R P Sharma | Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) (original) (raw)

Papers by R P Sharma

Soil and Sediment Contamination: An International Journal

International Journal of Plant & Soil Science

Goa is a biodiversity hotspot and a major iron ore producer state in India. The study investigate... more Goa is a biodiversity hotspot and a major iron ore producer state in India. The study investigated heavy metal (HM) distribution pattern, fractionation forms under different land use types near an iron mining including health risks associated with different exposure pathways. Georeferenced 38 soil surface samples, 8 soil profile samples and 6 plant samples were collected from three land use types- agriculture cropland, fallow land and natural vegetation. Collected samples were analyzed for HM contamination in inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrophotometer (ICPAES). The mean total HM concentration in surface soil exceeded the background value. Weak acid soluble fraction % of metals posed no to medium risk values. Fallow land had higher metal content in surface soil. Principal component (PC) analysis showed Pb, Cd and Cr metals were more associated with mining activity. Vertical distribution pattern of HM accumulation in soil profiles showed a drastic reduction in HM con...

CATENA, 2021

Background: The I~.IPPA (Iodo.Phenylpontadocanoln Acid) multlcenter trial enrolled 180 patients (... more Background: The I~.IPPA (Iodo.Phenylpontadocanoln Acid) multlcenter trial enrolled 180 patients (PTS) with LV dysfuoctlon before CASe, We examined the pmgnoMIo Indlol~tor wide of IPPA upon the two.year mlrvlvsi outcomes of those patients, M~fhe(/a: PTS had pre.opararivo SPECT rest.radistnb~ttlon IPPA Images and pro.post CABG radlon,d¢le EF and well motion assessment (RNV) IPPA segments that ware asynorgio were classified as "viable" if the score at m~t w~s normal, or the ~core ~t rodlstrtbtdlon showed impmvemenL StllVival was essessod during the tri~l, ~s well ae at l-year end ~,ye~r follow,up, Re~glt~: Of the 100 patients randoml=ed, 110 patients had IPPA and HNV d~f~ and were considered "efttoaey evahtable"~ Them w~, a f~lgnilic,~n! all(foresee in mortality lor those pRtient~ h~vlng ~n IPPA viable segment count Of ~0 (N ~ 0/17) compared to those with tPPA viable segments ¢B (17/87); log.rank p ~ 0,05, Multlven~te Cox analysis indicated that IPP^ viable segment count ~7 (p ~ 0,00) aed b~sellno EF (p ,~ 0,06) w~s the bast two vanAble modal In predicting outcome, Patients with an IPPA viabh~ segment count <7 had a 4,1 greater rl~k of death (95% Ci 0,g3, 16,3) than did patients with viable segment count .~7, Conclusion: IPPA may be usohd in predicting euNlvel outcome alter CASe; PTS with myoc~rdium Identified as viable by tPPA I'o~vo Iongm survival time than p~tlonts with nonviable myocnrdium,

Journal of Soil and Water Conservation, 2019

The study was conducted to evaluate the major and micronutrient status of Kelapur block, Yavatmal... more The study was conducted to evaluate the major and micronutrient status of Kelapur block, Yavatmal district, Maharashtra. A total of 3436 soil samples were collected by gird method (325×325 interval) at a
depth of 0-15 cm and analyzed for soil pH, electrical conductivity (EC), organic carbon (OC), available nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), sulphur (S) and micronutrients (Fe, Mn, Cu and Zn). Soils
were neutral to slightly alkaline (pH 6.6 - 8.8) and non-saline (EC <1 dSm-1). OC was medium to high with a mean value of 0.83%. Among the nutrients, available N was invariably deficient (100%) and
deficiency of available Zn (70%), S (59.7%), P (37.6%) and Fe (27.9%) were observed. The available K was generally high with a mean of 694 kg ha-1 and Mn and Cu were sufficient. Coefficient of variation (CV)
indicated that P, K, S, Fe, Mn, Zn and Cu varied highly (CV > 35%) whereas the variability of pH and N was low (CV < 15%). The nutrient index value (NIV) for N and S were low (1.0 and 1.5), medium for P (1.89) and high (2.86) for K. The generated nutrient status information can serve as an effective tool for farmers and policy makers in adoption of site specific nutrient management practices.

JOURNAL GEOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF INDIA, 2020

Three representative alluvial soils were studied from Kothari river basin of Bhilwara district in... more Three representative alluvial soils were studied from Kothari river basin of Bhilwara district in southeast Rajasthan to assess degree of chemical weathering and pedogenesis. Morphological, geochemical, mineralogical and other analytical investigations were carried out. Soils were classified as Entisols and Inceptisols. These soils are mostly sandy with more than 50% of fine and medium sand fractions, silt to clay ratio more than 0.45 and little textural variation suggesting more uniform weathering. These soils are slight to strongly alkaline with high exchangeable sodium (>15%) and cation exchange capacity less than 10 cmol(+)kg-1. Mineralogical investigations showed the dominance of micas and smectites in Pedon 1 (P1) and Pedon 2 (P2) and increase of smectites and micas in Bw3 horizon of P3 under strong alkalinity and high silica activity with limited lessivage. The low chemical index of alteration (CIA) in soils further indicated an incipient pedogenesis with a relative proportion of mica-smectite composition.

Indian Journal of Geo Marine Science, 2019

Fertile lands of eastern Rajasthan uplands are gradually declining their inherent capacity to the... more Fertile lands of eastern Rajasthan uplands are gradually declining their inherent capacity to the produce crops. A study has been conducted on alluvial soils; surrounded by Aravalli hills and deposited by Banas river. Different soils located over landforms with varied slopes and rainfall density and annual average rainfall were sampled for morphological, physico-chemical and mineralogical investigations. Present study is aimed to link the mineralogy of various size fractions and other physico-chemical characteristics as an evidence of pedogenetic process in development of alluvial soils. Our study indicates that the soils are coarser (sandy or sandy loam) in texture, consisting predominantly of quartz followed by feldspars and mica. Specific trend was not observed in minerals present in the clay matrix. Presence of unstable talc mineral in the clay fraction of soil over upper rolling plain indicates juvenile nature of soils.

Journal of Soil and Water Conservation, 2019

The study was conducted to evaluate the major and micronutrient status of Kelapur block, Yavatmal... more The study was conducted to evaluate the major and micronutrient status of Kelapur block, Yavatmal district, Maharashtra. A total of 3436 soil samples were collected by gird method (325×325 interval) at a depth of 0-15 cm and analyzed for soil pH, electrical conductivity (EC), organic carbon (OC), available nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), sulphur (S) and micronutrients (Fe, Mn, Cu and Zn). Soils were neutral to slightly alkaline (pH 6.6-8.8) and non-saline (EC <1 dSm-1). OC was medium to high with a mean value of 0.83%. Among the nutrients, available N was invariably deficient (100%) and deficiency of available Zn (70%), S (59.7%), P (37.6%) and Fe (27.9%) were observed. The available K was generally high with a mean of 694 kg ha-1 and Mn and Cu were sufficient. Coefficient of variation (CV) indicated that P, K, S, Fe, Mn, Zn and Cu varied highly (CV > 35%) whereas the variability of pH and N was low (CV < 15%). The nutrient index value (NIV) for N and S were low (1.0 and 1.5), medium for P (1.89) and high (2.86) for K. The generated nutrient status information can serve as an effective tool for farmers and policy makers in adoption of site specific nutrient management practices.

Indian Journal of Traditional Knowledge, 2019

Gujarat tops with 27.87% of total groundnut production. The basaltic shrink-swell soils are gener... more Gujarat tops with 27.87% of total groundnut production. The basaltic shrink-swell soils are generally evaluated as unsuitable for groundnut production in Saurtashtra region of Gujarat. They have untapped source of traditional knowledge for managing heavy shrink-swell soils of basaltic terrain. Groundnut growers of the region are applying weathered basalt (WB, Vēraḍēḍa bēsālṭanuṁ in Gujarati) in pure form which is naturally available or sometimes treated by mixing the farmyard manures (FYM) or groundnut husk, and/or fortified with nitrogenous and phosphatic fertilizers. A study was planned to find out the reason for higher production of groundnut with the application of WB before sowing the seed. For this study the farmers were divided in to five groups on the basis of forms and combinations of WB application in groundnut fields. The participatory approaches and personal interviews were combined to collect the data from 25 farmers of each group. After interviewing the farmers, we came to know that this practice is being followed since 40 years. The study revealed that the practice significantly reduces the contracting and expanding phenomenon in black Vertisols and improve physico-chemical properties of soils like hydraulic characteristics (infiltration, permeability, percolation and drainage), aeration, bulk density, porosity, thermal conductivity and also improve availability of secondary (Ca, Mg & S) and micronutrients (Fe, Mn, Zn & Cu). The present study forms the basis for upgrading the traditional management packages for sustainable groundnut production in black soil region of India.

Gujarat tops with 27.87% of total groundnut production. The basaltic shrink-swell soils are gener... more Gujarat tops with 27.87% of total groundnut production. The basaltic shrink-swell soils are generally evaluated as unsuitable for groundnut production in Saurtashtra region of Gujarat. They have untapped source of traditional knowledge for managing heavy shrink-swell soils of basaltic terrain. Groundnut growers of the region are applying weathered basalt (WB, Vēraḍēḍa bēsālṭanuṁ in Gujarati) in pure form which is naturally available or sometimes treated by mixing the farmyard manures (FYM) or groundnut husk, and/or fortified with nitrogenous and phosphatic fertilizers. A study was planned to find out the reason for higher production of groundnut with the application of WB before sowing the seed. For this study the farmers were divided in to 05 groups on the basis of forms and combinations of WB application in groundnut fields. The participatory approaches and personal interviews were combined to collect the data from 25 farmers of each group. After interviewing the farmers, we came to know that this practice is being followed since 40 years. The study revealed that the practice significantly reduces the contracting and expanding phenomenon in black Vertisols and improve physico-chemical properties of soils like hydraulic characteristics (infiltration, permeability, percolation and drainage), aeration, bulk density, porosity, thermal conductivity and also improve availability of secondary (Ca, Mg & S) and micronutrients (Fe, Mn, Zn & Cu). The present study forms the basis for upgrading the traditional management packages for sustainable groundnut production in black soil region of India.

Journal of the Indian Society of Soil Science, 2019

Techniques for large scale mapping of natural resources is region specific. The technique of larg... more Techniques for large scale mapping of natural resources is region specific. The technique of large-scale soil mapping using remote sensing data in basaltic terrain of Peninsular Region. The data used for the study are toposheet of Survey of India (1:50 000 scale); cadastral map of the Pata Meghpar village (1:4000 scale); and IRS P6 LISS-IV digital data of August (kharif season) and December (rabi season) 2012. Images were
interpreted visually and ground truths were collected manually and repared landscape ecological units (LEUs) map which was used for conducting soil survey and generation of soil map. The LEU units
explained a three-tier approach comprising land form, slope and land use characteristics of each parcel of land. Soils occurring in different LEU units were examined and a LEU–soil relationship was developed. The soil map depicting phases of soil series was prepared using ArcGIS 10.0 software.

Journal of the Indian Society of Soil Science, 2019

Techniques for large scale mapping of natural resources is region specific. The technique of larg... more Techniques for large scale mapping of natural resources is region specific. The technique of large-scale soil mapping using remote sensing data in basaltic terrain of Peninsular Region. The data used for the study are toposheet of Survey of India (1:50 000 scale); cadastral map of the Pata Meghpar village (1:4000 scale); and IRS P6 LISS-IV digital data of August (kharif season) and December (rabi season) 2012. Images were interpreted visually and ground truths were collected manually and prepared landscape ecological units (LEUs) map which was used for conducting soil survey and generation of soil map. The LEU units explained a three-tier approach comprising land form, slope and land use characteristics of each parcel of land. Soils occurring in different LEU units were examined and a LEU–soil relationship was developed. The soil map depicting phases of soil series was prepared using ArcGIS 10.0 software.

International J. Seed Spices, 2018

India is the largest producer, consumer and exporter of spices, among these cumin is one of the m... more India is the largest producer, consumer and exporter of spices, among these cumin is one of the most important spices. Approximately 70% of the Worlds total cumin seed is produced in India of which a maximum 45.5 % is produced in western Rajasthan. The cultivation of cumin crop is less risky in terms of price fluctuation and affordable in terms of input. Even after introduction of advance production technologies for cumin, still it is largely controlled by edaphic factors. The judicial use of natural resources will not only increase the yield but also reduces the cost of inputs. The study was conducted in Jaisalmer district of western Rajasthan for evaluation of the potential of land resources to support economic and sustainable cumin production. The suitability parameters show that agro-ecological and soil system environment of Jaisalmer district is most suitable for cultivation of cumin seeds. The total geographical area of districts is 38.4 lakh hectares. About 51 per cent area is highly suitable for cumin cultivation. Considering slope, erosion and soil fertility limitation, 13.4 lakh hectares (34.97%) area is most suitable for cumin cultivation. Approximately 6.36 lakh hectare land is suitable for cumin with fertility as one of the limitations. Presently, farmers of Jaisalmer district cultivate cumin in 31300 hectare only (year 2013-14). The study suggested that there is still a lot of scope for expansion of cumin crop in the district. The productivity of cumin crop in Gujarat state (700 kg ha-1) is almost double than Rajasthan (344 kg ha-1). The data from the year 2014-15 indicated that 7.21 % area of cumin cultivation in Rajasthan is being kept under cumin seed cultivation in Jaisalmer district while in its neighboring district Barmer, it is 24 %. If efforts are made to bring about 19.48 lakh hectare areas under cumin seed cultivation of Jaisalmer district with the existing productivity level of 344 kg ha-1 , then the districts can produce 681 thousand tons of cumin seeds. The present domestic consumption/demand of cumin seed in India is around 100 thousand tons. If the rest, 581 thousand tons of the produce are exported, then India can earn sumptuous revenue.

Journal of Soil and Water Conservation, 2018

The soil and land resource inventory at village, as basic unit, are providing baseline data on so... more The soil and land resource inventory at village, as basic unit, are providing baseline data on soils, their constraints and potentials for crop production. Considering this fact, Pata Meghpar village (22013’14’’ to 22016’09’’ N latitude and 70029’16’’ to 70032’59’’ E) in Jamnagar district of Gujarat with an area of 1683 hectares was selected for land resource inventory on 1:10000 scale for land use planning activity. The soils developed on Deccan trap geological formations with distinct basaltic landforms appear at an elevation of 100 meters above mean sea level near Und river. The landform analysis of study area was carried out with the visual interpretation of Indian Remote Sensing Satellite P6 LISS-IV data of April 2012 in conjunction with cadastral map. The four basic landforms identified are isolated upland (119.3 ha & 7.1%), ravinous land (409.6 ha & 24.3%), very gently to gently sloping plains (543.9 ha & 32.3%) and nearly level plains (610 ha & 36.2%). The detailed soil survey was carried out and identified seven soil series with 10 phases. The soil series Pata Meghpar-1(Loamy, Lithic Ustorthents) and Patameghpar-2 (loamy-skeletal, Lithic Ustorthents) occurring on isolated upland are very shallow, excessively drained, brown loam(7.5YR 4/4) to dark yellowish brown (10YR 3/4), gravely loam and slightly alkaline (pH 7.2-7.8). The Pata Meghpar-3(fine-loamy, Typic Ustorthents) on ravinous lands are moderately shallow, excessively drained, strongly calcareous, dark yellowish brown (10YR 3/4), weak fine sub-angular blocky structure, slightly alkaline to moderately alkaline (pH 7.7 to 8.6). The Pata Meghpar - 4 (fine, Typic Haplustepts) and Pata Meghpar-5 (fine, Vertic Haplustepts) occurring on very gently to gently sloping plain are moderately deep (50-75cm), moderately well drained, slight to moderately calcareous, very dark grayish brown (10YR 3/2), moderate, medium, sub angular blocky structures and moderate to strongly alkaline (pH 8.1 to 8.8). The Pata Meghpar - 6 (fine, Leptic Haplusterts) and Pata Meghpar – 7 (fine, Typic Haplusterts) occurring on nearly level plains are deep, clayey, moderately well drained, very dark grayish brown (10YR 3/2) to very dark gray (10YR 3/1), weak fine angular blocky to moderate medium angular blocky structure, moderately calcareous and moderately alkaline (pH 8.0-8.5). The baseline resource data are useful for deriving soil-landscape relationships in basaltic terrain at village and forms the basis for upgrading management packages for sustainable crop production at farm level.

Journal of Soil and Water Conservation, 2018

The analysis of the spatial variability of soil properties is important for precision agriculture... more The analysis of the spatial variability of soil properties is important for precision agriculture, land use planning and environmental modelling. Soil texture (sand, silt and clay) and soil hydraulic properties like available water capacity and hydraulic conductivity are most important soil physical properties that govern nearly all of the soil attributes. The objective of the study was to determine the degree of spatial variability of sand, silt, clay, bulk density, hydraulic conductivity and available water content at field capacity (FC), permanent wilting point (PWP) and available water capacity (AWC) of salt affected black soils of Purna valley. Data were analyzed both statistically and geostatistically to describe the spatial distribution of soil physical properties. Soil physical properties showed large variability with greatest variation was observed in hydraulic conductivity (54%). Spherical and gausian models were fit well for the soil physical properties. The nugget/sill ratio indicates that hydraulic conductivity, clay, silt content and soil water content at field capacity were strongly spatially dependent and all other soil physical properties were moderate spatially dependent. Cross validation of the kriged map shows that prediction of the soil physical properties using semivariogram parameters is better than assuming mean of observed value for any unsampled location. The spatial distribution of hydraulic conductivity and bulk density followed the distribution pattern of clay and exchangeable sodium content. These maps will help to the planners in site-specific management/precision farming by application of the correct measures for improving the physical properties of these degraded shrink-swell soils through application of gypsum, FYM and green manuring through variable rate techniques.

Watershed management has gained importance in management of natural resources, such as soil, wate... more Watershed management has gained importance in management of natural resources, such as soil, water their conservation and improvement in the livelihood of the peoples in the region. Morphometric analysis has been commonly applied to prioritization of watersheds arresting the loss of soil and water. In the present study an attempt has been made to study the morphometric characteristics of Chanavada micro watershed using remote sensing and GIS technique. The Chanavada micro-watershed is part of Jhakham, Gomti catchment covering an area of 1475 ha in Girwa block of Udaipur district in southern Rajasthan. The morphometric analysis of the watershed reveals that the watershed is 4 th order, elongated in shape having mixed drainage pattern. The value of mean stream length (Lsm) varies from 0.59 to 8.67 may be due to variation in slope and topography. The stream length ratio showed an increasing trend in the length ratio from lower order to higher order indicating their mature geomorphic stage. The high value of bifurcation ratio indicates the strong structural control on the drainage development. The drainage density of the watershed is 4.16 which could be the result of impermeable sub-surface material, sparse vegetation and mountainous relief and drainage texture of the watershed lie between 2 and 4 which is related to coarse texture. The low Rf value (0.23) indicated elongated shape of watershed and suggesting flatter peak flow for longer duration. The value of elongation ratio (Re) is associated with high relief and steep slope showing elongated shape of watershed. The present study demonstrates the utility of remote sensing and GIS technique in studying morphometric analysis of hilly watershed.

The present investigation was under taken to work out internal cost adjustments in existing farmi... more The present investigation was under taken to work out internal cost adjustments in existing farming systems of Southern Rajasthan. A total sample of 120 households consisting of 60 under rainfed and 60 under irrigated situation was selected from two districts-one representing tribal area and the other non-tribal area for the study. Four farming systems (FS) existed in both the rainfed and irrigated areas of Chittorgarh and Banswara districts viz. FS-I: Crop+ Vegetables (C+V), FS-II: Crop + Dairy (C+D), FS-III: Crop + Dairy +Goat (C+D+G) and FS-IV: Crop + Poultry (C+PO). The cost involved in different farming systems were divided into two parts i.e. cost incurred within the farming system and cost incurred from outside the farming system. Internal cost adjustments were more in FS –III in both the districts i.e. 70.21 and 64.35 per cent in Chittorgarh district and 69.83 and 63.38 per cent in Banswara district in rainfed and irrigated conditions, respectively. In Chittorgarh district on per rupee investment basis FS-IV (1.55) in rainfed and FS-I (1.69) in irrigated area were more profitable than other systems. In Banswara district on return per rupee investment basis, FS-IV ((1.57) in rainfed area and FS-I (1.63) in irrigated area were found more profitable than other farming systems. Return per rupee investment (return cost ratio) was more in FS-IV in rainfed condition while FS-I in irrigated condition among the other farming systems in both the districts.

Potato is important crop for solving food and nutritional security problem of growing population ... more Potato is important crop for solving food and nutritional security problem of growing population of India. Application of N in two split dose i.e. half at planting time and rest at time of earthing up produce higher yields and higher N recovery. At the time of planting, calcium ammonium nitrate or ammonium sulphate should be preferred by furrow application. Selection of suitable variety may play major role beside time and method of application in improving nutrient use efficiency. Balanced use of major and micronutrients plays an important role in improving quality of produce besides good yield. Potato based cropping system mostly shows build up of P and negative balance of N and K which may be overcame by organic residues recycling. Intensive cropping system has resulted in wide spread deficiency of secondary and micro nutrients particularly Zn and these must be applied on soil test basis. Integrated nutrient management is a must for an exhaustive and responsive crop like potato.

Potato is a temperate crop and higher day temperatures cause some areas to less suitable for pota... more Potato is a temperate crop and higher day temperatures cause some areas to less suitable for potato production due to lower tuber yields and its quality. Tuber growth and yield can be severely reduced by temperature fluctuations outside 5-30 °C. The rate of warming in last 50 years is double than that for the last century. Increase in temperature and atmospheric CO2 are interlinked occurring simultaneously under future climate change and global warming scenarios. If CO2 is elevated to 550 ppm the temperature rise is likely to be 3 ºC with decline in potato production by 13.72% in the year 2050. The changing climate will affect the potato production adversely due to drought, salinity, frost, flooding, erratic unseasonal rains etc. It may reduce seed tuber production, impact storage facility and potato processing industries. Therefore, the quantification of regional vulnerability and impact assessment is very important for the development of early warning on disease forecasting systems, breeding of short duration and heat, drought, salinity tolerant and disease resistant cultivars.

Geographically, the Rajasthan is the largest state of India. The mapping of degraded and wastelan... more Geographically, the Rajasthan is the largest state of India. The mapping of degraded and wasteland, its distribution and district base statistics are very important for land resource assessment and management. This paper deals with the status of land degradation affecting different kind of soils and under different management options. The study further illustrates the regional example of the Bhilwara district. The pressure on land resources has increased manifold with the increasing human and animal population. Western part of Rajasthan is severely affected by wind erosion (56%) and southeastern part is affected by water erosion (42%) and salinity and sodicity (2%) affected area is scattered throughout the state. The area is characterised by a marked temperature range with strong diurnal variations, a typical phenomenon of the warm-dry continental climate. Desertification ranks among the greatest environmental challenge for the ecosystems in this region, and twelve districts of Rajasthan are already affected by severe desertification. Wind erosion is the major cause of soil degradation in western Rajasthan, whereas water erosion affects mostly south and eastern Rajasthan.

The aim of this study was to elucidate the effects of osmopriming with PEG 6000 on five tomato ge... more The aim of this study was to elucidate the effects of osmopriming with PEG 6000 on five tomato genotypes viz. Kashi Vishesh, Kashi Amrit , Kashi Anupam, Kashi Hemant and Kashi Sarad, under salinity stress. Seeds were primed with varying concentration of PEG 6000 i.e. (-0.5, -1.0, -1.5, -2.0 MPa) and along with one hydroprimed for 48 hours at 25°C. Dry tomato seeds served as control (non-primed). Treated seeds of all varieties were sown in Petri dishes supplied with three different concentrations of salt solution i.e. 4, 8 and 12dSm -1 and along with one control. Results of variance analysis made clear that different osmotic potential and priming duration had significant effect on germination percentage, vigor index and dry weight. Of the five tomato genotypes, Kashi Hemant primed with -0.5 Mpa showed highest per cent germination (71 %), seedling length (18 cm), seed vigor index (994) and dry weight (14 mg) at 4 dSm -1 as compared to 8 dSm -1 , 12 dSm -1 and control respectively. The results revealed that the same variety has immense potential to tolerate salinity stress. Furthermore, it was also observed that primed seeds exhibited better stress tolerance than non-primed seeds.

Soil and Sediment Contamination: An International Journal

International Journal of Plant & Soil Science

CATENA, 2021

Journal of Soil and Water Conservation, 2019

JOURNAL GEOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF INDIA, 2020

Indian Journal of Geo Marine Science, 2019

Journal of Soil and Water Conservation, 2019

The study was conducted to evaluate the major and micronutrient status of Kelapur block, Yavatmal... more The study was conducted to evaluate the major and micronutrient status of Kelapur block, Yavatmal district, Maharashtra. A total of 3436 soil samples were collected by gird method (325×325 interval) at a depth of 0-15 cm and analyzed for soil pH, electrical conductivity (EC), organic carbon (OC), available nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), sulphur (S) and micronutrients (Fe, Mn, Cu and Zn). Soils were neutral to slightly alkaline (pH 6.6-8.8) and non-saline (EC <1 dSm-1). OC was medium to high with a mean value of 0.83%. Among the nutrients, available N was invariably deficient (100%) and deficiency of available Zn (70%), S (59.7%), P (37.6%) and Fe (27.9%) were observed. The available K was generally high with a mean of 694 kg ha-1 and Mn and Cu were sufficient. Coefficient of variation (CV) indicated that P, K, S, Fe, Mn, Zn and Cu varied highly (CV > 35%) whereas the variability of pH and N was low (CV < 15%). The nutrient index value (NIV) for N and S were low (1.0 and 1.5), medium for P (1.89) and high (2.86) for K. The generated nutrient status information can serve as an effective tool for farmers and policy makers in adoption of site specific nutrient management practices.

Indian Journal of Traditional Knowledge, 2019

Gujarat tops with 27.87% of total groundnut production. The basaltic shrink-swell soils are gener... more Gujarat tops with 27.87% of total groundnut production. The basaltic shrink-swell soils are generally evaluated as unsuitable for groundnut production in Saurtashtra region of Gujarat. They have untapped source of traditional knowledge for managing heavy shrink-swell soils of basaltic terrain. Groundnut growers of the region are applying weathered basalt (WB, Vēraḍēḍa bēsālṭanuṁ in Gujarati) in pure form which is naturally available or sometimes treated by mixing the farmyard manures (FYM) or groundnut husk, and/or fortified with nitrogenous and phosphatic fertilizers. A study was planned to find out the reason for higher production of groundnut with the application of WB before sowing the seed. For this study the farmers were divided in to 05 groups on the basis of forms and combinations of WB application in groundnut fields. The participatory approaches and personal interviews were combined to collect the data from 25 farmers of each group. After interviewing the farmers, we came to know that this practice is being followed since 40 years. The study revealed that the practice significantly reduces the contracting and expanding phenomenon in black Vertisols and improve physico-chemical properties of soils like hydraulic characteristics (infiltration, permeability, percolation and drainage), aeration, bulk density, porosity, thermal conductivity and also improve availability of secondary (Ca, Mg & S) and micronutrients (Fe, Mn, Zn & Cu). The present study forms the basis for upgrading the traditional management packages for sustainable groundnut production in black soil region of India.

Journal of the Indian Society of Soil Science, 2019

Techniques for large scale mapping of natural resources is region specific. The technique of larg... more Techniques for large scale mapping of natural resources is region specific. The technique of large-scale soil mapping using remote sensing data in basaltic terrain of Peninsular Region. The data used for the study are toposheet of Survey of India (1:50 000 scale); cadastral map of the Pata Meghpar village (1:4000 scale); and IRS P6 LISS-IV digital data of August (kharif season) and December (rabi season) 2012. Images were interpreted visually and ground truths were collected manually and prepared landscape ecological units (LEUs) map which was used for conducting soil survey and generation of soil map. The LEU units explained a three-tier approach comprising land form, slope and land use characteristics of each parcel of land. Soils occurring in different LEU units were examined and a LEU–soil relationship was developed. The soil map depicting phases of soil series was prepared using ArcGIS 10.0 software.

International J. Seed Spices, 2018

Journal of Soil and Water Conservation, 2018