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A large number of seeds exhibiting intermediate and recalcitrant storage physiology, generally found in the tropics, subtropics, aquatic, and riparian environments, pose difficulty in ex-situ conservation because of their inherent intolerance to desiccation. The rapid drying of such seeds, especially intermediate seeds, renders them tolerant to desiccation to sufficiently low moisture content suitable for ex-situ conservation. The aim of this work was to establish the seed-storage physiology of Dipcadi saxorum, an endangered plant species of India, and develop suitable ex-situ storage protocol for conservation. Ex-situ storage potential of short-lived (4 months) seeds of D. saxorum was extended to 18 months by storage at 15°C after rapid drying of freshly harvested seeds to low (4%) moisture content (MC). Seeds exhibited 99-100% viability during storage under ambient conditions (slow-drying) up to 50 d (8.9% MC) but storage for 70 d resulted in 78% germination (6.5% MC). Seeds became nonviable after 170 d of storage (registering 5.1% MC) under ambient conditions. In contrast, the rapid-drying using silica gel reduced the MC from 42.42 to 4.5% within 9 h and showed 100% germination. The storage potential of rapidly dried (4, 9, 15 and 30% MC) seeds (tested at 25, 15, and -20°) increased to 18 months; seeds rapidly dried to 4% MC at 15°C gave 25% germination. Electrolyte leakage loss was reduced in the rapidly dried seeds compared with slow-dried seeds and negatively correlated (ranging from R2 = -0.97 to -0.99) with the percentage germination. Compared with slow drying, the rapid drying of seeds to 4 and 9% MC improved significantly the storage potential of D. saxorum seeds at all the storage temperatures studied. Our study revealed that seeds of D. saxorum exhibited intermediate storage physiology and can be desiccated to sufficiently low moisture content (4%) well suited for ex-situ storage for conservation, if rapidly dried despite their sensitivity to desiccation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies the sink-source relationships and allometric ratios in young seedlings of faba bean following pruning of some root types.

The deficiencies of nutrient elements and inappropriate nutrient management practices in agricultural soils of the world is one of the reasons for low crop productivity, reduced nutritional quality of agricultural produce, and animal/human malnutrition. We carried out the present study to evaluate the single and multi-nutrient deficiencies of sulfur (S) and micronutrients (zinc (Zn), boron (B), iron (Fe), copper (Cu) and manganese (Mn)) in agricultural soils of India for their effective management to achieve sustainable crop production, improved nutritional quality in crops and better animal/human health. Altogether, 24,2827 surface soil samples (0 to 15 cm depth) were collected from the agriculture fields of 615 districts in 28 states of India and were analyzed for available S and micronutrient concentration. The concentration of available S and micronutrients varied widely. There were variable and widespread deficiencies of S and micronutrients in different states. The deficiencies of S, Zn and B were higher compared to the deficiencies of Fe, Cu and Mn. There were occurrences of two-nutrient (namely S + Zn, Zn + B, S + B, Zn + Fe Zn + Mn, S + Fe, Zn + Cu and Fe + B), three-nutrient (namely S + Zn + B, S + Zn + B and Zn + Fe + B) and four-nutrient (namely Zn + Fe + Cu + Mn and Zn + Fe + Cu + Mn + B) deficiencies in different extents. This information could be used by various stakeholders for production, supply and application of the right kind of fertilizers in different districts, states and agro-ecological regions of India for better crop production, crop nutritional quality, nutrient use efficiency and soil and environmental health. This will also help in a greater way to address the issue of malnutrition in human/animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phosphate glasses of calcium oxide have been well proved materials for various bio bones and dental implants. However, still there is a lot of scope and demand to produce efficient elastic bio implants and resource. In view of this, Zr x Ca 30-x P 70 phosphate materials are prepared by using melt quenching method. Bio, physical, thermoluminescence and elastic techniques are used to characterize the samples. Additionally, simulated body fluid was prepared and it is used especially for bio techniques. Further, the glasses are taken for different dose (~0, 10, 20 & 50 kGy) of gamma irradiation around half an hour. And again similar techniques are used to characterize the samples. All the findings from bio, physical, thermoluminescence and elastic characterization results are analysed and took for better comparison with previous studies to develop various bio bone (or) bio dental resource. Structural reports suggests that the Zr x Ca 30-x P 70 materials were glassy before immersion in SBF solution and immersed (~720 h) samples are showing partial ceramic nature. The weight loss and pH reports suggests them for alternative bio resource as a bio bones and dental implants. Observed thermal stability, microhardness and elastic modulus evaluations of Zr x Ca 30-x P 70 materials in required standards are also additional advantage. Furthermore, thermoluminiscence (TL) under different γ-irradiation doses is reported for glasses with and without immersing in a simulated body fluid. The glasses lose TL intensity when immersed in simulated body fluid for nearly 720 h. This is useful to modulate bio-behaviour in terms of hydroxyapatite layer growth on the glass surface. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rapid population increase, urbanization, soil degradation and inappropriate management practices have put tremendous pressure on natural resources, particularly on soil, water, and vegetation. Soil resource is vital for farming to provide food and nutritional security performing ecosystem functions and services and achieving Sustainable Developmental Goals (SDGs). Worldwide, ~33% soil resource has been adversely degraded by diverse processes. To protect soil resource from further degradation, there is a strong need of sustainable soil management practices for enhancing soil organic carbon (SOC), soil health, and crop production in a sustainable manner. "No-till farming (NT)/conservation agriculture (CA)" has been widely practiced worldwide on about 210 million ha. The long-term NT experiments play a significant role in improving soil health, SOC sequestration, and in-depth understanding of greenhouse gas (GHG) emission, climate change mitigation and optimizing resource use efficiency, to cater for the needs of the present- and future-generations. According to FAO, NT/CA is a farming system that promotes minimum soil disturbance (i.e., no tillage), maintenance of a permanent soil cover, and diversification of plant species. This system increases biodiversity and natural biological processes in above- and below-ground surface, which helps in enhanced water- and nutrient use-efficiency and sustained crop production. From the literature, it is evident that shift from traditional/conventional tillage (CT) with residue burning/removal to NT/CA farming has been recognized as an important soil management practice/strategy for sustaining soil health, reducing soil erosion and reversing soil degradation. This chapter deliberates the effect of NT/CA on soil health, nutrient stratification, SOC dynamics through modeling, SOC sequestration, GHG emissions, socio-economic condition in adoption and also suggesting the future perspectives on NT and CA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Global agricultural production is accountable for the emission of ~30% of greenhouse gases. Therefore, the wide-scale adoptions of low-input, soil-friendly, and resource-conserving agronomic practices are imperative for the 'planet healthy food production' and also for reducing the carbon emissions from agricultural soil. In this context, the present study aimed to analyze the impacts of integrated agronomic interventions i.e., the application of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) + reduced tillage (RT), biochar + RT, and AMF + biochar + RT, on spatiotemporal variations in soil-quality and soil-sustainability indicators, including microbial and soil respiration, in the Indo-Gangetic Plain (IGP) of North India. For this, field experiments on the above-mentioned agronomic interventions were employed using three different staple crops (Zea mays, Vigna mungo, and Brassica juncea) growing in three different agro-climatic zones of IGP (Varanasi, Sultanpur, and Gorakhpur) in a randomized block design. Periodic data collection was done to analyze the changes in physiochemical, biological, and biochemical properties of the soil, and statistical analyses were done accordingly. Irrespective of the sites, the experimental results proved that the integrated application of AMF + biochar + RT in V. mungo resulted in the highest soil organic carbon (i.e., 135% increment over the control) and microbial biomass carbon (24%), whereas the same application (i.e., AMF + biochar + RT) in Z. mays had the maximum reduction in microbial (32%) and soil (44%) respiration. On the other hand, enhanced occurrence of glomalin activity (98%) was noted in Z. mays cropping for all the sites. Significant negative correlation between soil respiration and glomalin activity under AMF + biochar + RT (−0.85), AMF + RT (−0.82), and biochar + RT (−0.62) was an indication of glomalin's role in the reduced rate of soil respiration. The research results proved that the combined application of AMF + biochar + RT was the best practice for enhancing soil quality while reducing respiration. Therefore, the development of suitable packages of integrated agronomic practices is essential for agricultural sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new disease in Jatropha curcas L. plants was observed during the summer season in 2009 and 2010 in plantations in several Indian states, including Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh. The outbreak of the disease coincided with the leafdropping (dormant) stage of the crop, which sets in with the increasing moisture stress. Affected J. curcas plants showed drying along with shrivelling, and discoloration of the stem with sticky reddish-brown exudation at the base of the plants. Black lesions (soft and rotting) on the stem under the bark and cambium layer were also observed. From the affected stem parts, fungal cultures were isolated and tested for their pathogenicity on pot-grown plants. The fungal isolates caused symptoms on J. curcas leaves and petioles (black spots, 1-3 mm in diameter). Then they spread to the stems causing shrivelling and gummosis of hard-wood stems, and finally led to the death of the infected plant. The causal fungus was identified as Botryosphaeria dothidea using microscopic observations of hyphae and spores, and internally transcribed spacers (ITS) sequencing technique. In addition, four other fungal isolates were also isolated from the affected tissues, which were identified as Macrophomina phaceolina, Phomosis longicolla, Fusarium oxysporum and Alternaria alternata using the ITS sequencing technique. The role of these fungal cultures, i.e. whether they grow as saprophytes on the affected dead tissues or have any role in causing the black rot disease, needs further study. Spraying J. curcas plants showing early symptoms of this disease with Bavistin (carbendazim 50% WP) at the rate of 2 g l-1 water controlled the spread of the symptoms and led to the recovery of plants with new leaf growth after the rains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this research was to develop glasses that are thermally reflective, radiation-resistant, and mechanically robust. We have synthesized the La(20-x)Pb10B70:Eux series of glasses in this regard. Then, characterization, radiation shielding, structural analysis (Raman, FT-IR, DTA, SEM, XRD, and EDX), dielectrics, thermoluminescence are planned. The XRD and SEM analyses of the test samples reveal a vitreous appearance. The chemical constituents are identified by the EDX analysis in terms of their percentage of atomic weight. The density (2.592 g/cm3) and molar volume (45.44 cm3 mol−1) of the fabricated glass were evaluated as physical properties. The glass transition temperature (approximately 273 °C) and thermal stabilities (0.656 percent) of glasses are determined to be solely dependent on Eu3+ ions, according to DTA investigations. FT-IR and Raman analyses were employed to determine the various structural vibrations of the sample glass. By employing the ultrasonic velocities of the test glasses, an assessment was conducted on the micro-hardness of the glass (5.01 GPa). The shielding characteristics of radiation, such as RPE (31.6 percent) and MAC (16.9 cm2/g), indicate that the shielding behavior is solely the result of the Eu3+ ions. It has been observed that TL properties are examined at gamma irradiation intensities ranging from 5 to 25 kGy. An evaluation was conducted on the frequency factor (3.225 × 1021 S−1) and A.E. (1.785 eV) of glasses. The findings indicate that the TL characteristics of glasses are solely influenced by the Eu3+ ions. Additionally, the investigation of the dielectric properties of glasses was ascertained. The analysis focused on the dielectric constant (8.891), dielectric loss (0.026), ac conductivity (0.735 × 10–8 Ω−1 cm−1), and A.E. (1.051 eV) values of the fabricated glass. The findings suggest that the dielectric properties of glasses are entirely determined by the presence of Eu3+ ions. Overall the LBPE-1.5 glass found to be best in the structural, mechanical, optical, dielectric, radiation shielding and thermoluminescence properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate models project that many terrestrial ecosystems will become drier over the course of this century, leading to a drastic increase in the global extent of arid soils. In order to decrease the effects of climate change on global food security, it is crucial to understand the arid environment and the constraints associated with arid soils. Although the effects of aridity on aboveground organisms have been studied extensively, our understanding of how it affects soil processes and nutrient cycling is lacking. One of the primary agricultural constraints, particularly in arid locations, is water scarcity, due to which arid soils are characterized by sparse vegetation cover, low soil organic carbon, poor soil structure, reduced soil biodiversity, and a high rate of soil erosion via wind. Increased aridity will limit the availability of essential plant nutrients and crop growth, and subsequently pose serious threats to key ecological processes and services. The increasing rate of soil salinization is another major environmental hazard that further limits the agricultural potential of arid soils. These soil constraints can be ameliorated and the crop yields increased through case-specific optimization of irrigation and drainage management, enhancing the native beneficial soil microbes, and combinations of soil amendments, conditioners, and residue management. This review explores technologies to ameliorate soil constraints and increase yields to maintain crop output in arid soils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of the study is to prepare Ag+-doped ZnO nano crystals and to assess their structure, optical behavior, TL analysis, photocatalytic activity. Using sol–gel technique the Ag+-doped ZnO nano crystals prepared. Using the FT-IR, XRD, BET surface area, SEM, EDX characterization techniques, we have examined the structure of the developed samples. The TL analysis of samples was done under a dose of 25 kGy gamma irradiation. Trap depth parameters of the samples evaluated. Which suggested the ZnO nano crystals doped with Ag+ ions are purely TL active. The optical studies such optical absorption, photoluminescence of samples reveal their optical behavior. The optical band gap of the samples also evaluated. Which is increasing with increase in concentration of Ag+ ions in ZnO nano crystals. Using the MV (10 ppm) and CR (10 ppm) dyes, under visible light the photocatalytic activity of the samples reported. At a reaction period of 90 min, the nano powder containing 1.0 mol% Ag+-doped ZnO nano crystals and a band gap energy of 2.75 eV demonstrated the best photocatalytic efficiency (∼91 %) in both colors. The evaluation was done on the impact of radical scavenger research and catalyst dosage on degrading efficiency. The rate of reaction in the presence of 1.0 mol% Ag+-doped ZnO nano crystals was four times higher than the ZnO catalyst's rate constants, and the degradation reaction follows pseudo-first-order kinetics. The degrading process shows pseudo-first-order kinetics, and the reaction rate was four times higher than the ZnO catalyst in the presence of 1.0 mol% Ag+-doped ZnO nano crystals. It took three cycle runs for the degrading efficiency to drop by 1 %. Thus, 1.0 mol% Ag+-doped ZnO nano crystals was employed as a promising photocatalyst with strong reusability potential for the degradation of textile colors, which will be very beneficial. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increasing concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere and the adverse effects associated with climate change have necessitated the need for identification of systems with high carbon sink as a mitigation strategy. Tree-based systems with short rotation species either as farm forestry or agroforestry systems have the potential to sequester carbon in a short period. Leucaena and eucalyptus-based systems, mostly planted at closer spacing, are widely distributed in several districts of Andhra Pradesh, India. The objective of this communication is to analyse the carbon storage of two land-use systems (farm forestry and agroforestry) with two short rotation tree species, viz. leucaena and eucalyptus, and to evaluate their carbon sequestration potential in degraded lands. Trees in farm forestry systems were close planted at 1 × 1 m and 3 × 2 m, whereas those in agroforestry systems were planted at wider spacing of 3 × 0.75 m and 7 × 1.5 m in paired rows, in leucaena and eucalyptus respectively. The carbon stock of leucaena farm forestry system was 62 Mg/ha, whereas in eucalyptus farm forestry system, it was 34 Mg/ha for a rotation of 4 years. Biomass and carbon accumulation were relatively higher in farm forestry systems and the rate of accumulation was highest during the third year. It is concluded that, leucaena and eucalyptus systems can play an important role as carbon sinks and contribute significantly to the removal of CO2 from the atmosphere. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Li2O–ZrO2–SiO2: Ho3+ glasses mixed with three interesting d-block elemental oxides, viz., Nb2O5, Ta2O5 and La2O3, were prepared. Optical absorption and photoluminescence spectra of these glasses have been recorded at room temperature. The luminescence spectra of Nb2O5 and Ta2O5 mixed Li2O–ZrO2–SiO2 glasses (free of Ho3+ ions) have also exhibited broad emission band in the blue region. This band is attributed to radiative recombination of self-trapped excitons (STEs) localized on substitutionally positioned octahedral Ta5+ and Nb5+ ions in the glass network. The Judd–Ofelt theory was successfully applied to characterize Ho3+ spectra of all the three glasses. From this theory various radiative properties, like transition probability A, branching ratio β r and the radiative lifetime τ r, for 5S2 emission levels in the spectra of these glasses have been evaluated. The radiative lifetime for 5S2 level of Ho3+ ions has also been measured and quantum efficiencies were estimated. Among the three glasses studied the La2O3 mixed glass exhibited the highest quantum efficiency. The reasons for such higher value have been discussed based on the relationship between the structural modifications taking place around the Ho3+ ions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In this study, the principal role of Al2O3 on the features of the photoluminescence spectra of Tm3+ ion and upconversion phenomenon in Tm3+ and Er3+ codoped CaF2−Al2O3−P2O5−SiO2 glass system has been investigated. The concentration of Al2O3 is varied from 2 to 10mol% while that of Er3+ and Tm3+ is fixed. IR and Raman spectral studies have indicated that there is a gradual increase in the degree of disorder in the glass network with increase in the concentration of Al2O3 up to 6.0mol%. This is attributed to the presence of Al3+ ions in octahedral positions in larger proportions. When the glasses are doped with Tm3+ ions, the blue and red emissions were observed, whereas in Er3+ doped glasses blue, green and red emissions were observed. When the glasses are codoped with Tm3+ and Er3+ ions and excited at 790nm, all the three emission lines were observed to be reinforced, especially in the glasses mixed with 6.0mol% of Al2O3. The IR emission band detected at about 1.8μm due to 3F4→3H6 transition of Tm3+ ions is also observed to be strengthened due to codoping. The reasons for enhancement in the intensity of various emission bands due to codoping have been identified and discussed with the help of rate equations for various emission transitions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Fluorophosphate glasses of composition, P2O5 +K2O+KF+MO+Al2O3 +xEu2O3 (M=Mg, Sr and Ba; x=0.01, 0.05, 0.1, 1.0, 2.0, 4.0 and 6.0mol%) were prepared and characterized their optical properties. Crystal-field (CF) analysis revealed a relatively weak CF strength around Eu3+ ions in the Ba based fluorophosphate glasses. The Judd-Ofelt parameters have been estimated from the oscillator strengths of 7F0 → 5D2, 7F0 → 5D4 and 7F0 → 5L6 absorption transitions of Eu3+ ions and were used to evaluate the radiative properties of the 5D0 → 7FJ (J=0–4) transitions. Considerable variation has been observed in the relative intensity ratio of 5D0 → 7F2 to 5D0 → 7F1 transitions of Eu3+ ions due to change in the alkaline earth metal ions. The decay of the 5D0 level shows single exponential and less sensitive to Eu3+ ions concentration as well as MgO/SrO/BaO modifiers. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Nutrient deficiencies in soil–crop contexts and inappropriate managements are the important reasons for low crop productivity, reduced nutritional quality of agricultural produce and animal/human malnutrition, across the world. The present investigation was carried out to evaluate nutrient deficiencies of sulphur (S) and micronutrients [zinc (Zn), boron (B), iron (Fe), copper (Cu) and manganese (Mn)] in agricultural soils of India for devising effective management strategies to achieve sustainable crop production, improved nutritional quality in crops and better animal/human health. A total of 2,42,827 surface (0–15 cm depth) soil samples were collected from agriculture fields of 615 districts lying in 28 states of India and were analysed for available S and micronutrients concentration. The study was carried out under the aegis of All India Coordinated Research Project on Micro- and Secondary-Nutrients and Pollutant Elements in Soils and Plants. The mean concentrations were 27.0 ± 29.9 mg kg−1 for available S, 1.40 ± 1.60 mg kg−1 for available Zn and 1.40 ± 4.70 mg kg−1 for available B, 31.0 ± 52.2 mg kg−1 for available Fe, 2.30 ± 3.50 mg kg−1 for available Cu and 17.5 ± 21.4 mg kg−1 for available Mn. There were variable and widespread deficiencies of S and micronutrients in different states. The deficiencies (acute deficient + deficient + latent deficiency) of S (58.6% of soils), Zn (51.2% of soils) and B (44.7% of soils) were higher compared to the deficiencies of Fe (19.2% of soils), Cu (11.4% of soils) and Mn (17.4% of soils). Out of 615 districts, > 50% of soils in 101, 131 and 86 districts were deficient in available S, available Zn and available B, respectively. Whereas, > 25% of soils in 83, 5 and 41 districts had deficiencies of available Fe, available Cu and available Mn, respectively. There were occurrences of 2-nutrients deficiencies such S + Zn (9.30% of soils), Zn + B (8.70% of soils), S + B (7.00% of soils) and Zn + Fe (5.80% of soils) to a greater extent compared to the deficiencies of Zn + Mn (3.40% of soils), S + Fe (3.30% of soils), Zn + Cu (2.80% of soils) and Fe + B (2.70% of soils). Relatively lower % of soils were deficient in 3-nutrients (namely S + Zn + B, S + Zn + B and Zn + Fe + B), 4-nutrients (namely Zn + Fe + Cu + Mn) and 5-nutrients (namely Zn + Fe + Cu + Mn + B) simultaneously. The information regarding the distribution of deficiencies of S and micronutrients (both single and multi-nutrients) could be used by various stakeholders for production, supply and application of right kind of fertilizers in different districts, states and agro-ecological regions of India for better crop production, crop nutritional quality, nutrient use efficiency, soil health and for tackling human and animal malnutrition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sm 3+ -doped oxyfluoride tellurite-tungsten (TWGSm) glasses were prepared by conventional melt quenching method. The optical properties were investigated through photoluminescence excitation, emission and luminescence decay analysis. The optical band gap energy was determined as ∼3.425 eV for 1.0 mol% of Sm 3+ -doped TWGSm glass. Upon 404 nm excitation, the TWGSm glasses emit luminescence through 4 G 5/2  →  6 H 5/2 (563 nm), 4 G 5/2  →  6 H 7/2 (600 nm), 4 G 5/2  →  6 H 9/2 (645 nm) and 4 G 5/2  →  6 H 11/2 (705 nm) transitions. The Judd-Ofelt analysis was performed using absorption spectrum and obtained radiative parameters were used to estimate the laser characteristics of present glasses. The concentration of Sm 3+ has been optimized as 1.0 mol% for efficient luminescence. The luminescence decay of 4 G 5/2 emission level was studied by monitoring the emission and excitation wavelengths at 600 and 404 nm, respectively. The experimental lifetime of 4 G 5/2 level was decrease with increase of Sm 3+ concentration. The 1.0 mol% of Sm 3+ -doped TWGSm glass could be the best choice for solid state visible lasers to emit orange luminescence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil physical degradation has become a serious problem in both rainfed and irrigated areas of India. According to an estimate, about 90 m ha area is experiencing soil physical constraint in the country. In rainfed regions, among several other constraints related to crop and climate, soil physical constraints are the key which severely limit crop productivity. The predominant soil constraints which are governed by the principles of soil physics include subsurface hard pan and compactness, crusting and hardening, slow and high permeability, non-optimal porosity, poor soil structure, poor water receptivity, retention and transmission, etc. It is now well-established that unless the soil physical environment is maintained at its optimum level, the genetic yield potential of a crop cannot be realized even when all the other requirements are fulfiled. The optimum soil physical environment creates a suitable condition for better crop production both in irrigated and rainfed regions. Rainfed agriculture, often referred to as dryland agriculture, is practiced in areas that are relatively warmer (arid, semi-arid) and dry sub-humid regions of the country. These regions are highly diverse, ranging from resource-rich areas with good agricultural potential to resource-constrained areas with a much more restricted potential. These regions represent a wide variety of soil types, agro-climatic and rainfall conditions. This article discusses the soil physical constraints in rainfed regions of India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Subsistence agriculture practice and a combination of harsh climate and fragile soils along with increasing demographic pressure are matters of great concern from the viewpoint of resource management and longterm sustainability in the semi-arid tropical Alfisol soils of India. In this study, soil quality index (SQI) has been computed on 190 sites of farmers' fields in southern India to evaluate the possible effect of land management practices on soil degradation and determine the critical levels of soil organic C stock to maintain a desirable SQI and also suggest appropriate management practices. In all, 26 predominant physical, chemical and biological properties of soils were studied and based on principal component analysis, moisture retention at field capacity, available soil N, available P, DTPA-extractable Zn, exchangeable sodium percentage, C-mineralization and bulk density were identified as the key indicators of the study region. SQI was also computed using four soil functions, viz. nutrient cycling, availability of water, resistance of soil to degradation, and salinity and sodicity. Soil resilience index was computed using data on substrateinduced respiration after exposing the soil to heat stress. SQI was highest under paddy followed by permanent fallow, maize, cotton, intercropping, redgram, and was lowest under castor system. Based on the results, it was observed that the soils which had higher SQI were also productive and they exhibited higher resilience capacity. An amount of 8.6 Mg ha-1 soil organic C stock per 15 cm depth was found essential to maintain soil quality and 2.2 Mg ha-1 of organic matter was needed every year to maintain this stock. On-farm participatory research trial was conducted using SQI as a tool for sustainable land-management practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Globally, widespread micronutrient deficiencies have become a serious challenge for sustaining crop production systems and food security. Of all micronutrients, zinc (Zn) is the most deficient one. Hence, efficient Zn management is essential to achieve potential crop yields. A six-year field experiment was conducted on Typic Hapludalfs with maize-wheat cropping system to study the direct and residual Zn management effect on maize and succeeding wheat crop, respectively. The effect on soil available Zn was also evaluated. Three Zn application frequencies, viz. once (single year), alternate (every alternate year), and continuous (every year) at four Zn application rates, viz. 2.5, 5.0, 7.5, and 10.0 kg ha−1 along with one control (no Zn) were investigated from 2013 to 2019. The Zn application significantly improved the crop yields, system sustainability, DTPA-Zn, and different Zn pools without causing any environmental risk. In general, the continuous application of Zn at 5.0 kg ha−1 produced the best yield and system productivity. The economically optimal system productivity was obtained with 5.93 and 7.46 kg Zn ha−1 for alternate and continuous frequency Zn application, respectively. The optimal DTPA-Zn to attain the highest system productivity of 7.64 t ha−1 was 1.55 mg kg−1. The crop yields were mainly influenced by the alternate and continuous application of Zn at lower rates (2.5, 5.0, and 7.5 kg ha−1), whereas Zn fractions and DTPA-Zn were significantly influenced by Zn application at higher rate (10 kg ha−1) irrespective of Zn application frequencies. Similar results were obtained with PCA analysis. The results of this study suggested the rationality of Zn application in attaining economically viable and environmentally sound maize-wheat system productivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Low productivity and cultivation of low value crops in the Indian semi-arid tropics (SAT) is the main cause for poor farm-based livelihoods. Poverty leading to low risk-taking ability of farmers and production related constraints like widespread multi-nutrient deficiencies are major stumbling blocks for shifting to high value agriculture. Realizing the need to support poverty-entrapped smallholders to connect to markets, the government of Karnataka state in India supported market-led shift to high value agriculture through a consortium of technical institutions and convergence of agricultural schemes. New widespread deficiencies of secondary and micronutrients like sulfur (52% farms), zinc (55%) and boron (62%) along with earlier known deficiencies of nitrogen (52%) and phosphorus (41%) were identified as main constraints for realizing productivity potential and a threat for sustainability. Policy supported initiative during 2011/12 showed more economic returns with diversified high value crops and strengthened 0.23 million smallholders. On-farm evaluations of soil test-based nutrient balancing to tomato, okra, brinjal, chilies, onion, cabbage and beans increased productivity by 5 to 58% over the farmers' practice of adding macronutrients only. Small additional cost (' 770 to 1520 per ha) of balanced nutrition significantly increased additional benefits (' 5300 to 74,000 per ha) with fairly high cost-benefit ratio (1:4 to 1:82). Substantial returns enhanced risk-taking ability of smallholders to manage productivity constraints in future by themselves. Results showed that initial little investments in science and market-led social assistance programs should be a way forward for mainstreaming poverty-entrapped smallholders in other parts of SAT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Spatial variability/trends of Dry Spell Index (DSI) across rainfed regions in India. • Dry spells had higher significance on rainfed crops compared to total rainfall. • Response of major kharif rainfed crops' yield to DSI was quantified. • Identification of districts with higher yield reduction in crops due to dry spells. • Quantification of yield loss caused by dry spells in the vulnerable districts. The dry spells and rainfall deficit within crop season, play vital role in determining productivity of rainfed crops. Dry Spell Index (DSI) was formulated to quantify cumulative impact of dry spells during kharif season (Jun-Sep) on major rainfed crops of India. District-wise variability of DSI were analyzed across rainfed regions of India using rainfall data of 1636 stations. Comparison of DSI with Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI), hitherto, a widely used drought index showed that, central and eastern Karnataka, northern Rajasthan and western Gujarat are becoming wetter in terms of total seasonal rainfall as indicated by SPI, and becoming drier in terms of total dry spell duration within the season as per DSI. The impact of DSI on yield of major rainfed crops viz. , cotton, groundnut, maize, pearl millet, pigeon pea and sorghum were estimated. The analysis showed that, the impact of dry spells integrated in form of the DSI on yields of six major rainfed crops was higher in comparison to total rainfall indicated by SPI for six major rainfed crops in India. Groundnut and pearl millet crops experienced higher duration of dry spells in comparison to other crops. The productivity of all the crops was significantly influenced by DSI across more than 65% growing regions. The yield loss was about 75–99% in 24% of sorghum, 23% of groundnut and 13% of pearl millet and it was about 50–74% in 44% of cotton, 24% of groundnut, 17% of maize, 16% each of pearl millet & sorghum and 12% of pigeon pea growing regions. We also found that by minimizing the cumulative impact of dry spells, yield can be increased twice in more than 55%, 49% and 42% areas of pearl millet, pigeon pea and groundnut growing regions, respectively. This study will help developing adaptation strategies to sustain crop production in rainfed regions of India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article examines the potential of conservation agriculture (CA) in rainfed areas particularly in the arid and semi-arid regions of the Indian subcontinent. The CA practices under different types of rainfall, soil and production system were identified based on the analysis of studies undertaken in different agro-climatic regions of India. The net benefits from different suggested CA practices were estimated at current prices for the year 2010 based on the results of long-term experiments conducted at the Central Research Institute for Dryland Agriculture, Hyderabad, India and centres of its All-India Coordinated Research Project on Dryland Agriculture, which ranged from Rs 325 to 18,000 ha-1. The capital requirement of various CA practices was also estimated. The analysis shows that CA in its broader context not only improves soil health but also gives higher net returns per unit of land to the farmers. However, the CA practices need to be adopted selectively in different rainfall, soils and agro-ecological situations. The advantage of CA practices can be availed in rainfed agro-ecology, if practised appropriately over long-term basis. Higher carbon sequestration through CA practices may also give additional benefits in terms of carbon emission reduction, if made easily tradable in future. However, for promotion of CA practices across diverse agroecologies, appropriate policy, and institutional and technology support would be a prerequisite. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: LiI–AgI–B2O3 glasses mixed with different concentrations of V2O5 (ranging from 0 to 1.0mol%) were prepared. Electrical and dielectric properties over wide ranges of frequency (10−2–107 Hz) and temperature (173–523K) have been studied. Additionally spectroscopic properties viz., optical absorption and ESR spectra have been investigated. The optical absorption and ESR studies have revealed that vanadium ions do exist in both V4+ and V5+ states and the redox ratio is the highest in the glasses containing 0.8mol% of V2O5. The results of conductivity measurements have indicated that there is a mixed conduction (both ionic and electronic). The ionic conduction seems to be dominant over polaron hopping only in the glasses containing V2O5 more than 0.8mol% of V2O5. The impedance spectra have also indicated that the conduction is predominantly polaronic in nature. The frequency and temperature dependence of the electrical moduli as well as dielectric loss parameters have exhibited relaxation character attributed to the vanadyl complexes. The relaxation effects have been analyzed by the graphical method and from this analysis it has been established that there is a spreading of relaxation times. The results have been further discussed quantitatively in the light of different valance states of vanadium ions with the aid of the data on spectroscopic properties. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

An all-solid supercapacitor has been fabricated using polyaniline (Pani) and sulfonated poly(ether ether ketone) (SPEEK). A composite electrode is made from chemically-synthesized Pani, SPEEK, electronically conducting carbon black and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). SPEEK acts as both separator and electrolyte. The unit cell consists of two electrodes made from a p dopable Pani composite electrode separated by a SPEEK membrane with a thickness of 50 μm. As the electrodes of the capacitor are made from same p dopable Pani material, the cell is a type I (p–p) capacitor. The cell characteristics are studied using cyclic voltammetry, charging–discharging, and impedance analysis. The unit cell capacitance is 0.6 F, which corresponds to 27 F per g of the active polymer material. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The article focuses on a study on micro-level agromet advisory services using block level weather forecast. It states that Agromet Advisory Service (AAS) deals with extension agrometeorology, and mentions that Central Research Institute for Dryland Agriculture has introduced a research programm of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research to enhance resilience of Indian agriculture to climate change.

Soil microbial communities are important drivers of biogeochemical cycling of nutrients, organic matter decomposition, soil organic carbon, and Greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs: CO 2 , N 2 O, and CH 4 ) and are influenced by crop and soil management practices. The knowledge on the impact of conservation agriculture (CA) on soil bacterial diversity, nutrient availability, and GHG emissions in semi-arid regions under rainfed conditions is vital to develop sustainable agricultural practices, but such information has not been systemically documented. Hence, studies were conducted for 10 years in rainfed pigeonpea ( Cajanus cajan L.)-castor bean ( Ricinus communis L.) cropping system under semi-arid conditions to assess the effects of tillage and crop residue levels on the soil bacterial diversity, enzyme activity (Dehydrogenase, urease, acid phosphatase, and alkaline phosphatase), GHG emissions, and soil available nutrients (Nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium). Sequencing of soil DNA through Illumina HiSeq-based 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing technology has revealed that bacterial community responded to both tillage and residue levels. The relative abundance of Actinobacteria in terms of Operational Taxonomic Unit (OTUs) at phyla, class as well as genera level was higher in CA (NTR1: No Tillage + 10 cm anchored residue and NTR2 NT + 30 cm anchored residue) over CT (conventional tillage without crop residues). CA resulted in higher enzyme activities (dehydrogenase, urease, acid phosphatase, and alkaline phosphatase) and reduction in GHG emissions over CT. CA recorded 34% higher and 3% lower OC, as compared to CT, and CTR1, respectively. CA recorded 10, 34, and 26% higher available nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium over CT and CTR1, respectively. NTR1 recorded 25 and 38% lower N 2 O emissions as compared to CTR1 and CTR2, respectively. Whereas only NT recorded 12% higher N 2 O emissions as compared to CT. Overall, the results of the study indicate that CA improves the relative abundance of soil bacterial communities, nutrient availability, and enzyme activities, and may help to contribute to the mitigation of climate change, and sustainability in rainfed areas., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2023 Pratibha, Manjunath, Raju, Srinivas, Rao, Shanker, Prasad, Rao, Kundu, Indoria, Kumar, Rao, Anna, Rao, Singh, Biswas and Chaudhari.)

ZnO-CaF 2 -P 2 O 5 glasses doped with different concentrations of V 2 O 5 (ranging from 0 to 1.0 mol %) were prepared. The prepared bio glasses are soaked in SBF for duration of 2, 3, 7 and 10 days in separate plastic containers and then kept in incubator maintained at body temperature 36.5 °C. The influence of valence states of vanadium ions (V 4+ /V 5+ ) with respect to the structural aspects by means of FTIR and Raman Spectra, elastic properties by means of relevant parameters, the thermal stability by means of DTA studies and other spectroscopic properties by using OA and ESR studies are studied. The raise in wavenumber and comparative areas of the two absorption bands corresponding to electronic transitions 2B 2g → E 2g , 2B 2g → 2B 1g respectively in optical absorption spectra of these CZPV glasses clearly indicate that vanadium ions have octahedral co-ordination with tetragonal compression due to modifier action of V 2 O 5 in the glass network. The optical absorption and ESR studies have revealed that vanadium ions exist in V 4+ states. The characteristic temperatures of these prepared glasses obtained from DTA curves explain modifications taking place in the structure of glass network. The structural changes are explained with the aid of FTIR and Raman studies. The bio active nature of the titled glasses is evident from dissociation and pH studies by SEM &EDS of these glasses before and after immersion into SBF., (Copyright © 2022 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Phosphate glasses of calcium oxide have been well proved materials for various bio bones and dental implants. However, still there is a lot of scope and demand to produce efficient elastic bio implants and resource. In view of this, Zr x Ca 30-x P 70 phosphate materials are prepared by using melt quenching method. Bio, physical, thermoluminescence and elastic techniques are used to characterize the samples. Additionally, simulated body fluid was prepared and it is used especially for bio techniques. Further, the glasses are taken for different dose (~0, 10, 20 & 50 kGy) of gamma irradiation around half an hour. And again similar techniques are used to characterize the samples. All the findings from bio, physical, thermoluminescence and elastic characterization results are analysed and took for better comparison with previous studies to develop various bio bone (or) bio dental resource. Structural reports suggests that the Zr x Ca 30-x P 70 materials were glassy before immersion in SBF solution and immersed (~720 h) samples are showing partial ceramic nature. The weight loss and pH reports suggests them for alternative bio resource as a bio bones and dental implants. Observed thermal stability, microhardness and elastic modulus evaluations of Zr x Ca 30-x P 70 materials in required standards are also additional advantage. Furthermore, thermoluminiscence (TL) under different γ-irradiation doses is reported for glasses with and without immersing in a simulated body fluid. The glasses lose TL intensity when immersed in simulated body fluid for nearly 720 h. This is useful to modulate bio-behaviour in terms of hydroxyapatite layer growth on the glass surface., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

In a semi-arid microwatershed of Warangal district in Southern India, daily runoff was estimated spatially using Soil Conservation Service (SCS)-curve number (CN) method coupled with GIS. The groundwater status in this region is over-exploited, and precise estimation of runoff is very essential to plan interventions for this ungauged microwatershed. Rainfall is the most important factor governing runoff, and 75.8% of the daily rainfall and 92.1% of the rainy days which occurred were below 25 mm/day. The declines in rainfall and rainy days observed in recent years were 9.8 and 8.4%, respectively. The surface runoff estimated from crop land for a period of 57 years varied from 0 to 365 mm with a mean annual runoff of 103.7 mm or 14.1% of the mean annual rainfall. The mean annual runoff showed a significant reduction from 108.7 to 82.9 mm in recent years. The decadal variation of annual runoff from crop land over the years varied from 49.2 to 89.0% which showed the caution needed while planning watershed management works in this microwatershed. Among the four land use land cover conditions prevailing in the area, the higher runoff (20% of the mean annual rainfall) was observed from current fallow in clayey soil and lower runoff of 8.7% from crop land in loamy soil due to the increased canopy coverage. The drought years which occurred during recent years (1991-2007) in crop land have increased by 3.5%, normal years have increased by 15.6%, and the above normal years have decreased by 19.1%. This methodology can be adopted for estimating the runoff potential from similar ungauged watersheds with deficient data. It is concluded that in order to ensure long-term and sustainable groundwater utilization in the region, proper estimation of runoff and implementation of suitable water harvesting measures are the need of the hour.