Journal of the Indian Society of Coastal Agricultural Research
The Indian Society of Coastal Agricultural Research (ISCAR) was established in the year 1982 and registered under the Certificate of Registration of Societies Act XXVI of 1961 with the registration no. S/40093 of 1982-83 dated 20.02.1983. Since 1983, the society has been publishing two issues of The Journal of the Indian Society of Coastal Agricultural Research in a year, first issue in June and second issue in December. The journal has a current NAAS rating of 5.45 (2024). Editorial Board Subscription Information for Print Version Year of start: 1983 (Print version) 2018 onwards - Both Print and Online Print ISSN: 0972-1584 Online ISSN: 2584-0320
Indian Society of Coastal Agricultural Research
The copyright of the articles published in the Journal of the Indian Society of Coastal Agricultural Research lies with the Indian Society of Coastal Agricultural Research (ISCAR), who has the right to enter into any agreement with any organization in India or abroad engaged in reprography, photocopying, storage and dissemination of information contained in the journal. However, ISCAR supports open access and there is no restriction in the use, distribution and reproduction in any medium provided that it is not being used for commercial purposes and due credit is given to ISCAR.
Mapping Ecosystem Services in India's Largest Estuary: A Systematic Review of the Hooghly Matlah Estuarine System Using CICES
The Hooghly Matlah Estuarine System (HMES), renowned as India’s largest and most productive estuary, provides various ecosystem services essential for human well-being. While some research has concentrated on the Sundarbans region, there have been limited efforts to thoroughly identify all the services offered by the HMES using an internationally recognized classification. This study aims to document and summarize the ecosystem services provided by the HMES in India. To achieve this, a systematic literature review focused on the Common International Classification of Ecosystem Services (CICES, version 5.2) to catalog the relevant services associated with the estuary. We utilized the Google Scholar database and the Google search engine to gather scientifically supported data drawn from both peer-reviewed articles and grey literature. Our findings revealed 59 ecosystem services out of the 99 listed in CICES, constituting approximately 59.60 % of the total. This includes 38 biophysical services provided by the living systems (61.29% of the 62 biophysical class) and 21 geophysical services derived from non-living components of ecosystems (56.76% of the 37 geophysical class). The HMES demonstrates a remarkable level of multifunctionality, with its services almost evenly distributed across provisioning (21), regulating (18), and cultural (20) categories. This broad range of services highlights the essential role of the HMES in sustaining several types of ecological processes essential to both human life and the health of ecosystems. The study suggests prioritizing thoughtful policies and sustainable management approaches to safeguard the estuary’s rich biodiversity, keep its ecosystems healthy, and ensure the well-being of the communities that depend on it.
Copyright (c) 2024 Indian Society of Coastal Agricultural Research (ISCAR) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Catch-based Marine Fish Abundance along the Maharashtra Coast of India
Maharashtra, with its extensive 720 km coastline, encompasses seven maritime districts: Palghar, Thane, Mumbai City, Mumbai Suburban, Raigad, Ratnagiri, and Sindhudurg. This state is a major contributor to India's marine fisheries, supported by a significant fleet of approximately 12,946 mechanized and 2,272 non-mechanized fishing vessels. The study investigated catch-based marine fish abundance along the Maharashtra coast, focusing on data collected from 33 species and species groups. The analysis classified the status of fish stocks into categories such as abundant, less abundant, declining, depleted, or collapsed, based on the percentage of recent average catch relative to historical maximums. Findings indicated distinct regional variations: Mumbai region showed a relatively better situation in terms of the status of species abundance, with 63.64% of species categorized as abundant or less abundant. Conversely, the southern districts, particularly Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg, exhibit alarming declines, with significant proportions of species classified as depleted or collapsed. Historical studies and comparative analyses underscore the dynamic nature of fisheries and the need for adaptive management strategies. Regions like Ratnagiri, with only 3.03% of species classified as abundant, highlight the critical state of marine resources. The study emphasized the necessity for continuous monitoring, effective management interventions, and tailored conservation plans to sustain the marine fish populations across Maharashtra's diverse coastal regions. Urgent, targeted conservation efforts are particularly crucial in the southern districts, where the abundance of the number of species and species groups is declining rapidly.
Copyright (c) 2025 Indian Society of Coastal Agricultural Research (ISCAR) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Comparative Analysis of Growth and Microbial Dynamics of Monoculture and Polyculture Shrimp Farming Systems in Sundarbans, West Bengal
Different sets of on-farm trials were conducted to standardize shrimp, Penaeus monodon monoculture at two stocking densities (6 and 12 post larvae [PLs] m-2) with conventional, organic principles and Bio-secured Zero Water Exchange (BZEST), and two shrimp-fish polyculture systems with different species combinations (TI - Mugil cephalus, Liza tade, L. Parsia and P. monodon and TII - Chanos chanos and P. monodon). The pond water was treated with 60 and 30 ppm of calcium hypochlorite before stocking in shrimp monoculture and polyculture ponds, respectively. Real-time microbial dynamics were studied throughout the culture and compared. BZEST average production was 3109 kg ha-1 with 7.95%, 6.96% and 10.24% gain in terms of production, survival rate and FCR in comparison to conventional ponds, respectively. The total production in polyculture was 687.44±27.64 and 717.08±43.75 kg ha-1 with FCR of 1.74±0.02 and 1.99±0.25 in T-I and T-II, respectively. Total heterotrophic bacterial (THBC) and Vibrio (TVC) counts in shrimp monoculture and polyculture ponds were significantly decreased immediately after bleaching. It revealed that the THBC and TVC in organic, BZEST and TI ponds were lesser than the conventional and T-II ponds, but not statistically significant throughout the culture. The influence of age of culture over the THBC in both monoculture and polyculture and TVC in monoculture ponds was highly significant. Further, it was observed that the treatment and age of culture interaction had a significant role in TVC in both the system of culture and THBC in polyculture ponds. Multiple comparisons of microbial dynamics in monoculture and polyculture ponds with reference to the age of culture revealed that there was a significant difference in THBC at the mid-culture and in TVC at the start and the end of the culture. Results obtained in this study would serve as a baseline real-time data on microbial dynamics in brackishwater aquaculture systems.
A Comparative Economic Analysis of the Identified Integrated Farming Systems in Coastal West Bengal
Climate change presents a significant danger to the way of life and livelihoods of the farmers in coastal regions. One effective approach to mitigate the negative impacts of climate change on farmers' income is to diversify their farm income through the adoption of Integrated Farming Systems (IFS). This research aimed to evaluate the economic feasibility of integrated farming systems, considering various economic indicators, such as productivity, net farm income, the elasticity of substitution between labor and capital, and returns per rupee of expenses. The analysis was conducted based on data collected through a stratified random sampling method for the 2023 production year, involving 200 farmers who had implemented Integrated Farming Systems in coastal West Bengal. Six different integrated farming systems were identified. Among these, the Dairy + Fishery system demonstrated the highest net farm income (INR 311244 ha-1 yr-1), returns per rupee of expenses (1.74), and elasticity of substitution between labor and capital (0.83). Although all farming systems in this study exhibited returns per rupee of expenses greater than one, the Dairy + Crop and Dairy + Fishery systems had higher returns per rupee of expenses, which likely contributed to their greater adoption by farmers. Furthermore, this study provides valuable insights into the economic aspects of integrated farming systems in the coastal West Bengal.
Assessment of Abundance and Density of Phaeophyceae Group of Seaweed along the Sikka Coast, Gulf of Kachchh, Gujarat
The abundance and density of Phaeophyceae group of seaweeds from two different sites (GSFC jetty and Vador site) along the Sikka coast of Gujarat were carried out in the current investigation. Sampling stations were chosen due to varying environmental conditions and the magnitude of seaweed colonization. Seaweed abundance and density at the Sikka coast were studied for six months (October 2020 to March 2021) using the belt transect random sampling method. There were variations in abundance and density of brown algae between sites with a total of 18 and 16 species found at the GSFC jetty and Vador site respectively. Among the two sites, the abundance and percentage density of phaeophyceae was highest at GSFC Jetty than at the Vador site because of the more anthropogenic activity and pollution there. The highest abundance and density were recorded for Padina gymnospora followed by Ectocarpus sp. at both the sites. This research not only provides a foundational understanding of brown seaweed ecology on the Sikka coast but also offers insights into potential commercial harvesting and conservation strategies in the region.
Potential of Amended Silt as Nutrient Input in Agriculture - A Chemical Composition Analysis
Accumulation of silt in channels and ponds has necessitated its removal, and its proper utilization has become pertinent for effective disposal. The present investigation aimed to explore the potential of using silt as a nutrient input and amending it with aquatic weeds paving the way to address the aquatic weed menace. The experiment was conducted at the Regional Agricultural Research Station, Kumarakom, Kottayam, during September to November 2022. The nutrient composition of silt was assessed and was amended in a 2:1 ratio (v/v) with various organic inputs, namely, FYM, Gliricidia leaves, Salvinia, Salvinia + Gliricidia leaves, Eichhornia + Gliricidia leaves, vermicomposted Eichhornia, and coir pith compost. Additionally, dolomite was added based on the initial pH of the silt to adjust it to pH 7. The results indicated an enhancement in the nutrient status of silt following amendment. The amended silt had higher nutrient contents and lower C:N ratio compared to the raw materials and unamended silt. Among the treatments, silt amended with Gliricidia leaves and Salvinia was found to be the most suitable option owing to its higher overall nutrient composition.
Germination Ability of Different Field Pea (Pisum sativum L.) Genotypes Under Salinity Stress
A laboratory experiment was conducted at the Pulses Research Sub-station, Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI), during October to December 2019 to examine the establishment of field pea seedling under the effect of saline condition. The experimental was arranged in a completely randomized design (CRD) with three replications. The experiment induced two factors, first factors included 34 different field pea cultivars and second factor included four (4) salt concentration of NaCl including control (0 dS m-1), 4 dS m-1, 8 dS m-1 and 12 dS m-1. Experimental result revealed that BARI Motor 1 exhibited the highest germination (98.75%) in control situation (0 dS m-1) and lowest germination percentage was recorded in Natore local 1 (68.75%). BARI Motor 3 gave the highest mean daily germination (27.93%) and seed germination 1.68 seed day-1 under control. The lowest mean daily germination was observed in BD-6944 (17.42%) genotype and seed germination was found in Natore local 1 (0.95 seed day-1). The maximum germination value was observed in BARI Motor 1 (19.53) genotype and germination vigor index in BD-9047 (16.35 mg) genotype. On the other hand, minimum germination value was observed in Jhikorgasha local (10.0) and minimum germination vigor index was found in Natore local 1 (5.10) and BARI Motorsuti 1 (3.64 mg) in control condition. In this study, it was observed that an increase in salinity stress significantly decreased all the germination parameters studied.
Ridge and Furrow Sowing Method with Close Spacing Reduces the Salinity Effect of Sunflower Production in the Ganges Delta
Coastal areas of the Ganges delta require optimization of agronomic practices to reduce the salinity effect on the crop production that can support the “Bangladesh Delta plan 2100”. The present study was conducted in the Rabi seasons of 2018-19 and 2019-20 to determine the optimum sowing method and plant spacing of sunflower (variety Hysun 33) in the saline area of Bangladesh. Two sowing methods: flat bed sowing and ridge and furrow sowing and; three plant spacings: 40 cm × 25 cm, 50 cm × 25 cm and 60 cm × 25 cm were laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications on a farmer’s field at Dacope, Khulna. Results showed that although method of sowing had no significant effect on the yield of sunflower the ridge and furrow sowing method reduced the soil bulk density and soil salinity and increased the soil water holding capacity and solute potential significantly. Plant spacing and planting system (interaction of sowing method × plant spacing) had significant effects on growth and yield of sunflower. Plant spacing 50 cm × 25 cm produced the highest sunflower seed (2233 kg ha-1) by achieving optimum plant population to utilize the resource. Planting system: ridge and furrow sowing at 50 cm × 25 cm spacing had the lowest soil salinity (4.01 dS m−1) and soil bulk density (0.90 Mg m-3) which leads to highest solute potential (-380 KPa) and highest soil water holding capacity (21%, w/w) at 85 days after sowing of sunflower. This planting system had the highest crop growth rate (24.4 g m-2 day-1) that ultimately produced the highest grain weight per head (36 g) and seed yield (2274 kg ha-1) of sunflower. Ridge and furrow sowing at 50 cm × 25 cm can be effective for achieving maximum yield of sunflower in the Ganges tidal floodplain of Bangladesh.
Qualitative Evaluation of Cropping System Intensification in Coastal Saline Zone of West Bengal, India
Agricultural research and extension projects aimed at socio-economic and ecological development in the coastal saline zone (CSZ) often face serious operational challenges. Crop management practices in these stressed ecosystems confront stiff climatic (cyclonic storms, extreme high and extreme low rainfall, prolonged hot dry spells), edaphic (soil salinity during winter and summer months, excess soil moisture in rainy season and lack of soil moisture in summer season), production (growing long duration rainy season paddy varieties and consequent delay in sowing dry season crops) and socio-economic (resource-poor farmers, lack of credit and market infrastructure, migration of human labour) constraints. Any intervention in such systems, thus, needs critical empirical examination, not only in terms of concrete numbers but in terms of human experience for whom the interventions are made. During 2016 to 2020, a team of researchers and development workers, as part of a donor-supported project, aimed at standardizing and disseminating a suite of climate-smart, farmer-friendly technologies in Rangabelia and Jatirampur villages under the Gosaba Block of South 24 Parganas district, which comes under the CSZ of West Bengal. The interventions envisaged were - sowing date alteration of rainy-season rice to fetch good return from post-monsoon relay-sown lathyrus, intensification of rice-fallow areas with green gram, implementing water-saving technologies like drip irrigation with straw mulching for higher profit in tomato cultivation, and growing potato and onion under zero tillage and straw mulching conditions. The present study qualitatively examined the outcomes of these cropping system intensification interventions to capture the experience of the adopters of these technologies. Our thematic analysis identified field management, farmers’ difficulties in coping with adverse agro-climatic and edaphic situations, barriers and drivers of technology adoption, and women’s participation in agriculture as core areas of concern. Among the technologies introduced, zero tillage potato cultivation was the most adopted technology, followed by relay sowing of lathyrus and drip irrigation technology in tomato. Problem of salinity and water scarcity was widely reported, where higher crop yield was the predominant driver of technology adoption. Notably, women farmers received benefits from several technological interventions. Outcomes of the study provide a first-hand knowledge of farming situations, the problems associated with adopting innovations, and major factors that shape their adoption in the study areas. These qualitative insights can be amalgamated with formal quantitative studies and inform extension workers for sustainable implementation of future projects.
Overcoming Risks Associated with Cropping Systems Intensification in the Coastal Zone of the Ganges Delta
Along with other Asian Mega deltas, the Ganges Delta, and its Coastal zone, are attracting increased attention due to the threats posed by climate change and the extent of rural poverty, juxtaposed against the potential for systems intensification and improved livelihoods. While it is a salt-affected zone, the constraints to systems intensification are many and they often interact (drought-salinity, waterlogging-salinity, heat stress). Moreover, the expression and intensity of these constraints can change throughout the year, particularly during the dry/Rabi season, from year to year, and from location to location. Improved rice varieties that mature 10 to 15 days earlier and increase yield by 0.5-1 t ha-1 are a foundational change that enables cropping systems intensification in the Coastal zone in the dry season. Sowing Rabi season crops earlier (before mid-December) increases their yield potential and decreases the risk associated with many constraints which intensify towards the end of the dry season (low solute potential, waterlogging and salinity, heat stress, storms). However, early sowing of Rabi season crops increases the risk of early waterlogging and that needs to be managed by drainage. Scarcity of freshwater continues to be a major constraint to dry season cropping. Short duration crops (e.g. vegetables, watermelon), water-saving technologies (e.g. mulch, drip irrigation) and restricted planting of dry-season Boro rice (to areas with adequate freshwater) are needed for resilience of the cropping systems intensification. Community-based management of water resources for both drainage and equitable allocation of freshwater needs to be part of intensification plans. Within the Coastal zone, there is considerable diversity of land type, freshwater resource availability, and farm type which need to be recognized in scale-out programs. Disaster preparedness needs to be embedded in any scale-out plans for systems intensification since the risk of land and water salinization from storm surges is real and enduring.
Impact of Soil and Water Conservation Measures on Productivity and Groundwater Recharge in a Micro-watershed in Coastal Zones of Odisha
Copyright (c) 2014 Indian Society of Coastal Agricultural Research (ISCAR) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Mitigating Risk and Scaling-Out Profitable Cropping System Intensification Practices in the Salt-Affected Coastal Zone of the Ganges Delta
The polders and islands in the salt-affected coastal zone of the Ganges Delta, home to approximately 15 million people in Bangladesh and 5 million in West Bengal, face challenges such as poverty, food insecurity, environmental vulnerability, and limited livelihood opportunities. Historically, agricultural production in these areas was mainly confined to the wet/Kharif season, with much of the land remaining fallow during the dry/Rabi season due to waterlogging, soil salinity, and perceived lack of irrigation water. Since 2015, researchers and NGOs from Australia, Bangladesh, and India collaborated on the project "Cropping system intensification in the salt-affected coastal zones of Bangladesh and West Bengal, India" to sustainably increase cropping intensity and productivity in this area. During 2015-2021, the project has made significant achievements and has demonstrated strategies that are likely to increase productivity, cropping intensity, and livelihoods of the people. However, to maintain these gains and address risks like climate change impacts, untimely rainfall, and market fluctuations, further research was deemed necessary. Thus, ACIAR funded Phase 2 of the project for 2021-2025 which aims to sustain and enhance the achievements. This special issue presents some research findings on projected climate change, agronomic experiments, irrigation and drainage management, and social and economic issues conducted under the project Phase 2 in Bangladesh and West Bengal, India.
Assessing Changes in Climate Extremes using CMIP6 and its Implications for Agriculture in the Ganges Delta
Climate extremes are the major concerns due to their impact on agriculture and ecosystem services. This study examined the frequency and spatial extent of 9 climate extreme indices relevant to agriculture in the coastal region of the Ganges Delta in Bangladesh and India. The study was conducted using the latest projected future climate data from IPCC’s sixth assessment report (CMIP6, Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6). Agriculture in the Ganges Delta suffers the most due to less availability of usable water; therefore, the study particularly focused on projected climate changes during the dry season (November-April), at short-term (2021-2040), mid-term (2041-2060) and long-term (2061-2100) basis. The results show an overall increase for both temperature and rainfall, with variations occurring spatially and temporarily. Across the region, projected maximum temperature increases are 1.3°C and 2.2°C for the mid and long-term, respectively under SSP245 (Shared Socioeconomic Pathways). The difference between daily maximum and minimum temperature decreases indicating a higher increase for minimum temperature compared to maximum temperature. At an annual scale, the rainfall increases by 160, 400, and 620 mm under the short, medium and long-term projections, respectively. For the same projection periods, the total rainfall during the dry season rises by 12, 42 and 41 mm respectively. Similar increasing trend was also observed at mid and long-term projections. The intensity of 1-day and 5-day rainfall increases in both short and long-term compared to the historical average rainfall of the region. While total rainfall increases during the dry season, the number of consecutive wet days remains unchanged and the number of consecutive dry days slightly increases across the region. It implies that shorter but more intense spells of rainfall are likely to occur during the dry season in the Sundarbans. The findings of this study are valuable for adaptation and future planning to minimize climate risks to agriculture.
Intercropping of Sesame with Mungbean Increased System Productivity and Farm Profit in Coastal Region of Bangladesh
Intercropping is an innovative and sustainable classic agricultural practice that can strengthen and stabilize agro-ecosystems under changing climate through optimizing resource use efficiency and enhancing productivity by cropping diversity. The experiment was conducted at Kuakata, Patuakhali and Amtali, Borguna villages during winter (Rabi) seasons of 2020-21 and 2021-22 to determine the yield and profitability for intercropping of mungbean and sesame on coastal saline soils. Four combinations viz., T1 = 100% mungbean sown in rows (30 cm × 5 cm) + broadcasting of sesame at 50% of recommended seed rate, T2 = 100% mungbean in rows (30 cm × 5 cm) + broadcasting of sesame at 25% of the recommended seed rate, T3 = sole crop of mungbean in row (30 cm × 5 cm) (100% mungbean) and T4 = Sole crop of sesame in row (30 cm x 5 cm) (100% sesame) were evaluated at each location. Sole mungbean and sesame offered higher yields than each crop in the intercropping combinations at both locations. Intercropping increased mungbean equivalent yield (MEY) and land equivalent ratio (LER) compared to sole cropping. Over the locations, the highest MEY (2.33 t ha-1), LER (2.09), and benefit: cost ratio (1.88) were obtained from T1 (100% mungbean in rows of 30 cm × 5 cm + 50% sesame by broadcasting). However, mungbean yield was higher in the plots of intercropped 100% mungbean sown in rows (30 cm × 5 cm) with broadcasted 25% sesame seeds (T2: 1.65-1.69 t ha-1 compared to the intercropping with 50% broadcasted sesame seeds (T1: 1.24-1.25 t ha-1). In the case of sesame intercropping, 50% seeding rate (T1) offered a higher seed yield over 25% seeding rate (T2). Therefore, intercropping of sesame with mungbean (100% mungbean sown in rows (30 cm × 5 cm) + broadcasting of sesame at 50% of recommended seed rate) could be an excellent option for increasing system productivity and income for coastal farmers of Bangladesh.
Screening of Potato Cultivars under Saline Soil of Canning, West Bengal
A field trial was conducted to judge the agronomic performances of potato cultivars in saline soil during the winter seasons of 2022-23 and 2023-24 with six potato cultivars i.e., Kufri (K.) Khyati, Kufri Lima, Kufri Himalini, Kufri Mohan, Kufri Ganga and Kufri Jyoti (Local check) under four replications in a randomized complete block design at farmer's field in Canning I block of West Bengal. The EC values of the coastal soil increased (from ~1 to ~4.0 dS m-1) invariably during the experimental season i.e., from November to March for both the years of experimentation. Among the tested cultivars, K. Lima, and K. Jyoti followed by K. Himalini recorded significantly better growth attributes (plant height, number of compound leaves plant-1 and number of stem plant-1 at 60 days after planting or DAP) and total tuber yield (26.0 and 29.8, 26.0 and 31.0, and 24.0 and 31.0 t ha-1 during 2022-23 and 2023-24 for K. Lima, K. Jyoti and K. Himalini, respectively). Plant vigour at 90 DAP was found to vary between good and excellent for all the tested potato cultivars. The maximum and minimum extent of leaf senescence at 90 DAP occurred in the case of K. Mohan and K. Himalini, respectively. Skin colour, flesh colour and tuber shape varied among tested cultivars and matched with true genetic character. These three cultivars can be recommended for the coastal saline zone of the state and in other areas having similar climatic and soil conditions.
Performance of MODIS-Landsat Blending of Vegetation Indices in the Coastal Zone of Ganges Delta
Blending of temporal high-frequency-low-spatial resolution MODIS with temporal low-frequency-high-spatial resolution Landsat satellite imagery enhances the frequency and resolution of spatial data, thus enabling continuous monitoring of dynamic and rapidly changing environmental conditions. Blending can be particularly useful in areas with high cloud cover, such as during the monsoon season in the coastal zone of the Ganges Brahmaputra Delta (CZGBD). In this study, MODIS-Landsat blending of reflectance-derived remote sensing indices is trialled and evaluated in the CZGBD. The Sub-pixel class fraction change information Flexible Spatiotemporal DAta Fusion (SFSDAF) algorithm is used to obtain gap free 30 m and 16-day frequency vegetation, salinity and water indices for the entire CZGBD. Pixels obtained through blending were compared to the observed pixels (i.e., not contaminated by clouds to evaluate the accuracy of SFSDAF). Results during the ‘dry’ months (October to March) had a combined mean coefficient of determination, R2 = 0.65 and mean root squared error, RMSE = 0.09 for vegetation indices, whereas the results during the ‘wet’ months (April to September) had a combined mean R2 = 0.33 and mean RMSE = 0.12. The reduced accuracy of the blending during the monsoon months showcases the effects of cloudy conditions. Results for salinity and water indices showed similar behaviour as the vegetation indices, influenced by the cloudy monsoon season. The main cause of low accuracy during the ‘wet’ months is the paucity of data to perform the blending, even at the daily MODIS frequency. In addition, remote sensing indices with equations that normalised the range (generally between -1 and 1) had better results when compared to remote sensing indices that had less constrained ranges.
Rice-Zero Tillage Potato-Green Gram and Conservation Agriculture Enable Sustainable Intensification in the Coastal Region
Rice-fallow and rice-rice are important cropping systems in India next to rice-wheat. Rice-fallow system faces critical resource shortages such as irrigation water and encounters salinity whereas, rice-rice system is heavily dependent on extensive non-renewable natural resources with poor resource use efficiency and unsustainability. Sustainable cropping intensification options through on-station and on-farm research have been developed under a multi-institutional project funded by the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) during 2015-2022 to address these challenges. The results showed that rice followed by zero tillage planting of potato with paddy straw mulching (ZTPSM), and the rice-potato ZTPSM-green gram cropping pattern are the most promising systems compared to conventional rice-rice rotation. System rice equivalent yield increased from 11.7 t ha-1 in rice-rice to 20.2 t ha-1 in rice-potato ZTPSM-green gram (R-PZTPSM-GM). The soil salinity (ECe) diminished to <3.6 dS m-1 due to ZTPSM from 5.29-6.36 dS m-1 under conventional practice. There is scope to sustainably intensify the rice-fallow lands to at least 200% cropping intensity from the current 150% with additional net returns of ₹ 0.95 Lakhs ha-1. In addition, the R-PZTPSM-GM system has a lower environmental footprint due to lower irrigation water (0.31 m3 kg-1 rice-eq) requirement and lower carbon (10.1 t CO2-eq ha-1) emissions intensity than rice-rice system (1.19 m3 kg-1 rice and 30.5 t CO2-eq ha-1).
Impact of NPK Fertilizer Levels on Soil Properties and Potassium Fractions in Lateritic Soil of Coastal Maharashtra
An investigation was carried out in cluster bean during the Rabi season of 2021-2022 in the lateritic soil of coastal Maharashtra to assess the changes in soil properties, potassium (K) balance and K content as influenced by different fertilizer doses. The experiment involved nine treatments that were replicated three times in a randomized block design. The findings demonstrated that application of 40:60:60 NPK (kg ha-1) significantly enhanced availability of K in soil i.e., exchangeable K (85.70 mg kg-1) as well as non-exchangeable K (243.44 mg kg-1), whereas highest water-soluble K (5.12 mg kg-1), lattice K (4862.26 mg kg-1) and total K (5183.00 mg kg-1) was observed with 60:40:60 NPK (kg ha-1) fertilizer dose. The dominance sequence of the various K fractions was as follows: total K > lattice K > non-exchangeable K > available K > exchangeable K > water-soluble K. The results showed that available nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium had a positive and significant relationship with organic carbon. The results indicated that applying balanced potassic fertilizers can improve the chemical properties of soil. Moreover, highly significant and positive correlations have been noted between water-soluble, exchangeable, non-exchangeable, lattice and total K, suggesting dynamic equilibrium among the different fractions of K. The application of 40:60:60::N:P2O5:K2O (kg ha-1) proved to be most helpful in enhancing K fractions in lateritic soil of the coastal region of Maharashtra, considering the most available potassium forms as well as improvement in the availability of nutrients.
Optimizing Sowing Date for Growth, Yield and Quality of Maize (Zea mays L.) Cultivars in Southern Coastal Region of Bangladesh
In most of the coastal areas of the Ganges Delta, the land remains fallow in Rabi season as the slow drying process after harvest of transplanted aman (T. aman) rice increases the risks for obtaining low crop yields because of delayed sowing. Early sowing of dry season (Rabi) crops in this area is predicted to give higher yield than the current late sown condition because of more favourable temperature, soil water and less soil salinity stresses. The experiments were conducted during the Rabi seasons (December-May) of 2019-2020 and 2020-2021 in the Dacope Upazila of Khulna district to investigate the effect of sowing date and variety on yield attributes and yield of maize. The experiment comprised four sowing dates viz., 15 December, 30 December, 15 January and 30 January and three cultivars viz., BARI hybrid maize-16, Sunshine and NK 40. The highest plants (161 cm) with most leaves plant-1 (15.6) was found at the 15 December sowing with the cv. Sunshine. The maximum number of rows cob-1 (16.2), kernel row-1 (35.9), 100-grain weight (38.6 g), grain and stover yield (7.73 t ha-1 and 11.4 t ha-1, respectively) and the highest carbohydrate content (78.3%), was recorded from the 15 December sowing with the cv. BARI hybrid maize-16. The maximum protein content was recorded from 15 December sowing with NK 40 (9.10%). The lowest plant height, rows cob-1, kernel row-1, 100 grain weight, grain yield and stover yield was obtained from late sowing (30 January) with NK 40. Early sowing (15 December) with BARI hybrid maize-16 improves yield and quality of maize than late sowing condition in the coastal region of Bangladesh.
Effect of Plant Spacing and Varieties on Growth, Yield and Quality of Zero-Till Potato in the Coastal Ganges Delta
Increasing soil salinity, late harvest of aman rice, shorter cool weather duration, difficulties in crop establishment, shortage of fresh irrigation water and other factors contribute to low crop productivity in the coastal saline zone of Bangladesh during the Rabi season. An innovative technique for the saline regions is zero tillage potato cultivation using mulching. The low potato yield is still a disadvantage to the farmers in salty regions not using the best agronomic procedures for growing potatoes without tilling the soil. When growing zero tillage potatoes, proper spacing is crucial for both yield and quality. In order to find out the appropriate spacing at which the potato varieties should be planted in salty soil using the zero tillage technique, a field experiment was carried out in Tildanga, Dacope Upazilla, Khulna in 2018-2019 and 2019-2020, following the harvest of transplanted Aman rice. The experiment was designed using a factorial randomized complete block layout with three replications. The combination effect of 25 cm x 15 cm spacing with BARI Alu 41 produced the highest emergence (98.34%), crop growth rate (20.24 g m-2 d-1) and maximum yield (20.30 t ha-1) and gave highest A size (28-40 mm) tubers (8.56 t ha-1) according to results from two years of research. The maximum BCR (2.56) were was observed in the interaction effect of 25 cm x 15 cm spacing with BARI Alu 41. Therefore, in regions with high levels of salt, the zero tillage method may be suggested using close spacing (25 cm x 15 cm) and salt tolerant variety BARI Alu 41 for a higher potato production, economic considerations and to meet farmers' demands for agriculture.
Special Features and Characterization of Rice Land Races of Karen Community in Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India
An Analysis of Marketing of Mat in Paschim Medinipur District of West Bengal
Evaluation of the APSIM Model in Rice-Lentil Cropping System in a Complex Coastal Saline Environment
Coastal ecosystems face numerous constraints, including erratic rainfall distribution, seawater intrusion, water stagnation with saline water, seasonal escalation of soil salinity, fluctuations in groundwater table depth, and variable moisture availability in the crop rhizosphere. While rice in the Kharif season navigates these challenges with the aid of monsoon rains, for reliable crop yield and productivity, crops in the Rabi season encounter multiple limitations due to low and variable rainfall. The shallow groundwater and surface drying drive the upward movement of salts into the root zone which coupled with soil drying and waterlogging events cause severe constraints for winter cropping. The spatial and temporal variability of these processes creates a complex interplay of climatic and soil factors with crop performance. A model-based crop simulation approach can help to resolve such complex interactions. In this study, we under took the parameterization, calibration, and validation of the APSIM-Oryza and APSIM-Lentil models to simulate diverse experimental treatments within a rice-pulse cropping system across two seasons in the southern part of West Bengal, India. The model predicted observed biomass and grain yield well for both rice and lentil crops in the cropping system, with high coefficients of determination and acceptable RMSE values. Similarly simulated values for phenology, biomass, yield of both rice grain: RMSE = 331 [SDobs = 401] and 193 [SDobs = 203]; biomass: RMSE = 431 [SDobs = 743] and 465 [SDobs = 683]), and lentil (grain: RMSE = 79.1 [SDobs = 64] and 192 [SDobs = 237]; biomass: RMSE = 50.4 [SDobs= 47] and 222 [SDobs = 124] ) respectively), and water use efficiency across various irrigation and salinity levels for lentil and rice exhibited satisfactory accuracy and precision. This validated model has the potential for predicting climate change scenarios and assessing agronomic impacts and adaptations in coastal saline regions. Considering the pivotal role of winter legume crops in soil fertility, income, and food security, the APSIM-Lentil model can be further used for developing resilient and sustainable practices in the face of complex environmental challenges.
Impact of Boro Rice Establishment Methods on Soil Salinity, Crop Growth and Yield in South-West Salt-Affected Coastal Region of Bangladesh
Boro rice (irrigated rice) cultivation in the saline area of the coastal region of Bangladesh is limited because of increased soil and water salinity, lack of freshwater for irrigation and proper agronomic practices. An on-farm field trial was conducted in the farmer’s field at Dacope upazila in Khulna district of Bangladesh during the dry season (Boro) in 2022-23 to evaluate the growth and yield of Boro rice with different establishment methods and soil salinity dynamics with each type of establishment. The tested establishment methods were: (i) conventional tillage wet direct seeding (CTWDS), (ii) no-tillage wet direct seeding (NTWDS), (iii) conventional tillage transplanting rice (CTTP) and (iv) conventional tillage dry direct seeding (CTDDS). Grain yield was significantly higher (13-63%) in CTTP treatment than the other treatments. The direct seeding methods saved irrigation water but had a lower panicle-bearing tiller and grain per panicle which was related to lower yield. The direct seeding methods had also higher soil salinity. In conclusion, Boro rice cultivation with conventional transplanting (CTTP) method in the saline area maintained a higher yield and lower soil salinity than the direct seeding method.
Staggered Sowing and Manuring Effects on Hybrid Sunflower (Helianthus annuus) during Rabi Season in Coastal Bengal
Field experiments were conducted during the Rabi seasons of 2018-19 and 2019-20 at Regional Research Station (CSZ), BCKV, Kakdwip, South 24-Parganas, West Bengal to assess the variation in growth and yield determining traits of hybrid sunflower (cv. Sunbred 275) under staggered sowing and manuring practices. The field trial was arranged in a split-plot design with four sowing dates (S1 = November 30, S2 = December 07, S3 = December 14 and S4 = December 21) in main plots and three manuring practices (M1 = 100% RDF i.e., 80:40:40 kg N:P2O5:K2O kg ha-1), M2 = 75% RDF + vermicompost @ 5 t ha-1 and M3 = 75% RDF + farm yard manure @ 10 t ha-1) assigned to the sub-plots, each replicated thrice. Growth attributes, yield components and seed yield (2.14 t ha-1) of sunflower were found to be significantly higher in early-sown crop (November 30). Subsequent delay in seed sowing beyond November 30 caused poor vegetative and reproductive growth of crops and thereby resulted in poor growth attributes, yield components, seed oil content, seed yield and stover yield of test crop. Application of 100 % RDF gave significantly higher growth attributes, yield components, seed oil content (38.6 %), seed yield (1.91 t ha-1), stover yield (6.07 t ha-1) and economic benefit (B:C ratio of 1.62) of sunflower. However, the treatment 75% RDF + 5.0 t vermicompost ha-1 gave at par results for seed oil content (39.7%), seed yield (1.86 t ha-1) and stover yield (5.96 t ha-1). Seed sowing on November 30 with 100% RDF may be recommended for maximizing sunflower production during Rabi in coastal West Bengal. However, considering the need to reduce fertilizer consumption and maintain soil health, the treatment comprising 75% RDF + 5.0 t vermicompost ha-1 would be beneficial for sustainable sunflower cultivation in the region.
Nutrient Content and Quality of Brinjal as Influenced by Zinc and Boron-fortified Briquettes in Lateritic Soils of Konkan
A field experiment was conducted during the Rabi season of 2021-22 and 2022-23 to study the effect of zinc and boron-fortified briquettes on yield, nutrient content and quality of brinjal. The treatments included three levels of recommended dose of nitrogen viz. 100, 80 and 60% through Konkan Annapurna Briquettes (KAB) with and without fertilization of zinc and boron. The recommended dose of straight fertilizers with and without zinc and boron was also included in the experiment. The results revealed that the highest brinjal yield (31.43 and 31.99 t ha-1) recorded in the treatment received application of 100% nitrogen through KAB fortified with 2 kg boron and 3 kg zinc ha-1, which was 16-18% higher yield than the recommended dose of fertilizer treatment (26.61 and 27.57 t ha-1). Higher nutrient content, i.e., total N (1.26–1.59%), total P (0.31-0.33%), total Zn (75.32–74.82 mg kg-1) and total B (96.66–85.57 mg kg-1), as well as protein content (8.40–9.92%) in brinjal fruit were significantly affected by different fertilizers as well as briquette treatment against control during both years of experimentation. Treatment T7 consisting of 100% nitrogen through KAB fortified with 2 kg boron and 3 kg zinc ha-1 proved most effective in enhancing fruit yield, nutrient content, and quality parameters of brinjal. This treatment gave the best result by increasing the nutritional status of the plant through the beneficial effects of briquettes.
Determinants to Climate Change Adaptation among the Livestock-Rearers of Eastern Coastal Region of India
Adaptation to climate change and variability has recently become a subject of increasing importance in climate change research with an objective to reduce the vulnerability of climate sensitive people. The present study was designed to identify the determinants of differential adoption of adaptation strategies by the livestock rearers of eastern coastal region of India. Total 480 livestock rearers were selected randomly from the four coastal districts of the Odisha and West Bengal. ORDINAL LOGIT model was used to assess the determinants of differential level of adoption of adaptation strategies among the livestock rearers of eastern coastal region. It was found that ‘extension contact’ and ‘farmer to farmer extension’ showed significant positive effect whereas ‘numbers of extreme climatic events experienced’ and ‘proportion income from livestock’ showed significant negative effect on adoption of adaptation strategies among the livestock rearers of eastern coastal region.
Geophysical Techniques for Aquifer Characteristic Studies - A Case Study of Tavanur Grama Panchayat, Malappuram, Kerala
A study on the aquifer characteristics of Tavanur Grama Panchayat, Malappuram, Kerala was conducted across 23 VES locations by vertical electrical sounding technique. The study aimed to analyse the hydro-geological characteristics of the geological formations of Tavanur Panchayat using an electrical resistivity meter. The data obtained from the vertical electrical sounding was interpreted using IPI2WIN software and sounding curves were generated which depict how the apparent resistivity changes with the distance between electrodes or with depth. From the sounding curves obtained from IPI2WIN software, it was found that among 23 locations, seventeen locations showed three layered substrata and four locations showed four layered substrata. A total of 7 types of sounding curves were obtained viz H, K, A, Q, HA, HK and QH. Out of the 23 locations, 8 locations showed the H type and 3 locations showed A type sounding curves. The resistivity and pseudo cross sections of 6 sections including 3 to 7 VES locations were also prepared and analysed. From this study, it could be concluded that the majority of the study area has lateritic soil to hard laterite with medium to high groundwater potential and the areas were found suitable for the construction of open wells.
Fall armyworm (S. frugiperda) an Emerging Risk for the Expansion of Maize in the Coastal Zone of Bangladesh: A Survey of Farmers’ Perception and Practices
Maize is being promoted as a new Rabi season crop for the coastal zone in Bangladesh, but the spread of fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) is an emergent threat that needs to be managed. The prevalence of fall armyworm was surveyed in Patuakhali (Kalaparaupzilla), Barguna (Amtaliupzilla) and Khulna (Dacope and Batiaghataupazilla) districts in coastal Bangladesh using a structured questionnaire and supplemented by a survey of farmer’s awareness of this pest and their current management responses. Adult populations were monitored using pheromone traps and larval populations were counted by sampling maize plants from production fields during October 2019 to April 2020. Of the 120 maize growers, 74% had >10 years farming experience but most were illiterate. They mainly cultivated hybrid maize varieties Miracle, NK40 and BARI hybrid maize-16. All the respondents opined that different stages of maize plants were infested by fall armyworm from seedling stage. The infestation level of fall armyworm increased during February to March and they sprayed chemical insecticides 2-3 times for the management of this pest. Most of the farmers got pest management information from a pesticide retailer. The number of captured moths in pheromone traps gradually increased from December to March at each coastal district. Larvae of S. frugiperda was first observed on the 1st week of January when temperature was low and reached a peak during the 3rd week of March. Increases in maximum temperature and minimum temperature had positive associations with incidence of larvae whereas increasing relative humidity and rainfall exhibited a negative association. In conclusion, maize growers are familiar with S. frugiperda and they used chemical insecticides for the management of this pest. S. frugiperda control measures need to target the period from January and February.