Current Science

T. Bhattacharyya ¹, Suhas P. Wani ², D. K. Pal ³, K. L. Sahrawat ², S. Pillai ², A. Nimje ², B. Telpande ³, P. Chandran ³, Swati Chaudhury ²

Affiliations
1 Dr Balasaheb Sawant Konkan Krishi Vidyapeeth, Dapoli 415 712, IN
2 International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics, Patancheru 502 324, IN
3 National Bureau of Soil Survey and Land Use Planning, Amravati Road, Nagpur 440 010, IN

Abstract

Associated red and black soils are common in the Deccan plateau and the Indian peninsula. The red soils are formed due to the progressive landscape reduction process and black soils due to the aggradation processes; and they are often spatially associated maintaining their typical characteristics over the years. These soils are subject to changes due to age-long management practices and the other factors like climate change. To maintain soil quality, it is essential to monitor changes in soil properties preferably using benchmark (BM) soil sites. One such example lies at the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) farm in Patancheru, India where red (Patancheru) and black (Kasireddipalli) soils co-exist in close association under almost similar topographical condition, which also represents very commonly occurring spatially associated soils. The database generated over the years for these two dominant soils that are under cultural practices for the last 2-3 decades, helps us understand the relative changes in properties over a time scale. To do this exercise, we revisited the BM spots as the data on the original characterization of these soils since the development of the farm, are available, for comparative evaluation. We also attempted to make prediction of future changes in properties for these two important and representative black and red soils of the ICRISAT farm in Patancheru, India.

Keywords

Associated Red and Black Soils, Changes, ICRISAT Farm, Monitor, Soil Quality.

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D. K. Pal ¹, T. Bhattacharyya ², K. L. Sahrawat ², Suhas P. Wani ²

Affiliations
1 National Bureau of Soil Survey and Land Use Planning (ICAR), Amravati Road, Nagpur 440 010, IN
2 International Crops Research Institutes for the Semi-Arid Tropics, Patancheru 502 324, IN

Abstract

Most published research on soil degradation in general emphasizes the role of anthropogenic factors. Even among the natural soil degradation processes the regressive pedogenic processes that lead to the formation of CaCO₃ and concomitant development of subsoil sodicity and the adverse effects of palygorskite on the soils of the semi-arid tropics (SAT), have received little global attention as the natural processes of chemical degradation of soils. Studies in India during the last two decades, however, have demonstrated the important role of regressive pedogenic processes in natural degradation of major soil types in the Indian SAT regions. The present article summarizes the research on natural degradation of soils in the Indian SAT. The management practices to reclaim the degraded soils are also discussed with examples.

Keywords

CaCO₃ Formation, Regressive Pedogenesis, Remedial Measures, SAT Soils, Subsoil Sodicity.

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Girish Chander ¹, Suhas P. Wani ¹, Kamma Krishnappa ¹, Kanwar Lal Sahrawat ¹, Gazula Parthasaradhi ¹, Lingraj Shivappa Jangawad ¹

Affiliations
1 IDC, International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics, Patancheru 502 324, IN

Abstract

Soil health diagnosis in nearly 100,000 farmers' fields under 'Bhoochetana' initiative in Karnataka showed widespread soil degradation. Soil mapping-based fertilizer management was an effective entry-point intervention to take most farmers on-board to initiate the process of upgrading agriculture. Soils of the farmers' fields showed low levels of micro- and secondary nutrients such as zinc (Zn) (55%), boron (B) (62%) and sulphur (S) (52%) in addition to that of phosphorus (P) (41%), potassium (K) (23%) and soil organic carbon (C) (52%). Soil mapping-based fertilizer management recorded significant productivity benefits that varied from 25% to 47% in cereals, 28% to 37% in pulses and 22% to 48% in oilseed crops. In terms of economics, a rupee spent on soil test-based fertility management brought returns of Rs 3 to Rs 15. Similarly, the participatory trials showed that the use of high yielding varieties of sorghum, pearl millet, finger millet, groundnut, soybean, castor, pigeonpea and chickpea enhanced productivity by 30% to 123%. The tangible benefits through soil mapping and variety based interventions have enhanced the risk-taking ability of farmers to invest in technologies based on use of soil testing and use of improved cultivars of crops. The adoption of simple knowledge-based technologies as entry point interventions along with policy reorientation to ensure knowledge sharing and availability of needed inputs at village level, enabled in a period of four years (2009-2013) to outreach more than 5 million families in Karnataka to transfer improved technologies in more than 7 million ha area. The study indicates that knowledge-based entry point interventions like soil mapping and improved varieties targeted at providing simple solutions are the best options for quick benefits and rapportbuilding with the majority farmers to initiate a collective action for technological upgradation of dry land agriculture.

Keywords

Impact, Knowledge-Based Entry Point, Participatory Research, Productivity.

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Swati Chaudhury ¹, T. Bhattacharyya ¹, Suhas P. Wani ¹, D. K. Pal ², K. L. Sahrawat ¹, Ankush Nimje ¹, P. Chandran ², M. V. Venugopalan ³, B. Telpande ²

Affiliations
1 International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics, Patancheru 502 324, IN
2 National Bureau of Soil Survey and Land Use Planning, Amravati Road, Nagpur 440 010, IN
3 Central Institute for Cotton Research, Nagpur 440 010, IN

Abstract

Soil organic carbon (SOC) and rainfall are generally positively related, whereas a negative relationship between soil inorganic carbon (SIC) and rainfall with some exception is observed. Land use pattern in black soil region (BSR) of the semi-arid tropical (SAT) India, consists of 80% under agriculture, followed by forest, horticulture, wasteland and permanent fallow. For sustainable agriculture on these soils, there is a concern about their low OC status, which warrants fresh initiatives to enhance their OC status by suitable management interventions. In the BSR region, cotton, soybean and cereal-based systems dominate but it is not yet clear as to which cropping system in the SAT black soils is most suitable for higher OC sequestration. Many short-term experiments on cotton or cereal-based systems clearly suggest that cotton or cereal-based cropping systems including leguminous crops perform better in terms of SOC sequestration whereas soybean-legume combination do not add any substantial amount of OC. In sub-humid bioclimatic zones (1053-1209 mm mean annual rainfall), soybean is grown successfully with wheat or fallowing, and SOC concentration is maintained at 0.75% in the 0.30 m soil layer under integrated nutrient management. In view of enhancement and maintenance of OC in many shortterm experiments conducted in various agro-climate zones of SAT, it is realized that OC accumulation in soils of the semi-arid ecosystem with suitable cropping and management practices could be substantial especially in cotton-pigeon pea rotation, and thus the discussed crop rotations in each major bio-climatic zone stand for wide acceptance by the SAT farmers.

Keywords

Land Use and Cropping Systems, Rainfall, Soil Carbon, Vertisol and Associated Soils.

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Gajanan L. Sawargaonkar ¹, Suhas P. Wani ¹

Affiliations
1 ICRISAT Development Centre, International Crops Research Institute for the Semi Arid Tropics, Patancheru 502 324, IN

Abstract

Sweet sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) is a smart biofuel crop, which can be grown under tropical rainfed conditions without sacrificing food and fodder security. Three sweet sorghum cultivars (viz. ICSA 52 × SPV 1411, CSH 22 SS and ICSV 93046) were grown under six nitrogen levels (0, 30, 60, 90, 120, 150 kg ha^-1) on Vertisols during two rainy (kharif) seasons at ICRISAT, Patancheru, India. The results from two-year trial indicated that out of three sweet sorghum cultivars evaluated, sweet sorghum hybrid CSH 22 SS produced highest green stalk (46.90 t ha^-1) and ethanol yield (1940 l ha^-1) compared to other cultivars. The three cultivars responded well to applied N doses up to 150 kg ha^-1, however, application of N beyond 90 kg ha^-1 did not result in any significant increase in grain yield and economic returns. Net economic returns of Rs 32,898 ha^-1 (US$ 601.21 ha^-1) were significantly higher with 90 kg N ha^-1 application as compared to other levels of fertilization. It is concluded that for obtaining the highest green stalk yield, ethanol yield and thereby maximum economic returns, sweet sorghum cultivar, viz. CSH 22 SS should be fertilized with 90 kg N ha^-1.

Keywords

Economic Returns, Nitrogen, Potential Ethanol Yield, Sweet Sorghum.

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Kaushal K. Garg ¹, Suhas P. Wani ¹, Mukund D. Patil ¹

Affiliations
1 ICRISAT Development Centre, International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics, Patancheru 502 324, IN

Abstract

In the semi-arid tropics (SAT) farmers practice calendar- based irrigation scheduling, which generally results in over irrigation and poor water use efficiency. The lack of a simple decision tool to decide timing and quantity of water to be applied is a bottleneck. An Excel-based decision support system termed Water Impact Calculator (WIC) is developed using data collected at the ICRISAT, which were validated at three pilot sites on farmers' fields in Rajasthan, Gujarat and Telangana. Field studies were conducted under two land-form treatments (broad bed and furrow (BBF) and flat fields); and irrigation water was applied following two different methods (drip and flood). The data collected at micro-watershed at the ICRISAT and three other sites showed that WIC could be used under wide range of soil and rainfall conditions. WIC simulated soil moisture was comparable with the observed moisture data, which forms the basis of irrigation scheduling. The WIC-based water balance at these experimental sites showed that number and amount of irrigation could be reduced by 30-40% using WIC-based irrigation scheduling without compromising the crop yield. The WIC could be a potential tool for water resources planning and efficient management at the field and watershed scale in the SAT.

Keywords

Consumptive Water Use, Semi-Arid Tropics, Water Impact Calculator, Irrigation Scheduling, Water Balance.

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Mukund D. Patil ¹, Suhas P. Wani ¹, Kaushal K. Garg ¹

Affiliations
1 International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics, Patancheru 502 324, IN

Abstract

Large variability and uncertainty of rainfall are the main limiting factors for crop growth in rainfed agriculture. Agriculture water management interventions are considered as suitable adoption strategy to enhance crop yield, productivity and income in rainfed condition. Three-year experimental data collected at the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi- Arid Tropics, Patancheru, India are analysed to study the impact of in-situ interventions (tillage and crop residue) on field water balance and grain yield under the two different cropping systems (maize + chickpea sequential and maize/pigeon pea intercropping). One dimensional water balance model is calibrated to capture field hydrology (soil water, surface runoff). Weather data calibrated for 36 years showed that incorporating crop residues reduced surface runoff by 28% compared to control fields. However, the impact of tillage and residue treatment on soil water was not consistent throughout the growing period. Water productivity values for intercropping systems (WUE = 0.61 to 1.49 kg m^-3) were relatively higher compared to sequential cropping systems (WUE = 0.47 to 1.06 kg m^-3). Second crop in sequential cropping system often suffered from water stress that led to poor crop yield. However, a few rain events at the end of the monsoon period were beneficial to second crop. Simulation results indicated that the conservation agriculture could save up to 30% yield loss incurred due to water stress during deficit rainfall compared to conventional agricultural practices.

Keywords

Conservation Agriculture, Crop Residue, Minimum Tillage, Rainfed Agriculture, Semi-Arid Tropics, Soil Water Balance, Vertisols.

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Kiran J. Petare ¹, Jitendra Nayak ², Vartika Jaini ³, Suhas P. Wani ¹

Affiliations
1 International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics, Patencheru 502 324, IN
2 Harsha Trust, Bhubaneshwar 751 001 (now with Sir Dorabji Tata Trust, Bhubaneshwar), IN
3 Collectives for Integrated Livelihood Initiatives (CInI), Jamshedpur 831 011, IN

Abstract

Agriculture is the major livelihood source of 75% of the population residing in the rural areas of Jharkhand. Agricultural production is not able to meet the demand, leading to food and nutritional security as a major challenge in the state. A majority of Jharkhand population is below poverty line. This calls for an urgent attention of the policy makers to undertake productivity enhancement initiatives considering the land, water and human resources. The potential of agriculture needs to be harnessed through science-led development using systematic planning and promoting holistic solutions. A new paradigm of science-led participatory research for development and holistic approach along with enabling policies and intuitions are needed to address the food and nutritional security along with improved livelihoods of the rural people. The present paper assesses the current resource base in Jharkhand, the potential of which could be harnessed. An effort is also made to analyse future scenarios based on the trends of population growth in the state. Business as usual approach would not be effective to meet the demand and to reduce the poverty.

Keywords

Food Security, Jharkhand, Livelihood, Poverty, Sustainable Development.

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T. Bhattacharyya ¹, D. K. Pal ², Suhas P. Wani ¹, K. L. Sahrawat ¹

Affiliations
1 ICRISAT Development Center, International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), Patancheru 502 324, IN
2 Formerly at National Bureau of Soil Survey and Land use Planning, Nagpur 440 033, IN

Abstract

Soils in the semi-arid tropics (SAT) are subject to chemical degradation mostly due to climatic reasons which make the pedo-environment hostile to form calcium carbonate. This triggers an overall deterioration of soil properties affecting its physical and chemical parameters. Such soils require management interventions which may include chemical and other phytoremediation process. The present paper details this process of degradation in light of resilience of these soils of SAT.

Keywords

Chemical Degradation, SAT, Soil Properties, Soil Resilience.

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Swati Chaudhury ¹, Kanwar L. Sahrawat ¹, K. Srinivasu ¹, Suhas P. Wani ¹, Naveen Puppala ²

Affiliations
1 International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics, Patancheru 502 324, IN
2 New Mexico State University, Agricultural Science Center at Clovis, 2346 SR 288, Clovis, NM-88101, US

Abstract

A lot of research has been done in developing groundnut cultivars with high-quality oil. As a result, methods for routinely determining oil content and quality have been developed and utilized. However, groundnut is also a source of protein, and obviously, there is a need to develop a rapid, accurate and economic method that can be routinely used for screening a large number of groundnut cultivars for protein content.

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Tapas Bhattacharyya ¹, Suhas P. Wani ², K. L. Sahrawat , D. K. Pal ²

Affiliations
1 Dr Balasaheb Sawant Konkan Krishi Vidyapeeth, Dapoli 415 712, IN
2 ICRISAT Development Centre, International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics, Hyderabad 502 324, IN

Abstract

Soil and water form the basis of all terrestrial life. Their resources vary widely and are affected by natural and anthropogenic perturbations. Ancient civilizations and cultures emerged and sustained on good soils; and some of them went into oblivion when soil and water resources were degraded irreversibly. Even during the contemporary period, good-quality soil and water resources form a powerful engine of economic development and ensured food security.

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Suhas P. Wani ¹

Affiliations
1 Yashodeep, Plot # 121, Sri Colony, Ramakrishnapuram P.O., Secunderabad 500 056, IN

Abstract

No Abstract.

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