<div>Background: A soil suitability evaluation of Kanamadi South sub-watershed in the Northern Dry Zone of India was carried out during April 2019 to define the soil fitness for the production of pigeonpea, chickpea, greengram and cowpea the four major pulses that are widely grown in the area. 
 
Methods: A detailed soil survey of Kanamadi South sub-watershed was carried out using IRS P6 LISS-IV image and Vijayapura district toposheet. The soils of Kanamadi south sub watershed were grouped into 19 mapping units based on studied 50 profiles. The studied physical and chemical properties were evaluated using the FAO (1976) framework for land evaluation was followed in the evaluation of soil-site suitability for major crops grown in Kanamadi South sub-watershed. This classification recognized two orders of land suitability, order &lsquo;S&rsquo; (suitable) and order &lsquo;N&rsquo; (not suitable) which are further subdivided into land suitability classes. 
 
Result: The studied 19 mapping units were moderately (S2) to marginally suitable (S3) for pigeonpea and greengram having marginal to severe limitations of rainfall and soil physico-chemical properties and none to slight limitation of land form characteristics. The mapping units were moderately suitable (S2) to marginally suitable (S3) for chickpea and cowpea having moderate to severe limitation of temperature, rainfall, depth and pH and none to slight limitation of land form characteristics. The suitability of the study area for all the pulses were said to be moderately suitable (S2) for growing pulse crop for improving productivity and improving biological nitrogen fixation.</div>

​Soil Suitability for Growing Pulses in Northern Dry Zone of Karnataka

<div>The field experiment was conducted at Kittur Rani Channamma College of Horticulture, Arabhavi, during 2016-17 and 2017-18 to investigate the effect of different levels of nitrogen (0 and 25 kg/ha), phosphorus (0, 50 and 75 kg/ha) and potassium (0, 25 and 50 kg/ha) on growth, flowering, yield and economics of dolichos bean. The experiment was laid out in factorial randomized block design comprising of eighteen treatments replicated thrice. Among indivisual NPK levels, the higher level of nitrogen (25 kg N/ha), phosphorus (75 kg P2O5/ha) and potassium (50 kg K2O/ha) recorded significantly maximum growth (plant height, number of primary and secondary branches, leaf area and dry matter content per plant at harvest), early flowering (except N2 level) and pod yield (162.32, 184.14 and 164.75 q/ha) as compared to lower levels in 2016-17 and 2017-18 growing seasons and pooled data. Similarly, amongst all NPK interaction levels, higher fertilizer dose of 25-75-50 kg N-P2O5-K2O/ha recorded significantly maximum growth parameters however, it was at par with 25-75-25 kg N-P2O5-K2O/ha except dry matter content per plant during both the experimental years. Pooled data followed similar trend. On pooled basis, recommended fertilizer dose (25-50-25 kg N-P2O5-K2O/ha) showed early days to 50 percent flowering whereas pod yield (198.44 q/ha) was recorded maximum at higher fertilizer dose (25-75-50 kg N-P2O5-K2O/ha). Similarly, in case of economics, higher fertilizer dose of 25-75-50 kg N-P2O5-K2O/ha recorded highest benefit: cost ratio (5.27) during both the experimental years as well as in pooled data but it was at par with 25-75-25 kg N-P2O5-K2O/ha. Hence, for profitable cultivation of vegetable type dolichos bean in northern transition zone of Karnataka, NPK fertilizer must be applied at the rate of 25-75-25 kg N-P2O5-K2O/ha.&nbsp;</div>

<div>Effect of Nutrient Levels on Growth, Yield and Economics of Dolichos Bean (Dolichos lablab L.) in Northern Dry Zone of Karnataka, India</div>

<div style="text-align:justify">The field experiments were conducted in the Dept. of Seed Science and Technology, College of Agriculture, Vijayapur during &nbsp;kharif 2013 and 2014. The treatments consisted of three planting geometry (22,222, 27,798 and 37,037 plants per ha) and transplanting of different aged seedlings (A1- 21 day old seedlings, A2- 28 day old seedlings, A3- 35 day old seedlings and &nbsp;A4- Direct seed dibbling). Seedlings of BSMR-736( V1) and TS-3R (V2 ) were raised by using a polythene bag of 6 X 4 cm size in nursery. The results of the investigations indicated that &nbsp;the &nbsp;transplanting of 35 days old seedling with planting geometry of 27,798 &nbsp;plants per ha in BSMR -736 (2501 kg /ha) which was on par with transplanting of &nbsp;28 days old seedlings and lowest value was seen in &nbsp; seed dibbling at planting geometry &nbsp;of &nbsp;37,037 in TS-3R(1862 kg /ha). The 34 per cent increased seed yield mainly attributed to seedlings transplanted in planting geometry of 27,798 &nbsp;plants per ha.</div>

<div style="text-align:justify">Response of red gram cultivars to transplanting and planting geometry under rainfed conditions of Northern dry zone of Karnataka</div>

Background: Assessing the forest suitability of soils is one of the key areas of agroforestry science. Research in this direction makes it possible to characterize areas where tree and shrub vegetation does not grow under natural conditions. The research carried out makes it possible to assess the possibilities of afforestation in the area of interest; they contribute to the perception of landscape diversity in the context of the reclamation efficiency of the created systems of protective forest plantings, their productivity and durability. Identification of soil suitability for forests is closely related to the assessment of soil quality and fertility. The study of forest suitability of soils has a pronounced regional aspect. This article presents materials from cartographic studies of the dry steppe zone of the Volgograd region of the Russian Federation. The study region is characterized by a wide variety of soil cover. Dark chestnut, chestnut soils and light chestnut soils are common in this zone. The processes of erosion, salinizationand deflation make a great contribution to the diversity of soil complexes. 
 
Methods: In this work, the cartographic research method is the main one. Achieving the research goal, creating a cartographic model of the forest vegetation properties of the study area, was carried out in three stages. At the first stage, the contours of the soil map at a scale of 1:400000 were classified into forest suitability groups. During the second stage, based on the functionality of the QGIS software package, new soil contours were created. At the third stage, area characteristics were taken, share parameters were calculated and an analysis of changes in soil cover was carried out in natural and economic areas. The research materials presented in this article were obtained during the implementation of the state task of the research work of the FSC of Agroecology RAS. The research period is from 2021-08 to 2023-11. 
 
Result: The result of the research is the creation of a cartographic model of the forest suitability of soils in the dry steppe zone of the Volgograd region. Based on measuring the areas of soil contours for each of the 17 administrative districts, the ratio of groups of forest suitability of soils was established. The revealed value of the share indicator for the study area as a whole is as follows: soils I, forest suitability groups occupy 10.4% of the territory; II -9.3%; III - 68.3%; IV - 12%. The data obtained are necessary for planning agroforestry work in the study area.

Assessment of Forest Suitability of Soils in the Dry Steppe Zone of the Volgograd Region

Background: Intensive agricultural technologies without proper scientific support violate the existing natural balance, both in landscapes and in agricultural landscapes and lead to soil degradation and often to desertification of large areas. Research in areas of insufficient moisture, the most environmentally vulnerable due to the growth of anthropogenic load and the use of unbalanced agricultural technologies, are very relevant. 
 
Methods: This study assessed the ecological balance of three agrolandscapes in the dry-steppe zone of chestnut soils of Volgograd region (objects &ldquo;Ch&rdquo;, &ldquo;I&rdquo; and &ldquo;U&rdquo;) formed under the influence of direct seeding, classical (mouldboard) and combined agricultural technologies. 
 
Result: As a result of the research the system of direct, indirect and integrated assessment of the state of agricultural landscapes for conditions of insufficient moisture was developed. The average score of object &ldquo;Ch&rdquo; had 2.3 points, which corresponds to weak balance, object &ldquo;I&rdquo; - 2.9 points or medium balance and object &ldquo;U&rdquo; - 3.6 points or relatively balanced agrolandscape. The results show that the formation of ecologically balanced agrolandscapes in the dry-steppe zone should be carried out according to specific developed parameters-requirements.

On the Formation of Ecologically Balanced Agrolandscapes in the Dry-steppe Zone of Chestnut Soils

Background:&nbsp; Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merrill] is the most important major oilseed crop among the edible oil seed crops. It has emerged as a potential protein as well as oilseed crop worldwide. The average productivity of soybean is low due to less importance and mostly grown under rain-fed condition without using bio-fertilizers (novel bio-formulations). Hence the current study was carried out to enhance the productivity and profitability of soybean under rainfed condition. 
 
Methods: The present investigation was carried out at AICRP on Soybean, Main Agricultural Research Station, University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad with medium deep black soil under rainfed condition. The experiment was executed in a Randomized Block Design with three replications and seven treatments. The influence of bioformulations on growth, yield parameters, yield, economics, quality and nutrient status of soybean (DSb 21) was carried out during kharif 2021-22 and 2022-23. 
 
Result: The pooled data of two years concluded that, application of 100% RDF alone (T2) was recorded significantly higher dry matter production (79.2 g plant-1), pods per plant (64.0), seed index (14.41 g), seed yield&nbsp; (2,797 kg ha-1) and straw yield (4,340 kg ha-1) and similarly higher uptake of nitrogen (103.74 kg ha-1), phosphorus (17.54 kg ha-1) and potassium (91.40 kg ha-1)&nbsp; in soybean crop followed by next best treatment with application of 75 per cent RDF + Rhizobium + MDSR14 + 12c (76.6 g plant-1, 61.6, 14.19 g, 2,631, 4,170, 100.12, 16.73 and 86.64 kg ha-1 respectively) (T7) as compared to other treatments. Further, higher net returns (Rs.1,13,015 ha-1) and benefit cost ratio (4.73) was also obtained in T7. Therefore, the application of 75 per cent RDF + Rhizobium + MDSR14 + 12c can be recommended for eco-friendly, economically viable, environmentally sound and sustainability in nature, besides improving the physico chemical properties of soil and in turn higher productivity and profitability under medium deep black soil in Northern Transition zone of Karnataka (India).

Influence of Bioformulations on Productivity, Profitability and Quality in Soybean under Rainfed Condition of Northern Transition Zone of Karnataka

One of the processes to increase the shelf life of the food products is drying and dehydration. Vegetables may be dried by different methods like solar drying, open sun drying and other mechanical methods so that they can be available during the lean season. In this study, mint was subjected to drying after giving two different treatments and their respective physical and chemical parameters were evaluated. An increase in chlorophyll content, flavonoid content and Vitamin A content was observed in all of the dried samples as they become concentrated source of nutrients. However, a decrease in polyphenol content and Vitamin C content in all of the samples was found. Drying rate of solar dryer was higher than hot air dryer and open sun drying. The aroma of dried mint was maintained in solar dried samples but was lost in hot air dryer and open sun drying.

Comparative studies on dehydration of mint (Mentha arvensis) by open sun drying, solar drying and hot air cabinet drying

<div>Background: Rise in temperature and expected changes in erratic rainfall patterns projected under future climates are going to affect the performance and productivity of most crops, especially under rainfed condition. But, extent of adverse effect would vary from location to location and crop to crop. Greengram is an important Kharif season crop of Northern Transition Zone (NTZ) of Karnataka mainly grown under rainfed conditions.&nbsp; 
 
Methods: Calibrated and validated DSSAT-CROPGRO model was used to study response of greengram to climate change in NTZ of Karnataka. A combination of three temperature (control, +1&deg;C and +2&deg;C) and three rainfall (control, -10% and -20%) scenarios resulting nine combinations were used to simulate phenology, yield and total biomass using weather data for the period of 32 years (1985-2016).&nbsp; 
 
Result: Model based seasonal analysis showed that the greengram is more sensitive to change in rainfall than temperature. Rise in temperature by 1-2&deg;C, reduced days to physiological maturity by 2 to 3 days and yield by 1.7 to 3.5%. On the contrary, reduction in 20% rainfall alone reduced grain yield and total biomass by 9.5% and 10.48%, respectively. Combined effect of reduced rainfall (-20%) and elevated temperature (2&deg;C) resulted in 16.36 and 21.16% reduction in grain yield and total biomass, respectively. This indicates that, rainfall plays greater role on kharif greengram yield in NTZ.&nbsp;</div>

<div>Response of Greengram to Climate Change in Northern Transition Zone of Karnataka: DSSAT Model Based Assessment</div>

This survey research was carried out to explore the existing dairy farming status in the tribal populated districts of northern hills zone of Chhattisgarh state. Dairy sector has huge potential to generate rural employment and assures the nutritional security to rural folk who belongs to weaker section of the society. Chhattisgarh state is still in primordial stage in dairy farming though the state has good number of cattle population compared to other leading milk producing states. To augment the dairy production in the rural areas, surveying and analysis of existing dairying status is essential and this result helps the planners, administrators, development workers, scientists and others to frame policies to implement developmental schemes. &nbsp;The results indicated that, more than half (56.33%) of the tribal dairy farmers falling under the category of subsistence level of dairy production system, about half (44.67 %) of the respondents possessing medium herd size, non-descript dairy cattle ranks first in the livestock category numbers (865), followed by draught animal (539), cross breeds (126), non-descript upgraded (93), Buffalo upgraded + ND (79), Scrub bulls (27) and Calves (ND + CB + BC were (146). Non-descript lactating cows had 1.24 litres/animal as an average milk production with the maximum of 2 litres and minimum of 250 ml. Crossbred, Upgraded buffaloes and Upgraded non-descript dairy animals had shown the superior milk production performance in F2 generation. Less than half (45.33%) of the tribal farmers producing less than 1.2 litres of milk per day and majority (64.67%) of the respondents selling surplus milk through middle man.

Tribal dairy farming status in the Northern Hills Zone of&nbsp;Chhattisgarh state, India - An survey research

<div>Background: Phosphorus is considered as the second most important plant nutrient because of its significant role in various biochemical activities such as photosynthesis, respiration, root growth, energy storage, cell division etc. Phosphorus is required in greater amounts for pulse crops because of high demand in energy transfer molecules used in nitrogen fixation. Application of proper dose of phosphorus fertilizer is very crucial in deciding the productivity of the groundnut. The bioavailability of the phosphorus fertilizers mainly depends on the soil properties viz., pH, organic carbon, amount of Fe and Al oxides, CaCO3 and microbial load in the soil. In this context, the present study was designed to know the growth and yield parameter of groundnut by using appropriate combination of microbial culture with different levels of phosphorus at central dry zone of Karnataka. 
 
Methods: Field experiments were carried out for three consecutive years during 2018, 2019 and 2020 at Zonal Agricultural and Horticultural Research Station, Babbur farm, Hiriyur, Karnataka, India to study and understand the efficiency of DGRC culture (microbial culture) with different levels of phosphorus on groundnut under kharif season. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with three replication and ten treatments consisting of seed treatment with DGRC culture inoculants @ 20g/ kg groundnut seed (cv. TMV-2) with different doses of phosphorus (20 kg, 40 kg and 60 kg/ha). 
 
Result: Three years pooled results indicated that there was a significant response of pod yield (2457 kg/ha) and higher economics like gross return (Rs. 1,15,138/ ha), net return (Rs. 73,115/ha) and B:C ratio (2.76) were also profitable with the application of 40 kg/ha of P + DGRC culture as compared to other treatments. Furthermore, higher nutrient uptake viz., N (99.60 kg/ha), P2O5 (16.68 kg/ha) and K2O (58.86 kg/ha) were recorded in application of 40 kg/ha of P+DGRC culture.</div>

Soil Suitability for Growing Pulses in Northern Dry Zone of Karnataka

Effect of Nutrient Levels on Growth, Yield and Economics of Dolichos Bean (Dolichos lablab L.) in Northern Dry Zone of Karnataka, India

Response of red gram cultivars to transplanting and planting geometry under rainfed conditions of Northern dry zone of Karnataka

Assessment of Forest Suitability of Soils in the Dry Steppe Zone of the Volgograd Region

On the Formation of Ecologically Balanced Agrolandscapes in the Dry-steppe Zone of Chestnut Soils

Influence of Bioformulations on Productivity, Profitability and Quality in Soybean under Rainfed Condition of Northern Transition Zone of Karnataka

Comparative studies on dehydration of mint (Mentha arvensis) by open sun drying, solar drying and hot air cabinet drying

Response of Greengram to Climate Change in Northern Transition Zone of Karnataka: DSSAT Model Based Assessment

Tribal dairy farming status in the Northern Hills Zone of Chhattisgarh state, India - An survey research

Response of Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea) under Different Phosphorus Management Options in Central Dry Zone of Karnataka