Semi-arid Region Of India Research Articles

Occurrence of Abortion in Different Breeds of Goats Reared under Semi-intensive Farming System at Organized Farms in Semi-arid Region of India

Background: Abortion is a major health problem of animals including goats, which results in significant financial losses for the farmers. The aim of the current study was to determine the occurrence of abortion in different breeds of goats reared under semi-intensive farming system at the organized farms in the semi-arid region of India, and to determine the relationship between the parity, season, and pregnancy stage of the aborted goats with the incidence of abortions. Methods: The data on the caprine abortions was collected and analyzed. The caprine abortions that occurred at the organized farms under a semi-intensive management system were categorized according to the season at the time of abortion, parity and pregnancy stage of the aborted goats. The Chi-Square test and ANOVA methods were used for the statistical analysis of the abortion data. Result: The occurrence of abortion in goats (combined farm) had a significant association with seasons and stages of pregnancy, whereas it was not associated with parities. Barbari, Jakharana and Jamunapari goats individually showed significant differences in abortion rates across various seasons, but did not exhibit significant variation in abortion rates with respect to different stages of pregnancy or parities. In the study, the majority of abortions were found in the winter season, followed by the rainy and summer seasons; similarly, most of the abortions were noticed in the later stage of pregnancy, followed by the mid- and early stages. There was the highest abortion rate in the goats with parity 3 and above, followed by the first and second parities. Further investigation is required to validate the current findings. In conclusion, the study revealed that abortion rates in goats are significantly influenced by seasonal changes and the stages of pregnancy.

Spatiotemporal performance evaluation of high-resolution multiple satellite and reanalysis precipitation products over the semiarid region of India.

The present investigation evaluates three satellite precipitation products (SPPs), Multi-Source Weighted-Ensemble Precipitation (MSWEP), Global Precipitation Climatology Centre (GPCC), Climate Hazard Infrared Precipitation with Station Data (CHIRPS), and two reanalysis datasets, namely, the ERA5 atmosphere reanalysis dataset (ERA5) and Indian Monsoon Data Assimilation and Analysis (IMDAA), against the good quality gridded reference dataset (1991-2022) developed by the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The evaluation was carried out in terms of the rainfall detection ability and estimation accuracy of the products using metrics such as the false alarm ratio (FAR), probability of detection (POD), misses, root mean square error (RMSE), and percent bias (PBIAS). Among all the rainfall products, ERA5 had the best ability to capture rainfall events with a higher POD, followed by MSWEP. Both MSWEP and ERA5 had PODs of 70-100% in more than 90% of the grids and less than 35% of missing rainfall events in the entire Tamil Nadu. In the case of the rainfall estimation accuracy evaluation, the MSWEP exhibited superior performance, with lower RMSEs and biases ranging from - 25 to 25% at the annual and seasonal scales. In northeast monsoon (NEM), CHIRPS demonstrated a comparable performance to that of MSWEP in terms of the RMSE and PBIAS. These findings will help product users select the best reliable rainfall dataset for improved research, diversified applications in various sectors, and policy-making decisions.

Evaluation of barnyard millet intercropping systems in semi-arid zone of Hisar

A field experiment was conducted at CCSHAU, Hisar during Kharif seasons of 2021–22 and 2022–23 in three times replicated randomized block design. The experiment was comprised of thirteen barnyard millet-based inter- cropping systems in replacement series with greengram and sesame as intercrop with row ratio of 5:1, 4:2, 3:3, 2:4, 1:5 in addition to their sole crops. Results revealed that the barnyard millet intercropped with greengram was found superior over sole barnyard millet in terms of different intercropping indices. But, barnyard millet intercrop with sesame was found uneconomical. The barnyard millet + greengram (1:5) recorded the highest land equivalent ratio (LER; 1.25), barnyard millet equivalent yield (BMEY; 2977 kg/ha), land use efficiency (LUE; 119.4%), area time equivalent ratio (ATER; 1.14), relative crowding coefficient (RCC; 1.79), monitory advantage index (MAI; ` 10,756/ha), system productivity index (SPI; 2903), intercropping advantage index (IAI; 34.6), net return (` 23,111/ha), benefit:cost (1.42) and per day return (` 300.3) which was closely followed by barnyard millet + greengram (4:2). Hence, barnyard millet + greengram (1:5) intercropping system is a suitable option for achieving higher monetary returns and resource use efficiency as compared to sole barnyard millet under semiarid region of India.

Impacts of climate change on phenology, yield, and water productivity of wheat in a semi-arid region of India using the CERES-Wheat model

ABSTRACT In the present study, the Crop Environment Resource Synthesis (CERES)-Wheat model was used to study the impacts of climate change on phenology, yield, and water productivity of wheat. The model was run with the baseline period (1980–2010) and three future periods, namely, the 2030s, 2050s, and 2070s under two representative concentration pathway (RCP) scenarios, namely, RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5. The results indicated a substantial decline in phenology, grain yield, biomass, and crop water productivity (CWP) under both scenarios. The grain yield of wheat showed a decline by 12.3, 20.5, and 19.8% during the 2030s, 2050s, and 2070s, respectively, under RCP 4.5 at baseline CO2 concentration, while at elevated concentration of CO2, the reduction was 10.2, 15.7, and 14.9%, respectively. Under RCP 8.5, the yield reduction was 18.8, 26.5, and 27.3% during the 2030s, 2050s, and 2070s, respectively, with baseline concentration of CO2, while with increased CO2 the yield reduction was 7, 12.6, and 8.9%, respectively. CWP decreased at baseline CO2 by 9, 17.6, and 18.3% for RCP 4.5 and 10.6, 20.6, and 22.6% for RCP 8.5 during the 2030s, 2050s, and 2070s, respectively. However, beneficial impact of CO2 fertilization on CWP was noticed in both RCP scenarios, resulting in relatively less reduction under future CO2 concentration.

Exploring Polybag Size, Nursery Mixtures and Rootstocks for Optimizing Lasoda (Cordia myxa L.) Nursery Techniques

Background: Lasoda (Cordia myxa L.) is lesser utilized fruit plant species suitable for growing in large parts of arid and semi-arid regions of India. Besides the economic importance of its fruits in the vegetable and pickle industry, this species is also known for ethnomedicinal properties in different plant parts. In order to utilize it to its fullest potential, standardization of nursery technology for mass multiplication by vegetative propagation method is a necessary step. With the above background in the view, an experiment was conducted to see the effect of polybag size, nursery mixture and rootstock on seed germination, growth of seedlings after germination, budding success and growth of budded plants. Methods: The study was conducted during June-September, 2020. The treatment comprised of two polybag sizes, six nursery media compositions and two kinds of rootstocks. The observations were recorded on seed germination, seedling growth, days to bud sprout after budding, budding success and shoot length and diameter after 30 days of budding. Result: The main effects of nursery mixture revealed that plant height, stem diameter, number of leaves, shoot length and shoot diameter after budding were significantly affected by nursery mixture composition. The highest plant height (29.53 cm) recorded in the M4 mixture was significantly higher over M1, M2 and M3 but the differences were non-significant when compared with M5 and M6. A similar trend was also recorded in the case of stem diameter and number of leaves which showed significantly higher values in M4, M5 and M6 as compared to M1, M2 and M3. The highest shoot length (8.34 cm) and shoot diameter (3.40 mm) were recorded in M5 and M4 which were significantly higher than most of other media levels.

Technology Intensification and Farmers’ Welfare: A Case Study from Karnataka, a Semi-arid State of India

Technology adoption has been advocated to be an important way to improve agricultural productivity and welfare of the farmers in the semi-arid regions across the globe. Government of Karnataka implemented Bhoosamrudhi programme in four districts of the state (Bidar, Chikballapur, Dharwad and Udupi) as a pilot project to increase the crop yield and income of smallholder farmers. This programme was launched on the theme of technology adoption, along with convergence among different departments of agriculture. Farmers have been classified into five categories based on their levels of technology intensification to assess the impact of different levels of technology intensification on their income level. The research is built on a primary survey conducted in pilot districts of the state in 2018 over a sample of 1,465 farmer households. The results are generated using econometric methods of propensity score matching (PSM) and inverse probability weighted with regression adjustment (IPWRA), which highlight that higher the intensification, higher the net returns to the farmers. The results state that non-adopters would benefit additional ₹3,200 per month if they adopt at least one level of technology intensification. Hence, this programme turned out to be a successful model for smallholder farmers in semi-arid region of India. Steps should be taken to maintain and expand the momentum of the adoption to ensure food and livelihood security in the economy. JEL Codes: Q16, Q54, Q55, C13

Predictive Mapping of Soil Micronutrients Using Geographic Information System for Site Specific Management Interventions in a Semiarid Farm, India

Deficiency of soil micronutrients has an adverse impact on crop productivity in intensive agriculture. Plant availability, spatial pattern and distribution of soil micronutrients such as iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) content in surface soils were evaluated for an agricultural farm in semiarid region of India. Other soil properties viz. soil pH, electrical conductivity (EC), soil organic carbon (SOC) content and equivalent calcium carbonate (CaCO3) content at the farm were also analysed to depict the soil chemical environment, controlling micronutrient availability. Plant available micronutrient contents within farm soils had very high data variability (coefficient of variation >30%). Soil available micronutrients content were negatively correlated with soil pH and positively correlated with SOC content. As per semivariogram analysis, plant available Fe, Mn, Zn and Cu content within farm soils had moderate spatial dependency as indicated by nugget to sill ratio between 0.30 and 0.50 and had spatial parameter ranges of 404, 801, 954 and 1529 m, respectively. Prediction map of plant available Fe content by inverse distance weightage (IDW) method showed a few patches of iron deficiency (< 4.50 mg kg-1) and a marginal level (4.50 - 9.00 mg kg-1). Spatial distribution map of plant available Zn content through lognormal ordinary kriging method indicated a patch of marginal Zn level (0.60 - 1.20 mg kg-1) within the farm soils. Farm scale spatial variability maps of plant available Mn and Cu content, generated by ordinary kriging method with good accuracy and effectiveness, indicated its adequate level with respect to crop nutrition. The spatial distribution maps of soil available micronutrients content for the farm could be served as reference for its precise and site specific management for intensive crop cultivation, higher productivity and profitability.

Spatio-temporal variation and relationship between agricultural efficiency and irrigation intensity in a semi-arid region of India

A surging population in Karnataka State, a semi-arid region in India, poses a threat to both food security and livelihood sustainability, necessitating a concentrated effort to bolster agricultural efficiency and achieve United Naton’s Sustainable Development Goal 2 (zero hunger). Therefore, in order to address the pressing issue of food scarcity in Karnataka, this study meticulously examined the spatio-temporal variation of agricultural efficiency and irrigation intensity in Karnataka, uncovering its significant dependence of agricultural efficiency on irrigation intensity. Specifically, this study used a one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) to ascertain significant differences in the means of agricultural efficiency and irrigation intensity during 2004–2005 and 2018–2019. This study showed that the maximum improvement in agricultural efficiency index was recorded in Belgaum (40.24), Gulbarga (24.77), and Yadgir districts (22.92) between 2004–2005 and 2018–2019, which indicated the progressing trend and better scope for agriculture extension. On the contrary, some districts expressed threat (a decline of above 20.00 of agricultural efficiency index) and needed special care for the improvement of agricultural efficiency in four northern districts (Bagalkot, Bidar, Raichur, and Bijapur), three southern districts (Chitradurga, Chikballapur and Hassan), and two southern districts (Koppal and Gadag) in Karnataka. During 2004–2005, irrigation intensity varied from 3.19% to 56.39%, with the lowest irrigation intensity in Kodagu District and the highest irrigation intensity in Shimoga District. During 2018–2019, irrigation intensity changed from 0.77% to 72.77%, with the lowest irrigation intensity in Kodagu District and the highest in Dakshin Kannad District. Moreover, the research scrutinized the complex relationship between agricultural efficiency and irrigation intensity, with the correlation coefficient increased from 0.162 during 2004–2005 to 0.255 during 2018–2019. It implies that in both periods, a low positive correlation existed between these two variables. Over time, several factors (high-yield seeds and chemical fertilizers) other than irrigation intensity gradually became essential for agricultural efficiency. This research offers a wealth of valuable insights for regional planners and policy-makers contending with comparable challenges in various regions of India and other developing countries.

Spatio-temporal variation of depth to groundwater level and its driving factors in arid and semi-arid regions of India

Climate change and increasing anthropogenic activities, such as over-exploitation of groundwater, are exerting unavoidable stress on groundwater resources. This study investigated the spatio-temporal variation of depth to groundwater level (DGWL) and the impacts of climatic (precipitation, maximum temperature, and minimum temperature) and anthropogenic (gross district product (GDP), population, and net irrigated area (NIA)) variables on DGWL during 1994–2020. The study considered DGWL in 113 observation wells and piezometers located in arid western plains (Barmer and Jodhpur districts) and semi-arid eastern plains (Jaipur, Ajmer, Dausa, and Tonk districts) of Rajasthan State, India. Statistical methods were employed to examine the annual and seasonal patterns of DGWL, and the generalized additive model (GAM) was used to determine the impacts of climatic and anthropogenic variables on DGWL. During 1994–2020, except for Barmer District, where the mean annual DGWL was almost constant (around 26.50 m), all other districts exhibited increase in DGWL, with Ajmer District experiencing the most increase. The results also revealed that 36 observation wells and piezometers showed a statistically significant annual increasing trend in DGWL and 34 observation wells and piezometers exhibited a statistically significant decreasing trend in DGWL. Similarly, 32 observation wells and piezometers showed an statistically significant increasing trend and 37 observation wells and piezometers showed a statistically significant decreasing trend in winter; 33 observation wells and piezometers indicated a statistically significant increasing trend and 34 had a statistically significant decreasing trend in post-monsoon; 35 observation wells and piezometers exhibited a statistically significant increasing trend and 32 observation wells and piezometers showed a statistically significant decreasing trend in pre-monsoon; and 36 observation wells and piezometers reflected a statistically significant increasing trend and 30 observation wells and piezometers reflected a statistically significant decreasing trend in monsoon. Interestingly, most of the observation wells and piezometers with increasing trends of DGWL were located in Dausa and Jaipur districts. Furthermore, the GAM analysis revealed that climatic variables, such as precipitation, significantly affected DGWL in Barmer District, and DGWL in all other districts was influenced by anthropogenic variables, including GDP, NIA, and population. As a result, stringent regulations should be implemented to curb excessive groundwater extraction, manage agricultural water demand, initiate proactive aquifer recharge programs, and strengthen sustainable management in these water-scarce regions.

Fate, source apportionment and fractionation of potentially toxic elements in agricultural soil around a densely populated, semiarid urban center of India: baseline study and ecological risk assessment.

This study is on the outskirts of the rapidly growing city of Jaipur, located in the semiarid region of India and gateway to the 'Great Indian Thar' desert, and focused on potentially toxic elements (PTE) pollution in the farmlands around the city. Concentrations of PTE, along with associated soil parameters such as pH, available nitrogen, organic carbon, phosphorus, and potassium, were estimated in agricultural soil samples near an industrial region on the outskirts of the capital city of the largest state of India. The PTE concentrations in the soil were in the following order: Mn > Pb > Ni > Cr > Cu > Cd. Soil pollution indices, such as the geochemical accumulation index (Igeo), contamination factor (CF), and ecological risk index (ERI), indicated that the soil was moderately to highly polluted. The result of BCR extraction techniques showed Cd is found mainly in the exchangeable and residual fractions, Pb, Mn were found in the reducible as well as residual fractions, while other PTE were mostly bound to residual fraction. All other PTEs are primarily found in the residual fraction, tightly linked with the silicate lattice of soil minerals. Multivariate analysis and the Pearson correlation matrix indicate a common source apportionment for Pb and Cd. Cd, and Pb concentrations in agricultural soil indicate ecological harm that warrants immediate attention and policy-level intervention.

Farm Women Participation in Natural Resource Conservation: Technology Adoption Study in Semi-Arid Regions of India

Background: Semi-arid regions (SARs) of India are characterized by limited rainfall and often prone to droughts. These regions typically receive moderate to low levels of precipitation, making agriculture and water availability significantly challenging. In India, 55% of population is engaged in agriculture and its allied activities. Despite making a significant contribution to livelihoods, the sector continues to face challenges as soil degradation and resource depletion have reduced crop and livestock outputs. To mitigate the effects of land degradation and conserve rainwater, government has taken significant measures to make natural resource conservation a priority throughout the country. To conserve the natural resources, women are always playing an important role as they are always involved in agricultural activities. Methods: The study was undertaken to investigate the role of women in Soil and Water Conservation (SWC) in 3 SARs of India. The purposive sampling was done as watershed beneficiaries were selected as sample respondents. Result: The results revealed that majority of women (55%) had a medium level of technology adoption. Multiple regression analysis revealed that women’s age, education, farming experience, risk bearing, social participation and cost-effectiveness were influencing the adoption of SWC technologies in watersheds. The correlation analysis reflected that out of sixteen factors, eleven factors namely age, education, farming experience, land holding, risk bearing, social participation, agro advisory and weather advisory, skill development, ease of use and cost effectiveness significantly affected the adoption of SWC technologies.

Stability Analysis and Identification of Superior Hybrids in Pearl Millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.] Using the Multi Trait Stability Index.

Pearl millet stands as an important staple food and feed for arid and semi-arid regions of India and South Africa. It is also a quick supplier of important micronutrients like Fe and Zn via grain to combat micronutrient deficiencies among people in developing countries. India has notably spearheaded advancements in pearl millet production and productivity through the All India Coordinated Pearl Millet Improvement Project. There were 21 hybrids evaluated over arid and semi-arid ecologies of the western and southern regions of India. AMMI and GGE biplot models were adopted to recommend a specific hybrid for the particular locality. A joint analysis of variation indicated a significant genotype-environment interaction for most of the agronomical and grain micronutrient parameters. Pearson's correlation values dissected the significant and positive correlation among agronomic traits and the negative correlation with grain micronutrient traits. GGE biplot analysis recommended the SHT 106 as a dual-purpose hybrid and SHT 115 as a biofortified hybrid for the grain's Fe and Zn content. SHT 110 and SHT 108 were selected as stable and high grain yield-producing hybrids across all environments and specifically for E1, E2, and E4 as per the Which-Won-Where and What biplot. SHT 109 and SHT 103 hybrids were stable and high dry fodder yield-producing hybrids across all environments. In this study, the Multi-Trait Stability Index (MTSI) was employed to select the most stable and high-performing hybrids for all traits. It selected SHT 120, SHT 106, and SHT 104 for stability and great performance across all environments. These findings underscored the significance of tailored hybrid recommendations and the potential of pearl millet in addressing both food security and malnutrition challenges in various agro-ecological regions.

EXPERIMENTALSTUDY ON PARTIAL REPLACEMENT OF COARSE AGGREGATE BY DEMOLISHED CONCRETE WASTE AND ADDED BY PROPHIS JULIFERA ASH

DeteriorationofconcretestructuresmadewithordinaryPortlandcementThe experimental investigations are carried out to study the benefits of Prosopis juliflora in RCC structure by partial replacement of cement. Prosopis juliflora is one among the species that has performed much better than many native woody species. But wide spread Prosopis juliflora has become an invader species, so the removal of the plant is necessary now. At the moment, Prosopis juliflora provides approximately 75% of fuel wood needs of rural people in arid and semiarid regions of India. Prosopis juliflora is xerophytic and is adapted to many soil types under a wide range of moisture conditions. Most of the plant are removed by uprooting and is burnt.

Evaluation of farmers friendly IPM modules for the management of fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (JE Smith) in maize in the hot semiarid region of India

Invasive alien species (IAS) pose a severe threat to global agriculture, with their impact projected to escalate due to climate change and expanding international trade. The fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith), a native of the Americas, has rapidly spread across various continents, causing significant damage to several food crops, especially maize. Integrated pest management (IPM) programs are vital for sustainable FAW control, combining multiple strategies for sustainable results. Over three consecutive years, 2019–20, 2020–21 and 2021–22, the field demonstrations were conducted in semiarid regions of India, testing a four-component IPM approach viz., pheromone traps, microbial, botanicals and ETL based applications of insecticides against farmers' practices (sole insecticide application). IPM implementation led to substantial reductions in FAW infestation. Furthermore, egg mass and larvae infestations were significantly lower in IPM-adopted villages compared to conventional practices. Pheromone-based monitoring demonstrated a consistent reduction in adult moth populations. The lowest technology gap (10.42), extension gap (8.33) and technology index (12.25) was recorded during 2020–21. The adoption of IPM led to increased maize yields (17.49, 12.62 and 24.87% over control), higher net returns (919, 906.20 and 992.93 USD), and favourable benefit–cost ratios (2.74, 2.39 and 2.33) compared to conventional practices respectively during 2019–20, 2020–21 and 2021–22. The economic viability of IPM strategies was evident across three consecutive years, confirming their potential for sustainable FAW management in the semiarid region of India. These strategies hold promise for adoption in other parts of the world sharing similar climatic conditions.

Establishment of morphological markers to differentiate male and female plants in Ailanthus excelsa Roxb. using multiple logistic regression

Ailanthus excelsa Roxb., belongs to the family Simaroubaceae, is a fast-growing multipurpose tree, and used mainly as a source of fodder and shade. It bears male, female, and hermaphrodite flowers on separate plants. It has been observed that male plant has more leaf biomass during April-May in semi-arid regions of India (Jaipur). In its vegetative state, the sex of the tree cannot be identified. The present study has therefore been designed to investigate if there is any difference in male and female plants based on morphological descriptors namely stomata number, stomata length, stomata diameter, trichome number, trichome length, and trichome diameter. 20 plants with male flowers and 20 plants with female flowers have been studied. The data revealed that male plants have lower trichome diameter (11.91 µm) than female (14.18 µm) plants. Other parameters do not show any statistically significant difference (P > 0.05). The Omnibus Tests of the Model Coefficient obtained for trichome diameter (0.042) is reliable in improving the model, implying that the model is the best fit. To test the validity of this model, the Hosmer and Lemeshow test was performed, and the p-value of chi-square (0.405 > 0.05) indicates that the logistic model obtained above is the best-fit model. Further studies of trichome diameter at the seedling stage and then confirmation of plant sex at maturity level will help in establishing morphological markers in A. excelsa for identification of sex.

Flight ranges of Tetragonula “nr” pagdeni and standardization of hive density for profitable coriander production in the semi-arid region of India

Stingless bees (Apidae: Meliponini) are the smallest of honey producing bees. The field investigation was carried out to record the effective foraging capacity of stingless bee Tetragonula “nr” pagdeni for standardizing its hive density in coriander and document the effect of bee visits on the seed quality parameters at Devihosur, Haveri, Karnataka, during 2019–2020. Four colonies were placed in the coriander’s field center, with treatments ranging from 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, 24, 28, and 32 m from the hive center. The diurnal and temporal activity of T. pagdeni and Apis florea (wild bee present in the study area) was recorded. The foraging activity of T. pagdeni and A. florea was confined to daytime from 9.00 to 17.00 h, reaching its zenith during 10.00–12.00 and 13.00–15.00 h. During the peak flowering period, the highest bee visitation (3.20/plant/minute) was noticed within the circle of 4 m from the hive. The stingless bees, T. pagdeni provided a high percentage of pollination up to a 20 m distance from the hive, showing that this is the common flying range of T. pagdeni when the same food source is accessible near the colony. Similarly, the seed quantity and quality parameters viz., seeds/umbel, seed yield, percent germination, seedling length, and vigour index were also recorded maximum values in all the treatments up to 20 m, from the hive. Whereas, the pollination success of bees decreased in successive treatments i.e., the plots at the flight range of 4 m from the hive recorded the highest seed yield (14.52 q/ha) compared to the plots at 32 m, 10.5 q/ha. Overall, the study suggests that ten colonies of T. pagdeni per acre are optimum for successful coriander seed production. The high pollination rate in coriander also depends on the unquantifiable high contribution of Apis florea in the study location

Assessment of physio-biochemical assessment and gene expression analysis of sugarcane genotypes under water stress.

Sugarcane, an economically important crop cultivated for its unique character of accumulating sucrose into its stalk and the world's major crop according to production quantity. Sugarcane production is negatively influenced by abiotic stresses because it faces all types of environments due to its long-life cycle period. Among the various abiotic stresses, drought is one of the major limiting factors creates obstacle in sugarcane production. Thus, an attempt was made to assess the molecular insights into sugarcane genotypes under water stress. A preliminary screening was done in ten sugarcane genotypes grown under semi-arid region of India through physiological, biochemical and antioxidant responses of these genotypes under two water deficit levels. In the current study, drought was imposed on ten sugarcane genotypes during their formative stage (110 DAP) by depriving them of irrigation. A pot experiment was carried out to see how several commercial sugarcane genotypes responded to water scarcity. Sugarcane received two treatments, the first after 125days and the second after 140days. The physio-biochemical and antioxidant responses recorded were RWC, MSI, SCMR, Proline accumulation, SOD, Catalase, Peroxidase and Lipid peroxidation. The significant variations were recorded in responses of all genotypes. On the basis of physio-biochemical, three genotypes Cos 98,014, Cos 13,235 and Colk 14,201 were selected for differential gene expression pattern analysis. The total RNA was isolated and reverse transcribe to cDNA and real time PCR was performed for expression analysis under 10 genes. Under drought conditions, all sugarcane genotypes showed significantly decreased RWC, chlorophyll content, and MSI. However, when water was scarce, proline buildup, malondialdehyde (MDA) contents, enzymatic antioxidant activity (CAT, POD, and SOD), and contents all increased dramatically. Finally, in all physiological and biochemical parameters, Co 98,014 genotype displayed superior adaptation responses to drought stress, followed by Co 018, Cos 13,235, and Colk 14,201. For gene expression analysis out of 21 genes, 10 genes were expressed in sugarcane genotypes, in which 7 genes (Shbbx2, Shbbx3, Shbbx4, Shbbx5, Shbbx8, Shbbx15 and Shbbx20) were upregulated and 3 genes (Shbbx1, Shbbx16 and Shbbx17) were downregulated. The statistical analysis conducted in this study demonstrated that drought stress had a negative impact on physiological responses, including RWC, SPAD, and MSI, in sugarcane crops. However, it was found that the crops were able to survive in these stress conditions by increasing their biochemical parameters, all while maintaining their growth and function.

Estimation of ET and Crop Water Productivity in a Semi-Arid Region Using a Large Aperture Scintillometer and Remote Sensing-Based SETMI Model

With the increasing water scarcity and the demand for sustainable agriculture, precise estimation of crop evapotranspiration (ET) is crucial for effective irrigation management, crop yield assessment, and equitable water distribution, particularly in semi-arid regions. In this study, a large aperture scintillometer (LAS) was used to validate the remote sensing-based ET model SETMI (Spatial Evapotranspiration Modeling Interface) in an irrigated maize-wheat cropping system in a semi-arid region at the ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi. Results obtained by the SETMI model depicted modeled surface energy fluxes compared well with LAS field data, showing a very high R2 (0.83–0.95) and NRMSE (8–29%). The SETMI model performed better in the case of the maize crop than the wheat crop in field experiments. Further, the SETMI model was employed at the regional level using high-resolution Sentinel-2 to estimate the regional water productivity of wheat crops over a semi-arid region in India. The estimated regional, seasonal wheat actual ET mainly ranged between 101 mm and 325 mm. The regional wheat water productivity varied from 0.9 kg m−3 to 2.20 kg m−3. Our research reveals that the SETMI model can give reliable estimates of regional wheat water productivity by examining its spatial and temporal fluctuations and facilitating the creation of regional benchmark values.

Assessment of microbial exopolysaccharides for improving soil fertility and crop yield in semi-arid India

Soil degradation and poor fertility are major concerns in semi-arid regions of India. Microbial exopolysaccharides (EPS) have demonstrated potential in mitigating abiotic and biotic stresses in these areas. However, the studies on the impact of EPS on crop performance and soil fertility under natural field conditions remain limited. To address this knowledge gap, a field experiment was conducted during the rainy season of 2019-20 and 2020-21 at ICAR-NIASM, Baramati, Maharashtra, to examine the effects of microbial EPS on average crop yields of soybean and maize, microbial colonization status in soybean and maize, and soil fertility parameters in basaltic soils of India. Seeds inoculated with Rhizobium or nitrogen fixers and 10 kg ha-1 EPS resulted in a significant increase in soybean and maize yields by 57.7% and 44.8%, respectively, compared to the control. Additionally, the Rhizobium treated seeds with EPS 10 kg ha-1 showed improvements in soil organic carbon, dehydrogenase activity, and nitrogen content by 15.5%, 214.5%, and 70.0%, respectively, in soybean compared to the control. Conversely, the application of microbial EPS did not cause any significant change in soil pH, E.C., or available P, K, Fe, Mn, and Zn contents in both crops. While the presence of EPS within the rhizosphere of soybean actively promoted nodule formation, it also enhanced microbial colonization within the rhizosphere of both soybean and maize. Moreover, the best subset regression analysis revealed that EPS altered the soil parameters for the yield of both crops. The findings of this study suggest that EPS treatment, in combination with Rhizobium or nitrogen fixers, can significantly enhance crop yield, promote nodule formation in soybean, and improve microbial colonization within the rhizosphere of both soybean and maize. These results highlight the potential of microbial EPS as a viable and sustainable solution to address soil degradation and poor fertility in semi-arid regions of India.

Fodder yield potential of cowpea and mahaneem (Ailanthus excelsa Roxb.) under Agro-Silviculture system in a Semi-Arid Region of India

Fodder yield potential of cowpea and mahaneem (Ailanthus excelsa Roxb.) under Agro-Silviculture system in a Semi-Arid Region of India