The Annals of Arid Zone is totally devoted to dryland and arid zone research. The Journal accepts the original research and review articles covering diverse fields like dryland agriculture, crop management, soil-plant-water relationship, range ecology and management, solar energy utilization, desertification, rangelands, sand dunes, livestock, agroforestry, wind erosion, watershed management, biodiversity, integrated farming systems, climate change, hydrology, etc. publishes the findings of research relevant to dryland in general and arid zone in particular.
Arid Zone Research Association of India, Jodhpur (Rajasthan)
Enhanced Production of Indole-3-Acetic Acid by Bacillus Strains Using Immobilized Cell Systems on AMBERJET® 4200 for Potential Application as Agricultural Bioinoculants
Plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) play a pivotal role in sustainable agriculture through the production of phytohormones such as indole-3-acetic acid (IAA). Among them, Bacillus spp. Are particularly noted for their metabolic versatility and environmental resilience. This study aimed to compare IAA production by free-living versus immobilized Bacillus strains (RC9 and RC15), isolated from coffee rhizospheres, using AMBERJET® 4200 Cl- as a porous solid support. The strains were cultured in a minimal medium supplemented with tryptophan, and IAA synthesis was quantified via colorimetric (Salkowski reagent) and thin-layer chromatography (TLC) methods. Immobilized cells demonstrated significantly higher IAA yields and specific productivity compared to their free-cell counterparts (p < 0.05), even when cell density was suboptimal levels. Notably, the RC9 immobilized derivative outperformed all experimental set ups, suggesting enhanced bioconversion efficiency and possible activation of endogenous biosynthetic pathways. These findings underscore the potential of immobilization technology to optimize microbial auxin production and contribute to the development of bioinoculants for sustainable crop management.
indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB), cell immobilization, bioinoculants
Copyright (c) 2026 Freddy Castillo-Alfonso, Mickel Palomino, Jorge González-Bacerio, Alberto del Monte Martínez, Marcia M. Rojas, Roberto Olivares-Hernández https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Green Insecticidal Approach: Toxicity of Peganum harmala Fixed Oil against Tribolium castaneum
This study investigated the insecticidal effect of the fixed oil of Peganum harmala L., collected from the Reguiba region in Oued Souf Province, against the stored-product pest Tribolium castaneum (Herbst, 1797). The fixed oil was extracted from the seeds using a Soxhlet apparatus, yielding 24.33%, whereas mechanical cold pressing produced an exceptionally higher yield of 30.13%. Bioassays were conducted using two methods: direct contact and fumigation. Three concentrations (2.5, 5, and 10 μl mL-1) were tested, with three replicates for each. In direct contact tests, mortality reached 100% after 24 h at 2.5 and 5 μl mL-1, and 90% after 6 h at 10 μl mL-1, with a median lethal concentration (LC50) of 2.34 μl mL-1 after 12 h. During fumigation, 100% mortality was observed after 48 h at 5 μl mL-1 and after 24 h at 10 μl mL-1, with an LC50 of 7.52 μl mL-1 after 12 h. Mortality data were analyzed using probit analysis and corrected with Abbott’s formula. These results demonstrate that the toxicity of P. harmala fixed oil is both dose- and time-dependent, as adult T. castaneum mortality increased progressively with higher concentrations and longer exposure periods. Overall, the study highlights the potential of P. harmala fixed oil as a natural biopesticide for the management of major stored-product pests.
Fixed oil, Peganum harmala, Tribolium castaneum, stored-product pest, contact toxicity, insecticidal activity
Copyright (c) 2026 Alayat Moufida Saoucen, Mouane Aicha, Guezzoun Nassima, Assas Fouad, Serrage Nassima, Gheid Samira, Henni Meriem , Chikha Maria, Bendali-Saoudi Fatiha https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Multivariate Assessment of Genetic Variation and Trait Associations in Moth bean (Vigna aconitifolia Jacq.)
Genetic variability, trait associations, and genetic divergence was studied among 49 moth bean genotypes. Analysis of variance showed significant genetic variation for most of the growth and yield-related traits. Correlation analysis revealed strong positive associations of total pods, clusters, and reproductive traits on branches with seed yield, while test weight was largely independent, allowing simultaneous improvement of yield and seed size. Principal component analysis explained 67.4% of total variability with the first two components; PC1 highlighted reproductive traits driving yield variation, and PC2 emphasized seed size and pod distribution. Leveraging these results, three PCA-based multi-trait selection indices—Yield Index, Seed Size Index, and Architecture Index—were constructed using respective trait loadings to streamline simultaneous selection of complex traits aligned with breeding objectives. Cluster analysis using Mahalanobis D² distances and Ward’s minimum variance method grouped genotypes into five distinct clusters revealing substantial genetic divergence. Unique genotypes in single-genotype clusters offer valuable genetic resources for broadening crop diversity. This integrative approach combining phenotypic variance, multivariate analysis, and genetic clustering provides a robust framework for effective parent selection and accelerated genetic gain in moth bean.
Genetic variability, moth bean, multi - trait selection indices, principal component analysis, trait associations
Copyright (c) 2026 Khushwant B. Choudhary, Hans Raj Mahla, Ramavtar Sharma https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
The Saharan Desert: Climate, Terrain and Contemporary Perspectives
The Sahara Desert, the largest hot desert on earth, represents a complex system shaped by geological evolution, atmospheric circulation and human interactions. This review synthesizes available knowledge on its origin, climate, geomorphology, hydrology, soils, vegetation and socio-economic conditions, with emphasis on recent environmental changes. Geological evidence suggests that aridity in North Africa dates back to the Miocene, with pronounced humid-arid oscillations during the Quaternary driven by orbital forcing and monsoonal variability. The region is characterized by extremely low rainfall, high temperature variability and dominance of aeolian processes. Despite limited water availability, fossil aquifers and external river systems support sparse populations and localized agriculture. Emerging challenges include climate change, desertification, groundwater depletion and socio-economic transitions. Future projections indicate regionally variable responses, highlighting the need for integrated management strategies.
Sahara Desert, aridity, climate variability, agriculture, groundwater, desertification
Copyright (c) 2026 P. C. Moharana https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Genetic Divergence and Multivariate Analysis of Isabgol Genotypes for Yield-Related Traits in Arid Environments
Isabgol is a commercially significant medicinal crop cultivated for its valuable seed husk, but its productivity in arid environments remains constrained by limited genetic diversity. To cope up with this limitation, 25 genotypes were examined with the objective of assessing genetic variability and identifying high-performing genotypes for yield enhancement in the present study under arid conditions, including two checks (GI-4 and VI-3). A broad spectrum of genetic variability was observed among the isabgol genotypes for yield and related traits. Genotype CZI-24-1 recorded higher seed yield (23.72 g), whereas CZI-24-20 demonstrated superior performance for key yield-contributing traits, including the number of seeds per spike (134.17), number of spikes per plant (127.78), and spike length (8.19 cm). Multivariate analyses using Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and cluster analysis identified genotypes CZI-24-6 and CZI-24-16 as potential candidates for yield enhancement, whereas CZI-24-20, CZI-24-23, and CZI-24-21 demonstrated superior performance for key yield-contributing traits. The genotype CZI-24-16 displayed a unique expression of white-color spikes, representing the first documented occurrence of this trait in isabgol. PCA and correlation analyses indicated that spike morphology traits such as spike length, spikes per plant, and seeds per spike, were the major determinants of yield variability; whereas seed yield per plant contributed independently with limited association to other yield traits. These findings revealed the significant genetic diversity, offering a foundation for selecting elite genotypes of isabgol. However, multilocation and multiyear testing is needed to confirm their stability and adaptability.
Copyright (c) 2026 Khushwant B. Choudhary, Laxman Singh Rajput https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Future of Soil Science under Present Scenario
Soil is a critical natural resource central to food security, climate regulation, carbon sequestration, and ecosystem sustainability, yet soil science remains underprioritized in modern research and policy. With soils storing more carbon than atmospheric and vegetative pools combined, improving carbon flux quantification and sequestration strategies is increasingly urgent. The future of soil science depends on integrating artificial intelligence, machine learning, nanotechnology, remote sensing, and data analytics to enhance soil characterization, digital mapping, precision nutrient management, and real-time monitoring.
Copyright (c) 2026 J. C. Tarafdar https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Hot Arid Environment of Saharan and Sub-Saharan Africa from Fragmented Innovations to Coherent Resilience: Why Arid-Zone Science Must Rethink Development Pathways in the Sahara and Sub-Saharan Africa
Hot arid and semi-arid regions occupy a substantial proportion of the African continent, with the Sahara and Sub-Saharan arid zones representing some of the most environmentally constrained yet socially significant landscapes on Earth. These regions are characterized by chronic water scarcity, high temperature variability, fragile soils, episodic vegetation cover, and complex socio-economic systems that are deeply dependent on natural resources. For decades, scientific and development efforts have framed these environments primarily as problem spaces-zones of limitation, risk, and deficit. Over the past two decades, however, research on hot arid environments has expanded rapidly, generating an unprecedented body of scientific knowledge. Advances in environmental monitoring, agronomic experimentation, ecological assessment, and socio-economic analysis have transformed our understanding of how arid systems function and respond to stress. Yet, despite this progress, development outcomes on the ground remain uneven, fragile, and often unsustainable. This opinion paper argues that the central challenge facing arid-zone development today is no longer technological scarcity or scientific ignorance. Instead, it is the persistent failure to integrate diverse forms of knowledge into coherent, system-level frameworks capable of supporting long-term resilience under extreme constraints. Using the Sahara and Sub-Saharan arid regions as a focal system, the paper calls for a shift in scientific reasoning-from fragmented innovation toward integrated resilience thinking.
Copyright (c) 2026 Mohammed FACI https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Therapeutic Assessment of Diminazene Aceturate and Imidocarb Dipropionate against Bovine Babesiosis
The goal of the current study was to document the effectiveness of various antiparasitic medications in treating babesiosis in cattle from January 2023 and December 2024. Microscopic examination of stained blood smears revealed an overall prevalence of babesiosis was 21.87% (105/480), while the PCR, which targeted the 18s rRNA gene by creating an amplified product of 733 bp, revealed an overall prevalence of 38.54% (185/480). Thirty cattle with babesiosis were split into three groups and in each group ten cattle for the purpose of therapeutic evaluation. Cattle under Group 1 received injection of diminazene aceturate, under Group 2 received injection of imidocarb dipropionate, and under Group 3 received injections of both diminazene aceturate and imidocarb dipropionate in addition to comparable symptomatic and supportive therapy. On the first, third, seventh, and fourteenth days of treatment, post-therapeutic evaluations were conducted. When evaluating the clinical examination, hematological and biochemical analysis, no notable differences were observed in between the groups. However, a noteworthy distinction was observed in the decrease of parasitemia status both with-in the groups and in-between groups. Cattle under Group 3 which received both diminazene aceturate and imidocarb dipropionate, recovered earlier than cattle in other two groups which received single anti parasitic medication. Additionally, no recurrence was observed in cattle receiving combination therapy as opposed to those receiving either medication alone.
Babesia, cattle, treatment, diminazene aceturate, imidocarb dipropionate.
Copyright (c) 2025 Patteda Dhanamjayan, Bhavanam Sudhakara Reddy, Bollam Shobhamani, Sirigireddy Sivajothi https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
A Systematic Review on Silent Pollution: Pesticides and Antibiotics in Bee Products and their Health Implications
Bee products such as honey, beeswax, propolis, and royal jelly are highly regarded for their nutritional, medicinal, and economic significance; however, they are increasingly impacted by “silent pollution” resulting from pesticide and veterinary antibiotic residues. Although many studies have documented individual contaminants within specific matrices, a comprehensive understanding of their simultaneous occurrence, transfer mechanisms, persistence, and implications for human and ecosystem health remains incomplete. This review offers a thorough and current synthesis of pesticide and antibiotic contamination in various bee products, with specific focus on matrix-specific accumulation, bioavailability, and long-term persistence within colonies. In contrast to prior evaluations, this study rigorously synthesizes global residue data with analytical techniques, sampling methodologies, regulatory standards, and exposure pathways to underscore systemic deficiencies in monitoring and risk evaluation. The review additionally assesses the cumulative and synergistic impacts of chemical mixtures, correlating residue profiles with risks to consumer health, pollinator well-being, and ecosystem stability. By presenting bee products as both essential food commodities and bioindicators of environmental contamination, this review emphasizes the critical importance of establishing standardized monitoring programs, enhancing regulatory supervision, and implementing effective residue mitigation strategies. These insights offer a new framework to promote safer apicultural practices and inform evidence-based policy formulation.
Silent Pollution, Bee Products, Honey Residues, Food Safety and Chemicals, Veterinary antibiotics, Pesticides.
Copyright (c) 2026 Safia Ben Amor, Asma Abid, Maria Chikha, Ibrahim Elkhalil Behmene, Walid Boussebaa, Nour Elhouda-Mekhadmi, Samia Meliani, Magda H. Abdellattif https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
A Study of the Cereal Benches Based System for Protection of Soil in Algerian Oued Mellegue Tebessa Dry Lands
The study was intended to mitigate the destructive after-effects of erosion, where runoff water erodes the arable layers through the increased transport of soil particles. The study was conducted in Ain Zerga across 40 plots, covering an area of 405 hectares, during 2023 and 2024, with a focus on the dimensional evaluation of cereal beds. The evaluation mainly focused (a) on the durability of the structure, including the measurement of settlement, which indicates distribution and strength of resistance to climatic hazards, and (b) proportional sustainability and the interbank aspects. The height of benches, at 0.481± 0.086 m, and the length of 82.583 ± 24.203 m were influenced by height differences and the intensity of water flows. The retention of runoff water was influenced by the slope toward the natural spillway. Furthermore, the destructive intensity of the runoff, amplified by the sharp increase in altitude, was confirmed by statistically significant differences in the length, height, and number of cracks between the study sites (p-value = 0.000). The number of cracks per breach at the Gastel site (4.25 units) and Kef Mebdoua (3.917 units) was higher compared to Ain Zerga, Berket Frass, Ouled Mebarek, and Zlassde, where the number ranged from 0.750 to 1.583 units. The statistical significance in the number of cracks (p<0.001) signified that variation in cracks between the locations was due to the topographic steep slopes on site. The non-significant difference in width suggests that the observed differences could be due to the phenomenon of compaction following the annual infiltration of water on the ridges of cereal bench, plus the act of trampling constantly exercised by sheep and cattle herds when passing to the paths. This work proposed in this article is an attempt to structure a chain of impact analysis of risks and vulnerability of intensity via the sustainability of cereal bench carried out in the Tebessa region.
Copyright (c) 2024 As per Creative Commons Attribution-Non Commercial-Share Alike 4.0 International License. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Involvement of Women in Agriculture and Livestock Activities in Arid Region of Rajasthan, India
The present study was conducted in Ummednagar village of tehsil (Administrative unit) Mandor of Jodhpur district. The village was selected purposively under the transfer of technology program supported by CAZRI, Jodhpur. Data were collected from a sample of 50 farm women on activities related to agricultural production, livestock related activities, domestic works and role in decision making. Study revealed that there was a clear differentiation among activities performed by male and female members individually besides overlapping in few activities which they performed jointly. Regarding agricultural activities like field preparation bunding and clearing weeds, harvesting and transport of harvest, majority considered them as joint work. However in case of weeding (72.22%), threshing (52.78%) and winnowing (77.77%) females were more involved in these operations and involvement of male members was very less (16-33%). In case of livestock activities except heath care (13.88%) and marketing of produce (6.66%) women were always involved in all the other activities like fodder collection, drying, feeding, cleaning, milking, processing milk etc. Regarding different household works the contribution of women was very high (91.67-100%) except marketing for household provisions which was primarily done by the male members (58.33%) or jointly (41.66%). Regarding decision making in livestock, it is evident from the data that most of the decisions about breeding (66.66%), feeding (83.33%) as well as management of cattle were taken jointly (85.33%). In case of health parameters activities like consultation, vaccination and control of parasites were taken care by their male counterparts. In case of farm credit, investment of added profit and adoption of innovative technologies, the male counterparts dominated and participation of female members was very low or negligible. Key words: Decision making, livestock, household, agricultural activities, arid.
Copyright (c) 2018 Arid Zone Research Association of India https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Forage Productivity, Quality and Soil Nutrients Status of Guinea Grass (Panicum maximum Jacq.) based Pasture as Influenced by Legumes Intercropping and Weed Control
An experiment was conducted during 2007-2011 under rainfed conditions on sandy loam soil at Central Research Farm of Indian Grassland and Fodder Research Institute, Jhansi to study the effect of legumes intercropping and weed control on forage productivity, quality and soil nutrients status of Guinea grass based pasture in semi-arid conditions. The treatment comprised four legumes (Stylosanthes hamata, S. seabrana, Clitoria ternatea and Macroptillium atropurpureum) and four weed management practices (weedy check, hand weeding, weeding with weeder cum mulcher and pre-emergence application of pendimethalin @ 0.75 kg a.i. ha-1). Intercropping of Stylosanthes seabrana with Guinea grass produced significantly higher total dry forage yields (6.68 t ha-1) than Clitoria ternatea (5.41 t ha-1), Macroptillium atropurpureum (5.60 t ha-1) and S. hamata (6.29 t ha-1). Intercropping of S. seabrana with Guinea grass also recorded significantly higher total crude protein yield (582.0 kg ha-1) as compared to C. ternatea (457.7 kg ha-1) and M. atropurpureum (474.9 kg ha-1). In weed management practices, hand weeding 35 days after sowing in 1st year and 25 days after onset of monsoon rain from 2nd year onwards recorded significantly higher dry forage and crude protein yields of both Guinea grass (5.02 t ha-1 and 344.0 kg ha-1) and legumes (2.0 t ha-1 and 271.8 kg ha-1) than weedy check, pre-emergence application of pendimethalin @ 0.75 kg a.i. ha-1 and weeding with weeder cum mulcher. The intercropping of S. seabrana with Guinea grass recorded significant improvement in organic carbon (0.48%) and available nitrogen (228 kg ha-1) than C. ternatea and M. atropurpureum. Available nitrogen (226.2 kg ha-1), phosphorus (9.91 kg ha-1) and potash (195.8 kg ha-1) were also increased significantly in hand weeding plots than weedy check (211.3, 9.05 and 179.1 kg ha-1).
Copyright (c) 2017 Arid Zone Research Association of India https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Nutritional Status, Dietary Diversity and Household Food Security of Population in Arid Western Rajasthan
The study uses cross-sectional data of a sample of 350 individuals from two villages of Jodhpur district of western Rajasthan. This paper examines the socio-demographic characteristics, extent of food security, diet composition and diversity as well as nutritional status at the household level. To this end, subjective and objective measures like Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS) and Household Dietary Diversity Score (HDDS), 24-hr dietary recall and BMI were employed. Average HFIAS score of the villages were 0.83 and 0.90 representing 70-74% of population as food secure. Mild food insecurity was observed in the area specifically of qualitative nature rather than quantitative. Dietary diversity scores for the villages were 7.23 and 6.96. Per capita intake of calorie and protein were found 2001.04 kcal and 59.96 g, respectively. Dietary deficiency of fresh fruits and vegetables reflected in lower availability of beta-carotene and vitamin-C through the diet. Findings suggested that around 30% of the selected population was having low BMI and women were more prone to under nutrition compared to men.
Genetic Variability and Stability for Seed Yield Related Traits in Seed Purpose Watermelon Genotypes under Rainfed Situations of Hot Arid Zone
Forty one genotypes of seed purpose watermelon were evaluated under rainfed conditions of Jaisalmer for their seed yield stability during kharif 2011 to 2013. Among the genotypes variability was fairly conspicuous for seed size, shape, color and seed distribution pattern inside the fruit flesh. Number of fruits, fruit yield and seed yield per plant exhibited high heritability coupled with high genetic advance as per cent of mean. The analysis of variance showed significant differences among the genotypes and environments for seed yield and other contributory traits. Four genotypes viz., SKNK-683, SKNK-112, SKGPK-26 and SKGPK-30 remained stable over seasons, meanwhile genotypes viz., DRB-675, DRB-677, SKNK-665, SKNK-679, SKNK-903, SKGPK-22, SKGPK-24, SKGPK-31 and SPS-8 performed better in good rainfall year. These genotypes can be used in further breeding programs for development of high seed yield genotypes of watermelon for different situations of hot arid zone. Key words: Stability, seed purpose watermelon, rainfed, genetic parameters.
Inventory and Monitoring of Land Degradation Processes Using Space Data
Land degradation is one of the major environmental hazards, affecting the living conditions of millions of people all across the world. Inventory and monitoring of the land degradation status are the primary requirement in preparation of mitigation plan to combat land degradation. The present paper, therefore, aims at the creation of spatial inventory of land degradation processes using satellite data. Multi-season Landsat TM data of 30 m spatial resolution, pertaining to the years 1992, 2001 and 2016, have been analysed to prepare land degradation maps of Ballia district, Uttar Pradesh state in northern India. Monitoring and assessment of the desertification has been carried out for a period of 24 years. In this study, an attempt is made to monitor the changes in land degradation status during 1992 to 2016 by using multi-temporal satellite data. Water logging and sodicity in agricultural land are the major processes of land degradation active in Ballia district. Analysis of satellite data reveals that area under sodicity in agriculture land has increased from 23.04 km2 in 1992 to 25.08 km2 in 2016, while water logging in agricultural land has increased from 199.92 km2 in 1992 to 210.25 km2 in 2016. Key words: Land degradation, monitoring, multi-temporal, satellite data
Effect of 2009 Drought on Household Livelihoods in Laikipia West Sub-County, Kenya
Prolonged and severe drought has affected many parts of sub-Saharan Africa, resulting in increased cases of disease, hunger and destruction of habitats. This study assessed effects of drought on household livelihoods in Laikipia West sub-County in Kenya through a survey and in-depth interview. The study utilized household surveys (N=180) and Key Informant Interview (N=8) data and descriptive data analyses tools were used for data analyses. The 2009 drought led to reduced crop yields (32.5%) and crop failure (12.6%). With respect to cropped area and livestock, 26% of the respondent reported that about 75% of their crop area was impacted by drought while 78% of respondents reported few livestock death during the drought. The study recommends enhanced social programs to support households when they suffer losses due to drought as a coping mechanism. Policy on compensation by the Ministry of Environment and Natural resources and the county government of Laikipia will enable the affected households meet their basic needs just like those who are able to harvest crops. Key words: Severe drought, drought impact, household livelihood, enhanced compensation
Influence of Human, Livestock Population and Land use Systems on Soil Characteristics and Soil Organic Carbon Stock in Western Rajasthan
A study has been conducted during 2016-17 to estimate soil organic carbon stock in 0-30 cm soil depth as influenced by land use, spatial variations and human and livestock population for developing strategies to reduce land degradation and enhance carbon sequestration and land productivity. Forests, oran, pasture lands, agriculture, roadside and fallow land are different land uses covered in six Panchayat Samitis-called blocks viz. Abu Road, Baap, Baitu, Bali, Sanchor and Sankara situated in Sirohi, Jodhpur, Barmer, Pali, Jalore and Jaisalmer district, respectively in western Rajasthan. Land holding (2444-37444 m2), family size and livestock population in terms of head counts per household (HH-1; 5.3-5.9 and 4.4-11.0, respectively) varied (P<0.05) widely between blocks. Variations in soil gravel content, bulk density (BD), organic carbon (SOC) and carbon stock without (CSW) and with (CSG) gravel correction like 1.49-32.51%, 1.45-1.56 g cm-3, 0.114-0.584%, 5.31-25.37 t ha-1 and 5.04-16.63 t ha-1 between blocks, and 4.41-18.88%, 1.48-1.53 g cm-3, 0.133-0.324%, 6.08-14.20 and 5.73-9.72 t ha-1 respectively between land uses indicated strong spatial rather than land use effects. Spatial variation in annual rainfall and soil characteristics lead carbon stock in order: Baitu<Baap<Sankara<Sanchor <Bali<Abu Road among blocks, whereas overgrazing, organic manuring and vegetation status controlled land use order like roadside<fallow land<pastureland<agriculture<or an<forest land. Though varied between blocks and land uses, non-significant decrease in gravel and increase in BD during 2013 to 2017 indicated increased soil compactness. Thus increased rainfall/soil water and vegetation status favored soil carbon storage. Enhanced vegetation in forest, oran and pastureland, organic manuring of agriculture and avoiding overgrazing of pasture/rangelands can promote soil carbon sequestration and reverse the process of land degradation and improve land productivity. Key words: Carbon stock, land use, soil properties, spatial variations.
Climate Change Adaptation: Coping Strategies for Minimizing Constraints of Extreme Climatic Conditions of Thar Desert on Sheep Production
Thar Desert is characterized by high ambient temperature, sunshine, desiccating winds and meagre rainfall causing less availability of forage and discomfort to the animals. An experiment was initiated at Chandan area of Jaisalmer district, maintaining sheep of Jaisalmeri breed under continuous grazing system on fenced over mature sevan (Lasiurus sindicus) pasture as per the carrying capacity. The objective of study were to develop coping strategies for minimizing impact of extreme climatic conditions on sheep production of Thar Desert. The treatments were: C1 - Stocking of grazing sheep at recommended stocking rate (1 ACU ha-1 = 5 female + 1 male) + supplementary feeding of balanced concentrate @ 200 gms animal-1 + healthcare as per requirement; C2 - 12 animals per hectare with supplementary feeding and healthcare, C3 - 6 animals ha-1 without supplementary feeding and healthcare and C4 - 12 animals ha-1 without supplementary feeding and healthcare. Sheep were found more adjusted with feed availability through changes in grazing behavior like increased grazing time, bites per minute, change in grazing spot per 5 minutes, time taken while drinking water etc. Animals preferred shade when THI is above 88 particularly tree shed, because of cooling effect of leaves due to moisture evaporation and free flow air in the pasture area compared to erected thatched shade in Thar region. Sheep provided with supplementary concentrate feed and health management (C1, C2), even with double grazing pressure resulted in increase in live body weight and wool yield (C2) compared to the herds maintained exclusively on fenced over mature Sevan (Lasiuruss indicus) grass pasture (C3, C4).Supplementary feeding and healthcare also improved vital parameters like hemoglobin, blood sugar, respiration rate, pulse rate etc. Study showed that when grazing pressure is doubled with no feed supplementation and healthcare (C4) then there is decrease in body weight even though it spends more time for grazing. Thus, it is inferred that only grazing on pastures will not result in realization of actual livestock productivity in extreme hot climatic condition and it could be mitigated by supplementing grazing with balanced concentrates, provision of trees in grazing area and adoption of health management practices. Key words: Climate change, coping strategies, sheep production, supplementary feeding, Thar Desert.
Copyright (c) 2020 Arid Zone Research Association of India https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Impact of Front Line Demonstrations on Yield, Knowledge Adoption and Horizontal Spread of Clusterbean Crop in Hot Arid Zone: An Assessment
The study was conducted in Bheenjwdia village of Jodhpur district of Rajasthan during 2010 to 2014 to assess the impact of Front Line Demonstrations (FLDs) of clusterbean crop in hot arid zone on the parameters like enhancement in yield, increase in knowledge, adoption of technology and extent of horizontal spread of clusterbean production through FLDs. The data were collected from 96 farmers and analyzed. The results of the study revealed that the yield of clusterbean crop under demonstration was 32.71% higher as compared to farmer’s practices. The overall knowledge and adoption level of production technology of clusterbean was increased by 44.82 and 224.45%, respectively due to front line demonstrations. The local variety of clusterbean was replaced by RMG-112, RGC-936, RGC-1003, HGS-365 in demonstration areas. This significantly increased horizontal spread by 486.04%. Key words: Front line demonstration, adoption, horizontal spread
Copyright (c) 2019 Arid Zone Research Association of India https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Common Grazing Resources of Hot Arid Zone of Rajasthan, India: Problems and Prospects
The agriculture in the hot arid zone of Rajasthan, India is mainly subsistence farming and pasturelands dominate among different land use systems. These lands provide main support to the huge livestock population of the region. About 60% of the total area of Rajasthan is arid where livestock rearing plays pivotal role in the economy and livelihood of the people. In arid region, animal husbandry sector provides round the year employment with more than 50% of total house hold income as against national average of 22.5%. Common Pool Resources (CPRs) or “commonsâ€ are an important component of the agricultural production systems. The CPRs includes community pastures, community forests, government wastelands, common dumping and threshing grounds, river beds, watershed drainages, village ponds and rivers etc. In an estimate common pool comes to around 34.75% of the total geographical area of western Rajasthan. About half of this area is cultivable waste lands, 21% fallow lands (other than current fallow), 14% uncultivable waste lands, 11% permanent pastures and 7% is village forests. Common lands in arid Rajasthan were estimated to contribute 27.90% of dry fodder and 76.30% of green fodder requirement of the livestock in 1960 that decreased to 15.44% and 40.5%, respectively during 2012-13. Traditionally, a close link exists between crop, livestock and common grazing resources in the arid Rajasthan. This complex inter-relationship between CPRs, livestock and crops in arid land farming systems has contributed to the sustainability of dry land agriculture for generations. As the population of both animals and humans rises, there is a proportional increase in competition for food to feed the people that brings agriculture and livestock production into direct conflict. In the present article an attempt has been made to describe the extent and condition of common grazing lands, and examine the problems and prospects of these areas in changing agricultural scenario in hot arid zone of Rajasthan, India. Key words: Common pool resources, rangeland, orans, gauchars, productivity, management
Copyright (c) 2021 Arid Zone Research Association of India https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Estimation of Runoff Depth Using GIS Maps and Soil Conservation Service-Curve Number Method in AL-abrash Basin in Syria
Accurate estimation of runoff depth is an important aspect for proper watershed management. Runoff depends on the intensity, duration, distribution of rainfall and on soil type. Vegetation and land use types have significant effects on the runoff. The aim of the present study is to determine the runoff depth and its distribution in AL-abrash basin in Tartus province of Syria using Soil Conservation Service-Curve Number (SCSCN) method and remote sensing data from October 2017 to May 2018. Land use/land cover and soil texture maps of the study area were prepared in geographic information system (GIS) environment and using remote sensing software (e.g. ERDAS IMAGINE). Annual amount of runoff was high in the western and southwestern part of the study area, which may be due to heavy soil type. Depth of runoff in the study area was between 250 and 400 mm. While the amount of runoff declined in the eastern part of the study area due to either the soil type (sandy loam, sandy clay loam) or the nature of the ground cover (forest, olive groves) which prevented the surface runoff significantly. Key words: Runoff, remote sensing, soil texture, curve number, rainfall.
Copyright (c) 2020 Arid Zone Research Association of India
Quality Evaluation of Syrup Food Models Derived from Prosopis cineraria (L.) Druce Ripened Pods
Khejri (Prosopis cineraria (L.) Druce) is among the most endemic hardy plant species of semi-arid tropical regions of Thar Desert. Its ripened pods has considerable amount of natural sugars, minerals and importantly high amounts of proteins. The aim of the present work was to evaluate different food models by quality of syrups obtained from khejri pods (Prosopis cineraria (L.) Druce). The syrups were obtained through concentrated pod extract. Physicochemical parameters (protein content, moisture and speciï¬c gravity) were evaluated considering the quality parameters for syrups. The invitro digestibility tests for proteins and starch were conducted and estimated glycemic index were calculated through first order kinetics. Prosopis pod syrup food models presented quality parameters statistically different from the control (honey) used in this study for comparison. The values observed for honey match with range reported by other authors for food standards from several parts of the world. The syrups presented superior nutritional quality regarding their protein and mineral contents. The Prosopis syrup might be considered a good protein and mineral source for human nutrition. Key words: Prosopis cineraria, Syrups, physicochemical properties, in vitro digestibility
Seed Yield and Economic Performance of Castor at Farmers’ Field in Arid and Semi-arid Regions of Rajasthan
Frontline demonstrations on improved practices of castor were conducted in Jodhpur, Jaisalmer and Sirohi districts of Rajasthan. The mean seed yield of castor ranged from 3680 to 4071 kg ha-1 under improved practices and 3000 to 3786 kg ha-1 under farmers’ practices. Among hybrids, the maximum mean seed yield of 3874 kg ha-1 was produced by DCH 519 followed by Commando, Sagar Moti, MRCA 409, DCH 177 and GCH 7 with 3786, 3588, 3393, 3363 and 3000 kg ha-1 seed yield, respectively. Under improved practices, maximum seed yield of castor was 3803 kg ha-1 in Jodhpur district followed by 3781 kg ha-1 in Jaisalmer district and 3408 kg ha-1 in Sirohi district. The overall productivity of the castor demonstrations was 3664 kg ha-1 under improved practices and 3874 kg ha-1 under hybrids which was 22.2% and 8.2% higher respectively, over farmers’ practices (2998 and 3581 kg ha-1, respectively). Key words: Farmer’s field, castor, seed yield, frontline demonstration, castor hybrids.
Growth, Productivity Behavior and Economics of Castor (Ricinus communis L.) Hybrids as Influenced by Different Fertility Levels under North Gujarat Agroclimatic Region
A field experiment was conducted at Castor-Mustard Research Station, S.D. Agricultural University, Sardarkrushinagar during kharif season of 2016-17 with five castor hybrids (DCH 1720, SHB 896, DCH 177, DCH 519 and GCH 7) grown with three fertility levels (50% RDF, 100% RDF and 150% RDF). Results revealed that among the castor hybrids studied, SHB 896 registered significantly higher number of effective branches plant-1, 100-seed weight, seed yield, oil content, net return, BCR, crop productivity and crop profitability of castor. On other hand, application of 150% RDF gave significantly higher yield attributes, yield and monetary returns i.e. number of branches plant-1, seed yield, oil content, net return, BCR, crop productivity and profitability of castor compared to other fertility levels under Northern Gujarat conditions. Key words: Castor, fertility levels, hybrids, productivity, profitability, yield.
Digital Image Processing Approach for Determination of Leaf Area of Field Crops
A digital image processing method has been developed to estimate the leaf area of clusterbean using commonly available printer-cum-scanner in a desktop computer. In this method, leaves were collected from the field and scanned in the laboratory over a transparent sheet placed on the top glass cover of the scanner bed. Further, the scanned image was processed through a programing code to compute the leaf area. A comparison of digital method with grid method revealed that the leaf area was slightly lower in grid method than in digital method because in the digital method minute details of leaf area could be accommodated whereas in grid method it was not. The digital method could be more suitable for crops with small leaves where the grid method is tedious. In future, smart phone based android application may be developed to capture the photographs of the leaves in the field and analysed subsequently to obtain the area. The quick assessment of leaf area using digital method may aid in timely management of water and nutrients in the field. Key words: Leaf area index, digital image processing, grid method, clusterbean.
Monthly Rainfall in Moroccan Arid Oasis Regions (1940-2017): Homogenization and Trends
Reliable, high-quality climatic time series are essential for assessing climate change and its potential impacts, particularly in arid environments characterized by fragile natural resources, especially water resources. This study aims to perform quality control, reconstruction, and homogenization of monthly rainfall data for arid oasis basins in Morocco over the period 1940-2017. The Climatol homogenization algorithm was applied to data from local meteorological stations in order to construct a long-term, homogeneous, and coherent rainfall database suitable for climatic, hydrological, and environmental studies. Monthly rainfall trends were subsequently analysed using the non-parametric Mann-Kendall test. The results reveal contrasting trends depending on the month of the year, geographical location, and altitude. Stations located on the south-western flanks of the study area at low altitudes, exhibited increasing rainfall trends during certain months, whereas stations situated on the north-eastern flanks at higher elevations, were characterized by decreasing rainfall trends. This spatial opposition in rainfall trends is much more pronounced during the warm months, from May to August. These findings highlight the complexity of rainfall dynamics in Morocco’s arid oasis regions and provide essential insights into recent precipitation variability. They constitute an important scientific basis for decision-makers and water resource managers in developing appropriate strategies for sustainable water management in the study area.
Copyright (c) 2026 Abderrazzak Sadiki, Mohamed Hanchane, Jaafar El Kassioui, Ridouane Kessabi https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Performance Evaluation and Economic Viability of Multi-step Basin Type Solar Still for the HotArid Climate of India
The multi-step basin-type metallic solar still was designed and developed at ICAR-CAZRI in Jodhpur, India. This unit features an absorber area of 1.5 m², with the capability to tilt according to seasonal variations. The previous iteration of this solar still utilized trays constructed from 24-gauge GI sheet, which led to issues such as algae growth and rust, ultimately compromising the unit’s lifespan. In the current design, trays are fabricated from stainless steel to address these concerns. The water temperature in the trays reached approximately 65°C. The performance assessments of the device were conducted by measuring the daily production of distilled water, which ranged from 4.0 to 8.2 liters across different seasons in 2023. The average thermal efficiencies for water heating and distillation were recorded at 20.5% and 34.0%, respectively. Additionally, the economic feasibility and environmental sustainability of the multi-step basin solar still was evaluated. The economic evaluation of the unit demonstrated strong performance, with Internal Rates of Return (IRR) of 143% and 173% and correspondingly short payback periods of 0.80 and 0.65 years. These figures represent the scenarios without and with carbon credit monetization, respectively. These economic indicators demonstrate the system’s viability. Furthermore, this device outperformed conventional reverse osmosis systems in terms of distillate quality. It also has the potential to reduce carbon emissions by approximately 35.1 tonnes over its 15-year lifespan. Consequently, this solar still is well-suited for desalinating saline water in rural arid regions, effectively addressing the need for potable water.
Multi-step basin-type solar still, Economic analysis, Carbon emission
Copyright (c) 2025 As per Creative Commons Attribution-Non Commercial-Share Alike 4.0 International License. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Soil-Specific Optimal Sowing Depth for Coriander: Effects on Seed Germination and Early Growth
Coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) is a commercially and nutritionally important seed spice crop, with India accounting for over 67% of global production and a leading position in export markets. Despite its prominence, suboptimal agronomic practices-particularly inappropriate sowing depth and soil selection-limit successful stand establishment and early seedling vigor. This study investigates the combined effects of sowing depth (0, 1, 2 and 3 cm) and soil type (red, black, sandy, and alluvial) on seed germination and early growth performance of coriander under controlled pot conditions. A total of 160 seeds were tested across 32 treatment units in a completely randomized design. Germination metrics such as germination percentage (GP), mean germination time (MGT), germination index (GI), and coefficient of velocity of germination (CVG), along with seedling height, leaf number, and stem diameter, were recorded over six weeks. The results revealed that a 1 cm sowing depth in black soil yielded the highest germination efficiency (GI = 6.17, CVG = 61.54%, MGT = 1.63 days) and early vigor. Conversely, germination declined markedly at 3 cm depth, especially in sandy and alluvial soils. Although ANOVA results were not statistically significant due to limited replication, logistic modelling and correlation analyses underscored black soil’s superior performance across depths and sandy soil’s support for enhanced vegetative traits at deeper sowing. These findings suggest that a sowing depth of 1-2 cm, particularly in black or well-drained sandy soils, optimizes both germination kinetics and seedling establishment. Such soil-specific recommendations are crucial for improving coriander productivity in diverse agro-climatic zones
Eco-physiological Variability and Species Distribution of Grasses in Kheda and Ahmedabad Districts, Gujarat, India.
Study of ecophysiology represents structure and function of grasses in particular ecological area. As grasses are under family poaceae which is one of the major family of plants worldwide, work on ecophysiology has deep insights. Ecological parameters, including the Important Value Index (IVI), density, frequency, and abundance, along with physiological traits such as Relative Water Content (RWC), Specific Leaf Area (SLA), and proline content, were studied across two seasons from Kheda and Ahmedabad districts in the Central Gujarat region. Highest proline content was recorded in Cynodon dactylon indicating high resilience of the species with respective average values of 0.33 and 1.23 mg g-1 in Ahmedabad and Kheda district respectively and almost, similar kind of results were seen for IVI as it also expressed highest IVI too. Determination of soil parameters in the form of pH, EC, TDS and TSS gave useful correlations with eco- physiological characteristics of the area. pH and Biomass showed positive association in both areas. Additionally, RWC has very strong positive correlations with proline (0.98**), TDS (0.90**), and EC (0.96**) indicated their close interaction in management of adapting mechanism in both these districts. Current work can be of high use in developing research strategies in identification of grasses along with their adaptation traits for plant responses to their environmental challenges.
Grasses, Seasonal variation, Importance Value Index (IVI), Plant diversity, Pearson correlation analysis, Proline content, Soil parameters.
Assessment of Desertification in Settlements of Qazvin Plain Using Sentinel-2 Images, Spectral Indices and Desertification Divided Indexx (DDI)
In this study, Sentinel-2 images have been used for the quantitative assessment of desertification in Qazvin Plain. First, topsoil grain size index (TGSI), albedo, normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) and modified soil adjusted vegetation index (MSAVI) were extracted. Next, for linear regression, different combinations of indices were considered and Pearson correlation was established between NDVI and albedo, MSAVI and albedo, TGSI and albedo, TGSI and MSAVI. Then, using the NDVI-albedo and MSAVI-albedo regression, Desertification Divided Index (DDI) was estimated. Finally, the map of desertification was drawn for the study area in five classes of very severe, severe, moderate, low and very low. The study found that albedo was negatively correlated with MSAVI and NDVI indices but positively correlated with TGSI. The strongest correlation was between MSAVI and albedo (-0.417), while the weakest was between albedo and TGSI (0.33). According to DDI, the desertification situation in the region has been in the alarming range. In fact, by testing albedo with MSAVI in 2018, 2.4% of the region was classified with very severe desertification, while 21.7% had very low desertification. According to albedo-NDVI, 18.51% of the region had very severe desertification. In 2023, the first value increased to 10.3% and the second decreased to 5% indication remarkable rise in desertification in five years.