Volume 11 Number 2 (March )

Mapping and Spatiotemporal Evolution Analysis of Salinity Water Mass Structure Characteristics at the Pearl River Estuary—A Framework Coupling Multi-Source Remote Sensing Information from GEE with Machine Learning Methods

The distribution and variation of salinity in estuarine regions serve as a critical foundation for understanding the evolution of coastal ecosystems. However, obtaining long-term, continuous in-situ salinity data in estuarine areas with complex hydrodynamics and limited observational conditions poses significant challenges. To address this, this study focuses on the Pearl River Estuary (PRE), utilizing multi-source remote sensing data from 2015 to 2025 on the Google Earth Engine (GEE) platform to develop an unsupervised machine learning framework driven by multi-dimensional features. The framework aims to identify water mass structures closely associated with salinity distribution and their spatiotemporal evolution characteristics. The proposed method integrates multiple features, including Landsat 8-derived Total Suspended Solids (TSS), Colored Dissolved Organic Matter (CDOM), Normalized Difference Chlorophyll Index (NDCI), as well as Sentinel-1 backscatter coefficients σ⁰and Digital Elevation Model (DEM) data. It employs K-means clustering and XGBoost-SHAP analysis to classify surface water features and assess contributing factors. The results statistically delineate three typical water mass structures: freshwater-dominated, seawater-dominated, and their transitional mixtures, revealing significant interannual variability over a decade. The observed trends correlate with runoff conditions in the Pearl River Basin and regional hydroclimatic factors. Notably, during the extreme drought years of 2021–2022, the marked expansion of seawater-dominated water masses validated the model's sensitivity to structural adjustments in water masses. This study demonstrates that, in the absence of long-term in-situ data, the fusion of multi-source remote sensing and unsupervised machine learning methods can effectively identify the relative spatiotemporal evolution of salinity-related water mass structures in estuaries. It offers a feasible, low-cost approach for studying salinity dynamics in large estuaries and supporting regional water environment management.

Estimation of correlation and path coefficient analysis in selected okra genotypes

Renu Fandan, S. K. Dhankhar, Sanjay Yadav, Sudesh, Pooja Pahal, Vikas Sagwal

The experiment was undertaken to study the association among yield and its contributing traits and to assess their direct and indirect effects on fruit yield in okra. Thirty okra genotypes were evaluated in a randomized block design with three replications at the Vegetable Research Farm, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar, Haryana, India during kharif 2021. Genotypic correlation coefficients were generally higher than phenotypic correlation coefficients. Fruit yield/plant exhibited significant positive correlation with plant height (0.63, 0.43), number of branches per plant (0.66, 0.33), petiole length (0.56, 0.42), fruit length (0.75, 0.43) and fruit diameter (0.34, 0.20) at genotypic and phenotypic levels, respectively, while it showed significant negative correlation with days to 50% flowering (-0.82, -0.60), inter-nodal length (-0.67, -0.49) and first fruiting node (-0.63, -0.47). Path coefficient analysis revealed that fruit length exerted the highest positive direct effect on fruit yield per plant (0.76), followed by number of branches per plant (0.25) and number of fruits per plant (0.19). Plant height exhibited positive indirect effects via days to 50% flowering and first fruiting node. The study indicated that fruit length, number of branches per plant and number of fruits per plant are key traits for improving fruit yield in okra and should be emphasized in selection programmes.

A Study on Livelihood Security Status of Farm Families in Bikaner Division of Rajasthan State

Manisha Sharma, Pinky Yadav, Ajay Kumar

Context: Livelihood security refers to having sufficient and stable access to food, cash, and resources to meet basic needs, along with reserves and assets to manage risks, shocks, and emergencies (Harishkumar, 2012). It encompasses the ability to fulfill essential requirements such as food, health, shelter, minimal income, education, and community participation (Beevi and Rohit, 2018). Key aspects of livelihood security include economic stability, food security, educational access, health security, safe housing, and social network support. According to Bhavya (2019), the concept of farm household livelihood security offers a comprehensive framework for understanding poverty, malnutrition, and the dynamic survival strategies employed by households. This approach underscores the need for holistic agricultural development that integrates economic, social, and ecological dimensions. Objective: To assess status of livelihood security of farm families. Method: The study was conducted in Bikaner Division of Rajasthan State, comprising Bikaner, Hanumangarh, Sri Ganganagar, and Anupgarh districts. Among these, Bikaner and Hanumangarh districts were selected purposively. From Bikaner district, Lunkaransar Panchayat Samiti was selected randomly using the lottery method, while Sangaria Panchayat Samiti was selected similarly from Hanumangarh district. Five villages were randomly selected from each block, namely Sehniwala, Rojhan, Bhadera, Peepera, and Kapoorisar from Lunkaransar block, and Bolanwali, Bakhrawali, Santpura, Chak Heera Singh Wala, and Indergarh from Sangaria block. From each selected village, 30 farm families were chosen through random sampling, with the head of the household as the respondent, resulting in a total sample of 300 respondents for the study. Results & Discussion: The findings of the study revealed that farm families in the study area were largely food secure, with regular meal consumption and adequate intake of cereals and vegetables; however, fruit consumption and overall food quality remained comparatively low, indicating the need for dietary diversification to improve nutritional well-being. Nutritional security analysis showed moderate to high household dietary diversity, dominated mainly by cereals and vegetables, while fruits were consistently under-consumed in both Bikaner and Hanumangarh districts, highlighting gaps in micronutrient intake. In both districts, households reported regular consumption of cereals and vegetables, moderate intake of pulses and milk, and inadequate fruit consumption, suggesting the need for awareness generation and improved accessibility to fruits. Body Mass Index (BMI) assessment indicated that the majority of children (up to 5 years) and adult women (18 years and above) maintained normal nutritional status; however, the prevalence of undernutrition among children, particularly in Bikaner district, emerged as a concern, emphasizing the importance of strengthening preventive nutrition programs and ensuring access to protein- and micronutrient-rich foods. Economic security of farm families was observed to be moderate, with most households earning an annual income between ₹1–3 lakh, possessing moderate levels of productive and non-productive assets, manageable debt levels, and varying degrees of satisfaction with their financial conditions, thereby underscoring the need for income diversification, financial inclusion, and asset-building interventions. Health security was also found to be moderate, as households experienced occasional illnesses, limited access to healthcare facilities, partial availability of medical supplies, and financial constraints that restricted the use of professional healthcare services, pointing to the need for strengthened rural health infrastructure and affordable medical care. Educational security reflected widespread access to primary education but limited opportunities for higher and vocational education, coupled with affordability constraints, literacy gaps, and intergenerational educational disadvantages, highlighting the need for policy support to expand higher education infrastructure, vocational training, targeted subsidies, and comprehensive literacy programs. Overall, comparative analysis of livelihood security dimensions revealed that food and economic security were relatively stronger, whereas health and education security remained weaker, indicating the necessity for balanced development strategies that prioritize nutrition-sensitive interventions, rural healthcare services, and equitable educational opportunities alongside existing gains in food and income security.

The growth and yield characteristics of guava (Psidium guajava L.) cv. Gwalior 27 are affected by the addition of borax and zinc sulphate

In 2016–2017, a field study named "Effect of foliar application of borax and zinc sulphate on growth, yield, and quality of guava (Psidium guajava L.) cv. Gwalior-27" was conducted at Agrotechnology Park, Krishi Vigyan Kendra, College of Agriculture, Gwalior (M.P.). There were nine treatments in the trial, each with two amounts of zinc sulfate (0.4 and 0.6%) and borax (0.2 and 0.4%). Three replications and factorial randomized block design were used to set up the experiment. In terms of guava growth and yield characteristics, treatment B2Z2 (Borax at 0.4% & Zinc sulfate at 0.6%) was found to be considerably better than the control across various foliar spray nutrient dosages.

Development and Evaluation of Tensile Strength, Water Resistance, and Biodegradability of Bioplastic using Mermaid’s Fan (Padina pavonica) Seaweed and Extracted Cellulose from Coconut (Cocos nucifera) Lumber Sawdusts

Plastic pollution has increased demand for bioplastic alternatives. This study developed bioplastic from Mermaid’s fan seaweed alginate and cellulose extracted from coconut lumber sawdust. Bioplastics were produced through alginate extraction, cellulose isolation, and material testing, with data analyzed using one-way ANOVA at 0%, 35%, and 70% cellulose concentrations. Results showed no statistically significant differences in tensile strength and water resistance among treatments (p > 0.05). However, water degradation differed significantly (p < 0.05), with the 35% cellulose formulation exhibiting the highest mass loss and fastest degradation. These findings indicate cellulose mainly affects degradation behavior. Therefore, Mermaid’s fan-based bioplastic shows eco-friendly potential as an alternative to conventional plastics.

Efficacy of New-Era Combined Herbicides on Weed Dynamics, Productivity and Economics of Summer Green Gram (Vigna radiata L.)

A field experiment titled “Efficacy of new-era combined herbicides on weed dynamics, productivity and economics of summer green gram (Vigna radiata L.)” was carried out during the summer season of 2018 at the Instructional Farm, N. M. College of Agriculture, Navsari Agricultural University, Navsari, Gujarat. The study comprised ten weed management treatments, evaluated in a RBD (Randomized block design) with three replications. The treatments included: (T₁): pendimethalin at 900 g ha⁻¹ as pre-emergence followed by one hand weeding at 30 DAS, (T₂): sodium acifluorfen + clodinafop-propargyl (ready-mix) at 250 g ha⁻¹ as post-emergence applied at 20 DAS, (T₃): imazethapyr + pendimethalin (ready-mix) at 750 g ha⁻¹ as pre-emergence, (T₄): imazethapyr + imazamox (ready-mix) at 70 g ha⁻¹ as pre-emergence, (T₅): imazethapyr + propaquizafop (ready-mix) at 125 g ha⁻¹ as post-emergence at 20 DAS (T₆): quizalofop-p-ethyl at 100 g ha⁻¹ as post-emergence at 20 DAS, (T₇): fenoxaprop-p-ethyl at 100 g ha⁻¹ as post-emergence at 20 DAS, (T₈): two hand weedings at 20 and 40 DAS, (T₉): unweeded control and (T₁₀): weed-free check. From the results of experiment observed that significantly highest value of growth parameters yield attributes and yield of green gram seed yield, straw yield and harvest index were observed under weed free (T10) treatment, which was statistically at par with the treatment pendimethalin 900 g /haas pre-emergence + 1 HW at 30 DAS (T1) and followed by sodium acifluorfen + clodinafop-propargyl (RM) 250 g /haas post-emergence at 20 DAS and 2 HW at 20 and 40 DAS (T2).

Milk Cooling Prototype and its Economics

Gaurav Sharma, Dr. Amandeep Sharma, Dr. Inderpreet Kaur

Milk is nearly complete food but as well as it is very perishable in nature, rapid preservation techniques are required to preserve its quality and to increase its spoilage time. Although, milk is nearly sterile when it comes out from the udder of a milch animal but when microbes get entry they deteriorate its quality. With the 23% contribution or 1st in milk production, India is not even in the top 10 in the export list of milk and milk product due to quality issues; so, there is need to preserve the quality of milk right from farm. In India 57% out of total milk production is produced by small farmers who have average herd size less than 3 milch animals so, there is need of small scale cooling system. The present study is focused for the small scale milk cooling system to maintain the cooling chain from farm to consumer.A vacuum chamber along with vacuum pump was used to for the cooling of milk. Milk cooled down from 36.3oC to 21.5oC just by using water as refrigerant, which may prevent milk spoilage up to 8 hours. The cooling cost is Rs 3.12 per litre of product.

Kinnow Plants (Citrus nobilis x Citrus deliciosa) Disease-Induced Alterations in Biochemical Composition: A comparison of Healthy and Gummosis-Infected Plants

Priya Kumari, Smita Jain

A economically significant citrus cultivar, the Kinnow mandarin (Citrus nobilis x Citrus deliciosa) is grown extensively throughout the Indian subcontinent, especially in northern india. In Rajasthan state, Kinnow is mainly produced in Sri ganganagar and Hanumangarh district. Kinnow plants affected by some diseases like; Citrus canker, Phytophthora, Greening (Huanglongbing), Gummosis, Citrus scab, Black fly infestation, Dieback, Anthracnose and sooty mold. Disease management is more important for decrease losses of fruit yield. A comparative analysis of the chosen biochemical parameters between healthy and diseased plants was attempted in the current study. Gummosis-infected Kinnow plants (Citrus nobilis x Citrus deliciosa) show notable biochemical alterations, according to the study, including higher concentrations of Alkaloids compounds, Phenolic, Terpenoids, Proline, MDA (Malondialdehyde) and ROS (Reactive oxygen species) and lower Chlorophyll content. According to these alterations, the disease caused a complex response in the plants that impact both primary and secondary metabolism.

Evaluating Climate-Smart Agricultural Systems: A Comparative Analysis of Policy, Practices, and Impacts in India and New Zealand

Disha Chahal

Climate-smart agriculture (CSA) has emerged as a critical framework for addressing food security challenges under climate change. This study presents a comparative analysis of CSA systems in India and New Zealand, focusing on policy frameworks, agricultural practices, and socio-economic and environmental impacts. A systematic review of recent literature (2020–2025) was conducted to evaluate implementation outcomes. Results indicate that India prioritizes adaptation strategies and livelihood resilience among smallholder farmers, whereas New Zealand emphasizes greenhouse gas mitigation and precision agriculture. While India faces constraints such as fragmented landholdings and limited access to technology, New Zealand demonstrates strong institutional capacity and innovation-driven systems. The study highlights the need for integrated approaches combining resilience and mitigation strategies for sustainable agricultural development.

Evaluation of nitrate-based chitosan nanofertilizer on the morpho-physiological responses of maize under semi-field condition

Global agriculture is frantically seeking for ways to mitigate the detrimental environmental effect of standard chemical fertilizers. Next-generation fertilizers made from biodegradable, eco-friendly, renewable energy sources may be the answer, allowing for greater nutrient efficiency and a lower environmental footprint. Chitosan nanoparticles (NPs) have recently been characterized as a viable way to improve plant immune systems through slow, controlled, and targeted nutrient delivery. Chitosan is a linear amino polysaccharide having a rigid structure, hydrophilic properties, and crystal structures. Chitosan, due to its amino group content, can combine with other chemicals, penetrate the plant's vascular system, and activate plant metabolic-physiological pathways. Surface-functionalization of chitosan with additional active compounds improves the bio-functionalities of the structure. In the current study, a nitrate-based chitosan nanofertilizer was formulated by ionic gelation, and its foliar efficacy on maize was comprehensively examined in a semi-field condition. The manufactured nanofertilizer, at 2% (w/v), had a substantial influence on root dynamics as compared to control groups. The current study strongly anticipates the potential of novel nitrate-based chitosan nanofertilizer to be a very valuable and novel bio-stimulant, as well as a good supply of macronutrients for agricultural plants. It may also be thoroughly researched for other crops in order to further develop the technique.