Sub-mountain Area Research Articles

Weed Management with New Generation Herbicides in Rabi Lentil in Sub-mountainous Area of Reasi District

In rabi, 2017–18, a field study was carried out at KVK, Reasi, SKUA&T, Jammu & Kashmir to assess the effectiveness of five herbicides applied alone, in combination with mechanical weeding (MW), or in sequence to study the effects of the herbicides on weed control and production economics of lentil variety L4147 (Pusa Ageti). Three replications of the experiment were conducted using completely randomized block design having six treatments with three replications. The treatments included T1:Weedy check (control), T2: Weed free, T3: Hand Weeding at 30 DAS and 45 DAS (Khurpi), T4: Quizalofop-p-ethyl 5% EC @ 50 g ai /ha at 40 DAS, T:5 Imazethapyr 10% SL at 40 DAS @ 37.5 g ai /ha, T6: Chlorimuron ethyl 25% WP (PPI) @ 4 g ai/ha and T7: Pendimethalin 30% EC (PE) @ 1 kg ai/ha. The most successful approach for controlling weeds, after weed free, was two hand weeding (HAND WEEDING), according to the results. However, at 60 DAS, two hand weedings at 30 DAS and 45 DAS produced the dry matter accumulation and lowest density of all weed species, followed by pendimethalin and Imazethapyr (post-emergence/POE). Under two hand weeding, the highest weed control efficiency of 83% was attained, and this was followed by Imazethapyr at 40 DAS. But under weed-free conditions, the maximum yield (1365 kg /ha) as well as the highest pods per plant (66.07), seeds per pod (1.94) and nodules per plant (8.20) were observed. Two hand weeding was then applied at 25 and 40 DAS. Pendimethalin greatly lowered broad leaved weeds but only moderately controlled grasses and sedges, while it was still better than control when applied alone. In contrast, Imazethapyr significantly suppressed both broad and grasses. When it came to the economic component, two-hand weeding outperformed all other treatments, including control, with the highest net returns, benefit cost ratio (~42294.49 /ha and 2.8), and lowest weed index (2.8). It was discovered that this combined treatment was the most profitable and long-lasting weed control method for lentils.

Tracing the fate of hay meadows with haylofts in Slovakia: A geographical perspective

Abstract The paper focuses on the historical distribution of haylofts in Slovakia, geographical conditions related to hay meadows with haylofts, and land cover changes of former hayloft localities. Moreover, the current state of preserved haylofts and the land use of their surrounding area were documented at a regional scale, during the field research. A map of the historical occurrence of haylofts was digitised based on the Czechoslovakian military topographic maps from 1952–1957 (1:25,000). Altogether, 9,742 haylofts were recorded. The haylofts were usually built in mountain and sub-mountain areas on places with low soil quality, mostly at higher elevations, on moderate or moderately steep slopes and in more distant and isolated areas. About half of former hayloft meadows now exist as meadows or pastures with different intensity of grassland management. Forest or shrubs already cover the other 38% of the sites. To a lesser extent, the areas have been converted into arable land or recreational areas. Only a few haylofts have survived to this day; for example, in Upper Liptov Region, it is only 1% of their former abundance in this area (48 haylofts). Apart from a few positive cases where they have been restored or preserved, those that have survived continue to decay.

Yield gap and impact assessment of frontline demonstrations of pulses in sub-mountainous area of Punjab

Yield gap and impact assessment of frontline demonstrations of pulses in sub-mountainous area of Punjab

Scientific justification of Mycobacterium avium survival in natural environment of Republic of Dagestan

Contamination of the environment with the infectious animal disease agents is still a pressing problem for the poultry farms. Mycobacterium avium can grow and replicate in organic wastes from the poultry farms for a long time thus contaminating vast adjacent areas and being the source of infection not only for wild and domestic animals but also for humans. The studies were aimed at the examination of the duration of Mycobacterium avium survival in the natural environment in two geographical regions of the Republic of Dagestan characterized by different soil and climate. Samples of Mycobacterium avium-contaminated feces and soil collected from pastures and farmyards (on the surface and from 5 cm depth) were tested. The experiments demonstrated that pathogenic for chickens mycobacteria survived for up to 30 days in the samples collected in the sub-mountainous areas in summertime, when the air temperature ranged from 15.1 to 30 °С, land surface temperature – from 17 to 38 °С, air humidity – from 44 to 94% and average monthly precipitation amounted to 1.5 mm. From September to May, with the air temperature ranging from –10.8 to +25 °C, land surface temperature from –14 to +30 °C, air humidity 26–100% and average precipitation 0.39 mm, the bacteria survived for up to 213 days on the soil surface on the pastures and farmyards, and for up to 243 days at the depth of 5 cm and in the feces. In the plain area, in the same time period in the slightly saline soil with high humus content and at air temperature from –11.9 to +27.3 °C, soil temperature from –13 to +45 °C, air humidity from 37 to 100% and average precipitation 20.4 mm, Mycobacterium avium survived just like in the sub-mountainous area, i.e. for 213 and 243 days, respectively. The post-mortem lesions in the internal organs of the poultry corresponded to the tuberculosis clinical signs in 86 of 171 birds (50.3%). The study results will allow for the development of the optimal algorithm for animal health and management measures aimed at tuberculosis eradication on the poultry farms.

Retrospective analysis of enzootic bovine leucosis spread in Republic of Dagestan considering natural and climatic conditions

Retrospective analysis of enzootic bovine leucosis (EBL) data received by the Republic of Dagestan Veterinary Laboratory and Veterinary Department of the Republic of Dagestan was made. From 1988 to 2022, the Republican veterinary laboratories serologically tested3,205,118 animal sera for the antibodies to bovine leukaemia virus (BLV) antigen, and 76,133 (2.4%) of them were positive. High BLV infection levels were detected in 1988 (32.2%), 1989 (21.3%), 1991 (23.3%), 1993 (23.0%), 2005 (24.2%), 2010 (23.0%), and the lowest ones were reported in the recent years: 2020 – 1.0%, 2021 – 1.0%, 2022 – 0.5%. In2022, diagnostic testing of 875,312 serum samples was carried out, which included 476,493 sera collected from bovines in high-altitude and mountainous areas of Dagestan. In the plain areas, 255,312 bovine animals were tested for leucosis, and 122,967 animals were tested in the sub-mountain areas. The animal infection with BLV in these natural and climatic conditions was reported as follows: high-altitude and mountainous areas– 0.5% (2,313 animals), plain areas– 0.8% (1,925 animals), sub-mountain areas– 0.1% (109 animals). Additional 20,540 serum samples were tested in the laboratories at the transhumance pasture veterinary units, and 170 BLV seropositive animals (0.83%) were detected. No EBL was diagnosed in the laboratories of the Derbent, Kochubeysk, Ulankholsk, Bakressk veterinary units, but other four laboratories detected high level of BLV seropositive animals (Kizlyarsk– 14.6%, Babayurt – 3.6%, Tarumovsk– 3.0%, Kyzylyurt– 1.06%). Thus, EBL is widespread in animals, especially in the plain areas of the Republic of Dagestan.

Saffron growing in Italy: a sustainable secondary activity for farms in hilly and sub-mountain areas

ABSTRACTItaly has faced a renewed interest in the production of saffron (Crocus sativus L.) in recent times. However, little is known about the status of this agri-food chain. This exploratory study investigates saffron production (from agronomic to social and marketing aspects) in Italy through 162 interviews with farmers. A large part of them (38%) are young, often at a higher level of literacy (bachelor or master) and new entrants in the agricultural sector (data significantly higher than the average for Italian farms). In more than half the cases, saffron production is considered a complementary activity, with an average production of 332 g per farm per year. Saffron farms are spread throughout Italy and are generally located in hilly/sub-mountain areas (between 143 and 703 m a.s.l.). Only 1% of farmers use agrochemicals, and more than 90% do not need irrigation, while just 40% of farms are mechanized, saffron can then be considered a low-input and sustainable choice for farms in marginal areas. Farmers focus on a high-quality product, certified by quality and sustainability labels. However, supply chain coordination, and knowledge and innovation support should be further developed to promote this sustainable production.

Groundwater potential zone mapping using geographic information systems and multi-influencing factors: A case study of the Kohat District, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Groundwater is a vital component of life; without its identification, it is impossible to live. Therefore, identifying groundwater potential zones (GWPZs) is critical. For this purpose, the study area of the Kohat District was selected to identify GWPZs using the multi-influencing factors (MIF) approach. The Kohat area has a semi-arid to sub-humid subtropical climate and is classified as a sub-tropical, triple-season, semi-arid, sub-mountainous area. The geology, land use, soil, rainfall, lineament density, and drainage density are important parameters of ground water potential identification. The GWPZs were classified into five types: very poor, poor, good, high, and very high. We determined that 37.72% of the study area had high GWPZs, which were predominately in or near the northwest region of the study area, whereas 4.62% of the study area, in the southeast region, had very poor GWPZs. The water table data from the study varied due to different parameters used to identify the GWPZs. Our MIF results revealed that a large area of the Kohat District has good water potential. Still, due to topographic elevation changes, the groundwater potential has been limited in hilly areas. Our final results were compared with water level field data collected from different sources across the Kohat District.

Simulating Future Land Use and Cover of a Mediterranean Mountainous Area: The Effect of Socioeconomic Demands and Climatic Changes

Land use and cover (LUC) of southern European mountains is dramatically changing, mainly due to observed socioeconomic demands and climatic changes. It is therefore important to understand LUC changes to accurately predict future landscapes and their threats. Simulation models of LUC change are ideal for this task because they allow the in silico experimentation under different socioeconomic and climatic scenarios. In the present study, we employed the trans-CLUE-S model, to predict for 2055 the LUC of a typical southern European sub-mountainous area, which has experienced widespread abandonment until recently. Four demand scenarios were tested, and under each demand scenario, we compared three climatic scenarios, ranging from less to more warm and dry conditions. We found that farmland declined from 3.2% of the landscape in 2015 to 0.4% in 2055 under the business-as-usual demand scenario, whereas forest further increased from 62.6% to 79%. For any demand scenario, differences in LUC between maps predicted under different climatic scenarios constituted less than 10% of the landscape. In the less than 10% that differed, mainly farmland and forest shifted to higher elevation under a warmer and drier climate, whereas grassland and scrubland to lower. Such insights by modelling analyses like the present study’s can improve the planning and implementation of management and restoration policies which will attempt to conserve ecosystem services and mitigate the negative effects of socioeconomic and climatic changes in the mountainous regions of southern Europe.

Analysis of mountain and sub-mountain areas degradation using GIS technologies in Parkent district, Uzbekistan

In the modern era, it is crucial to analyze the soil of mountain and sub-mountain regions and study the degradation process with the help of remote sensing and geographic information system (GIS) data analysis. These methods are effective tools for planning purposes, including land cover analysis, forest, and water studies. The present study focuses on the changes in land cover and degradation processes in the mountain and sub-mountain regions of the Tashkent region, located in the western part of the eastern Tien-Shan mountains. Due to the climate, this area receives substantial precipitation. However, human encroachment has led to the improper use of pastures, resulting in land use and cover changes. The study area has seen vacant land and open forest converted into open land, leading to increased soil degradation due to rainfall. GIS technologies aid in monitoring such changes and developing effective solutions.

Weed management with pre- and post-emergence herbicides in Kharif maize in sub-mountainous area of Punjab, India

Weed management with pre- and post-emergence herbicides in Kharif maize in sub-mountainous area of Punjab, India

Economical Olive Cultivation by Selection of Suitable Variety in Pothwar Region of Pakistan

Olive (Olea europaea) is very popular for producing premium quality edible oil, though it is the main crop of the Mediterranean region, playing a pivotal role in the economies of those countries. Its cultivation is increasing in other countries, including Pakistan, due to its wide adoptability and easy propagation technology. The very wide genetic variability of the plant is a reason for its popularity. Olive varieties behave differently in different climatic zones of the world. Pakistan has adopted various varieties for their cultivation in different olive production pockets. These studies were conducted in the Centre of Excellence for Olive Research & Training (CEFORT), Chakwal, to prioritize suitable olive varieties for Pakistan's economical olive oil business. The highest yield (2652 Kg/acre), Net Profit/acre (Rs. 271386), Oil Recovery/acre (331.7652Ltr.), and Oil income (331765.2) was observed in BARI Zaitoon-I while Average Oil Recovery (13.48%), Total Expenditure /Acre (61335.01) was observed in Arbiquina olive variety. BARI Zaitoon-1, BARI Zaitoon-2, Arbequina, and Koroneiki proved most suitable for cultivation in sub-mountainous areas of Pakistan. These varieties are recommended for olive cultivation in the Pothwar region due to their growth behavior, olive oil content, and good economic return. The difference in the fruit ripening period among these varieties results in the prolonged supply of raw material to the olive oil extraction industry.

Application of (SCS-CN) Method in Runoff Estimation in Qoratu Watershed Using (GIS & RS) Techniques

The method of Soil Conservation Service Curve Number (SCS-CN) was applied to assess runoff in Qoratu Watershed, Garmian Administration, (NE-Iraq). Digital Elevation Model (DEM-12.5m) and (Landsat OLI) were both utilized as the stuff of Geographic Information System (GIS) and Remote Sensing (RS) techniques analyzed to obtain accurate hydrological data. Qoratu watershed is a mutual (Iran-Iraq) watershed located within the Iraqi Kurdistan Region adjacent to the Sirwan River. Topographically, the study area is known as the sub-mountain area of the Kurdistan Region. At its sixth order, the watershed drains into the Sirwan River. The total area of the Qoratu watershed Was found to be (808.34 Km2); so, approximately (44.9%) of this area is located within the Iraqi Kurdistan Region. This study aimed to (i) Estimate the Runoff of the Qoratu watershed for dam construction purposes, (ii) estimate the water harvest of the Qoratu sub-watershed to achieve the best state of water management in the study area, (iii) estimate groundwater levels rise, and (iv) to control floods during the rainy season. The study concluded that the water inflow is high; thus, the possibility of constructing a dam and/or ponds in the area is beneficial.

STRUCTURAL FEATURES OF A WATER INTAKE FACILITY FOR MOUNTAIN AND SUBMOUNTAIN RIVERS

Introduction: The rate of urbanization is currently high. Therefore, it is important to use various elements and devices for water intake and water supply. Purpose of the study: We aimed to consider and analyze the structural features of a water intake facility for mountain and submountain rivers. Methods: In the course of the study, we used the synergistic research principle and statistical analysis. We analyzed the types of water supply networks at mountain rivers and identified the features of water intakes at water sources of this type. Results: A description of water intake features under flood conditions in the Amur Region, exemplified by the Bureya River, was obtained. The mountain rivers have an uneven runoff, which fluctuates not only throughout the year but also throughout the day. The water supply of the mountain and submountain areas shapes the idea of hydrological control over the regime of the mountain rivers. This paper will help to study changes in the average water inflow over the years and thus facilitate an accurate and detailed description of the water inflow characteristics in the Bureya reservoir when planning the water-energy modes of the hydroelectric power plant.

Echinococcosis of dogs in the North Caucasian Subjects (infrastructural, epizootological and sanitary-hygienic analysis)

Based on the official statistics the situation of parasitic diseases in the Russian Federation is still quite unfavorable. The issues of soil contamination with Echinococcus granulosus eggs are understudied that’s why the objective of the research was to study canine echinococcosis which poses a threat to animal and human disease freedom in the North Caucasian countries. Helminthological tests of the guardian dog feces were performed in seven North Caucasian Subjects: the Stavropol Krai, the Karachay-Cherkessia Republic, the Kabardino-Balkaria Republic, Republic of North Ossetia −Alania, Republic of Ingushetia, the Chechen Republic, and the Republic of Dagestan. As a result, it was determined that the average frequency index of echinococcosis occurrence was 85.07%. The moderate fecal egg count in 1,400 samples was 22.73 ± 1.49 eggs per 10 grams of dog feces. The data obtained are indicative of the disease unfavourable situation in the Subjects and the zoonosis spread at the regional level. Helminthological tests of 14,000 soil samples from near-village pastures for contamination with tapeworm eggs, including Echinococcus granulosus, showed that the invasion rate in the Stavropol Krai was 65.80%, in Karachay-Cherkessia republic − 79.00%, in Kabardino-Balkaria − 82.60%, in North Ossetia − Alania − 74.65%, in Ingushetia − 88.20%, in Chechnya − 83.75%, in Dagestan − 79.85%. The results obtained testify to the high level of soil contamination with the infective eggs. It was demonstrated that there is a relationship between the distribution of viable Echinococcus granulosus eggs in pasture soils and ecological characteristics of the Subject: the largest number of viable Echinococcus granulosus eggs was observed in submountain areas, fewer eggs were observed in flatlands, and the least number of eggs – in the mountain areas. The number of eggs detected in the soil samples from pastures is indicative of the disease persistence in humans and animals. Results of the helminthological tests of 7,500 soil samples from 119 cattle-driving routes of the North Caucasus demonstrate 100% contamination with parasitic agents which poses a threat of epidemiological and epizootological situation of echinococcosis in the Subject.

Relative incidence of aphid (Lipaphis erysimi) and Alternaria blight on mustard in sub-mountainous region of Punjab

Aim: To study the relative incidence of mustard aphid and Alternaria blight on different rapeseed-mustard varieties to assess their resistant or tolerant and most suitable variety for sub-mountainous area of Punjab. Methodology: The experiment was conducted on four mustard varieties (RLM-619, PBR-97, PBR-357 and Giriraj) with five replications in randomized block design during two crop seasons, i.e. Rabi 2018-19 and 2019-20 under sub-mountainous areas of Punjab. Aphid population was recorded at weekly interval. Disease severity was calculated using 0-5 rating scale and per cent disease intensity was calculated. Results: RLM-619 variety exhibited the lowest aphid infestation (7.92 and 8.96%) and minimum per cent disease intensity (28.0 and 33.33%) on leaves and siliqua (33.33 and 38.33%) which also gave highest yield (739.33 kg acre-1 and 735.67 kg acre-1) during the year 2018-19 and 2019-20. The lowest seed yield (487.67 kg acre-1 and 480.67 kg acre-1) was recorded in variety Giriraj, which was found susceptible to aphid infestation and Alternaria blight. Interpretation: RLM-619 exhibited tolerance against aphid and Alternaria blight, hence, this variety may be used as a key component under integrated pest and disease management in sub-mountainous area of Punjab in future.

The Analysis of Italian Plant Agrobiodiversity Databases Reveals That Hilly and Sub-Mountain Areas Are Hotspots of Herbaceous Landraces

Landraces are an agri-food and historical-cultural heritage but are undergoing losses worldwide. Italy is taking action to counteract this problem by following European guidelines. One of the most important measures is the Agrobiodiversity National Register (ANR), but 12 Italian regions currently appear without any landraces and around 80% of the landraces listed are trees, with less detailed data on herbaceous species. The aim of this study is to investigate the situation for Italian herbaceous landraces preserved on farms (in situ) by merging and analyzing data contained in the main databases on plant agrobiodiversity in Italy. Data were georeferenced, organized by botanic families and Italian regions, and analyzed by GIS and R. A total of 1615 herbaceous landraces were found (versus the 416 recorded in the ANR). Poaceae, Fabaceae, and Solanaceae together comprise 70% of all herbaceous landraces and are mostly preserved/grown in areas between 150 and 800 m a.s.l. Some hilly and sub-mountain areas of the Apennines and the Alps are hotspots of herbaceous landraces due to anthropic and environmental factors. The results of this research will be useful to enrich the ANR and trigger actions of characterization, conservation, and promotion of these plant resources.

Natural factors which attract tourists in the spa resorts of the contact sub-mountain area between Sucevita and Soveja-Vizantea

Natural factors which attract tourists in the spa resorts of the contact sub-mountain area between Sucevita and Soveja-Vizantea

К ВОПРОСУ О ЗОЛОТОНОСНОСТИ КОР ВЫВЕТРИВАНИЯ УЧАСТКА РЫБАЧИЙ (ЗАПАДНЫЙ СИХОТЭ-АЛИНЬ)

The author addresses an issue of gold presence in pre-Quaternary crusts of weathering that are widespread in sub-mountain areas of the doming-block geomorphological structures of the Amur Region, the Khabarovsk and Primorsky Territories along the periphery of large- and medium-sized Cenozoic basins and depressions. For a more detailed mining and geological study and assessment of the gold content of the weathering crusts, we recommended the Rybachy site as one of these objects (insufficiently studied), and the entire Mukhenskaya area as a promising one. These sites are located in the zone of articulation of the eastern side of the Middle Amur Depression with the folded structures of the West Sikhote-Alinsky volcanic belt. The author gives examples of large gold deposits, related to weathering crusts with their brief description (Olympiada, Kuranakh), as well as a brief description of alluvial deposits of weathering crust (sub-basalt cl.Paskhalny, an eluvial-alluvial placer of the Bolotisty Stream). The search work of the DVIMS (Far Eastern Institute of Mineral Raw Materials) in 2002 indicated the potential of weathering crusts within the Rybachy prospect for gold mineralization. This is supported by elevated gold in heavy mineral concentrates from the linear weathering crusts and residual blankets, as well as from non-commercial placers (from 0.01 to 4.0 g/t and higher); the occurrence of fracture zones, brecciation, secondary silicification close by fractures, and abundant Late Cretaceous silicic and intermediate dikes. Zones of hydrothermally altered rocks (silicification, chloritization, sericitization, argillization) are widespread here.

Complex Proposal of Flood Protection Measures for Small Municipalities in the Area of Small Carpathians

The article describes problems associated with the design of the flood protection measures for small settlements situated at the foot of a mountain. In recent years, these settlements have had problems with flood discharges due to the new development (concreted areas), land/soil management change (private owners farming on their own grounds and do not cooperate together), neglecting of maintenance of surface drains (or their full filling) and river bed channels of the small streams (often dried up during the year, overgrown with woody plants, covered with waste), and of course, also due to climate changes, where the flood discharges are revalued – they are increased. In addition, sub-mountain regions are also characterized by flash floods when a large amount of rainfall falls on a relatively small area with a steeper longitudinal slope. Since the creeks are small there, it could be said to be insignificant, no gauging stations are being built there, so the hydrological data necessary for the design of the flood protection measures are missing. In the article, the procedure of the flood protection measure design for a small sub-mountain area is described which resulted in the design of additional detention reservoirs, complementing the existing detention reservoirs. The HEC-HMS software was used for the hydraulic calculation and the GEOSTUDIO program was used to assess the bank slope stability of the proposed detention reservoirs.

National ecosystem services assessment in Slovakia – meeting old liabilities and introducing new methods

This article provides an overview and results of the pilot national ecosystem services assessment in Slovakia. It follows the MAES process and past ecosystem services (ES) research in Slovakia and is based on original research methodology using spatial and statistical data. The initial step of national ES assessment resulted in the selection of significant ES for the evaluation process, where 18 ES in three groups were selected (five provisioning, 10 regulatory/maintenance and three cultural ES). An original assessment model provided the theoretical and methodological framework for national ES evaluation. The principal result is an assessment of the national landscape’s capacity for ES provision, based on evaluation of the landscape units and selected properties and indicators at the ecosystem level. These inputs included habitat types and watersheds, administrative units, natural topology, geology, soils, climate, water and biota. The ES capacity models were created and evaluated for each ES, for the main groups and, finally, for overall ES provision. The highest capacity to provide ES in Slovakia comes from natural and semi-natural ecosystems, mainly deciduous, mixed and coniferous forests which cover over 38% of Slovak territory. The water ecosystems and wetlands are also significant, followed by grasslands and permanent crops. The research highlights the crucial importance of the mountainous and sub-mountainous areas in Slovakia and confirms the significant contribution of the natural and semi-natural ecosystems for ensuring ES provision.