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K. Manikandan , S. Natarajan , R. Sivasamy , M. Sankar , K. S. Dadhwal

Abstract

Soil resources of the coastal region of Cuddalore district of Tamilnadu were evaluated to assess the productivity rating for field crops, pastures, agroforestry, forestry and other tree crops. The soil resources were inventoried using remote sensing approach. The IRS 1D PAN merged LISS III data at 1:50,000 scale was used for pre-field interpretations. The soils mapped were evaluated for its productivity for agricultural, pasture, agroforestry, forestry and other tree crops. The texture of the soils varied from sandy to clayey due to the coastal sand dune landforms (72%). Loam (Arasanatham, Srinivasapuram and Mangadu series) and clay soil (Kondal series) occupied 16 and 3%, respectively which falls under alluvium landform. The mean pH of the soils ranged from 6.79 to 8.29. The neutral soil phase (6.5 to 7.5) was recorded in Mahabalipuram, Vandiyampalayam, Padugai, Pulavanur and Arasanatham series which occupied 58% (4905 ha) of the study area. The remaining soil series exhibited alkaline pH ranging from 7.85 to 8.29 (3688 ha; 42%). The study revealed that 71, 16 and 3 % of the area falls under Entisols, Inceptisols and Veritsols, respectively.

Keywords

Coastal Lands, Remote Sensing, Productivity Rating, Soil Resource Inventory

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K. Manikandan , S. Natarajan , R. Sivasamy , M. Sankar , K. S. Dadhwal

Abstract

This research work was aimed to study the spatial and temporal changes in groundwater quality of the coastal region of Cuddalore district, Tamil Nadu. The study was conducted during 2006 for which the coastal area was divided in to three zones based on 1.5 km spatial distance from sea. The groundwater was collected from 27 representative shallow wells for the whole year with three-month interval representing different seasons. The water samples collected were characterized for its chemical composition as well as electro-che mical properties. Based on the chemical composition, different quality parameters were arrived. The results revealed that 88 per cent of the wells recorded for slightly alkaline p^H ranging from 7.6 to 7.9 with electrical conductivity varying froml.l to 4.0 dS m^-1. The sodium and magnesium hazard was higher in most of the wells. Seawater intrusion is the key factor, which decides the quality of groundwater in this coastal zone. Natural rainfall is the next most important factor which balances the negative effects of seawater intrusion. In total, the grolIDdwater quality of this coastal zone was poor during swnm.er and optimum during monsoon and post monsoon seasons which necessitates that sufficient care may be taken when using this water for agricuJtura1/agroforestry/fOrestry/other land use purposes.

Keywords

Ground Water Quality, Coastal Region. Seawater Intrusion, Spatial Variation. Temporal Variation

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S. Kumara ¹, M. Sankar ², V. Sethuramana ¹, A. Musthak ²

Affiliations
1 Multiplex Biotech Pvt. Ltd., KHT Complex, Andarasanahalli, Tumkur, Karnataka-572 016, IN
2 University of Agricultural Science, G.K.V.K. Campus, Hebbal, Bangalore, Karnataka-560 024, IN

Abstract

Faunal composition of scarabaeids associated with rose cultivation in Bangalore districts of Karnataka (India) was investigated. During the field survey, thirteen species of scarabaeid beetles belonging to nine genera representing three sub families: Melolonthinae, Rutelinae, and Cetoniinae were recorded. Maximum of five species belong to subfamily Melolonthinae and each three species belong to Rutelinae, and Cetoniinae. Among the identified species, Holotrichia seerata, Schizonycha ruficollis, Anomala bengalensis, and Adoretus versutus were found to be the most dominant leaf feeders and Maladera sp. and Apogonia ferruginea was found to be infesting more on flowers on rose. The scarabaeids adults' emergence began after the 1^st rain in April and it was continued up to the last week of September in Bangalore condition. Maximum numbers of adults were recorded between 19.00 and 19.30 hrs and thereafter no emergence/ a little emergence was noticed from each species of scarabaeids. The degree of leaf damage caused by H. seerata, S. ruficollis, and A. versutus were significantly more on rose leaf irrespective of presence or absence of flowers. The outcome of the study may be helpful in pest management especially of rose plantation.

Keywords

Beetles, Rose, Floriculture, Pest Management

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M. Sankar ¹, V. Sethuraman ², M. Palaniyandi ², J. S. Prasad ¹

Affiliations
1 Directorate of Rice Research, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh-560001, IN
2 Department of Biotechnology, Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu-620024, IN

Abstract

Pathogenic effect of an indigenous entomopathogenic nematode, Heterorhabditis indica and commercial biopesticides of three fungal pathogens (M. anisopliae, B. bassiana and T. viride), one antagonistic bacteria (P. fluorescence), and two neem based biopesticides (Neem and Nimor) were tested on the Greater wax moth, Galleria mellonella larva under laboratory condition. The efficacy of the biopesticides was tested individually or in combination with H. indica. Pathogenic interaction on G. mellonella larva by H. indica and biopesticides was assessed at every twelve hour interval after storage. Significant differences in the percentage of larval mortality were determined among the biopesticide treatments. When tested in isolation, B. bassiana imposed greater mortality on host larva (40%) when compared to other biopesticides; while P. fluorescence and H. indica combination proved to be the most efficient causing 100% mortality on G. mellonella after 24 h of storage. Progeny produced by H. indica on single G. mellonella was found to be more (140108 IJs/larva) in the combination treatment with T. viride. Pathogenicity influence of H. indica when exposed with other biopesticides on host larva, have proved to be more virulent and compatible. The results on pathogenicity of entomopathogenic nematode- H. indica on G. mellonella larvae are a novelty in the field of biological control. Understanding the interactions between entomopathogenic nematodes and other soil microorganisms may be the key for success in IPM programme.

Keywords

Heterorhabditis Indica, Galleria Mellonella, Biopesticides, Biological Control

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K. Divya ¹, M. Sankar ¹

Affiliations
1 Multiplex Biotech Pvt. Ltd., Andarasanahalli, Tumkur, Karnataka-570 106, IN

Abstract

Naturally occurring entomopathogenic nematodes and their symbiotic bacteria are important biotic factor in suppression of insect pest populations in soil and cryptic habitats. The virulent species of these nematodes are commercially produced as biological control agents all over the world encompassing North America, Europe, Asia and Australia in glasshouse crops, orchards, ornamentals, turf, lawn, and forestry. India has a great potential to exploit these beneficial nematodes for the suppression of insect pests. Recent emphasis on mass production and formulation technologies of these nematodes in India stresses a need to implement safer and effective pest control methods. This article provides an overview of recent development on formulation and commercialization of entomopathogenic nematodes, and evaluates their potential exploitation in India.

Keywords

Entomopathogenic Nematodes, Insect Pests, Biological Control, Commercial Use

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K. Divya ¹, K. N. Marulasiddesha ², K. Krupanidhi ¹, M. Sankar ³

Affiliations
1 T-John College of Pharmacy, Kammanahalli, Bangalore, KA, IN
2 College of Agriculture, University of Agricultural Science, Dharwad, KA, IN
3 University of Agriculture Science, GKVK Campus, Bangalore, KA, IN

Abstract

Sorghum stem borer, Chilo partellus Swinhoe is one of the serious pests of sorghum and maize crops in Asia and throughout East and South Africa. In India, it is becoming as the most damaging insect pest particularly in Dharwad region of north Karnataka by causing economic losses during kharif and rabi seasons. The observations on population dynamics of egg masses, larvae, pupae, number of plant damaged and parasitic interactions of natural enemies with larvae and pupae of C. partellus were recorded at weekly interval at Dharwad (Karnataka). The stem borer population was significantly higher in kharif than in rabi-summer crop. The larval parasitoid, Cotesia flavipes was found to be very active in kharif season and maximum parasitization of 29% was recorded in November whereas Sturmiopsis inferens was prevalent during rabi-summer crop and maximum parasitization of 28% was recorded during February. A population of 2% pupal parasitoid, Tetrastichus sp., was also recorded during kharif season.

Keywords

Biological Control, Chilo Partellus, Population Dynamics, Stem Borer

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M. Seethalakshmi ¹, M. Sankar ¹

Affiliations
1 Gandhigram Rural University, Gandhigram - 624 302, Dindigul District, Tamil Nadu, IN

Abstract

Whey is one of the most important byproducts of the dairy industry, obtained from paneer, channa and casein making, in India, cheese manufacturing is In an expanding stage. Three million tonnes of whey are produced annually in India containing about 0.2 million tonnes of valuable milk nutrients. However, their use has not yet been appropriately commercialized. Whey contains about 6 to 7 per cent of total solids comprising of approximately 70 per cent of lactose, 0.9 per cent of protein and trace amount of water soluble vitamins, minerals and fat.

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M. Sankar ¹, K. S. Dadhwal ¹

Affiliations
1 Division of Soil Science and Agronomy, Central Soil and Water Conservation Research and Training Institute, Kaulagarh Road, Dehradun (Uttarakhand), IN

Abstract

Four typical pedons representing agriculture, forage and tree crops land uses were studied in red soil region (Kutturavupatti village of Sivagangai district) of Tamil Nadu during 2005-06. Soils were characterized for important morphological, physical and chemical characteristics to define limitations for vegetation establishment at village level. Based on soil characteristics four soil series viz., Sivagangai (P₁), Melapoongudi (P₂), Tamarakki (P₃) and Keelapoongudi (P₄) were identified and named. All the soils were found deep in depth and have subangular blocky structure in surface and sub surface. The soils texture varied from loamy sand to clay. Among the pedons, more than 70% gravels were recoreded in pedon 1, whereas more than 10 % free CaCO₃ and high pH of 8.3 was found in pedon 3. The bulk density, available soil moisture, organic carbon and cation exchange capacity ranged from 1.11 to 1.33 Mgm^-3, 4.2 to 16.2%, 0.11 to 0.60% and 8.79 to 41.47 c mol (p⁺) kg^-1, respectively. The order of dominance of exchangeable bases was Ca²⁺>Mg²⁺>Na⁺>K⁺. The soils were classified into alfisol (pedon 1 and 4) and Inceptisol (pedon 2 and 3) as per USDA system of classification.

Keywords

Characterization, Classification, Red Soils.

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M. Sankar ¹, K. S. Dadhwal ²

Affiliations
1 Division of Soil Science and Agronomy, Central Soil and Water Conservation Research and Training Institute, Dehradun (Uttarakhand), IN
2 Division of Soil Science and Agronomy, Central Soil and Water Conservation Research and Training Institute, Kaulagarh Road, Dehradun (Uttarakhand), IN

Abstract

Vertical distributions of available macro and micro nutrients cations in soil pedons (Sivagangai, Melapoongudi, Tamarakki and Keelapoongudi series) from red soil region (Kutturavupatti village, Sivagangai district, Tamilnadu) were studied. The soil texture varied from loamy sand to clay and bulk density ranged from 1.11 to 1.33 Mgm^-3. Organic carbon was more in surface than subsurface and pH of soil ranged from 5.5 to 8.3. The available nitrogen in soil was low (<280 kg) in all the pedons which ranged from 28 to 117 kg ha^-1 and its distribution was found decreasing with increasing depth. The available phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) content in soil was low to high (P 5.3 to 25.2 kg ha^-1 and K 87 to 574 kg ha^-1) in all the pedons. The available Fe, Mn, Zn and Cu contents in soil ranged from 6.2 to 71.8, 2.6 to 15.4, 0.8 to 11.5 and 1.6 to 29.2 ppm, respectively. The available micronutrients content of these soils were in the order of Fe>Mn>Zn>Cu.

Keywords

Available Macronutrients, DTPA Extractable Micronutrients, Soil Fertility.

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M. Sankar ¹, S. M. Green ², P. K. Mishra ¹, J. T. C. Snoalv ², N. K. Sharma ¹, K. Karthikeyan ³, J. Somasundaram ⁴, D. M. Kadam ¹, D. Dinesh ⁵, Suresh Kumar ⁶, V. Kasthuri Thilagam ⁷

Affiliations
1 ICAR-Indian Institute of Soil and Water Conservation, Dehradun - 248 195, IN
2 College of Life and Environmental Science, University of Exeter, Exeter, EX4 4RJ, GB
3 ICAR-National Bureau of Soil Survey and Land Use Planning, Nagpur - 440 033, IN
4 ICAR-Indian Institute of Soil Science, Nabibagh, Bhopal - 462 038, IN
5 ICAR- Indian Institute of Soil and Water Conservation, Research Centre, Vasad, Anand - 388 306, IN
6 ISRO-Indian Institute of Remote Sensing, Dehradun - 248 001, IN
7 ICAR-Indian Institute of Soil and Water Conservation, Research Centre, Udhagamandalam - 643 004, IN

Abstract

Soil degradation induced by erosion represents a major threat to food production and ecosystem service globally, and in India more than 80 Mha have been impacted. In the light of the serious threat, there is a pressing need for a systematic nationwide assessment of land degradation due to erosion. We discuss the potential for using caesium-137 and lead-210 tracers to address this need and the next steps to realizing nationwide implementation.

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Saswat Kumar Kar ¹, Suresh Kumar ², M. Sankar ³, S. Patra ³, R. M. Singh ⁴, S. S. Shrimali ³, P. R. Ojasvi ³

Affiliations
1 ICAR-Indian Institute of Soil and Water Conservation, Dehradun 248 195, India; Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221 005, IN
2 Indian Institute of Remote Sensing, Indian Space Research Organization, Dehradun 248 001, IN
3 ICAR-Indian Institute of Soil and Water Conservation, Dehradun 248 195, IN
4 Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221 005, IN

Abstract

The conservation and sustainability of natural resources, particularly soil and water, are crucial for agricultural yield and livelihood. Soil erosion models simulate the influence of existing farm management patterns as well as soil conservation interventions affecting soil erosion rates and accordingly recommend appropriate management techniques. The erosion models might be helpful for forecasting soil erosion, sediment load and evaluating the effectiveness of conservation measures. Although numerous empirical, conceptual or physical process-based models are used to study soil erosion, they differ in respect of input data requirements, representation of physical processes, sediment yield, and limitations due to their spatial and temporal variations. Due to limitations in empirical models in describing the erosion process, some pro­cess-based models may be used to quantify the state of soil erosion in a region. Before use, the available erosion models must be evaluated and validated for local circumstances. In this respect, the present study has been carried out to provide a critical review of various soil erosion models used worldwide, having different climatic parameters for determining soil erosion rate, run-off and sediment yield status.

Keywords

Conservation measures, natural resources, process-based models, run-off, sediment yield, soil erosion.

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