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Agriculture is the primary source of income for the majority of the Indian farming community. Plantation crops play a significant part in improving the farmers' economic condition. The proposed work aims to develop a system model for prognostic reasoning by analyzing the impact of fertilizer and irrigation on areca nut crop yield, as well as to predict diseases that may affect areca nut palms using data analytics and a formal statistical approach. The dataset is constructed by interacting with the farmers in the Mangaluru region of Karnataka, India. To find the optimal features, the formal statistical test chi-square is applied. The performance of various classifiers, such as Logistic Regression, Nave Bayes, Support Vector Machine, Decision Tree, and Random Forest, is examined during prognostic reasoning. For disease prediction and crop yield, the decision tree outperformed other classifiers with an accuracy of 96% and 95.86%, respectively. The most significant irrigation type and fertilizer for increasing areca nut crop yield are also identified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil quality plays an important role in the enhancement of agricultural Production. Therefore, the present study was carried out to study the quality of paddy soil. To fulfil the objectives of the present study, 15 sites were selected in Pomburna tehsil of Chandrapur District (M.S.), India. The systematic grid sampling plan was followed in the study and sample were selected grid wise on the basis of utilization of rice cultivated by the population cluster. Soil quality parameters such as, water holding capacity (WHC), pH, Electrical conductivity (EC), Nitrogen, Zinc, Copper, Iron, and organic carbon (OC) were analyzed during the study period. The results of the present study revealed that the value of physicochemical parameters of the soil was in the suitable range. Salinity in most of the samples (78%) was observed in high range. OC values (more than 0.80%) indicate higher fertility of the soil. The nature of the soil was found from acidic to alkaline in nature. The values of Nitrogen, Zinc, Copper, and Iron also indicate the suitability of soil for paddy crops. After the harvesting of paddy crop, the values of most of the physicochemical parameters and micronutrients decreased except copper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water hyacinth is a perennial aquatic weed that can be utilized effectively rather than spending energy in eradicating them. It is the source of N, P, K which is essential for the growth of plants. In India, locally available horticulture wastes and grasses are fed to cattle predominantly. Water hyacinth in the dried form or as ensilage may be given as cattle feed due to high protein content in it. The amino acid profile of water hyacinth makes it suitable to be used as pig feed. When Water hyacinth is used as poultry feed, it increases the egg laying ratio and boosts cell mediated immunity of the poultry. Water hyacinth can be used as an alternative of soy bean meal in fish feed which reduces the feed cost. Water hyacinth is also used to make paper, cardboards, disposable cups, plates and variety of products for human use. Water hyacinth thus becoming potential raw material for making valuable products to meet the sustainable solution for water hyacinth management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The Indian economy and population have been largely influenced by the green revolution which has caused a big change in India. Yet farmers are not able to make full-blown usage of technology to improve crop cultivation. As Indian economy and per capita income, in trade terms, CAPEX (Capital Expenses); is based on agro products, to rejuvenate the demand-supply chain of the food sector, farmers are using fertilizers to increase yield. Due to the excessive use of these puissance fertilizers, soil fertility is adversely impacted. It is hazardous for direct consumption by people. The current study was aimed to optimize the use of fertilizer as per crop requirement using Newton backward difference (NBD) method. Methods: The experiment was conducted for the last three years (2017-2020) in the Agrotech farm of MIT Academy of Engineering, Pune. The tomato crop was used for taking the readings. Using the NBD, we compared the values between standard, conventional and actual which gives the optimized value and saves the wastage of fertilizer and farmers' burden economically. These NBD can lead to a reduction in the number of sensor nodes in the farm field. The reduction in sensor nodes saves the overall working cost. Result: The implemented system saves the quantity of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) only by providing the required amount of fertilizer to the crop in comparison with a conventional approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the context of climate change and increasing occurrences of extreme events, it is essential to understand farmers' responses to weather shocks and adaptations. This paper uses a panel dataset of 311 selected Indian districts ranging from 1966 to 2009 to investigate how application of chemical fertilizers varies in response to rainfall shocks. Two rainfall shock measures are constructed based on deviation in rainfall from the normal, a categorical measure of rainfall shock; and another, a continuous index of negative rainfall deviation. Based on a panel fixed effect regression, the study finds no apparent reduction in the level of fertilizer use in negative rainfall shock years. However, with a one-year lagged rainfall shock, a reduction in fertilizer application rate is observed for the continuous drought index. Further, exposure to higher intensity droughts in the previous year leads to an increase in the amount of fertilizer application in the current year. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present investigation, an attempt was made to determine the direct effects of fertilizers on various soil properties like acidification, organic matter content, the content of essential and toxic trace metals in soils and food grains under long term (>25 years) fertilizer experiment. Soil and plant samples were collected from Bengaluru center of All India Coordinated Research Project on Long-Term Fertilizer Experimental site in the sub-regions AESR 8.1 of India, with the treatments e.g. control, 100% N, 100% NP, 100% NPK, 150% NPK, 100% NPK + Lime, 100% NPK+ farmyard manure (FYM) at 0 to 60 cm depth with an interval of 15 cm. Laboratory analysis was conducted to know the vertical distribution of heavy metals and micronutrient cations in soil and plant produce by following the standard method. The DTPA soil Zn remained unchanged with the higher rates of N application, i.e. 100% N. There was very little effect of N, NP, and NPK application on the buildup of DTPA-able Zn, Fe, Mn, and Cu content in both the soils. However, the application of NPK + FYM showed a buildup in comparison to control for Fe 10 mg kg−1, Mn 18 mg kg−1, Zn 1.23 mg kg−1, and Cu 0.84 mg kg−1 in soil. Continuous fertilizer application contributed a meager amount accumulation of Cd, Pb, Ni, Co, and Cr in the soil under the finger millet – maize cropping sequence. The estimation of heavy metals in food grains, supposed to come from fertilizers, lime materials applied in soil was also of our concern. All the cited heavy metals were present in the maize and finger-millet grains. Risk assessment to human health (Hazard Quotient, HQ) for the intake of heavy metals through consumption of contaminated food grains was computed and observed that the values of 'HQ' for all the crops were far less than unity (<1) and safe for the consumers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Field experiment was conducted at farmer field Lasalgaon in the state of Maharashtra, India to determine the influence of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) to reduce the doses of chemical fertilizer used in major allium crops (red onion, white onion and garlic) during winter cultivation. AMF inoculated and uninoculated onion and garlic seedlings/cloves were grown with recommended dose of fertilizer (100% RDF) and Mycorrhiza +75% RDF. AMF inoculated onion and garlic plant showed significant increase in plant growth parameters like plant height, total biomass, neck thickness, bulb diameters and bulb weight. AMF + 75% RDF treatments resulted into greater plant morphological characters, highest yield, height, TSS, quercetin and allin contents and AMF root colonization as compared to uninoculated control (100% RDF). The results reveal that AMF contribute to growth and development of onion and garlic plant under field conditions. In the present study, it can be concluded that AMF could reduce the amount of chemical fertilizers to enhancing overall performance of onion and garlic and provide a sustainable and environmentally safer option for cultivation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is critical to understand nutrient dynamics within different plant parts to correctly fine-tune agronomic advices, and to update breeding programs for increasing nutrient use efficiencies and yields. Farmer's field-based research was conducted to assess the effects of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) levels on dry matter and nutrient accumulation, partitioning, and remobilization dynamics in three popular maize (Zea mays L.) hybrids (P3522, P3396, and Rajkumar) over two years in an alluvial soil of West Bengal, India. Experimental results revealed that NPK rates as well as different cultivars significantly (p ≤ 0.05) influenced the dry matter accumulation (DMA) in different plant parts of maize at both silking and physiological maturity. The post-silking dry matter accumulation (PSDMA) and post-silking N, P, and K accumulations (PSNA, PSPA, PSKA) were highest in cultivar P3396. However, cultivar P3522 recorded the highest nutrient remobilizations and contributions to grain nutrient content. Total P and K accumulation were highest with 125% of the recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) while total N accumulation increased even after 150% RDF (100% RDF is 200 kg N, 60 kg P2O5, and 60 kg K2O ha–1 for the study region). Application of 125% RDF was optimum for PSDMA. The PSNA continued to increase up to 150% RDF while 125% RDF was optimum for PSPA. Cultivar differences significantly affected both remobilization efficiency (RE) and contribution to grain nutrient content for all tested macronutrients (N, P, and K). In general, RE as well as contribution to grain nutrient content was highest at 125% RDF for N and K, and at 100% RDF for P (either significantly or at par with other rates) for plots receiving nutrients. For all tested cultivars, nutrient remobilization and contribution to grain nutrient content was highest under nutrient-omission plots and absolute control plots. Both year and cultivar effects were non-significant for both grain and stover yields of maize. Application of 75% RDF was sufficient to achieve the attainable yield at the study location. The cultivar P3522 showed higher yield over both P3396 and Rajkumar, irrespective of fertilizer doses, although, the differences were not statistically significant (p ≥ 0.05). The study underscores the importance of maize adaptive responses in terms of nutrients accumulation and remobilization at different levels of nutrient availability for stabilizing yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The restoration and management of soil in mine affected areas is very essential as it degrades soil quality and adversely affects the crop production. The present study evaluates the effect of different inorganic and organic fertilizer treatments on crop yield in mine affected area of Jharkhand state in India. Pot experiment was conducted to analyze the effect of various treatments on crop yield and crop growth in a maize-cowpea-paddy cropping system. A randomized complete block design was employed with seven treatments and four replicates. The organic soil amendment resulted in significant improvement in grain yield of different crops. Treatment with full dose of organic matter (OM100) recorded higher (57%) grain yield of maize, while treatment of lime with full dose of organic matter (LOM100) recorded 35 and 57% higher grain yield of cowpea and paddy, respectively. Dry matter produce was higher with organic matter treatment T6 (LOM100) in maize (101% higher) and with treatment T4 (OM100) in cowpea (38% higher) and produce was significantly higher under treatment T5 (LCF100) in case of paddy (65% higher). Results show that organics along with lime and inorganic fertilizers are effective in restoring the productivity of degraded soils in open cast mine affected areas in Jharkhand, India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The experiment was conducted in an Inland Valley Swamp during the dry spell of 2017 laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) three replications at the Kabala Horticultural Crops Research Centre (KHCRC) cropping site, Ogoo Farm of the Sierra Leone Agricultural Research Institute (SLARI), Freetown, Sierra Leone. Raised beds measuring 5m x 1m (6 m²) with a 1m furrow between beds. Inter and intra row spacing of 75 cm by 50 cm with two rows per bed and two seeds per hills were directly sown. The treatments constituted NPK 15:15:15 at the rate of 0, 90, 120 and 150 kg/ha designated as T1, T2, T3 & T4 and Two hybrids of okra were used as experimental materials obtained from Indo-American Hybrid Seed Company, India; Okra-WASA-HyOKR-1 and Okra-WASA-HyOKR-2. Seeds were treated with Thiram Poison for longevity. Result indicates T2 (25.2; 35.1 cm) and T4 (56.9 cm) treatments recorded tallest plant heights followed byT2 (24.0, 34.4 & 50.1 cm), while T1 (18.8, 28.4 & 33.3 cm) had the shortest plant heights at 4, 8 & 10 Week After Planting respectively. Similarly, T4 & T2 (38.9, 65.5 & 44.8 cm) exhibited the largest SG and T1 (21.7, 33.0 & 52.0 cm) the least values at 4, 8 & 10 Week After Planting. While, the widest and narrowest LA at 4, 8 & 10 Week After Planting was observed in T3 (131.3, 135.0 & 158.5 cm²)) and T1 (120.8, 121.8 & 128.1 cm²)). With respect to yield and yield components, the longest (22.0 cm) and heaviest (112.7 g) fruit were recorded by T3 followed by T2 (19.1 cm & 101.3 g) with T1 having the shortest (11.7 cm) and lightest (52.3 g). The width of pod in T3 (31.2 cm) was greater than the rest of treatments and as usual, T1 indicated the least value (14.6 cm) respectively. The average NP produced plant-1 was shown by T2 & T3 (4.0) with the least of fruit produced by T1 (2.0). Also, 100 seed weight, T3 (106.7 g) weighted the highest followed by T2 (103.3 g), while T1 (60.3 g) accounted for the lowest seed weight. Conclusively, the two materials are adaptable to the climatic conditions of Sierra Leone (Western area). Hence further evaluation required across vegetable growing zones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cropland–based agricultural activities emit 34.13% of the total non-carbon dioxide emission in India as of 2007 and contribute 63% of the gross value added from agriculture as of 2014–15. It accounts for 24.17% of the India's total methane and 95.84% of the total nitrous oxide emission from agricultural sector. This article analyzes the change in non-carbon dioxide greenhouse gases emission overtime from India's cropland based agricultural activities for the period of 1980–81 to 2014–15 and uses Logarithmic Mean Divisia Index to identify the factors that are driving this emission change. Results show that during the study period methane emission from paddy cultivation declines at statistically insignificant rate of 200 tonnes per year whereas nitrous oxide emission from nitrogen-fertilizer use increases by approximately 358%, growing at a statistically significant rate of 5100 tonnes per year. Fertilizer intensity contributes 48% in the growth of non-carbon dioxide greenhouse gases emission from cropland based agricultural activities followed by affluence and population growth. On the contrary structural change of the economy with declining relative contribution of agriculture in national gross domestic product, improved productivity of fertilizer use, declining cultivated land per unit of agricultural output and declining emission intensity are helping to reduce emission. Empirical analysis clearly show link between fertilizer policy intervention and nitrous oxide emissions indicating role of policy as an important driver in managing non-carbon dioxide emission from India's cropland–based agricultural activities. • Methane emission from paddy fields in India declined marginally during 1980–2015. • Years when yield from fertilizer use increased non-CO 2 emission came down. • Fertilizer policy led to unbalanced use of N-fertilizer increasing N 2 O emission. • Intensive agricultural practices in India are pulling down non-CO 2 emission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Food production hinges largely upon access to phosphorus (P) fertilizer. Most fertilizer P used in the global agricultural system comes from mining of nonrenewable phosphate rock deposits located within few countries. However, P contained in livestock manure or urban wastes represents a recyclable source of P. To inform development of P recycling technologies and policies, we examined subnational, national, and global spatial patterns for two intersections of land use affording high P recycling potential: (a) manure‐rich cultivated areas and (b) populous cultivated areas. In turn, we examined overlap between P recycling potential and nation‐level P fertilizer import dependency. Populous cultivated areas were less abundant globally than manure‐rich cultivated areas, reflecting greater segregation between crops and people compared to crops and livestock, especially in the Americas. Based on a global hexagonal grid (290‐km2 grid cell area), disproportionately large shares of subnational "hot spots" for P recycling potential occurred in India, China, Southeast Asia, Europe, and parts of Africa. Outside of China, most of the remaining manure‐rich or populous cultivated areas occurred within nations that had relatively high imports of P fertilizer (net P import:consumption ratios ≥0.4) or substantial increases in fertilizer demand between the 2000s (2002–2006) and 2010s (2010–2014). Manure‐rich cultivated grid cells (those above the 75th percentiles for both manure and cropland extent) represented 12% of the global grid after excluding cropless cells. Annually, the global sum of animal manure P was at least 5 times that contained in human excreta, and among cultivated cells the ratio was frequently higher (median = 8.9). The abundance of potential P recycling hot spots within nations that have depended on fertilizer imports or experienced rising fertilizer demand could prove useful for developing local P sources and maintaining agricultural independence. Key Points: Many nations import mineral phosphorus (P) fertilizers to support agriculture but possess alternative, local, recyclable sources of P in manure and biosolidsA global, subnationally resolved analysis revealed where manure‐rich and populous cultivated areas occur and, in turn, where P recycling potential may be highAbundant P recycling opportunities exist in nations that have relied on fertilizer imports or had rising fertilizer demand, and these could be important to future agricultural independence [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Phosphorus (P) is a major agricultural nutrient and, in its mineable form, a potentially scarce resource. Countries with limited physical access to P should hence develop an effective national P governance. This requires analyses of trends and variations in P flows and stocks over time. Here, we present a long‐term P flow analysis for the Indian agri‐food sector from 1988 to 2011. Major P flows are imports of mineral P, fertilizer application, and uptake of animal fodder. The mineral P import dependency ratio is constant at around 93%. On average, 20% of P inputs to soils are lost through erosion. Key drivers of changes in P flows include population growth, dietary change, and agricultural intensification. To reduce its P fertilizer import dependence, India could, for example, substitute up to 19% of the presently applied mineral P if manure used as a household fuel were recycled, and up to 21% if P was fully recovered from wastewater and household waste. Comparing selected indicators for P use in agriculture with China and the European Union (EU) reveals that there are structural similarities, such as increasing fertilizer application rates and P accumulation in soils, with the first but large differences compared to the latter. The analyses highlight that in contrast to static indicators, the time‐continuous tracking of P flows provides substantial advantages, such as the identification of long‐term trends, drivers, and intervention options for sustainable P management, given that it allows for the interpretation of present indicators in the context of past trends and legacies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A survey on jute farmers' knowledge, perceptions and practices (KPP) in pest management strategy was conducted during jute cultivation season of 2015 in the upper Gangetic plains of Uttar Dinajpur District, West Bengal, India. Detection and control of insect pests was largely based on damage symptoms of host plant. Damage caused by jute semilooper (Anomis sabulifera) was often mistakenly attributed to other leaf feeding caterpillars. Nearly all of the farmers applied insecticides (99%) without target specific use with an average 1.5 per season which may increase up to two to three spray per week. Pyrethroids were mostly accepted insecticide (67%), followed by organophosphates (33%) without knowing its toxic effect on environment. Farmers' estimated yield loss due to insect pests was significantly correlated to estimated pest control cost. Due to pesticide sellers' recommendations, farmer's insecticidal 'spray load' significantly increased in every year, whereas the adopted number of insecticidal increased with advice following the guidance of extension staff and advertisement. Expenditure for pesticides was in concurrent with that of fertilizers. Only 10% of participating farmers knew about natural enemies, all of which were predators. Investigation is needed to evaluate whether significant savings can be obtained given a more judicious use of pesticides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

At the Jhamarkotra rock phosphate mines, the lowgrade Proterozoic rock phosphate containing 14-19% P2O5 is beneficiated by froth flotation process to produce beneficiated rock phosphate having 32-34% P2O5, to provide raw material for fertilizer plants. The process generates considerable quantity of dolomitic tailings which contain 5-6% P2O5, 16-18% MgO and 32-34% CaO, that are potentially useful in agriculture. It is therefore necessary to utilize these products to conserve the diminishing, meagre and non-renewable phosphate resources of India. About 1500-1800 tonnes per day (TPD) of dolomitic tailings is produced through the processing of ~3000 TPD of the ore, which is collected in the tailing ponds. Investigation carried out on final carbonate tails (FCT) of Jhamarkotra rock phosphate froth flotation beneficiation plant revealed that good quality epsom (MgSO4·7H2O)/fertilizer-grade magnesium sulphate, gypsum (CaSO4·2H2O) and magnesium ammonium phosphate (MAP) can be produced by leaching FCT with dilute sulphuric acid (30%) at 60-80°C and subsequent crystallization through evaporation and cooling. MAP also can be produced, which has citrate solubility of about 96%. MAP has proved to be beneficial for rice crop on acid as well as alkaline soils. Additionally, ammonium carbonate/ carbon dioxide, hydrogen fluoride/calcium fluoride can also be produced. This scheme will certainly help reduce the wastage of these resources, mitigation of pollution and will generate additional revenue to the company. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agriculture-sourced, non-point groundwater contamination (e.g., nitrate) is a serious concern from the drinking water crisis aspect across the agrarian world. India is one of the largest consumers of nitrogen fertilizers in South-Asia as well as in the world but groundwater nitrate lacks critical attention as a wide-scale drinking water pollutant in the country. Our study provides the first documentation of the distribution of groundwater nitrate and the extent of elevated nitrate contamination across India, along with the delineation of the temporal trends and the natural and anthropogenic factors that influence such occurrence of groundwater nitrate. High resolution, annual-scale spatio-temporal variability of groundwater nitrate concentration and consequent contamination was delineated using groundwater nitrate measurements from ~3 million drinking water wells spread across 7038 administrative blocks between 2010 and 2017 in India. An average 8% of the studied blocks were found affected by elevated groundwater nitrate (> 45 mg/L). Depth-dependent trend demonstrated that nitrate concentrations were about 14% higher in shallow water wells (≤ 35 m) than deep wells (>35 m). The overall temporal trend of groundwater nitrate concentration was decreasing slightly nationwide in the study period. The correlation tests and causality test results indicated that the spatial distribution of groundwater nitrate was significantly associated with agricultural N-fertilizer usage, whereas the decreasing temporal trend corresponded with the overall reduced N-fertilizer usage during the study period. Spatial autocorrelation analysis identified the clustering of high nitrate areas in central, north, and southern India, specifically in areas with higher fertilizer usage. We estimate about 71 million Indians possibly exposed to elevated groundwater nitrate concentrations and the majority of them reside in rural areas. Thus, this study provides the previously unrecognized, wide-scale, anthropogenic, diffused groundwater nitrate contamination across India. [Display omitted] • Groundwater nitrate pollution is delineated using ~3 million drinking-water wells. • Spatio-temporal trends of groundwater nitrate are analyzed for 2010–2017 in India. • Depth-dependence of groundwater nitrate concentration in the aquifer is delineated. • Rural and urban population exposed to groundwater nitrate pollution is estimated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Field experiments during two successive winter seasons (2000-2001 and 2001-2002) at the Agricultural Farm of Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, India, studied the effect of soil nitrogen (0, 40, 60, 80 or 100 kg Nha-1) alone or in combination with a foliar spray of kinetin (10-5 M) at the vegetative stage on growth, physiology, and yield of black cumin (Nigella sativa L. cv. KJ-125). Nitrogen fertilization, especially at a dosage of 80 kg Nha-1, significantly enhanced chlorophyll content, net photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, leaf nitrogen content, leaf area, and total dry mass production (measured 30 days after the kinetin spray) and the number of seed capsules plant-1, 1,000-seed weight, seed yield ha-1, biological yield ha-1, and harvest index (measured at 130 days after spraying) of the experimental plants. All positive effects of nitrogen application were accentuated by application of a kinetin spray at 40 days after seeding, although the effects were minor at 0, 40, or 60 kg Nha-1 as compared with the response at 80 and 100 kg N ha-1. Overall, the kinetin-sprayed plants were observed to exploit the soil nitrogen more effectively, resulting in enhanced morphophysiological and yield characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A two-period model is developed in which a risk-averse farmer uses off-farm labor to smooth consumption, leading to greater use of fertilizer. Fertilizer demand is shown to increase with the depth of the off-farm labor market. Controlling for exogenous weather risk, farmers use more fertilizer the lower the unemployment rate and the higher the share of nonagricultural work in total off-farm labor. The results suggest that off-farm labor markets and own-farm production may be complementary in risky production environments, so that policies which promote the depth of the off-farm labor market in low-income areas may also bolster farm productivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Long-term use of fertilizer and organic manures improve soil nitrogen and carbon. • Integrated nutrient management mitigate N loss in the rice-wheat system. • Higher crop yields and NUE in treatments receiving balanced fertilizers during the past 19 years. In crop production, calculating nitrogen (N) inputs and outputs are essential for tracing losses to enhance fertilizer N use efficiency, crop productivity, and environmental sustainability. The present study reports the N balance sheet of a 19-year old nutrient management experiment on a rice-wheat system in an Inceptisol of the subtropical region of North India. Long-term application of fertilizer (N, NP, NPK) and manures (FYM: farmyard manure, GM: green manure, CR: crop residue) enhanced total soil N by 19 to 66% and total organic carbon by 14 to 66% over the control. The grain yields of crops in NPK + FYM were higher by 17% than NPK and 72% than the control (with no fertilizer). The per cent N loss of applied N was minimum under NPK + FYM (44%) and maximum under N (67%), whereas NPK + CR (50%) and NPK (48%) were comparable. Long-term nutrient management significantly affected N uptake and N use efficiency indices. The reduced N losses in balanced and integrated nutrient management improved rice-wheat productivity and mitigated environmental pollution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigated changes in soil chemistry and foliar metabolism of Himalayan cedar [Cedrus deodara (Roxb. Ex Lamb.) G.Don] and Himalayan spruce [Picea smithiana (Wall.) Boiss] trees along a steep elevational gradient in the lower Himalayan Mountains at Kufri, Himachal Pradesh (HP), India. The foliar and soil samples were collected from four locations along a 300 m elevational gradient at ridge, high-, mid-, and low-elevation sites within the forested Shimla Water Catchment Wildlife Sanctuary that provides water for the city of Shimla, HP,. Observations at the time of sampling revealed that the high-elevation site was being heavily grazed. Soils collected at the four sites showed differences in soil chemistry along the gradient. Surface soils (top 10 cm) at the high-elevation site had the highest concentrations of carbon, nitrogen, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, organic matter, and effective cation exchange capacity, possibly caused by grazing. Mineral soils were slightly acidic at all sites except the mid-elevation site, which was extremely acidic in the upper mineral soil. Similar to surface soil chemistry, foliar metabolism was also comparatively unique for high elevation. In Himalayan cedar foliage, higher concentrations of soluble proteins, polyamines, amino acids, and potassium were observed at the high-elevation site as compared to the ridge, mid and low elevations. No major differences were observed in the metabolic profiles of cedar between the ridge and low elevation ranges. Spruce foliage was sampled only from the ridge and low elevations and its metabolic profiles suggested healthier conditions at the low elevation. The results of the study demonstrate the impact of the interplay between local and regional drivers of forest health on cedar and spruce trees in a forested catchment that acts as a water source for downstream communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The potassium releasing capacity of fifteen soil samples of Anantnag district of Kashmir were assessed by using five chemical extractants. The decreasing order of potassium release by the different chemical extractants in the soils was 1M HNO3 > 0.01 N HCl--12 extractions>0.01 N HCl--9 extractions> 0.3 N NaTPB-16 hours > 0.01N HCl 3 extractions> 1.38N H2SO4=0.01N HCl-1 extractions> % K saturation. The K released by 1M HNO3 was significantly correlated with 1.38N H2SO4 (0.995**) and 10.28 N H2SO4 (0.996**) .The significant correlations among different form of K in Anantnag soils indicate the various K pools (exchangeable=Non-exchangeable) for proper K fertilizer management. The potassium status in Anantnag soils was variable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

India is a nation with a diverse economy that requires tremendous resources to completely meet the desires of its compatriots in various sectors. In terms of energy resources and requirements, coal-based power plants can fulfill the bulk of these electricity needs. India is very reliant on coal, which is used in power plants as a primary energy source. However, the usage of coal energy at a higher level continuously pollutes the atmosphere. The Indian power market alone accounts for half of the country's CO2 emissions, which implies that significant action is needed to contain environmental pollution. Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) is a bridging technique and feasible alternative for the carbon fired plant processing of CO2. However, the application of CCS in coal-fired power stations is still uncommon in the nation. At the UNFCCC Paris Summit, India committed to reduce its carbon emission intensity by approximately 30–33% by 2030. In this work, several CCS systems, possible CO2 origins, and emission levels in India are discussed. Various advanced methods for CO2 capture and separation are also highlighted. Furthermore, the current work discusses CCS situations and the applications of CCS in India along with its manifold challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Concern over agricultural diffuse pollution sources in integrated water quality management has been growing recently. Such sources are likely to be even more critical in developing countries, including India, where agriculture and rural habitats are still dominant, unlike the G7 or other affluent industrialised nations. A number of special features of the Indian scene need to be considered. These include: (i) extremely varying rainfall and stream-flow patterns; (ii) still largely traditional agricultural practices with average application of fertilizers and pesticides and significant areas under dry farming or only marginal irrigation; (iii) a very large cattle population, with agriculture almost always linked with animal husbandry; (iv) a culture of living close to the river (if not in the river) with dominating instream uses of bathing, washing, cattle wading, waste disposal, etc. and large-scale floodplain farming; and (v) scant respect for rules, regulations and laws alongside an extremely weak law-enforcement machinery. The paper shows that in the non-monsoon (non-flood) periods, which may account for all but 2 months of a year, agricultural diffusepollution sources seem to have no impact on stream water quality. During these periods flows are low to minimal and pollution is dominated by the in-stream uses, sullage waters of rural communities and point discharges from urban/industrial sources, if any. Pollution due to agricultural return waters, either as wash-off or as seepage, appearsto be rare during the 8-10 fair weather months. However, surface wash-off of pollutants from agricultural sources becomes the dominant factor during flood flows, and seepage/drainage from agricultural fields/soils continues to pollute streams for a month or two after the monsoons are over. Application of chemical fertilizers and pesticides (or any other agricultural chemicals) in India is still low compared todeveloped countries, and while eutrophication due to high levels of was [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nitrate pollution of groundwater due to urban waste and industrial effluents usually centres around cities. This study has shown that nitrate levels in groundwater over vast agricultural areas can be correlated with intensive irrigated agriculture, corresponding use of nitrogenous fertilizers and groundwater development, and consequent diffuse agricultural pollution has already endangered the safety of potablegroundwater for future generations in both rural and urban areas. Chemical and bacterial treatment of groundwater for nitrate removal relies on advanced technology and is considered costly even in the developed world. In a country like India where economic resources are inadequate, action on the suggested preventive measures may be taken without delay at this stage when alarming trends have been recorded. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Methane is primarily a biogenic gas, which is implicated in global climate change. Among all the sources of methane emission, paddy fields form the most dominant source. An experiment was conducted with a common paddy crop (Oryza sativa var. Vishnuparag) by amending the soils with different organic manures and biofertilizers with a view to find out an inexpensive strategy to mitigate methane emission from the rice-fields. The results revealed that there was a seasonal change inthe CH4 flux, registering a peak at heading stage in all treatments. The application of rice straw before flooding and the biofertilizer after flooding enhances CH4 efflux from the rice-fields significantly, while composts of cowdung and leaves did not stimulate CH4 production and, rather, decreased CH4 fluxes. As soil pH and temperature were optimum for methanogenesis, it was likely that the organic C and the redox potential mainly modulated methane production and its emission through rice plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nitrogen in various chemical forms plays a major role in large number of environmental issues. Some atmospheric nitrogen combines with oxygen to form nitrogen-oxide which is hazardous to environment. India cannot avoid the use of chemical fertilizers as the demand for food for the ever-growing population is very high. The present annual production of food grains is about 191 million tons. The target of achieving food grain production by 2000 AD is 220 million tons to feed about1000 million people. A rapid increase in agricultural production is possible only by increasing the application of chemical fertilizers. Over 9 million tons of nitrogen is used for crop production annually in India, but there is still a great shortage of nitrogen to meet therequirement of crops; hence, the gap between demand and supply is very high. The major application of nitrogen in post-production is in food preservation. With the modernization in technology and the liberalized economy and market system, the demand for processed food items is increasing; therefore, the application of nitrogen in food industries will also increase in the near future. Thus, the application of nitrogen for various purposes is increasing without its adverse effecton the environment being realized. It is essential to visualize the seriousness of population growth on economy and environment. The consumption patterns existing within society must be based on the clear understanding of the carrying capacity of the land. An attempt has been made to present the status of application of nitrogen in crop production and food preservation in India. Scientific research carried outon food preservation with application of nitrogen has also been described. A future demand for nitrogen for these activities has been highlighted. The effect of nitrogen on the environment and measures to overcome it are suggested in this paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]