Semi-arid Zone Of India Research Articles

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.

An analysis of rainfall variability and drought over Barmer District of Rajasthan, Northwest India

Abstract Climate variability, mainly the annual air temperature and precipitation, have received great attention worldwide. The magnitude of this climate variability changes with variation in location. Rajasthan comes under the arid and semi-arid zone of India in which monsoon is a principal element of water resource. Due to erratic and scanty rainfall in this zone, agriculture is totally dependent on the monsoon. The objective of the present study is to assess the meteorological drought characteristics using Drought Indices Calculator DrinC from the historical rainfall records of the Barmer District of Rajasthan State by employing the criterion of percentage departure (D%), rainfall anomaly index (RAI) and standardized precipitation index (SPI). Trend analysis of seasonal and extreme annual monthly rainfall was carried out for the Barmer District of Rajasthan State using the data period between 1901 and 2002 at the 5% level of significance. Sen's slope estimator was also applied to identify the trend. Temporal analysis is useful to predict and identify the possible drought severity and its duration in the study region. It also helps in understanding its effect on groundwater recharge and increasing the risk of water shortage. Trend analysis of rainfall over 102 years shows an increasing trend in pre-monsoon, post-monsoon, southwest monsoon and annual rainfall and a decreasing trend in winter rainfall. Through this study, policy makers and local administrators will be benefitted, which will help them in taking proactive drought relief decisions in the drought-hit regions.

Phyto-chemical evaluation of ethanomedicinal herb jawasaa

Alhagi pseudalhagi (Bieb) Desv. (Leguminosae) is widely distributed in Semi-arid zone of India. A.pseudalhagi is one of the most widely used medicinal plants for the treatment of various diseases in different rural and remote areas of district Etah in UP, India. Alhagi is rich in biologically active phyto-chemicals such as phenolics, flavonoids, alkaloids and polysaccharides along with different essential minerals, proteins and lipids. Alhagi plants are widely used as folk medicines to treat a large number of diseases of which a few are the following: gastroenteritis, diarrhea, ulcers, liver disorders, fever, hypertension, angina pain, headache and toothache, inflammations, rheumatoid arthritis, renal stone and urinary tract infections. The study includes preparation of different extract by successive solvent extraction for detail analysis. Fluorescence analysis of different successive extract and powder were noted under UV (366nm) and ordinary light, which signifies their characteristic. Preliminary qualitative chemical test for different extract showed presence of alkaloids, carbohydrates and glycosides, flavonoids, tannins, phenolic compounds, fixed oils and fats, protein and amino acids, steroids and terpenoids.

Monitoring and Prediction of Land Use Land Cover Changes and its Impact on Land Surface Temperature in the Central Part of Hisar District, Haryana Under Semi-Arid Zone of India

Abstract Land use Land cover have significance in relation to Land, the most vital and fundamental resource pertaining to the urban development. Unprecedented urban growth has a noteworthy impact on natural landscape by converting natural land-cover in Haryana. Hisar, an area recognized for rapid urban growth is less explored in terms of research. The present research has shown a significant change in land use in terms of expansion of built-up area from 3.7 % (1991) to 5.0 % (2001) and 6.2 % (2011) by encroaching into agricultural land. Despite the clear difference between average land surface temperature for built up and non-built up area, grazing land and sandy waste, bare land in the rural surrounding possess higher temperature compared to the city core which contradicts the reported impact of urbanization earlier. Such contrary pertains to sparse vegetation cover leading to reduced evaporative cooling during dry pre-monsoon summer in the rural surrounding. On the other side, green parks and plantation in the city contribute to lower mean temperature because of high rates of evapotranspiration and produce ‘oasis effect’ in the present study area located in semi-arid climatic zone. Regression analysis between temperature and Normalized Difference Vegetation Index, Normalized Difference Built-up Index exhibited a strong negative and positive correlation respectively (Pearson’s r: between -0.79 to -0.87 and between 0.79 to 0.84 respectively). Future land use prediction project an increase (1.3 %) in built-up area from 2011 to 2021. This study recommends urban plantation and prohibition to overgrazing to check the heat effect.

Soil Testing as a Tool for On-Farm Fertility Management: Experience from the Semi-arid Zone of India

Rainfed agriculture in the dry regions is affected by water shortages. Our earlier research showed that the deficiencies not only of major nutrients but also those of sulfur (S) and micronutrients are holding back the potential of agricultural production systems. The objectives of this article are to discuss the efficacy of soil testing to diagnose nutrient deficiencies using 28,270 diverse soil samples collected from farmers' fields in the semi-arid tropical (SAT) regions of India and to confirm the efficacy of the soil test-based balanced nutrient management in enhancing productivity of a range of crops in on-farm farmer participatory trials under rainfed conditions. Results of a large numbers of on-farm trials demonstrated that soil testing is indeed an effective tool for on-farm fertility management, a prerequisite for sustainably enhancing the productivity in rainfed areas in the SAT regions of India. The need to strengthen the soil-testing infrastructure in the country is emphasized.

Resistance Status of the Malaria Vector Mosquitoes,Anopheles stephensiandAnopheles subpictusTowards Adulticides and Larvicides in Arid and Semi-Arid Areas of India

Susceptibility studies of malaria vectors Anopheles stephensi Liston (Diptera: Culicidae) and An. subpictus Grassi collected during 2004–2007 from various locations of Arid and Semi-Arid Zone of India were conducted by adulticide bioassay of DDT, malathion, deltamethrin and larvicide bioassay of fenthion, temephos, chlorpyriphos and malathion using diagnostic doses. Both species from all locations exhibited variable resistance to DDT and malathion from majority of location. Adults of both the species were susceptible to Deltamethrin. Larvae of both the Anopheline species showed some evidence of resistance to chlorpyriphos followed by fenthion whereas susceptible to temephos and malathion.

Sulfur, Boron, and Zinc Fertilization Effects on Grain and Straw Quality of Maize and Sorghum Grown in Semi-Arid Tropical Region of India

ABSTRACT Experiments were conducted on-farm during two seasons (2003–2004) to determine the effects of sulfur (S), boron (B), and zinc (Zn) fertilization on the grain and straw quality of sorghum and maize grown under rainfed conditions in the semi-arid zone of India. The farmers' fields were deficient in S, B, and Zn; in addition the soils were low in organic matter and extractable phosphorus (P), but adequate in extractable potassium (K). Results showed that the applications of S, B, and Zn (SBZn) with nitrogen (N) and P (SBZn + NP) significantly increased the grain N, S, and Zn concentrations in maize and sorghum compared to farmer inputs (FI) and SBZn treatments; the results relative to P and B composition of the grain of the crops were not consistent and did not show any definite trend. The application of SBZn + NP over FI generally increased N, S, and Zn concentration in sorghum and maize straw compared to FI and SBZn treatments. The straw composition of the crops relative to P and B did not show a consistent trend. The results of this study along with the results of our earlier research demonstrate that balanced nutrition of rainfed crops not only increases yields but also enhances N, S, and Zn contents in grain and straw of these crops.

Widespread Deficiencies of Sulfur, Boron, and Zinc in Indian Semi-Arid Tropical Soils: On-Farm Crop Responses

ABSTRACT On-farm studies were conducted during 2002–2004 to determine fertility status, including sulfur (S) and micronutrients, and crop response to fertilization on farmers' fields in the semi-arid zone of India. Nine hundred-twenty four soil samples taken from farmers' fields, spread in the three districts of Andhra Pradesh (India), were analyzed for soil chemical fertility parameters. Results showed that samples were low in organic carbon (C), total nitrogen (N), and low to moderate in extractable phosphorus (P), but adequate in available potassium (K). Analyses of soil samples for extractable S and micronutrients was most revealing and showed that 73–95% of the farmers' fields were deficient in S, 70–100% in boron (B), and 62–94% in zinc (Zn). On-farm trials conducted during three seasons (2002–2004) showed significant yield responses of maize, castor, groundnut, and mung bean to the applications of S, B, and Zn. The yield responses were larger when S, Zn, and B were applied along with N and P. Applications of S, B and Zn also significantly increased the uptake of N, P, K, S, B, and Zn in the crop biomass. Results show widespread deficiencies of S, B, and Zn under dryland agricultural conditions; results also show that the nutrient deficiencies can be diagnosed by soil testing. It was concluded that the drylands in the semi-arid regions of India were not only thirsty (water shortage), but also hungry (nutrient deficiencies).

Effect of water deprivation on dry matter intake, nutrient utilization and metabolic water production in goats under semi-arid zone of India

Effect of water deprivation on dry matter (DM) intake, nutrient digestibility, nitrogen retention and metabolic water production was studied in bucks of Sirohi, Marwari and Kutchi breeds during August–September. Eighteen adult bucks (4–4.5 years of age), six each of the above-mentioned breeds were divided into three treatment groups in such a way that each group had two bucks of each breed. Water was made available ad libitum to group I, once daily at 15 h to group II and once after 48 h (alternate day) at 15 h to group III. Animals were offered 400 g per buck per day of a pelleted concentrate mixture in the morning and it was consumed by them within 15–20 minutes. Animals were then offered ad libitum pegion pea ( Cajanus cajan) straw. The green grass ( Cenchrus ciliaris) 1 kg per buck per day was provided after watering at 15.30 h. Refusals were recorded next morning at 8.30 h daily. The experiment continued for a period of 60 days following an adjustment period of one month. Dry matter intake (g kg W −0.75 per day) was the lowest in group II (77.53) and the highest in group I (82.91). Total water intake (per kilogram DM intake) ranged from 2.33 l per buck per day in group III to 2.77 l per buck per day in group I. Water deprivation did not effect ( P>0.05) DM intake, nutrient digestibility, nitrogen retention and metabolic water production. The study showed that water deprivation up to 48 h does not adversely affect feed intake and nutrient digestibility in non-producing adult goats.

Short‐term incubation method for mineralizable nitrogen

Soil N supply plays an important role in the N nutrition of cereal crops under dryland agriculture conditions in the semiarid tropics, where the use of chemical fertilizers is low. Mineralizable N was determined in the profiles of a benchmark Vertisol and Alfisol in the semiarid zone of India using three versions of a water‐logged incubation method: incubation at 30°Cfor 14 days, at 40°C for 7 days, and at 50°C for 2 days. Mineralized N decreased with depth in the profile and increased with increase in temperature from 30° to 50°C. The mineral N released in the soils at 40°C in 7 days and at 50°C in 2 days were significantly correlated with the mineral N released in 14 days at 30°C. The results indicate that short‐term water‐logged incubation test using incubation for 2 days at 50°C may be employed for assessing the potentially mineralizable N in these soils.

An agroclimatic approach to the assessment of tropical droughts

Droughts have been a matter of serious concern to man since ancient times, and 55, The water balance even today they are an outstanding example of man's helplessness before nature's large-scale and formidable phenomena. To the meteorologist, drought is a rainless situation for an extended period of time during which some precipitation should have been normally received depending upon the geographical location of the region and season of the year. To the agriculturist, drought is a shortage of moisture availability for his crops while the hydrologist views it as being responsible for depression of surface and sub-surface water levels or decrease of stream flow.
 
 Most of the concepts and definitions suggested in literature are based on techniques which either lack physical basis or are empirical. However, Thornthwaite for the first time suggested that water availability or its deficiency should always be considered in relation to the water need of the region taking into consideration the important role of soil moisture, for a rational understanding of droughts.
 
 In this paper, the index of moisture adequacy (Ima)derived from water balance procedures, has been employed to categorize droughts from the agricultural and ecological point of view. Droughts of selected stations in the semi-arid zone of India have been analyzed.
 
 However, more important than the delineation of drought years of various severities, is the assessment of the exact duration of drought spells. Selected drought spells were, therefore, analyzed critically by plotting the ratio of the departures of monthly indices of moisture adequacy (Ima) from the climatic normal, to the standard deviation of (Ima) for that month. This technique is found to be of great value in agricultural and ecological investigations as due weightage is given to the drought resistance and tolerance of crops which are adapted to the region. It also highlights the fact that the same amount of water deficiency during the various seasons of the year and at different stages of crop growth causes varying moisture stress. This is of special interest in tropical regions where it is the moisture factor that inhibits the growth of vegetation to its potential levels.

Plant biomass in the semi-arid zone of India

Maximum biomass production was recorded in September and October. It is stimulated by the monsoon rains of late June and early July and results mainly from the growth of ephemerals. Shoot and root biomass varied significantly in different sites. The highest plant productivity (1·37 g/m 2 /day) was observed at sandy, shady areas.

Model evaluation and optimum collector slope for a tropical country

Various models proposed in the literature, viz. the Beam method, proposed by Morse & Czarnecki; two methods proposed by Liu & Jordan, using hourly values and average daily values of solar radiation: and Klucher's method are compared in this paper using measured hourly values of global and diffuse radiation on a horizontal surface and the total radiation on a tilted surface. It was observed that the model proposed by Klucher estimates the radiation more consistently with the experimental observations for clear as well as cloudy sky conditions. This method was used for predicting the year round radiation availability on (i) a fixed collector inclined at an optimum tilt, (ii) a partially tracking collector in which the slope is fixed but following the sun's azimuth angle, and (iii) a fully tracking collector. In this analysis, measured values of hourly global and diffuse solar radiation on a horizontal plane for four widely separated Indian stations, viz. Delhi (28°38′N), Poona (18°29′N), Calcutta (22°36′N), and Madras (13°8′N) as per India Meteorological Department classification for climatic analysis, have been used. With the model proposed, the radiation availability on different slopes for all the twelve months of the year for a fixed and partially tracking collector have been evaluated and optimum tilts for various seasons of a year for different solar energy applications for all the four Indian stations have been determined. For a typical winter month at New Delhi in the semi-arid zone of India, a fixed collector, a partially tracking collector and a fully tracking collector receive 60, 80 and 95% more radiation compared to that received on a horizontal plane respectively. Another observation is that the variation of the insolation received on inclined surfaces is not at all sensitive to the angle of tilt in the neighbourhood of the optimum angle of operation.