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Background: Utilization of livestock waste and by products are always considered to be an important source of livelihood for environment protection and agricultural development. The study explores the prospective scope of livestock waste utilization by dwelling into the livestock holdings and their health profile, waste management and bio-security practices for sustainable livelihoods of small and marginal livestock farmers of tribal belts. Methods: With an empirical survey, an analysis is made on the waste management practices in selective states of North East India (Assam, Meghalaya and Nagaland). The percentage and average method were applied to understand the management practices of pig production system. In the qualitative tools mainly Focused Group Discussion (FGD) and Interview methods were used to understand the perception of people on waste management. Result: It is found that the untreated waste is utilized in field and only 2% of farmers use the manure in pisciculture where waste is used in its integrated form. A comprehensive model of treating and marketing the livestock waste and by products with the application of modern technology can not only contribute in augmenting the income but will also help in quality restoration of natural resources in rural areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review delves into the processing of tannery solid waste, emphasizing fleshings and chromium-tanned leather waste. This paper centers on fat recovery, chromium elimination, and protein preservation, aiming to make them apt for animal consumption. This paper also assesses the potential of introducing such recycled products to the global market. Drawing on the literature from the past two decades, sourced comprehensively from Scopus and Web of Science, 36 articles were selected because of their significant contributions from leather production powerhouses such as India and Brazil. Fleshings have shown immense potential as animal feed, and the extraction of tallow and collagen from rawhide trimmings yields up to 98% and 93%, respectively. Fermented tannery fleshings, notably with Enterococcus faecium HAB01, also demonstrate strong antioxidant capabilities. The overarching consensus emphasizes the need for rigorous purification when dealing with chromium-containing wastes, addressing concerns tied to Cr (III) and Cr (VI). Furthermore, raw tannery fleshings stand out as a sustainable, cost-effective, and globally marketable solution for animal feed production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Saltpetre (KNO3) manufacture was a principal monopoly industry in early Modern India when the United Kingdom governed the social and economic systems. The process represented microbial transformation of excrementitious livestock and human wastes deposited around habitats, resulting in formation of salt efflorescence at an economic scale. Low caste people collected these wastes for extraction and production of rough saltpetre under the administrative control of British India. Stable isotope composition (δ15N and δ18O) was used to trace details of the microbial transformation processes, often involving the isotopic fractionation of nitrogen and oxygen. Marked elevation in δ15N and δ18O values for nitrates in soils and deposits, relative to those of primary organic nitrogen in diets and water sources, characterizes the unique processes of historic saltpetre manufacture in British India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Different biodegradable waste may indeed be processed by biodigesters to generate biogas, a clean and sustainable source of energy. Different digesters are classified according to their digestive process, which is either aerobic or anaerobic. The rate at which organic waste is loaded, the temperature, the amount of dilution, etc., all affect the size of the digesters. A biodigester typically needs a relatively steady atmosphere as well as ongoing agitation. Additionally, it necessitates a large land area. Although it has numerous advantages, the nature of the feedstock is the main factor on which the potential of biogas production depends, as well as the design of the reactor and operational parameters. Though many authors attempted to establish the effect of various factors on the process of biodigestion of food waste, very few studies on reactor design to achieve maximum biogas production were reported. The current study focuses on the use of a reactor with multiple stages that requires a smaller footprint to increase the rate of gas production from solid substrates. In the study, an experiment was attempted to determine the effect of substrate composition, food waste size, and multiple stages inside the reactor on biogas production. It has been found from the results that agricultural and environmental sustainability associated with livestock waste can reduce pollution risk considerably through biodigestion. It has also been found that stages inside the reactor do have an effect on gas production, which has been increased by up to 30%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study evaluated the potential of a self‐resilient rural bio‐energy model using a case study from a village in Uttar Pradesh, India. A total biogas potential of 400 329 m3/year was estimated from area using agricultural residues and livestock wastes, thus capable of establishing biogas plants in a centralized (20 to 100 m3) or decentralized (2 to 20 m3) manner. For the three scenarios were considered in this study, i.e., (I) combined electricity and thermal energy generation, (II) for direct cooking, and (III) according to energy requirements, a maximum electricity generation and thermal energy potential were estimated to up to 800 658 and 1 200 988 kWh. A maximum amount of 162 646 kg.year–1 of firewood, 443 190 kg.year–1 of dung cake, 70 996 kg.year–1 of charcoal and 13 713 kg of liquified petroleum gas could be replaced using produced raw biogas, which is even higher if the biogas is upgraded. In the third scenario, a maximum surplus amount of 169 894 m3.year–1 of raw biogas and 221 969 m3.year–1 of upgraded biogas are available if all the available wastes are co‐digested. Vast cost opportunities and greenhouse gas emission reduction could result from replacing conventional cooking fuel and chemical fertilizers with organic fertilizer, contributing to the local circular economy. Eventually, the study proposes and discusses a self‐resilient bio‐energy model comprising energy demand fulfillment, sustainability, and a circular economy for rural India. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases, related global warming and dependency on fossil fuels, it is crucial to promote the uses of renewable energy, and conversion of biomass and organic waste into energy sources. In many parts of the world, a substantial increase in efforts for the conversion of waste into energy is currently being observed. Specifically, biogas technology has been emphasized for the conversion of animal waste into biomethane/biogas because livestock waste is considered to be a substantial source of ambient greenhouse gases, causing climate change. While biogas technology, an anerobic process to convert livestock waste into biogas, is promoted in both developed and developing countries, this review article is focused on improving our existing understanding of small-scale biogas technology and relevance of this technology in rural environment of India. A thorough review research has been performed to gather the information on livestock population, manure production, and potential of biogas technology in India to provide a wholistic information. A summary of the financial supports facilitated by various agencies, the cost of biogas plants, potential uses, and potential challenges in the dissemination of biogas technology in India has been discussed in this study. We anticipate that the data and interpretation provided here will help in understanding the scope of biogas technology in India and will help in formulating the policies which will support the implementation of biogas technologies in developing countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Government of India has envisaged a journey of doubling farmers' income till 2022–2023 and envisioned many policy reforms for the same. Farmers in India rely on major farm produce and do not utilize the by-products or wastes emerging from their farms for monetary benefits. Sustainable utilization of agricultural, household and livestock waste have the potential in augmenting farmers' income significantly which was established by conducting case studies in Ludhiana District of Punjab on three dairy farmers, each pursuing vermicomposting, biogas production and traditional composting. Comparative economic analysis in terms of various costs were worked out for vermicomposting, composting and biogas production. On analysis, it was found that the highest net returns per metric tonne of dung were obtained from vermicomposting (INR 2224.72, USD 29.42), followed by biogas production (INR 536.66, USD 7.10) and composting (INR 45.59, USD 0.60). Net returns from the dung obtained from one cattle equivalent were highest from vermicomposting (INR 11012.34, USD 145.64), followed by biogas production (INR 2656.74, USD 35.14) and composting (INR 225.68, USD 2.98). High profitability was accorded to vermicomposting because it is sold at remunerative prices. The study emphasizes the utilization of wastes through vermicomposting clubbed with biogas production for augmenting farmers' income. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Annually 500 M t organic wastes are produced in India from the agriculture sector. Transportation of bulky organic manures for centralized collection, processing and distribution to farms is cost prohibitive. Hence, recycling of agricultural wastes using vermicompost technology at the farm level is a practical way of managing agriwaste for meeting the plant nutrient requirement. Our experience with a 1.584 ha farm for three years (2015–2016 to 2017–2018) revealed that 8.1 t vermicompost was produced in three batches from 24 t agriwastes produced within the farm area. The system productivity by recycling these farm generated agriwastes and run-off water was 18.05 t (≈11.4 t ha−1) rice equivalent yield which was higher by 2.6 times as compared to rice fallow (4.46 t ha−1). Also, the net return from this system (Indian rupees 70141 ha−1) was higher by 2.3 times, after considering the fixed cost towards construction of a water recycling pond. An increase in carbon stock in soil for the four years study period was 0.66 Mg ha−1 year−1 with the agriwaste recycling system under organic nutrition. For the inorganic fertilizer plot, the increase in carbon stock was 0.53 Mg ha−1 year−1. A decrease in bulk density from 1.56 to 1.46 Mg m−3, increase in water holding capacity from 0.43 to 0.52 cm3 cm−3 and increase in available P and K content in soil from 38.0 and 174.7 kg ha−1 to 45.8 and 186.5 kg ha−1, respectively, were noted. Thus, recycling of agricultural waste at the farm level is useful in improving soil health and crop productivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biogas is a locally accessible and renewable energy source that can be generated from organic feedstocks under anaerobic conditions. This paper aims to assess the future biogas potential in India from varied sources (crops residues, animal manure, municipal solid wastes, municipal and industrial wastewater). The study uses a bottom-up, resource focused approach for the assessment of biogas potential. The paper assess agriculture and animal residues as well as generation, collection and availability of municipal and industrial waste for biogas production. The results show considerable potential of biogas in the next two decades due to rising waste generation and deployment of infrastructure for improving waste collection efficiency. The analysis estimates that the biogas potential ranges from 310 to 655 billion m3/year in the year 2040 depending upon availability of different resources. The estimated biogas potential in the year 2040 is around 36% of India's current (2015) total primary energy supply in the high availability scenario. Finally, the paper offers policy recommendations aimed at realizing the biogas potential. • Future Biogas potential from animal and agricultural based waste resource in India is estimated. • Bottom-up resource based approach is used for assessment. • Estimated future biogas potential is around 12.8 EJ in 2040. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbon emissions and associated global warming have become a threat to the world, the major contributor being the extensive use of fossil fuels and uncontrolled generation of solid wastes. Energy generation from renewable energy sources is considered an alternative to achieving carbon neutrality. Anaerobic digestion (AD) is a sustainable technology that has been endorsed as a low-carbon technology complimenting both waste management and renewable energy sectors. The AD technology recovers the volatile matter from waste biomass as much as possible to produce biogas, thus reducing carbon emission as compared to open dumping or burning. However, there is a need of compilation of information on how each subsystem in AD contributes to the overall carbon neutrality of the entire system and chances of achieving a circular economy along with it. Therefore, this article aims to clarify the associated internal and external factors that determine the low carbon characteristic of anaerobic digestion technology. From this review, the potential of AD system for energy-atmosphere-agriculture nexus has been explored. Carbon emission mapping of the potential entities involved in AD were identified and perspective to life cycle assessment and future research direction has been pointed out. Climate change impact and acidification potential are the two entities that can influence the overall environmental sustainability of an AD system. It was recognized that each stage of AD system starting from substrate supply chain, biogas production, upgradation, utilization, and digestate application had a remarkable effect on the overall carbon emission potential based on its design, operation, and maintenance. Selection of suitable substrates and co-digesting them together for improved biogas production rate with high methane content and proper digestate post-processing and storage can vastly reduce the carbon emission potential of the AD technology. Further, a case scenario of India was assessed considering the utilization of major surplus biomass available through AD. Re-routing the three major substrates such as agricultural crop residues, animal wastes and organic fraction of municipal solid wastes through AD can reduce at least 3.5–3.8 kg CO 2-eq per capita of annual carbon emission load in India. Furthermore, the pathways in which the policy and legislations over establishment of AD technology and how to explore linkages between achieving circular economy and low carbon economy for Indian scenario has been highlighted. • The carbon recovery potential of anaerobic digestion (AD) technology is reviewed. • The benefits of AD for energy-agriculture-atmosphere nexus are discussed. • Coverage area and digestate handling segments significantly influences the low carbon nature of AD. • With the current research, AD has the potential to reduce up to 4 kg per capita of CO2-eq. • The role of AD for creating a low carbon circular economy model is highlighted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For nutrient management in a cropping system, one needs to know the residual effect of organics on the succeeding crops. The work was carried out for better understanding the impact of different organic manures on the popcorn-potato cropping system which is common in many regions of India. To assess the effect of recommended N rates applied as inorganic fertilizers (IF), farmyard manure (FYM), leaf compost (LC) and vermicompost (VC) on soil health and productivity in popcorn-potato cropping system, field experiments were conducted for two consecutive years. Application of IF significantly improved crop growth and yield in popcorn but had a detrimental effect on soil health. Whole N (120 kg N ha−1) applied through FYM boosted growth and yield leading to 48.3% and 15.6% higher system productivity over control and inorganic N application, respectively. FYM equivalent to 120 kg N ha−1also significantly improved the soil fertility in terms of residual available soil N, P and K, soil organic carbon (SOC) and soil carbon stocks in popcorn-potato system. Further, the application of organic manures, particularly FYM (equivalent to 120 kg N ha−1) increased SOC over initial values by 23.8% and 35.8% during 2008–09 and 2009–10, respectively. A multiple correlation analysis (RSY.NPKSOC = 0.87; p < 0.001) showed that SOC and available forms of N, P and K significantly influenced the system yield. Regression analysis clearly indicated that system productivity was positively correlated with available soil nutrients. The application of organic manure also improved microbial populations (bacteria, fungi and actinomycetes), soil microbial carbon biomass (SMCB), dehydrogenase activity and soil bulk density (BD). The latter effect was not observed when inorganic fertilizers were applied. A FYM application rate equivalent to 120 kg N ha−1 to popcorn and 60 kg N ha−1 to potato resulted in maximum system productivity and profitability in terms of highest gross and net returns and cost:benefit ratio. The beneficial effect of applying organic manures in the cropping system was due to the improvement of soil health by addition of organic manure and easy supply of other plant nutrients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background & objectives: The resistance to antibiotics in pathogenic bacteria has increased at an alarming rate in recent years due to the indiscriminate use of antibiotics in healthcare, livestock and aquaculture. In this context, it is necessary to monitor the antibiotic resistance patterns of bacteria isolated from the environmental samples. This study was conducted to determine the phenotypic and genotypic profile of antimicrobial resistance in Gram-negative bacteria isolated from environmental samples. Methods: Two hundred and fifty samples were collected from different sources, viz. fish and fishery products (99), livestock wastes (81) and aquaculture systems (70), in and around Mangaluru, India. Isolation, identification and antimicrobial profiling were carried out as per standard protocols. The isolates were screened for the presence of resistance genes using PCR. Results: A total of 519 Gram-negative bacteria comprising Escherichia coli (116), Salmonella spp. (14), Vibrio spp. (258), Pseudomonas spp. (56), Citrobacter spp. (26) and Proteus spp. (49) were isolated and characterized from 250 samples obtained from different sources. A total of 12 antibiotics were checked for their effectiveness against the isolates. While 31.6 per cent of the isolates were sensitive to all the antibiotics used, 68.4 per cent of the isolates showed resistance to at least one of the antibiotics used. One-third of the isolates showed multidrug resistance. Maximum resistance was observed for ampicillin (43.4%), followed by nitrofurantoin (20.8%). Least resistance was seen for carbapenems and chloramphenicol. PCR profiling of the resistant isolates confirmed the presence of resistance genes corresponding to their antibiotic profile. Interpretation & conclusions: This study results showed high rate of occurrence of antimicrobial resistance and their determinants in Gram-negative bacteria isolated from different environmental sources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Much concern has been raised about the increasing threat to air quality and human health due to ammonia (NH3) emissions from agricultural systems, which is associated with the enrichment of reactive nitrogen (N) in southern Asia (SA), home of more than 60% the world's population (i.e., the people of West, central, East, South, and Southeast Asia). Southern Asia consumed more than half of the global synthetic N fertilizer and was the dominant region for livestock waste production since 2004. Excessive N application could lead to a rapid increase of NH3 in the atmosphere, resulting in severe air and water pollution in this region. However, there is still a lack of accurate estimates of NH3 emissions from agricultural systems. In this study, we simulated the agricultural NH3 fluxes in SA by coupling the Bidirectional NH3 exchange module (Bi‐NH3) from the Community Multi‐scale Air Quality model with the Dynamic Land Ecosystem Model. Our results indicated that NH3 emissions were 21.3 ± 3.9 Tg N yr−1 from SA agricultural systems with a rapidly increasing rate of ~0.3 Tg N yr−2 during 1961−2014. Among the emission sources, 10.8 Tg N yr−1 was released from synthetic N fertilizer use, and 10.4 ± 3.9 Tg N yr−1 was released from manure production in 2014. Ammonia emissions from China and India together accounted for 64% of the total amount in SA during 2000−2014. Our results imply that the increased NH3 emissions associated with high N inputs to croplands would likely be a significant threat to the environment and human health unless mitigation efforts are applied to reduce these emissions. Plain Language Summary: Farming practices in southern Asia (SA), including synthetic fertilizer and manure application, have resulted in the emission of tremendous amounts of ammonia, an atmospheric constituent that has been linked to human respiratory and cardiovascular ailments and also to atmospheric haze. Ammonia emission is expected to increase due to population growth and increased demand for animal products. Ammonia emission is a critically important environmental issue that needs to be addressed collaboratively by farmers and policymakers in the SA region. Key Points: Ammonia emissions from nitrogen fertilizer use and livestock excreta increased fourfold in southern Asia (SA) during 1961–2014China and India together contributed about two thirds of total ammonia emissions from agricultural activities in SA between 2000 and 2014Summer season accounted for ~60%, while winter season accounted for ~6% of the annual total ammonia emissions in SA during 2000–2014 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Global meat consumption is on a rise with around 253 million metric tons of meat produced globally in the year 2020. Because of the rise in population and change in food preferences, meat consumption trend is likely to continue. Meat production by animal slaughtering increases the slaughterhouse wastes in the form of both solid and liquid wastes. Although various technologies for slaughterhouse waste management are available in developed countries, the effective utilization of slaughterhouse waste management is still missing in developing countries like India. India plays an active role in the meat export business globally and stood 2nd in the world with a total export valuation of 2.89 billion US $ in the year 2020. In this context, this study presents a critical overview of the current technological advancements in the global slaughterhouse waste management including utilization of by-products and further, the prevailing slaughterhouse waste management of India is discussed. Finally, a sustainable slaughterhouse waste management strategy emphasizing circular economy and regulations improvements have been suggested for India to compete in this sector at global scale. • Lack of sound slaughter house waste management obstruct the export business in India. • Indian scenario of slaughter house waste management is critically reviewed. • An overview of the slaughter house waste management in developed countries included. • A sustainable slaughterhouse waste management based on circular economy is proposed. • Regulations for waste management with stake holders participation are proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The experiment was conducted on a clay loam soil in sugarcane plant-ratoon system at Regional Agricultural Research Station, Anakapalle with a variety 93 A 145 during 2007-08 and 2008-09 to study the comparative performance of effect of different organic manures on soil health and yield of sugarcane. Results revealed that the addition of different organic manures in addition to recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF) resulted in the higher organic carbon content and available nutrient status of the soil compared to chemical fertilizers alone. The plots which received FYM @ 25 t/ha +RDF recorded highest organic carbon (0.55 %) and available N (226 kg/ha). However maximum available P2O5 and K2O (38.89 & 254 kg/ha) was observed in plots which received press mud cake @ 12t/ha +RDF as press mud cake is a rich source of phosphorus (2.76 %). Decrease in pH in manured plots was attributed to increase in partial pressure of CO2 and organic acids due to organic matter decomposition. Slight increase in soil organic carbon content and available nutrient status was observed in ratoon crop than plant crop is due to residual and cumulative effects of added organic manures in ratoon crop. The highest N uptake (301 kg/ha) was recorded with the treatment which received RDF + vermicompost. However maximum phosphorus uptake of 54.11 and 58.96 kg/ha (plant and ratoon crop respectively) was recorded in the treatment which received press mud cake + RDF is due to maximum P availability when compared to other sources. Better juice quality was observed in manure treated plots than RDF alone. Maximum juice sucrose (19.75 %) and % CCS (13.72) was observed in FYM + RDF of plant crop. Farm Yard Manure+ RDF registered higher cane yield (94.18 t/ha) and sugar yield (12.92 t/ha) than application of entire 'N' through RDF alone (cane yield: 87.42 t/ha and sugar yield : 11.06 t/ha) but was found at par with vermicompost + RDF (cane yield 93.88 t/ha; sugar yield : 12.59 t/ha). The study showed that integrated use of organic manures and inorganic fertilizers produced higher and sustainable cane yields and maintained the soil fertility (Organic manures, soil fertility, productivity and sugarcane). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An experiment was conducted in the North Eastern Himalayan region of India to evaluate the productivity of different animal-fish integrations viz. duck-cum-fish, poultry-cum-fish, goat-cum-fish, pig-cum-fish, and cattle-cum-fish. Among various integrations, cattle-cum-fish had the maximum fish yield (2,686.0 kg/ha), followed by fish-cum-duck (2,173.0 kg/ha), fish-cum-pig (2,046.0 kg/ha), fish-cum-poultry (2,006.0 kg/ha), and fish-cum-goat (1,867.0 kg/ha) compared to 757.0 kg/ha in unfed/unfertilized control ponds. Among fish species, highest growth rate was recorded for silver carp (Hypopthalmichthys molitrix) in all the integrations (201.0 to 591.0 g/fish), followed by mrigal (Cirrhinus mrigala, 160.0 to 370.0 g/fish). The implications of the results for development of suitable integrated agro-aquaculture models in humid tropics are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

On a survey during the period of 2006-2007 a number of tylenchids were found associated with Zea mays in Kashmir valley such as Pratylenchus sativus kaul, 1985, Aphelenchoides srinagrensis Kaul, 1985 and Tylenchorhynchus zeae Sethi and G. Swarp, 1968. These species were found to have morphometric variations probably due to habitat alteration from the originally described ones. As a part of the programme it was to look for management of these nematodes through organic soil amendments such as Poultry manure, Pigeon manure and Saw dust. It was found that the population densities of nematodes were reduced by the organic amendment to a varied extent and Poultry manure caused greatest reduction of nematode populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Field experiments were set up in an acid alluvial sandy loam soil to evaluate relative efficacy of organic manures in improving productivity and pest tolerance of an okra crop cv Arka Anamika (IIHR Sel 10). Three commercial manures, processed municipality waste (PMW), vermicompost (VC) and oil cake pellets (OCP), were assessed in relation to farmyard manure (FYM) alone and in combination with microbial culture (FYM+MC). All were compared to commercial fertilizer (CF). Among the organic manures tested, FYM produced maximum fruit and shoot yield. The uptake of N, P and K and micro-nutrient in FYM treatment was significantly superior to all other commercial manuring and CF. Increase in fruit yield with FYM application was attributed to higher retentivity of soils for water and nutrients, and higher uptake of major and minor nutrients. However, the tolerance of crop-plants to attack by pests in terms fruit yield was highest in the treatment with FYM. The quantity and the proportion of N, P and K coupled with minor elements available from nutrient sources were mainly responsible for differences among nutrient sources. Varying influence of organic manures on soil properties also caused differences in the performance of nutrient sources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Integrating fertilizer nitrogen (N) with organic manures can foster a sustainable agricultural system in subtropical soils low in organic matter. A two year field experiment was conducted on a sandy loam soil at Allahabad, India to evaluate the effect of incorporating spent white button mushroom compost (WB-SMC) with a narrow C:N ratio (15.18) and spent oyster mushroom compost (OY-SMC) of a wider C:N ratio (37.58) with and without fertilizer N on rice crop production, N use efficiency and soil carbon (C) sequestration. A higher paddy, straw yield and total dry matter production of 5.00, 6.24 and 11.24 t ha-1 in WB-SMC at 5 t ha-1 with fertilizer N at 90 kg ha-1 and 5.26, 6.80 and 12.05 t ha-1 in WB-SMC at 5 t ha-1 with fertilizer N at 120 kg ha-1 confirmed the superiority of the WB-SMC over OY-SMC, which produced 3.57, 4.62 and 8.18 t ha-1 with fertilizer N at 90 kg ha-1 and 4.17, 5.32 and 9.48 t ha-1 with fertilizer N at 120 kg ha-1 respectively. When WB-SMC was applied at 5 t ha-1 it enhanced the recovery efficiency of 19.62 and 15.56 % compared to fertilizer N at 90 and 120 kg ha-1 respectively. Physiological efficiency due to luxury uptake of N with the use of WB-SMC and fertilizer N at 120 kg ha-1 gave evidence that N addition through the combined use of WB-SMC and fertilizer N was excessive. Agronomic efficiency of added N by the rice crop was improved by the incorporating WB-SMC at 5 t ha-1 and fertilizer N at 90 kg ha-1. Despite a wider C:N ratio, OY-SMC gave higher soil C sequestration in flooded rice than WB-SMC in the presence or absence of fertilizer N. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study area Mettur forms an important industrial town situated NW of Salem district. The geology of the area is mainly composed of Archean crystalline metamorphic complexes. To identify the major process activated for controlling the groundwater chemistry an attempt has been made by collecting a total of 46 groundwater samples for two different seasons, viz., pre-monsoon and post-monsoon. The groundwater chemistry is dominated by silicate weathering and (Na + Mg) and (Cl + SO4) accounts of about 90% of cations and anions. The contribution of (Ca +Mg) and (Na + K) to total cations and HCO3 indicates the domination of silicate weathering as major sources for cations. The plot for Na to Cl indicates higher Cl in both seasons, derived from Anthropogenic (human) sources from fertilizer, road salt, human and animal waste, and industrial applications, minor representations of Na also indicates source from weathering of silicate-bearing minerals. The plot for Na/Cl to EC indicates Na released from silicate weathering process which is also supported by higher HCO3 values in both the seasons. Ion exchange process is also activated in the study area which is indicated by shifting to right in plot for Ca +Mg to SO4 +HCO3. The plot of Na - Cl to Ca +Mg - HCO3 - SO4 confirms that Ca, Mg and Na concentrations in groundwater are derived from aquifer materials. Thermodynamic plot indicates that groundwater is in equilibrium with kaolinite, muscovite and chlorite minerals. Saturation index of silicate and carbonate minerals indicate oversaturation during pre-monsoon and undersaturation during post-monsoon, conforming dissolution and dilution process. In general, water chemistry is guided by complex weathering process, ion exchange along with influence of Cl ions from anthropogenic impact. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The complex depositional pattern of clay and sand in most of the areas controlled the vertical and lateral movement of nitrate in groundwater. The variation of nitrate concentration at different groundwater levels and the lateral distribution of nitrate in the groundwater at two sites indicated the filtration of nitrate by clayey formations. A rural agricultural district located in the Vamsadhara river basin, India was selected for studying the lateral and vertical distribution of nitrate in the groundwater and the association of nitrate with other chemical constituents. The nitrate concentrations in the groundwater are observed to vary between below detectable limit and 450 mg NO3/L. The sources for nitrate are mainly point sources (poultry farms, cattleshed and leakages from septic tanks) and non-point sources (nitrogenous fertilisers). The nitrate concentrations are increased after fertiliser applications. However, very high concentrations of nitrate are derived from animal wastes. Relatively better correlations between nitrate and potassium are observed ( R = 0.74 to 0.82). The better relationship between these two chemical constituents in the groundwater may be due to the release of potassium and nitrate from both point and non-point sources. The nitrate and potassium concentrations are high in the groundwater from clayey formations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In India, electricity use in rural areas accounts only 23% of national total usage. It is necessary to expand the access to electricity in Rural India for sustainable development. Biomass, a viable resource is the most direct and simple way at households and rural areas. Organic waste can be converted into an alternative source for cooking, heating and electricity. Biogas, a biofuel produced from organic waste (food scraps and animal waste) through Anaerobic Digestion. It is mainly composed of methane and carbon dioxide produced through Anaerobic Digestion in either large scale or small scale digesters. Traditionally, biogas has been used for cooking. Based on village level survey, electrical energy is the only commercial form of energy that has been used in villages. Biogas production paves the way to produce electricity at villages through high temperature fuel cell unit like Solid Oxide Fuel Cell; thus it is the best possible way to generate and utilize power close to where people live. The present paper discusses about the rural energy requirement, overview of biogas production and fuel cells, potential and operational challenges for biogas fed Solid oxide fuel cell, technical barriers with Solid oxide fuel cell and issues related to rural electrification using renewable energy. Also, a comparative analysis of SOFC with bio and thermo chemical conversion of biomass has been analyzed with a case study and reported. • Based on village level survey in a village at Dindigul Dt, Tamilnadu, India, electrical energy is the only commercial form of energy that has been used. • Biogas production paves the way to produce electricity at villages through high temperature fuel cell unit like Solid Oxide Fuel Cell; thus it is the best possible way to generate and utilize power close to where people live. • The present paper discusses about the rural energy requirement, potential and operational challenges for biogas fed Solid oxide fuel cell. • A comparative analysis of SOFC with bio and thermo chemical conversion of biomass has been analyzed with a case study and reported. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In rural India, unpleasant atmosphere, anthropogenic gas emission, air and soil pollution are caused due to disposal of livestock's wastes (cow dung and chicken waste) in open environment. This study provides zero emission concept for waste disposal and value addition of these wastes for renewable green energy production. In this study, biogas production was carried out with varying proportion of cow dung to chicken waste (1:0, 0:1, 1:1, 2:1, 1:2, 3:1 and 1:3) for duration of 40 days. Chlorella pyrenoidosa was cultivated from digestate water and used as co-substrate in digester in varying proportions (2:1:1, 2:1:2 and 2:1:3) to study its role on biogas distribution. The effect of pH, feedstock ratio, time and C/N ratio for biogas production were evaluated. The maximum methane and hydrogen yield was 68% (30th day) and 29% (10th day) for 2:1:2 ratio respectively. The slurry possessed nitrogen (1.7%), phosphate (0.8%) and potassium (0.4%) respectively. • Green energy from digestion of cow dung and chicken waste with zero discharge. • Methane yield was 68% on 30th day with density of 1.27 kg/m3 for 2:1:2 ratio. • Cow dung: chicken waste: algae (2:1:2) resulted 29% of hydrogen yield on 10th day. • Slurry can be used as bio-manure due to 1.7% of nitrogen and 0.8% of phosphate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An experiment was conducted during kharif season of 2006 and 2007 at Agriculture college farm Gwalior under AICRP on Arid Legumes. On the basis of two years data results revealed that application of 50% recommended fertilizers +FYM @ 5 tonnes/ha with PSB culture obtained higher seed yield (20.92 q/ha), net return (Rs. 28181/ha) and B:C ratio (3.97) as compared to control and recommended dose of fertilizers, Hence the use of organic manure and biofertilizer can saved the 50% of chemical fertilizers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]