Soil: Physical, chemical and biological properties

Soil consists of rock and sediment that has been modified by physical and chemical interaction with organic material and rainwater, over time, to produce a substrate that can support the growth of plants.” Soils are an important natural resource.  They represent the  interface between the lithosphere and the biosphere – as soils provide nutrients for … Read more

Issues and challenges related with quality and supply of seed, manure

Seed is the true carrier of technology. In India, three sets of institutions produce seeds:research institutions and agricultural universities; public sector seed producing corporations; andprivate sector firms including multinationals. The last decade has seen two main developmentsin seed market. One, production of quality seed has risen at a rapid rate after 2005-06. And two,public sector … Read more

Soil Productivity and Plant Nutrients

Soil fertility refers to the ability of a soil to sustain agricultural plant growth, i.e. to provide plant habitat and result in sustained and consistent yields of high quality. A fertile soil has the following properties:- It is rich in nutrients necessary for basic plant nourishment. This includes nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. It consists of adequate minerals such as boron, … Read more

Soil process and factors of soil formation

Soils develop as a result of the interplay of 5 factors; Parent material, climate, organisms, relief and time. Soil formation or soil genesis refers to changes of soil properties with time in one direction: the content of one component or mineral in a certain horizon decreases or increases‚ sedimentary layering disappears‚ etc. Mostly‚ such changes … Read more

Case studies – Chernobyl Atomic Plant Tragedy 1986, Bhopal Gas Tragedy 1984, Kutch Earthquake 2001 , Indian Tsunami 2004 Fukushima Daiichi Japan Nuclear Disaster 2011, Uttrakhand Flash Flood 2013, Ujjain Tragedy 1994, Allahabad Kumbh Stampede 2013, J & K Flood 2014 etc.

Disaster manangement: some case studies Aspects of Disaster Management Disaster Prevention Disaster Prevention is the concept of engaging in activities which intend to prevent or avoid potential adverse impacts through action taken in advance, activities designed to provide protection from the occurance of disasters. Disaster Preparedness Disaster preparedness activities embedded with risk reduction measures can … Read more

Agro-ecology and its relevance to man

Agro-ecology and its relevance to man The term agroecology can be used in multiple ways, as a science, as a movement and as a practice. Broadly stated, it is the study of the role of agriculture in the world. Agroecology provides an interdisciplinary framework with which to study the activity of agriculture. In this framework, … Read more

Agro-climatic zones of Madhya Pradesh

Agro-climatic zones of Madhya Pradesh There are 11 agro-climatic zones in Madhya Pradesh. Malwa Plateau: Indore, Dhar, (Dhar, Badnawar, Sardarpur tehsils) Shajapur, Mandsour, Nimuch, Ratlam, Ujjain, Dewas Rajgarh districts and Petlawad tehsil of Jhabua district. Vindhyan Plateau: Bhopal, Vidisha, Sehore (Sehore, Ashta, Ichhawar, Narsullaganj tehsils) Raisen (Raisen, Gairatganj, Begamganj, Silwani, Goharganj, Udaipura tehsils), Damoh, Guna … Read more

Agro-climatic zones in India

Agro-climatic zones of india An “Agro-climatic zone” is a land unit in terms of major climates, suitable for a certain range of crops and cultivars. With the 329 million hectares of the geographical area the country presents a large number of complex agro-climatic situations. India is divided into 15 agro-climatic zones.The 15 agro-climatic zones are: … Read more