Semi-arid Region Of Rajasthan Research Articles

Nutritional evaluation of some Indian tree pods for livestock feeding

The objective of this study was to evaluate promising tree pods for feeding to the livestock particularly for the small ruminants. Out of eight tested tree pods, seven tree pods, i.e. White siris (Albizia procera), Siris (Albizia lebbeck), White kheri (Acacia senegal), Babul (Acacia arabica), Khejri (Prosopis cineraria), Vilayati babul (Prosopis juliflora) and Sajna (Moringa oleifera) were collected from semiarid region of Rajasthan while one tree pods e.g., Jungle jalebi (Enterolobium timoba) was collected from Dehradun, Uttrakhand, India. Most of the tree pods were rich in CP content. On an average, OM, CP, EE, NDF, ADF and cellulose content of these tree pods were found to be 91.1, 16.7, 2.5, 43.3, 34.7 and 25.4% on DM basis, respectively. Rumen protozoal number decreased due to inclusion of Enterolobium timoba tree pods in the incubation media. The TVFA and propionate production were higher for Acacia Senegal, Acacia arabica tree pods followed by Moringa oleifera tree pods while ammonia nitrogen concentration was lower due to inclusion of Enterolobium timoba tree pods in the incubation media. All the tested tree pods had no effect on xylanase, β-glucosidase and amylase enzyme activity. However, specific activity of carboxymethyl cellulase enzyme reduced due to addition of Enterolobium timoba tree pods in the incubation medium. Highest IVDMD was observed for Acacia arabica tree pods followed by Acacia senegal and Moringa oleifera tree pods. The results indicated that Acacia arabica, Acacia senegal and Moringa oleifera are good tree pods for feeding to the animals.

Frost management in mustard under climate change scenario in semi arid ecosystem of Rajasthan

Among various factors, in recent years climate change becomes a major challenge for the food security of the country. Extreme events such as frost, heat stress, moisture stress, new diseases, pests & weeds become a major hindrance in successful crop production. Frost (Pala, Tusar or daha in Hindi) is a localized phenomenon, which is fairly common in northern India. Due to Climate change frost becomes a regular phenomenon in recent years in semi arid regions of Rajasthan. The predominantly grown mustard (Brassica juncea L.) is highly susceptible to frost injury. Mustard crop suffers badly due to the attack of frost in 2006, 2008, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013& 2014 in Rajasthan. An experiment was conducted during Rabi seasons (2011-12 to 2013-14) at Research form RARI Durgapura on sandy loam soil. Application of thiourea @ 500 ppm, wettable sulphur @ 0.2%), thiosalicylic acid @100 ppm, salicylic acid @100 ppm and H2SO4@0.1% being at par significantly increased seed and stover yield of mustard and recorded the lowest yield losses. The maximum net returns (Rs 38019/ha) along with the highest B:C ratio (2.61) was accrued due to application of thiourea followed by thiosalicylic acid and wettable sulphur. The Spray of thiourea (500 ppm), wettable sulphur (0.2%) or thio-salicylic acid (100 ppm) or salicylic acid (100 ppm) at pre flowering and seed formation stage was found to be effective in mitigating the adverse impact of frost in mustard. This study may help to understand and select suitable treatments to reduce frost impact on growing mustard in environmental conditions under semi-arid zone of India.

Assessment of Groundwater Quality for Drinking and Irrigation Purpose using Geospatial and Statistical techniques in a Semi-arid Region of Rajasthan, India

Abstract The role of groundwater in irrigation and drinking purposes and sustaining growth in economy is well-known. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to contamination and pollution when compared to surface water bodies. This paper is based on extensive investigations on the spatial and seasonal representative measurement of chemical parameters from 80 dug wells of Churu and adjoining Bikaner districts of Rajasthan, India. The region has dearth of water resources – both surface and sub-surface, with the main source of water being the dug wells. The application of hydro-statistical techniques and tools like Pearson’s correlation coefficient, relative activity of sodium ion (SAR), Wilcox diagram, Piper diagram and magnesium hazard indicate that the chemical parameters of the water of the study region is of very poor quality and not suitable for drinking and irrigation purposes. Wilcox diagram shows high sodium content, can destroy the soil structure rendering the soil and water unsuitable.

The Morphometric Scale to Predict the Live Weight of Malpura Sheep in Semi-arid Region of Rajasthan

Background: The Malpura sheep is hardy breed of semi-arid region of Rajasthan. Farmers do not get the due share for their heavy weight lambs as animals are never sold on weight basis. Researchers have worked out the ways of predicting the live weight of sheep/goats using body measurements. However, very few studies have tried to address this issue, especially in India. Aim of this study was to construct a prediction scale for live weight of sheep using simple measure of heart girth and body length, such scale will further benefit the shepherds to guess the live weight of the lambs sold and expect the desired price from the customer. Methods: The present study was conducted on 1164 records of 823 Malpura sheep at CSWRI, Avikanagar. The data on live weight (N=1164) and corresponding morphometric measures on heart girth and body length were digitalized and subjected to analysis. we used 14 linear predictors and regressed them on the live weight to obtain the estimates of regression, coefficient of determination and derived the prediction equations using the regression coefficients for prediction of live weights. Result: Our study revealed that it is possible to create a measurement scale for prediction of live weight of the sheep using simple arithmetic. Several linear regression scales using body length and heart girth were developed. The best scale (L+G) had a prediction equation as: Y = -49.743+0.576L+0.562G, where Y is live weight. The R2 was 0.883, which was not significantly more than linear regression scale (L+G). This will help the farmers to quite confidently score animals for their live weights across all the age groups. With the help of measurement tape, he can easily measure the heart girth and the body length of the sheep.

Economics of Teak (Tectona grandis L. F.) plantation with different spacing and organic inputs in Semi-arid region of Rajasthan

A field experiment was conducted during the July 2019 to April 2020, at the Herbal Garden, College of Horticulture and Forestry, Jhalarapatan, Jhalawar. The experiment consisted of 10 treatment of different organic inputs viz.; sand, FYM and Vermicompost in different combinations and was laid out in Randomized Block Design with three replications. The study aimed to find out best treatment combination and spacing for the initial establishment of the plantations with an appropriate idea to find out its cost of cultivation for ultimate success. Although treatment T9 comprising [Vermicompost (2 kg + 1 kg + 1 kg) + FYM (2 kg + 1 kg + 1 kg)] was found significantly superior over all among treatments and then treatment T8 [Vermicompost (1 kg + 1 kg + 1 kg) + FYM (1 kg + 1 kg + 1 kg)] exhibited at par results in most of the growth parameters in Teak (Tectona grandis L. F.) plantations but both the treatments are having maximum cost of cultivation. From the experiment, it may be concluded that T9 and T8 treatments being costlier, may be considered suitable for better growth and development of Teak (Tectona grandis L. F.) plants in the soil and climatic conditions similar to Jhalawar (Semi-arid) region with Spacing S3 (5 m x 6 m) then S2 (5 m x 5 m) for plant growth and development in the first year.

Isolation and identification of phosphate solubilizing filamentous fungi from semi-arid region of Rajasthan (India)

Phosphorus is an essential nutrient element required for plant growth and development. Low phosphorus availability in soil is one of the major constrains for crop production. Phosphate solubilizing fungi enhance available phosphorous released from soils and contribute to fulfill the plants phosphorous requirement. This investigation aimed to isolate and identify potential phosphate solubilizing fungi from arid and semi-arid soils for environment friendly biofertilizer development. Six fungal isolates were isolated and identified as Aspergillus spp. and Penicillium spp. from arid and semi-arid soil based on phosphate solubilization index, morphological studies. Subsequently, fungal isolates having excellent phosphate solubilization efficiency were selected by their potential in broth containing insoluble Ca3(PO4). Interestingly, isolate DCU-201 (Penicillium spp.) have marked phosphate solubilization ability followed by DCU-203 (Aspergillus spp.). The maximum, solubilization index (2.6) and solubilized P (383 µg mL-1) were associated with DCU-201 (Penicillium spp.). In addition, there was inverse proportion between the pH and phosphate solubilizing capacities. These excellent properties of isolates suggested that they have a great potential for agricultural utilization as environmentally sound biofertilizer. In this study, phosphate solubilization by filamentous fungi is reported for the first-time in and semi-arid region of India.

Economics of producing quality seedlings of important agroforestry species with different growing media under shade-net conditions in semi-arid region of Rajasthan

A field experiment was conducted during June, 2019 to March, 2020 at the Instructional farm Fruit Science at the College of Horticulture and Forestry, Jhalawar, Agriculture University Kota (Rajasthan). The experiment was comprised of eighteen treatments of four growing medium viz.; soil, sand, FYM and Vermicompost in different ratio. The study aimed to find out best growing medium for following three species viz. Ardu (Ailanthus excelsa), Bael (Aegle marmelos) and Neem (Azadirachta indica). Seedlings were raised in the polybags of size 6” x 10” under green shed net (50% light intensity) nursery conditions. Highest Benefit cost ratio of 2.23, 2.97 and 2.23 was observed in T0 with lowest cost of cultivation as used only soil as growing medium for Ardu, Bael and Neem respectively whereas revenue remained constant for Bael Rs.20 per seedling and for Ardu and Neem Rs. 15 only in all the treatments. The results obtained from this study can be used to produce quality planting material of Ardu, Bael and Neem in shortest possible time and lowest quality input.

Evaluation of fluoride contamination in groundwater in a semi-arid region, Dausa District, Rajasthan, India

Groundwater is the major source of drinking water in semi-arid region of Rajasthan, India but its quality has been degraded by the addition of contaminants through natural and or anthropogenic reasons. Fluoride is one among these contaminants. The deterioration in the water quality may result in the health hazards. To ensure proper groundwater management in the area present study is carried out to understand the status of groundwater quality and possible causes for high fluoride concentrations. 34 groundwater samples were collected from Dausa district of Rajasthan. Analysed results show that the fluoride concentration ranged between 0.48 and 3.64 mg/l with an average of 1.66 mg/l in groundwater of study area. Fluoride concentrations in about 82% of the samples are more than the permissible limit (1.0 mg/l) set by the Bureau of Indian standards (BIS, 1991), whereas based on the WHO standards (F:1.5 mg/l) (WHO, 2009), about 41% of samples are exceeded the maximum permissible limit. The order of major cations and anions are Na+>Mg+2>Ca+2>K+ and HCO3− > Cl− > SO4−2>CO3−2>NO3− > F−, respectively. Weathering of rocks, evaporation and anthropogenic activities are found be responsible for high fluoride concentration. Since the geological unit in study area are alluvium, quartzite and granite gneisses containing fluoride bearing minerals like – Biotite, Muscovite, Fluorite and Albite, the major contribution comes from weathering of rocks. This finding is further supported by Scholler Chloro-alkaline indices and high Na+/Ca+2 ratio (>1.0) suggesting ion-exchange. The high fluoride content render the water unfit for agriculture and drinking purpose in the area thus to ensure sustainable uses corrosivity ratio (CR) is utilized to assess groundwater suitability for industrial uses.

Protein profiling of regenerative and non regenerative callus cultures of Glossonema varians: a rare, endemic and edible plant of Indian Thar Desert

Glossonema varians is a rare and endemic plant species of arid and semiarid region of Rajasthan, used as edible plant in Thar Desert. The plant is facing serious threat of extinction from its natural habitat due to overexploitation and slow propagation in natural conditions. Moreover, plant is known for its nutritional values, hence present manuscript is focused on protein profiling of G. varians. The internodal shoot explants were taken from in vitro grown cultures and inoculated on Murashige and Skoog’s (MS) medium augmented with 25 mg each of citric acid, arginine, adenine and 50 mg of ascorbic acid with different concentrations of PGRs for initiation of callus culture. A combination of 2, 4-D (2, 4-dichlorophenoxy acetic acid) and NAA (α-naphthalene acetic acid) was found to be suitable for optimum growth of callus. Regeneration of shoot buds was observed on MS medium augmented with a combination of BAP (6-benzylaminopurine), Kn (Kinetin), NAA and iP (N6-[2-isopentenyl] adenine). Comparative biochemical characterization of regenerative and non- regenerative callus has been done through in vitro quantification and protein profile has also been done by SDS-PAGE.

Molecular Diversity Analysis of Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobium Isolated from Groundnut and Evaluation of Their Field Efficacy.

Rhizobium are nitrogen-fixing bacteria which possess the nif gene that codes for the nitrogenase enzyme involved in the reduction of atmospheric dinitrogen (N2) to ammonia. Thirty rhizobial strains were identified from ten groundnut plant root nodules collected from semi-arid regions of Rajasthan, India. The isolates were initially identified on the basis of morphological, biochemical, and molecular characteristics. These rhizobium strains were further screened for plant growth promoting activities. Twenty-eight strains were able to produce indole acetic acid, nine strains could solubilize phosphate, and twenty-nine strains exhibited positive results for siderophore and ammonia production. All the bacterial strains were able to efficiently nodulate the groundnut under pot conditions and based on multiple PGP activities six strains were selected for field evaluation. Field experiments confirmed the effectiveness of these selected rhizobium strains resulted in significantly higher nodule number, nodule dry weight, grain yield, and yield components of inoculated plants. Inoculation of the rhizobium strain GN223 followed by GN221 resulted in high yield and field efficiency. Isolation of effective microbial strains is the prerequisite to increase the yield which is evident from the field data of the present study. Hence, these strains might serve as proficient inoculants.

Micronutrient imbalance of sapota orchard in table lands of semi arid region of Rajasthan, India

Micronutrient status of sapota crop was assessed by analyzing soil and plant samples from table lands ofsouth eastern Rajasthan. Surface and sub surface soil samples were extracted with diethylene triamine pentaacetic acid (DTPA), and plant samples (including leaf and petiole) digested with di-acid mixture for the estimationof available iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn). The DTPA extractable micronutrients in thesoil samples followed the order as Mn> Fe> Zn> Cu. The mean values of surface extractable DTPA Mn, Fe, Znand Cu varied from 15.2 to 8.4, 8 to 3.4, 0.74 to 0.17 and 0.35 to 0.02 mg kg−1 respectively. Total Fe, Mn, Zn and Cuof leaf samples varied from 89.41 to 231.24, 22.2 to 97.61, 0.62 to 48.12 and 4.35 to 19.78 mg kg−1, respectively.Total Fe, Mn, Zn and Cu in petioles varied from 33.52 to 284.51, 11.31 to 69.26, 0.54 to 36 and 2.0 to 18.48 mgkg−1, respectively. Unlike soil micronutrient status, leaf sample analysis showed high Mn and Cu concentration,which resulted in Zn and Fe deficiency, resulting in shortened internodes or rosette disorders in sapota trees.

Experimental investigation of exergy performance of a water cooled hybrid photovoltaic thermal collector

In this paper, the performance of a water cooled hybrid photovoltaic thermal collector is evaluated by carrying out experimental exergy analysis by designing and fabricating a hybrid system to provide combined heat and power. The experimentation was carried out for mass flow rates, collectively ranging from 0.083 kg/s to 0.116 kg/s in different configurations. Along with losses and exergy destruction, the exergy efficiency was calculated using three different scenarios, i.e., by excluding exergy losses, by taking exergy losses and destruction and by considering exergy destruction only. On comparison, exergy efficiency for last scenario was observed on higher side and ranged between 48.55% to 61.36%, 41.44% to 55.85% and 35.09% to 48.16% for fixed inner tube flow rate of 0.091 kg/s and varying annulus mass flow rate of 0.008 kg/s, 0.017 kg/s and 0.025 kg/s, respectively. Such hybrid system may provide combined heat and power for semi-arid regions of Rajasthan, India.

Assessment of land use change and its effect on soil carbon stock using multitemporal satellite data in semiarid region of Rajasthan, India

BackgroundLand use change plays a vital role in global carbon dynamics. Understanding land use change impact on soil carbon stock is crucial for implementing land use management to increase carbon stock and reducing carbon emission. Therefore, the objective of our study was to determine land use change and to assess its effect on soil carbon stock in semi-arid part of Rajasthan, India. Landsat temporal satellite data of Pushkar valley region of Rajasthan acquired on 1993, 2003, and 2014 were analyzed to assess land use change. Internal trading of land use was depicted through matrices. Soil organic carbon (SOC) stock was calculated for soil to a depth of 30 cm in each land use type in 2014 using field data collection. The SOC stock for previous years was estimated using stock change factor. The effect of land use change on SOC stock was determined by calculating change in SOC stock (t/ha) by deducting the base-year SOC stock from the final year stock of a particular land use conversion.ResultsThe total area under agricultural lands was increased by 32.14% while that under forest was decreased by 23.14% during the time period of 1993–2014. Overall land use change shows that in both the periods (1993–2003 and 2003–2014), 7% of forest area was converted to agricultural land and about 15% changes occurred among agricultural land. In 1993–2003, changes among agricultural land led to maximum loss of soil carbon, i.e., 4.88 Mt C and during 2003–2014, conversion of forest to agricultural land led to loss in 3.16 Mt C.ConclusionThere was a continuous decrease in forest area and increase in cultivated area in each time period. Land use change led to alteration in carbon equity in soil due to change or loss in vegetation. Overall, we can conclude that the internal trading of land use area during the 10-year period (1993–2003) led to net loss of SOC stock by 8.29 Mt C. Similarly, land use change during 11-year period (2003–2014) caused net loss of SOC by 2.76 Mt C. Efforts should be made to implement proper land use management practices to enhance the SOC content.

Chemical composition and in vitro ruminal fermentation of common tree forages in the semi-arid range lands of India

The objective of study was to look for the promising tree leaves for feeding livestock particularly the small ruminants. Ten tree leaves were collected from semiarid region of Rajasthan and evaluated for their nutritional quality in terms of chemical composition as well as in vitro dry matter and organic matter digestibility (IVDMD and IVOMD). Most of the tree leaves were rich in CP content. OM, CP and ADF content of these collected tree leaves varied from 87.1 to 92.5%, 9.4 to 19.8% and 22.7 to 47.9% on DM basis, respectively. Rumen protozoal number decreased due to inclusion of Sapindus mukorossi, Azadirachta indica and Prosopis cineraria tree leaves in the incubation media. IVDMD, IVOMD, TVFA and propionate production significantly higher for Ailanthus excelsa tree leaves followed by Acacia arabica and Acacia senegal tree leaves. All the tested tree leaves had no effect on β-glucosidase and amylase enzyme activity. However, specific activity of carboxymethyl cellulase and xylanase reduced significantly due to addition of Sapindus mukorossi, Azadirachta indica and Prosopis cineraria tree leaves in the incubation medium. The results indicated that among the tree leaves tested in the present study Ailanthus excelsa, Acacia arabica and Acacia senegal are good tree fodder for feeding to the ruminants.

Factors Affecting First Lactation Traits in Rathi Cattle in Semi-arid Region of Rajasthan

Factors Affecting First Lactation Traits in Rathi Cattle in Semi-arid Region of Rajasthan

Constraints being perceived by sheep rearers in arid and semiarid region of Rajasthan

Constraints being perceived by sheep rearers in arid and semiarid region of Rajasthan

Study on Breeding Practices of Sheep by Sheep Rearers Inarid and Semiarid Region of Rajasthan

Study on Breeding Practices of Sheep by Sheep Rearers Inarid and Semiarid Region of Rajasthan

Lamb rearing practices of sheep rearers in arid and semiarid region of Rajasthan, India

The data were collected from 120 sheep rearers selected from 8 villages of two Tehsil of Bikaner District. The information was collected from respondents on lamb rearing of sheep rearers by an interview schedule. Flock size was affected significantly by immediate cleaning of lamb after birth and not affected by rest of lamb rearing practices. Maximum sheep keepers at 70.83 per cent were not aware about cleaning of lamb after birth and only 6.67 per cent were well aware about disinfection of navel cord. Colostrum feeding to lamb and suckling of lamb for more than 3 month was practiced by 99.17 and 58.33 per cent sheep rearers, respectively. About 70.83 per cent respondents were not aware about control of external parasites. Isolation of Lamb was not followed by 99.17 per cent respondents.

Morphometric assessment and sub-watershed prioritization of Khari River basin in semi-arid region of Rajasthan, India

Watershed management is very crucial for arid and semi-arid regions dealing with limited availability of water resource. Morphometric assessment and prioritization studies provide basic criterion for effective local level watershed planning and natural resource management. The present study is an attempt to analyze morphometric characters of the Khari River basin and prioritize the sub-watersheds on the basis of ground water potentialities indicated by morphometric parameters using GIS approach. Khari River is semi-arid ephemeral; it is a tributary of Banas River, an important river of central Rajasthan (India). The basin has been subdivided in five sub-watersheds namely SW1 to SW5. Linear, areal, and relief parameters are calculated for Khari basin as well as for each sub-watershed. Morphometric parameters that are related to groundwater potentialities are ranked and compound factor values are calculated for each sub-watershed and priority is allotted based on these values. First priority is given to the least value of compound factor that indicate most deficit ground water condition. Overall results illustrate that Khari is a sixth-order stream and covers 6205 km2 area. Dendritic pattern is observed in Khari and in all the five sub-watersheds that indicate homogenous nature of underlain material and less structural control in the topography. Presence of low bifurcation ratio, low drainage density, and low drainage frequency values are favorable parameters of good permeability, infiltration in the basin, further gentle slope, coarse drainage texture, moderate to low relief, and elongated shape—all these parameters indicate good groundwater potentialities in major portions of the basin. Prioritization results show that the sub-watershed SW4 is at first priority with most deficit groundwater potential in comparison to other sub-watersheds and require water conservation measures. Sub-watershed SW4 has high values in linear parameters and low value in shape parameters that specify for poor groundwater potential, less permeability and high runoff, etc. Sub-watershed SW5 on contrary has indicated highest ground water potential in comparison to other sub-watersheds of the basin. The study provide local drainage morphometric information and preliminary prioritization for better water resource management in semi-arid region to achieve water self-sufficiency and sustainability at basin level.

Effect of Spacing on Growth and Increment of Hardwickia binata Roxb. in Semi Arid Region of Rajasthan

Spacing is one of the most important considerations in plantations to avoid the competition and effective utilization of resources among the agricultural crops and trees. The present experiment was conducted to determine the effect of spacing on growth and increment of 30-year old Hardwickia binata Roxb. at Central Arid Zone Research Institute (CAZRI), Regional Research Station, Pali-Marwar which is located between 25°47’-25°49’ E and 73°17’-73°18’ N at 217–220 m MSL. Two tree spacing i.e. closer spacing (666 tree ha−1 with 5×3 m2 spacing) and wider spacing (333 tree ha−1 with 10×3 m2 spacing) were adopted with Randomized Block Design and replicated twice. Results exhibited significant effect of spacing on the growth and yield of the trees in Hardwickia binata plantation. Among the different spacing regimes, wider spacing of 3×10 m2 resulted better tree height, DBH, tree circumferences, number of branches, clear bole height, crown width, crown length and tree volume. In general, DBH, tree circumference, crown width and crown length and tree volume is more in wider spacing with less tree density while lesser in closer spacing with high tree density. But there is not much differences in tree height and number of branches between two different spacing. Therefore, this study indicates that the increased spacing between the Hardwickia binata trees resulted better growth and increment compared to closer spacing.