Semi-arid Region Of India Research Articles

Use of Random regression model for modeling growth trajectory in Jamunapari goat in the semi-arid region of India

The objective of the study was to plot the trajectory of the growth curve in Jamunapari goat using B-spline (BS) function and compare it with the Legendre polynomial (LP) function of the random regression model (RRM) and also to assess the genotype and environment interaction for growth traits. The data was collected from 8763 descendants of 1845 dams and 339 sires. The RRM used direct genetic, direct maternal, permanent environment for animal and maternal permanent environmental effects in different orders of fit. The B-spline model (BSL6H5) was more robust compared to LP-RRM. The heritability (h2) estimates were 0.23 ± 0.03, 0.26 ± 0.02, 0.22 ± 0.02, 0.19 ± 0.02, 0.22 ± 0.02, respectively for birth weight (BW), three-month weight (3MW), six-month weight (6MW), nine-month weight (9MW) and twelve-month weight (12MW) from the best model. The h2 estimate indicated the further scope of genetic improvement through selection. The maternal proportion of variance was accounting for 3 to 8% variance across growth trajectory indicating the low influence of maternal effects that reduced significantly post-weaning. However, we observed that the animal permanent environment accounted for 45 to 69% of variance across growth trajectory. The genetic correlations between 6MW, 9MW, and 12MW were high and positive indicating scope for early selection. The genetic trends at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months of age were 0.065 kg, 0.082 kg, 0.098 kg, and 0.121 kg per year, respectively, indicating a favorable impact of selection for growth traits. The ranks of the sires at different time points based on breeding values through B-spline RRM were more robust as compared with estimates from the conventional animal model and LP-RRM, where the presence of genotype by environment (GxE) interaction resulted in significant re-ranking of sires for 9MW and 12MW. The B-spline RRM approach resulted in a pragmatic solution for the problem of GxE interaction across growth trajectories. We conclude that the B-spline RRM should be used for genetic evaluation of Jamunapari goats in the future for unbiased, accurate, and consistent prediction of breeding values.

Exogenous Spermine Mitigate Adversities of Salinity Induced Oxidative Stress through Antioxidant Metabolites in Wheat

Change in climatic scenarios due to global warming is characterized by extreme climate variability, land and water degradation which resulted in water scarcity. Accumulation of salts at the surface and sub-surface layers of soils affect crop production of major cereals which is a constraint in sustainable food production. Salinity is a major challenge to tackle wheat cultivation and harness productivity in arid and semi-arid regions of India. In the present investigation, mitigation of salinity induced oxidative stress through exogenous application of spermine (Spm) in four wheat genotypes was studied in relation to antioxidant metabolites. The levels of O2.- increased with increasing levels of salinity in wheat flag leaves. DBW 88 showed the levels of O2.- of 11.75 nmol g-1 FW and 15.74 nmol g-1 FW (at 8 dSm-1 and 12 dSm-1 respectively) at 21 Days After Sowing (DAS) and application of Spm decreased the O2.- content under control and saline stressed conditions at 8 dSm-1 and 12 dSm-1. Hydrogen peroxide content was increased with increasing levels of salinity in all the wheat varieties at 21 DAS. However, the increase was more in the case of DBW 88 when compared with HD 3086. Treatment of Spm decreased the H2O2 content when compared with control and saline stressed wheat varieties. The malondialdehyde (MDA) content was increased with increasing levels of salinity at 21 DAS. The highest increase in MDA content was seen in DBW 88 whereas the lowest increase was found in Kharchia 65. Application of Spm decreased the MDA content under control at both levels of salinity treated wheat varieties. The carotenoid content decreased with increasing levels of salinity in all four wheat varieties. However, the decrease was more in DBW 88 when compared with other varieties viz. HD 3086, Kharchia 65 and KRL 210 at 21 DAS. Exogenous Spm increased the carotenoids content in all four wheat varieties irrespective of the salinity. The leaves of Kharchia 65 and KRL 210 had higher levels of ascorbic acid as compared to that of DBW 88 and HD 3086. Increased content of carotenoid was observed in Spm-treated wheat. Exogenous application of Spm increased the ascorbic acid content in control at both levels of salt stress. The glutathione content increased with an increase in salinity treatment in all the varieties however, a higher increase was observed in Kharchia 65. Exogenous Spm increased the glutathione content in all the varieties irrespective of salinity stress. The results presented in the study indicated that the exogenous application of Spm improved their tolerance levels under salinity.

Cactus Pear (Opuntia ficus-indica) Productivity, Proximal Composition and Soil Parameters as Affected by Planting Time and Agronomic Management in a Semi-Arid Region of India

Study of appropriate planting time and response to agronomic management practices is imperative for the newly introduced cactus pear (Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill.) into a semi-arid region of India. Responses of cactus pear to agronomic practices (planting time and irrigation and fertilizer application) were evaluated to determine the potential for fodder production and livestock feed in a semi-arid environment of India. We assessed four planting times (February, March, July and October) and two agronomic managements (with and without irrigation and fertilizer application) during 2016–2020 at Jhansi, India. Cactus pear establishment and growth improved with planting time in July and October due to favorable soil moisture and congenial temperature. However, plant height (19 cm) and cladode weight (118 g) were greater in July than in October planting. Nutrient uptake and crude protein contents, however, were higher for the earlier plantings of February and April compared to June and October. Irrigation and nutrients application had little effect on the cactus pear plant growth, except on plant width and cladode length and width. Cactus pear can be planted during July in moderately fertile soils without any agronomic intervention in semi-arid situations of India and has potential as an effective alternative source of forage for livestock during the summer months.

Genetic and non-genetic factors affecting first parity growth, reproductive and lactation traits in Barbari goats under semi-intensive management in semi-arid region of India

Barbari is most preferred goat breed of commercial farmers in India and information on its first parity growth, reproduction and production traits are valuable for making present and future genetic progress of flock. Data for present study pertains to 2,554 kids, progeny of 227 sires and 1645 dam born during 2001 to 2019 at Central Institute for Research on Goats, Makhdoom, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh. The least squares means of body weight of kids at birth, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months of age were 1.69±0.02, 7.48±0.13, 11.45±0.21, 16.08±0.28 and 20.21±0.33 kg, respectively. Period, sex, type of birth, and weight of dam at kidding were significant sources of non-genetic variation affecting body weights. The least squares mean of weight at first conception, weight at first kidding, age at first conception, age at first kidding and first gestation period were 18.04±0.07 kg, 21.79±0.09 kg, 381.65±2.51 days, 523.23±2.52 days and 143.33±0.21 days, respectively. Period of birth was major source of variation though these traits were also significantly affected by season and type of birth. The least squares means of first lactation 90-days milk yield, 140-days milk yield, total Lactation period milk yield, first lactation Length, milk yield per day of first lactation length and milk yield per day of first kidding interval were 50.22±0.41 litre, 69.94±1.05 litre, 57.32±0.53 litre, 123.01±0.53 days, 48.91±0.35 litre and 19.39±0.22 litres, respectively. Period, season, type of kidding, age and weight of dam at kidding were significant sources of non-genetic variation affecting above lactation traits. The h2 for growth and production traits were moderate whereas low to moderate for reproductive traits except weight at first conception and kidding which have moderate h2 estimates. The genetic and phenotypic correlations among the growth traits at different ages were moderate to high (0.3 to 0.8), however decrease with distant ages. Very high genetic and phenotypic correlation estimates were obtained among lactation traits suggesting that judicious selection of animals' for any lactation traits would yield consistent genetic improvement in the other milk production traits in the flock. The economic traits which were significantly influenced by non-genetic factors with high magnitude need attention for strategic management interventions such as planned breeding of females to avoid kidding in adverse weather conditions, better attention in suckling of milk for kids born with low birth weight, hygiene of shed, adequate supplementation of concentrate ration to those kids which have less pre-weaning growth regardless of type of birth, better nutrition level to maiden goats before and after mating and extension of weaning age for triplets by 10-15 days to obtain higher post weaning weight gains, optimization of breeding weight at first mating and strategic supplementary concentrate feeding as per milk yield.

Hydrogeochemical Processes Governing Uranium Mobility: Inferences from the Anthropogenically Disturbed, Semi-arid Region of India.

Khetri Copper Belt, Rajasthan, is anthropogenically active and geologically belongs to the Delhi super-group. A study was designed to understand the geochemical processes controlling the elemental mobility in the groundwater. Sampling sites were divided into three zones, i.e. copper, quartzite and granite mine zones depending on the type of mineral excavated. A total of 32 representative groundwater samples were collected and analysed for heavy metals and radionuclide (U) using ICP-MS. A maximum U concentration (average 87 µgL-1) is observed in the quartzite mine zone, and minimum (average 13 µgL-1) is found in the copper mine zone samples. A high concentration of U (maximum of 430 µgL-1) in groundwater is attributed to mineral dissolution due to geogenic and anthropogenic activities. Despite the presence of Jaspura and Gothra granitoid in the copper mine zone, the abundance of U is low suggesting the scavenging of U by sulphides or iron oxides. Additionally, at the confluence of two geological groups, Fe concentration is found high with a low concentration of U which further confirms scavenging of U. It is evident from the results that in the absence of iron-bearing sulphides, U concentration in groundwater would be very high compared to the current concentration. It also indicates low concentration of U in the copper mine zone is due to dissolution of Fe sulphide-rich waste. The present study recommends further research to understand the feasibility of mining waste for the removal of U contamination from groundwater.

Selected microbial consortia promotes Dalbergia sissoo growth in the large-scale nursery and wastelands in a semi-arid region in India

ABSTRACT The performance of a selected microbial consortia (Rhizophagus fasciculatus, Azotobacter chroococcum, Bacillus coagulans and Trichoderma harzianum) on Dalbergia sissoo Roxb. ex DC. was investigated through large-scale nursery trials at three locations in the Mandya district of Karnataka state, India. At each nursery, 500 microbial consortia inoculated seedlings and 500 uninoculated seedlings were raised. The mean plant biovolume index and dry biomass of inoculated seedlings raised in three large-scale nursery trials were 42% and 39% higher, respectively, compared to uninoculated seedlings 180 days after sowing. Forty randomly selected inoculated and 40 uninoculated seedlings from each nursery were planted in wasteland at three locations, and their growth was monitored for nearly 6 years. The mean biovolume index of inoculated trees planted in the three wastelands was 136% higher compared to uninoculated trees 73 months after planting. Thus, the study shows inoculation with the selected microbial consortia that improves the growth of Dalbergia sissoo in the nursery and also when planted in degraded wasteland.

Identifying influencing groundwater parameter on human health associate with irrigation indices using the Automatic Linear Model (ALM) in a semi-arid region in India

Quality of water for the purposes of irrigation is a serious threat to the sustainable development of the agriculture sector. The main objective of this study is to evaluate the suitability of groundwater for irrigation purposes using various irrigation indices such as: Sodium Absorption Ratio (SAR), Residual Sodium Carbonate (RSC), Percentage Sodium (%Na), Magnesium Hazards (MH), Permeability Index (PI), Potential Salinity (PS), Residual Sodium Bicarbonate (RBSC), Kelly's Ratio (KR), Synthetic Harmful Coefficient (K), and Exchangeable Sodium Percentage (ESP). A total of 30 samples were collected from the bore well of agricultural farmland and analysed for cations and anions. MH reveal that 53.33 % of samples exceed the permissible level. PS shows that 43.33 % of samples are marginally affected and 33.33 % of samples are unsuitable for use in irrigation. About 76 % of the groundwater samples were suitable for irrigation and the remainder require treatment before use. Automatic Linear Modelling (ALM) is used to predict the major influence parameter for MH and PS are RBSC, RSC and K value of groundwater. ALM shows that excess magnesium concentration and salinity are the primary factors that affect the suitability of groundwater for irrigation use. This integrated technique showed that water from approximately 25 % of the sample locations would require treatment before use. This study will improve the pattern of irrigation, identify sources of contamination and highlight the importance of organic fertilizers to develop and enhance the sustainable practices in the study region.

Reviving a Heritage in Peril: India’s Endangered Traditions of Cotton and Wool

This article traces the journey of two indigenous textile fibres—Kala cotton and Desi Oon—and the efforts of farmers, pastoralists, craft artisans and Khamir, to conserve, sustain and promote the natural and cultural heritage that have nourished these fibres. It recreates the revival of these fibres in Kutch, a semi-arid region of India, and unfolds the technical, cultural and creative challenges that have accompanied this process—from land to the loom. Large-scale shifts in Indian agriculture have marked a significant breakdown of the value loops and deep interdependent economies between farmers, spinners, weavers, dyers and tailors. First, in the nineteenth century, when the cultivation of short staple indigenous varieties of cotton shifted to long staple cotton, which could feed the mills of Britain; and then in the late twentieth century when a global push towards hybrid, genetically modified varieties of cotton strode over the farming of more resilient local cotton varieties. Similarly, across India, vast genetic resource of sheep, yak and camels, in particular, have, for centuries, been conserved and bred by the nomadic pastoral communities of these regions. Even two and a half decade ago, the animal’s fibre was used extensively by the pastoralists themselves and fetched them a market price for the wool that was almost equal to that of meat. However, with India becoming a major sheep meat producing country, accompanied by the relaxation of tariffs on wool imports in the early nineties, the Indian wool market has moved completely to softer, longer staple wool from New Zealand, Australia and the Middle East. Today, this is the only natural fibre in which India is deficient despite having the third largest number of sheep in the world! The process of conserving indigenous cotton seeds, sheep breeds, their fibres and a range of associated textile crafts, challenge all the essential premises on which the political economy of contemporary textiles rest. However hope comes in many forms—the intense climatic variabilities and growing vulnerabilities to climate change, is compelling farmers and pastoralists to revisit the choices they have been compelled to adopt by a globalized market economy. Their growing understanding and need to revive their local cotton seeds and animal breeds, which are more adaptable and resilient to climatic variabilities, hold out a tremendous opportunity to transform the landscape of indigenous textile fibres. Through her experiences, the author stitches together a story of localization wherein Khamir attempts to restore a lost heritage and the bonds between farmers, pastoralists, spinners, weavers and dyers.

Performance and Stability of Pearl Millet Varieties for Grain Yield and Micronutrients in Arid and Semi-Arid Regions of India.

Pearl millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.] is grown under both arid and semi-arid conditions in India, where other cereals are hard to grow. Pearl millet cultivars, hybrids, and OPVs (open pollinated varieties) are tested and released by the All India Coordinated Research Project on Pearl Millet (AICRP-PM) across three zones (A1, A, and B) that are classified based on rainfall pattern. Except in locations with extreme weather conditions, hybrids dominate pearl millet growing areas, which can be attributed to hybrid vigor and the active role of the private sector. The importance of OPVs cannot be ruled out, owing to wider adaptation, lower input cost, and timely seed availability to subsidiary farmers cultivating this crop. This study was conducted to scrutinize the presently used test locations for evaluation of pearl millet OPVs across India, identify the best OPVs across locations, and determine the variation in grain Fe and Zn contents across locations in these regions. Six varieties were evaluated across 20 locations in A1 and A (pooled as A) and B zones along with three common checks and additional three zonal adapted checks in the respective zones during the 2019 rainy season. Recorded data on yield and quality traits were analyzed using genotype main effects and genotype × environment interaction biplot method. The genotype × environment (G × E) interaction was found to be highly significant for all the grain yield and agronomic traits and for both micronutrients (iron and zinc). However, genotypic effect (G) was four (productive tillers) to 49 (grain Fe content) times that of G × E interaction effect for various traits across zones that show the flexibility of OPVs. Ananthapuramu is the ideal test site for selecting pearl millet cultivars effectively for adaptation across India, while Ananthapuramu, Perumallapalle, and Gurugram can also be used as initial testing locations. OPVs MP 599 and MP 600 are identified as ideal genotypes, because they showed higher grain and fodder yields and stability compared with other cultivars. Iron and zinc concentration showed highly significant positive correlation (across environment = 0.83; p < 0.01), indicating possibility of simultaneous effective selection for both traits. Three common checks were found to be significantly low yielders than the test entries or zonal checks in individual zones and across India, indicating the potential of genetic improvement through OPVs.

Analyzing dynamics of degraded lands using NDVI time-series in a semi-arid region of India

The measure of degraded lands of a region provides for unfurling the natural asset, soil, for its suitability for crops. An attempt has been made to identify, map, and monitor the dynamics of degraded lands over three decades. The efficacy of remote sensing is employed to observe change in the form of reduction, increase, or shift in a particular category of degradation. An improvement in respect to extent of area has been observed for the year 2016 marking an area of 265.62 km2 to be left degraded which gradually decreased from 1210.94 km2 since 1995. However, the year 2006 was observed to be more degraded, making it mandatory to monitor degradation. The physico-chemical analysis of soil was performed to determine severity of degradation as well as variation in parameters of selected categories of land degradation. The temporal change of vegetal cover has been recorded by normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) which shows a positive co-relation with productivity by establishing a co-relation among different sensors. The extracted degraded lands had NDVI values extending between −0.97 and 0.4 obtained by masking the non-degraded lands. Analytical metrics generated to determine the fragmentation indicates more inclination of waterlogged (permanent) to transform to normal landforms for the year 2016.

The Effects of Plant Density on the Productivity of Tomato Hybrids in a Newly Developed Low Cost Naturally Ventilated Greenhouse

Looking into the variations in the design of greenhouses and cost factor, a two-span saw tooth type low cost naturally ventilated greenhouse (NVG) of 250 m2 area was designed and developed. The galvanized iron (GI) framed NVG covered with 200µ ultra-voilet (UV) stabilized plastics sheet, consisted of cross and ridge ventilation, shade net, fogging and drip irrigation systems. Effect of spacing and tomato hybrid on yield and yield attributing traits of tomato were studied under NVG. Twenty-three days old seedlings of four tomato hybrids viz. Rupali, Pusa Hybrid-2, Naveen 2000 and Avinash-2 were transplanted at three different spacing (60 x 60 cm, 45 x 45 cm and 60 x 45 cm) inside the NVG. The results showed that increasing the spacing significantly increased the number of fruits, average fruit weight, fruit yield per plant, yield per unit area (kg/m2) and marketable fruit yield per plant. It was noted that the significantly highest fruit yield was recorded under wider spacing of 60 x 60cm over other spacings. Among the different tomato hybrids, Naveen-2000 significantly produced higher yield (12.55 kg/m2) and yield attributes over other and statistically at par with Avinash (12 kg/m2). The developed NVG was indigenous, simple to erect and performed well for tomato crop production. The efforts will enhance the application of greenhouse in arid and semi-arid regions of India.

Development and evaluation of early maturing thermo-tolerant Indian mustard (Brassica juncea L. Czern &amp; Coss) genotypes for cultivation in semi-arid region of India

Heat stress at the seedling stage can increase mortality and has become an increasing threat for Indian mustard cultivation. Indian mustard is being predominantly grown under a rainfed ecosystem. In this context, the selection of heat tolerant genotypes may be one of the panaceas. Hence, this study was planned to evolve, evaluate and identify some of the promising early maturing heat stress tolerant from a pool of advanced breeding lines, to be used as probable donors for transferring heat tolerance. For this purpose, heat stress was imposed on 10 Indian mustard advanced breeding lines at the seedling period. The mean performance of the ten advanced breeding lines of Indian mustard with respect to morphophysiology revealed that the genotype DRMRHT-13-13-5-4 recorded earliest in maturity (117.5 days), high oil content (43.14 %) and seed yield of 3182.82 (kg/ha) which was 19.75 per cent higher seed yield over best check NPJ-112 under heat stress conditions. Similarly, the genotype DRMRHT-13-13-5-6 also recorded early in maturity (118.5 days), oil content (42.18%) and seed yield of 2964.92 (kg/ha) which was 11.55 per cent higher seed yield over the best check NPJ-112. There was a positive correlation between relative water content and membrane stability index (r=0.945) but both of these traits were negatively associated with excised-leaf water loss. Cluster survey classified 10 advanced breeding lines in five divergent groups. The tree diagram revealed abundant diversity between the Indian mustard genotypes for different characters and some magnitude of a consortium between different clusters. Based on the higher membrane stability index, water retention capacity of leaves, relative water content, minimum excised-leaf water loss and seed yield, advanced breeding lines DRMRHT-13-13-5-4 and DRMRHT-13-13-5-6 were identified as early in maturity and heat tolerant at a seedling stage which could be used in breeding programmes.

Bacterial diversity and bio-chemical properties in the rhizosphere soils of Cumin and Coriander

India is a major producer and consumer of seed spices. There are numbers of studies have been done on soil and crop parameters of these but there is lacuna on the study of soil bacterial community analysis in the seed spices. Soil microorganisms are known to play critical role in soil biochemical processes, nutrient cycling, soil fertility, and also influences plant performances. With the objectives to know microbial community composition and soil chemical and biological properties in rhizosphere of two seed spices plants- cumin and coriander we collected five soil samples from rhizosphere of cumin (NRCSS-SL-1 and NRCSS-SL-3) and coriander (NRCSS-SL-2, NRCSS-SL-4 and NRCSS-SL-5) grown in arid and semi-arid regions of India. Electrical conductivity (0.32–0.53 ds/m), organic carbon (0.03–0.64%), total nitrogen (223–258 kg/ha), total phosphorous (30–47.3 kg/ha) and total potash (206–388 kg/ha) were varied in samples. In biological properties bacterial and fungal populations were varied between 98.33 and 210 c.f.u. × 104 g−1 soil and 32–69.33 c.f.u. × 103 g−1 soil, respectively. Different soil enzyme activities dehydrogenase (37.96–57.68 µg TPF g−1 soil 24 h−1), acid phosphatase (14.66–24.72 µg p-NP g−1 soil h−1), and alkaline phosphatase (27.08–37.58 µg p-NP g−1 soil h−1) were varied in samples. Soil chemical and biological activities were found highest in NRCSS-SL-2 followed by NRCSS-SL-5 and lowest in NRCSS-SL-1. Amplicon sequencing of 16S rRNA gene was done in the collected samples to identify and quantify the bacterial community structure. A total 37 phyla were observed with varying abundances in different samples. Next generation sequencing shows that three phyla were present in order of Firmicutes (26–43%) > Proteobacteria (23–29%) > Actinobacteria (11–22%) and they were dominating in all the soil samples. Relative abundance of order Bacillales was highest (26–35%), followed by Rhizobiales (8–10%) and Actinomycetales (7–11%) in samples. There were many orders which found in very low abundance and moreover some were not present in all soil samples but these may play significant role in the soil ecosystem. The study concludes that rhizosphere soil of seed spices harbors wide range of unculturable microbes and climatic conditions have impact on their community structure. Microbial activities in terms of microbial colony count and enzyme activity are also influenced by soil chemical properties.

Delineating fragmented grassland patches in the tropical region using multi-seasonal synthetic aperture radar (SAR) and optical satellite images

ABSTRACT Globally, grasslands are declining and are in highly degraded conditions. In South Asia, grasslands are neglected and treated as wastelands. They remain unprotected, highly fragmented, and poorly understood, which has led to a loss of unique biodiversity and livelihoods. Mapping grasslands accurately is a challenge and current maps based on optical remote sensing often over- or underestimate grasslands in South Asia due to the prevalent complex landscape matrix, small patch sizes, and obscuring monsoonal clouds. Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), fused with moderate spatial resolution optical data, has been used to delineate grasslands, but the high-resolution, freely available European Space Agency (ESA)’s Sentinel-1 (SAR) and Sentinel-2 (Optical) provide an opportunity to map small and fragmented patches. Further, high-resolution imageries require high computing power, which is often limited to stand-alone machines. Here, we demonstrate that using cloud computing and optimal use of multi-seasonal imagery, one can obtain a highly accurate land-cover land use (LCLU) classification for a complex habitat matrix. We performed LCLU classification using the Support Vector Machine (SVM) algorithm of Sentinel-1, Sentinel-2, and Sentinel-1 and Sentinel-2 (Combined) in Google Earth Engine (GEE). GEE is a freely accessible cloud computing platform. We compared the accuracy of grassland classes between a) Sentinel-1 seasonal (pre-, during, and post-monsoon), b) Sentinel-2 post-monsoon, and c) combined Sentinel-1 and Sentinel-2. We tested this method at two sites in a highly fragmented habitat matrix in arid and semi-arid areas of Western and Southern India. The classification results have shown that the overall accuracy for the combined image classification was higher than only Sentinel-2 or Sentinel-1 alone for both sites. Grassland class accuracy was also consistent with combined image classification across the sites. Our results identified newer grassland areas that coarse land use management maps used by the government did not. Since the computation was conducted in GEE, a regular laptop was sufficient for the user and processing was completed rapidly. We, therefore, suggest that this approach of using cloud computing and optimal use of resource-hungry (computation and storage) high-resolution Sentinel-1 and Sentinel-2 data can be used to identify major LCLU classes and patchy grasslands in the arid and semi-arid regions of India and has the potential to map at a continent level.

Adalaj Stepwell: A Magical Resonance of Architectural Ingenuity

The term Stepwell defined as "Well with Stairs" is a window to the ethnicity of forgotten civilizations. Stepwells are structures up to 3 to 5 storeys down from ground level, many of which are artistically designed with exquisite workmanship. These stepwells collect water during seasonal monsoons and in the deeper part of the ground with shadows around, such water bodies undergo slow evaporation process. In India, stepwells have been around since the age of Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro, about 4,500 years ago. During this period, bath wells with steps were created, with rooms surrounding the well-pit for resting. Such stepwells were once integral to the semi-arid regions of India, as they provided water for basic amenities for subsistence. These wells were also venues for colourful festivals and sacred rituals, paving the way for a rich cultural legacy. One such unique stepwell is located in Adalaj village in Gujarat, India, initiated by Raja Veer Singh in 1499 and completed by King Mohammed Begada for Rani Rudabai, wife of the Raja. The cultural and architectural representations in the stepwell at various levels are a tribute to the history, built initially by Hindus and subsequently ornamented and blended with Islamic architecture during the Muslim rule. But present-day perception, nurtured by technological advancements, has shifted. The paper focuses on the effects of the changing urbanscape on the architectural and visual connectivity with the cultural heritage of Adalaj so that adequate conservation measures can be proposed to preserve this icon of Indian architecture. Understanding the cultural relevance of such structures is crucial for their continued appreciation and protection.

Impact of Biological Fertilizer Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi and Conventional Fertilizers Mobilization on Growth, Yield, Nutrients Uptake, Quercetin and Allin Contents in Allium Crops Cultivation Under Field Conditions in Semi-Arid Region of India

Field experiment was conducted at farmer field Lasalgaon in the state of Maharashtra, India to determine the influence of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) to reduce the doses of chemical fertilizer used in major allium crops (red onion, white onion and garlic) during winter cultivation. AMF inoc-ulated and uninoculated onion and garlic seedlings/cloves were grown with recommended dose of fertilizer (100% RDF) and Mycorrhiza +75% RDF. AMF inoculated onion and garlic plant showed significant increase in plant growth parameters like plant height, total biomass, neck thickness, bulb diameters and bulb weight. AMF + 75% RDF treatments resulted into greater plant morphological characters, highest yield, height, TSS, quercetin and allin contents and AMF root colonization as compared to uninoculated control (100% RDF). The results reveal that AMF contribute to growth and development of onion and garlic plant under field conditions. In the present study, it can be concluded that AMF could reduce the amount of chemical fertilizers to enhancing overall performance of onion and garlic and provide a sustainable and environmentally safer option for cultivation.

Celebrating Jodha

Narpat S. Jodha (1937–2020) passed away at the age of 83 years. He is best remembered for his contribution to research on the commons and livelihoods in semi-arid regions in India. His work has transcended geographical boundaries and has won him worldwide recognition. His passing away provides an occasion to revisit the commons issue for multiple reasons, mainly that the livelihood issues that triggered the study of the commons still remain. Despite all the livelihood benefits that the commons provide, it is widely acknowledged that the commons in India are under threat, which throws open multiple questions: Is it due to the absence of secure property rights among local communities or the result of weak governance mechanisms? We also recognize that research on the commons has moved beyond livelihood issues to gender perspectives, digital commons, urban issues, and health.

Zinc biofortification of dual-purpose cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.] for enhancing the productivity and nutritional quality in a semi-arid regions of India

ABSTRACT Zinc deficient soils cause low crop production leading to malnutrition in humans and livestock. Two years field experiments were conducted on cowpea crop with six ZnSO4·H2O (33%) treatments viz. no Zn, soil application of 16 kg ZnSO4·H2O ha−1 (SZn), one foliar spray of 0.3% ZnSO4·H2O at early bloom (EB) stage (F1Zn), two foliar sprays of 0.3% ZnSO4·H2O at EB and full bloom (FB) stages (F2Zn) and combination of soil application + foliar sprays of ZnSO4.H2O (SZn+F1Zn and SZn+F2Zn) were tested. The results showed that soil application of 16 kg ha−1 of ZnSO4·H2O followed by two foliar sprays of 0.3% ZnSO4·H2O at EB (R1) and FB (R2) stages recorded maximum increase in grain yield (43.7%) and grain Zn content (22.7%) over control. However, in straw, a three-fold increase in Zn content was recorded. Foliar applications of 0.3% ZnSO4·H2O at EB and EB+FB stages recorded a significant increase in grain (8.2% and 11.4%) and straw Zn content (63.0% and 104.0%) over control. In conclusion, combination of soil (SZn) + foliar (F2Zn) Zn application method was most remunerative with maximum production and monetary efficiencies (15 kg ha−1 day−1 and $7.5 ha−1 day−1) and is an effective approach for grain and straw Zn biofortification in cowpea.

Deficit saline water irrigation under reduced tillage and residue mulch improves soil health in sorghum-wheat cropping system in semi-arid region

Judicious application of saline water except for critical growth stages, could be the only practical solution to meet the crop water demand in arid and semi-arid regions, due to limited access to freshwater, especially during dry winter months. A field experiment was conducted to study the effect of tillage [conventional (CT), reduced (RT), and zero (ZT)], rice straw mulch and deficit saline-water irrigation in wheat (100, 80 and 60% of wheat water requirement, CWR) followed by rainfed sorghum on soil properties and the yields of the cropping system. Yields of both the crops were comparable between RT and CT, but the wheat yield was reduced in ZT. The RT, mulching and deficit saline irrigation in wheat season (60% CWR) increased the sorghum fodder yield. Olsen’s P (8.7–20.6%) and NH4OAc-K (2.5–7.5%) increased in RT and ZT, respectively, over CT under both the crops. Deficit irrigation reduced soil salinity (ECe) by 0.73–1.19 dS m−1 after each crop cycle, while soil microbial biomass C (MBC) and N (MBN), dehydrogenase, urease and alkaline phosphatase reduced with an increase in ECe. The α-glucosidase, MBC, ECe, KMnO4oxidizable N, and urease were identified as major contributors in developing the soil health index. Deficit irrigation (60% CWR) and rice straw mulching under ZT and RT showed higher values of soil health index. Overall, deficit saline-water irrigation under reduced tillage and straw mulching had the greatest potential in maintaining soil health, saving fresh irrigation water without affecting the productivity of the sorghum-wheat system in the semi-arid regions of India. Results also demonstrated that salt affected areas of arid and semiarid countries can replicate the protocol for indexing and screening of soil health indicators to assess the sustainability of a cropping system. This integrated management based on the nature of the available resources also provided a practical approach to achieve the target of land degradation neutrality and land restoration.

Phenetic and Molecular Diversity of Nitrogen Fixating Plant Growth Promoting Azotobacter Isolated from Semiarid Regions of India

In the present study, 24 Azotobacter strains were isolated from soils of different areas of southern Rajasthan and characterized at biochemical, functional, and molecular levels. The isolated Azotobacter strains were gram negative and cyst forming when viewed under the microscope. These strains were also screened for their plant growth promoting activities and the ability of these isolates to survive under abiotic stress conditions viz. salt, pH, temperature, and drought stress. All the isolates showed IAA, siderophore, HCN, and ammonia production, whereas seven Azotobacter strains showed phosphate solubilization. Amplified Ribosomal DNA Restriction Analysis (ARDRA) revealed significant diversity among Azotobacter strains and the dendrogram obtained differentiated twenty-four of the strains into two major clusters at a similarity coefficient of 0.64. Qualitative and quantitative N2 fixation abilities of these strains were also detrained, and the amounts of acetylene reduced by Azotobacter strains were in the range of 1.31 to 846.56 nmol C2H4 mg protein−1 h−1. The strains showing high nitrogen fixation ability with multiple PGP activities were selected for further pot studies, and these Azotobacter strains significantly increased the various plant growth parameters of maize plantlets. Furthermore, the best Azotobacter isolates were subjected to 16S rRNA sequencing and confirmed their identities as Azotobacter sp. The indigenous Azotobacter strains with multiple PGP activities could be further used for commercial production.