The empirical results reveal that in groundwater of the study area sodium (Na+) and potassium (K+) were the dominating cations, while chloride (Cl−) and bicarbonate (HCO3−) were the dominating anions. The groundwater was predominantly Na–Cl type. Further, most stations witnessed an increasing trend in calcium, magnesium, sodium, chloride, bicarbonate and sulphate and a decreasing trend in potassium, fluoride and nitrate. The SAR, EC, and USSL indicate that the groundwater in the region is suitable for irrigation if salinity control measures are implemented. Chloride, fluoride and sodium concentrations exceeded the prescribed guideline limits in most stations, jeopardizing the suitability of water for drinking and posing significant health hazards. The GAM analysis revealed that anthropogenic variables significantly impact the groundwater quality parameters compared to the climatic variables. Accordingly, it is suggested that anthropogenic parameters must be addressed while formulating groundwater resource management policies. Thus, policies should focus on the stringent enactment of regulations and guidelines controlling the excessive use of fertilizers, implementing proper disposal of municipal solid and liquid waste, and managing industrial pollutants.

Long-term spatio-temporal analysis and trends of precipitation over semi-arid region of Rajasthan

Long-term spatio-temporal analysis and trends of precipitation over semi-arid region of Rajasthan

Evaluation of Spatio-temporal dynamics in agriculture in arid and semiarid region of Rajasthan, India-A statistical approach

The aridity of the arid and semiarid region of Rajasthan, India is considered as a great challenge for the growth of the crops due to lack of precipitation and high range of temperature. The present study focused on evaluating agricultural dynamics of the arid and semi-arid region of Rajasthan for the period of 2008-09 and 2021-22. The study comprised seven districts of Rajasthan: Barmer, Bikaner, Churu, Ganganagar, Hanumangarh, Jaisalmer and Jodhpur. Indices like crop combinations, crop diversity and agricultural efficiency of crops were taken into consideration. Hanumangarh showed 8 crop combinations to 4 from past to recent years viz. Bajra (Pennisetum glaucum), Guar seed (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba), Kharif pulses (Without Arhar) and Moth (Vigna aconitifolia), while in Jaisalmer, it was 3 crop combinations in the past while it is 6 in the recent years viz. Bajra, Guar seed , Moth , Mustard (Brassica), Mung (Vigna radiata) and Groundnut(Arachis hypogaea). A small percentage of Seasamum (Sesamum indicum) and Cotton (LINT)(Gossypium) was in the past previous years, but now, it is almost negligible. Wheat (Triticum) was observed in a lower to moderate percentage share throughout the period. There was no change in the dominant crops except in Ganganagar and Churu district. All the districts had higher crop diversification in recent years except Barmer. The result of agricultural efficiency showed that Ganganagar, Jodhpur, Hanumangarh had higher agricultural efficiency (> 100), while Barmer had the least value (< 50). Agricultural Indices efficiently visualized temporal agriculture trends in arid and semiarid regions of Rajasthan.

Genetic Divergence Studies among Indigenous Accessions of Cassia auriculata (L.) Roxb., through Screening and Utilization for Chambal Ravine Rehabilitation

Background: Cassia auriculata, L., is an imperative medicinal and traditional neutral colour leaf hair dye yielding in India. This is a multipurpose and indigenous, perennial leguminous shrub and widely used as traditional medicine to cure diabetics by the rural peoples. Tanner’s cassia is also used as neutral henna and its yields natural golden blonde colouring to hair through the dried leaf powder. Young buds are used for yellow colour dye extraction by textile industries. Screening of high tolerance and best performing genotypes is highly essential in this imperative woody legume shrub to rehabilitate the mass erosion prone gullied and ravine lands for productive purpose of the wasteland and degraded lands. Methods: Thirty different accessions of Cassia auriculata were assembled and numbered from CA-1 to CA-30 from arid and semi-arid regions of Rajasthan (India). The experimental trial was conducted at ICAR-IISWC, Research Centre, Kota-Rajasthan, India during 2019-2022. After evaluation, CA-4 genotype was selected as an elite genotype. The elite genotype was used for high density plantation development with resource conservation for green cover development in non-arable ravine lands. Result: Genetic variation studies of Cassia auriculata indicated that considerable and significant variability, abundant morphometric variations in assembled genotype progenies. Further, genetic divergence analysis was also revealed that nine clusters segregated from 30 genotypes. Thirty genotypes were grouped into nine clusters according overall performance with geographical identity. Finally, C. auriculata (CA-4) genotype was identified and selected as an elite genotype based on its overall superiority in terms of plant growth, higher green biomass, leaf litter biomass, more number branching behaviour and plant coppicing ability which are directly relevant and imperative in soil erosion control, resource conservation and potential rehabilitation effect in resource poor dry regions of non-arable lands.

Ecosystem services provided by striped hyenas in the human-dominated landscape of Rajasthan, India

In human-dominated landscapes, quantifying ecosystem services in terms of economic benefits could contribute to establishing peaceful coexistence between humans and large carnivores. In this study, we estimated the monetary value of scavenging benefits provided by striped hyenas (Hyaena hyaena) in an anthropogenic landscape in the semi-arid region of Rajasthan, India. We converted the value of domestic livestock carcasses consumed by striped hyenas from opportunity costs to quantify the value of this important ecosystem service to local people. We determined the monetary value of carcass disposals using two methods, including (1) electric cremation, and (2) pyre burning of animal carcasses. To determine the minimum number of striped hyenas, present in the study area, we employed a photo-capture approach, and we used scat analysis to determine the livestock consumed by striped hyenas. We estimated that striped hyenas removed 23.13 tons (4.4 %) of livestock carcass waste from the total of 525.68 tons of waste generated per year in the Intensive Study Area (ISA). The annual monetary value of livestock carcass waste removal by striped hyenas in the ISA was estimated to be ~US$ 7095 for electric cremation and US$ 49,665 for pyre burning. Our study demonstrates the economic benefit of scavenging services provided by striped hyenas in areas where anthropogenic food is abundant. In such areas, as hyenas scavenge anthropogenic food, local communities benefit from waste management. Using alternative carcass disposal methods without striped hyenas would be expensive and likely environmentally damaging.

Effect of different dates of sowing on pearl millet (Pannisetum glaucum L.) hybrids under semi-arid region of Rajasthan

Effect of different dates of sowing on pearl millet (Pannisetum glaucum L.) hybrids under semi-arid region of Rajasthan

Assessing the performance of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) crop by managing irrigation and nitrogen fertilizer under a semi-arid environment

Abstract Understanding the linkage between crop yields, irrigation frequencies, and fertilizer rates is crucial in region-specific agriculture practices. The present study was conducted to assess the effect of nitrogen fertilizer rates and irrigation frequency on wheat crop growth and yield in the semi-arid region of Rajasthan, India. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with 12 treatments with 4 replicas, combining 4 nitrogen fertilizers quantities (0%, 50%, 100%, and 125% of recommended dose) with 3 irrigation intervals (15, 21, and 25 days after sowing) were used for three consecutive years (2014-15, 2015-16 and 2016-17). Crop responses were recorded for different growth stages. One-way analysis of variance and Fisher's least significant difference tests were applied to determine significant changes in yield. The results showed that the high irrigation frequency and high fertilizer application significantly increased crop growth and yields. Yields observed in the first year of the experiment were higher than those in the second and third years in most treatments. The results showed that water and fertilizer are the key factors that can affect wheat yield in the semi- arid region of Rajasthan and should be managed according to soil and irrigation availability.

Pollination Biology in Henna Evidences from Semi-Arid Region of Rajasthan

Pollination Biology in Henna Evidences from Semi-Arid Region of Rajasthan

Dietary preference of striped hyena in the anthropogenic landscape of Rajasthan, India

Understanding the dietary patterns of large carnivores is a key feature of their niche and addresses their ecological role in ecosystems. The striped hyena (Hyaena hyaena) is a large carnivore distributed in many arid and semi-arid regions of the world and its diet is largely understudied in its range. We studied the dietary patterns of striped hyenas in the anthropogenic landscape, located in the semi-arid region of Rajasthan, India. We collected and analyzed a total number of 127 scat samples from November 2019 to February 2022. The relative biomass and frequency of occurrence of the large-sized prey species (>30 kg) were higher in the striped hyena's diet. However, the species requires a wide range of smaller prey to enrich its diet and a total of twenty-one prey species have been recorded in the hyena diet. The diet diversity of the striped hyena computed by the Shannon-Weiner Index (H) was 3.28. The proportion of prey in the scats indicated that very large to large and medium-sized prey accounted for 95.7% of total dietary biomass and was mostly preferred by striped hyenas, which was probably consumed through scavenging. Livestock (cows, buffaloes, sheep, camels, and dogs) accounted for 56.54% of total dietary biomass. The higher amount of presence of livestock mammals in the scats suggests that striped hyenas may frequently visit human settlement areas, which could be influenced by high carcass availability. The presence of small prey such as mongoose, hares, foxes, and rats indicate that the striped hyenas might partially hunt the smaller animals or opportunistic feed. This study added to our understanding of the striped hyena's feeding ecology in areas where anthropogenic food is quite abundant compared to wild prey. Hence hyenas benefit from anthropogenic food scavenging, whereas humans benefit from the non-lethal nature of hyenas and waste removal.

Targeting of rainwater harvesting structures using geospatial tools and analytical hierarchy process (AHP) in the semi-arid region of Rajasthan (India).

Burgeoning population growth and subsequent demand for freshwater, besides competition among irrigation, domestic, and industrial sectors, coupled with a changing climate, have necessitated prudent and effective management of water resources. Rainwater harvesting (RWH) is considered one of the most effective strategies for water management. However, the location and design of RWH structures are essential for proper implementation, operation, and maintenance. An attempt has been made in this study to locate the most suitable site for RWH structure and design using one of the robust multi-criteria decision analysis techniques, viz. analytic hierarchy process, using geospatial tools in the Gambhir watershed, Rajasthan, India. High-resolution Sentinel-2A data and a digital elevation model of the Advanced Land Observation Satellite were used in this study. Five biophysical parameters, viz. land use and land cover, slope, soil texture, surface runoff, and drainage density, were considered to identify suitable locations for RWH structures. It was observed that runoff is the prime factor in determining the location of RWH structures compared to other parameters. It was revealed that 75.54 km2 (13% of the total area) was very highly suited for the construction of RWH structures, while 114.56 km2 (19%) was highly suitable. A total of 43.77 km2 (7%) of land was determined to be unsuitable for the construction of any type of RWH structure. Farm ponds, check dams, and percolation ponds were suggested for the study area. Furthermore, Boolean logic was used to target a particular type of RWH structure. The study indicated that a total of 25 farm ponds, 14 check dams, and 16 percolation ponds can be constructed at identified locations in the watershed. Water resource development maps of the watershed generated using an analytical approach would be useful for policymakers and hydrologists for targeting and implementing RWH structures in the study watershed.

Persistence of Fipronil Residues in the Cabbage Field Soil under Semi-arid Region of Rajasthan

Fipronil is a phenyl pyrazole insecticide, which is used as broad spectrum insecticide to control pest such as diamondback moth, thrips, stem borers, leaf folder, termites, borers, jassids, and bollworms. A study was undertaken at Rajasthan Agricultural Research Institute, Durgapura, Jaipur during Rabi, 2020 to find out the persistence of fipronil residues in the soil of cabbage field, when sprayed at its recommended dose (5% SC, 40 g. a. i. ha-1) and double of the recommended dose (5% SC, 80 g. a. i. ha-1). The samples were extracted with acetonitrile and cleaned up using a modified QuEChERS method and the residues were analyzed by Gas Chromatography. The residue level of fipronil in cabbage field soil collected at harvest time of cabbage crop were below the detectable level (BDL) at the recommended dose and double of the recommended dose, respectively.

Morphological variability and genetic potential of henna (Lawsonia inermis) germplasms in semi-arid regions of Rajasthan

Henna (Lawsonia inermis L.) is a commercial and export-oriented important perennial shrub used in the ornamentation of palm, feet, dyeing of hair, etc. Developing high-yielding varieties and elite plant materials are the best method to increase the productivity and quality in henna. An experiment was conducted at research farm of ICAR-Central Arid Zone Research Institute, Regional Research Station, Pali-Marwar, Rajasthan during 2018–22 in Randomized block design to assess variability among morphometric traits and genetic parameters for dry leaf yield and attributing characters in Henna. The results indicated that among 19 germplasms maximum dry leaf yield and minimum number of inflorescence was recorded in CZ-RSPH-8 followed by CZ-RSPH-15. The accession CZ-RSPH-9 (2.33%) exhibited the highest lawsone content (%) followed by CZ-RSPH-8 and CZ-RSPH-15. The estimates of phenotypic co-efficient variation (PCV) were higher than the respective genotypic co-efficient variation (GCV). The number of inflorescences registered high heritability with high genetic advance. Path analysis exhibited the direct effect of the number of inflorescence with dry leaf yield. Cluster analysis revealed two major clusters classified into 6 and 13 germplasm which depicts the diverse degree of relatedness among different accessions.

Non-genetic factors affecting lifetime body weights in Malpura Ram lambs

A study was conducted to evaluate the effect of non-genetic factors on lifetime (birth to 60 months of age) body weights in Malpura ram lambs. The data pertaining to 4134 ram lambs born from 2529 dams and 525 sires spread over a period of 45 years (1975 to 2019) maintained at ICAR-Central Sheep and Wool Research Institute, Avikanagar were used. The least squares means for body weights at birth (BWT), 3 (3WT), 6 (6WT), 9 (9WT), 12 (12WT), 18 (18WT), 24 (24WT), 30 (30WT), 36 (36WT), 42 (42WT), 48 (48WT), 54 (54WT) and 60 (60WT) months were 3.13±0.13, 15.10±0.08, 23.81±0.13, 27.46±0.19, 30.99±0.22, 34.76± 0.22, 38.86±0.29, 41.68±0.41, 44.18±0.56, 43.16±0.76, 44.05±0.96, 43.96±1.53 and 44.27±1.50 kg respectively. The effect of period of birth on all the body weights, season on birth, 3WT, 6WT, 9WT, 18WT, 24WT, 30WT, 36WT and 60WT and parity of dam on BWT, 3WT, 6WT, 9WT and 12WT was significant (P<0.01). Regression of ewe weights was significant (P<0.01) on all the body weights except 60WT (P<0.05). The results of the study showed that non-genetic factors play important role in the expression of lifetime body weights in Malpura ram lambs under semi-arid region of Rajasthan.

Application of analytical hierarchical process, multi-influencing factor, and geospatial techniques for groundwater potential zonation in a semi-arid region of western India

Groundwater resources are alarmingly depleting due to over-exploitation and significant climate changes over time. Therefore, demarcation of groundwater potential zones is essential for addressing the needs of various industries in semi-arid area. Depleting groundwater resources, topography, aquifer features and climatic factors make it necessary to demarcate ground water potential zones in semiarid region of Rajasthan. The Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP), Geographic Information System (GIS), and Multi Influence Factor (MIF) were used to determine the groundwater potential zones (GWPZs) in the semi-arid region of Jaipur, located in western Rajasthan. In present study, ten influential factors were employed i.e., geomorphology, land use/land cover (LULC), drainage density, rainfall, topographic wetness index (TWI), soil texture, slope, roughness, topographic position index (TPI) and curvature. In AHP technique, the pairwise comparison matrix was generated, and weightages were given to each thematic layer while for MIF, a proposed score for each layer was computed from the aggregate weight of major and minor effects. The GWPZ map generated by AHP technique was categorised into three parts: high, moderate and poor potential zones, covering 13%, 50.7% and 36.3% of the district. While, the GWPZ map produced with the MIF technique was also divided into the same poor, moderate, and high categories, encompassing 35.3, 44.1, and 20.6% of the district, respectively. The results of AHP and MIF techniques were then cross-validated with well depth data obtained from CGWB report, 2019–20. The receiver operating characteristics (ROC) were plotted and the findings shows that the Area under the Curve (AUC) was 79% and 76% for AHP and MIF, respectively which is considered as moderate to high in predictive precision. The study would be helpful in locating drilling sites for groundwater exploration and developing sustainable groundwater and land use policies.