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Not AvailableDirect and residual effects of organics and in combination with inorganic fertilizers applied to acid soils were studied in okra-rice system. Among the treatments vermicompost and poultry manure improved soil pH and exhibited liming effect whereas inorganic fertilizer decreased soil pH. Inorganic fertilizer contributed to 78% of net return in okra but the residual effect was observed in inorganic and vermicompost combination. Soil available nitrogen and potassium had increased at 100% recommended dose, compensated crop uptake at 75% but depletion was observed at 50%. Uptake of nitrogen was higher for okra from inorganic fertilizer but higher phosphorus and potassium uptake from vermicompost was observed for rice. Organics showed better correlation between soil pH and Zn uptake by okra and significant residual effect on rice. But it reduced the solubility of Fe and its uptake by okra and indicated a negative correlation between pH and DTPA extractable Fe2+.Not Availabl

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Not AvailableOwing to their high vulnerability and low adaptive capacity, small islands in the tropics are greatly concerned about their future and management of current threat emanating from climate change. Based on the observational records and experience it was observed that these islands have been experiencing violent cyclones, sea surges and tsunami which affects their food production system and livelihood. Bioshield is one of the best options to protect these islands from these threats and provide livelihood by inclusion of multipurpose tree species. A study was carried out at Little Andaman, India to assess the impact of bioshield in protecting the agricultural land and providing livelihood security to the local population. The tsunami damage assessment showed that agriculture and settlements were relatively less affected where the tree density in the bioshield is more than 60%. The major plant species found in natural bioshield are Rhizophora spp. Sonneratia spp. Casuarina equisetifolia, Manilkara littoralis, Ficus spp., Pandanus tectorius, Hibiscus tiliaceus, Baringtonia spp. Anacardium occidentale and Syzygium spp. During the time of calamity natural bioshield provided food, fodder and source of other economic activity. Therefore bioshield should be established as a managed ecosystem in the island wherever coastal vegetation is less than 20%.Not Availabl

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Not AvailableThe 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami severely damaged the coastal ecosystems of the Indian islands of Andaman and Nicobar. Restoring coastal ecosystems and degraded soils of these islands is essential to provisioning of numerous ecosystem services for the native islanders and ecological functions and services of these hotspots of biodiversity. Thus, the present study was conducted to assess the impact of bunding and broad bed and furrow (BBF) systems in restoring the productivity of tsunami inundated coastal areas of southern Andaman. Bunding of agricultural land leached out the salts by impounding of rainwater with significant reduction in electrical conductivity (ECe), sodium absorption ratio (SAR), and exchangeable ions (e.g., Na+, Ca2+ + Mg2+, Cl and SO4 2 ). The BBF system installed in the low lying waterlogged areas improved the drainage of the beds, harvested rain water (4476 m3 ha 1), prevented entry of tidal and runoff water into the furrow, and reduced the overall salinity. In addition, microbial biomass carbon was significantly improved (193–210 mg kg 1soil). Whereas the low lying areas were inundated during the 20 to 45th standard meteorological week by 25 to 85 cm of water, soils under BBF systems were adequately drained and had moisture content between field capacity and the saturation level. The depth of submergence (R2 = 0.798) and soil salinity (R2 = 0.787) were correlated with the rainfall amount. Consequently, the BBF systems enabled a higher cropping intensity (218%), increased fish production (2.32 Mg ha 1) and water productivity (47.36 Rs m 3) and enhanced employment generation (213 man days). These land forming interventions must be up scaled to tsunami-affected, low lying areas of Andaman and elsewhere in southeastern Asia.Not Availabl

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Not AvailableThe 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami severely damaged the coastal ecosystems of the Indian islands of Andaman and Nicobar. Restoring coastal ecosystems and degraded soils of these islands is essential to provisioning of numerous ecosystem services for the native islanders and ecological functions and services of these hotspots of biodiversity. Thus, the present study was conducted to assess the impact of bunding and broad bed and furrow (BBF) systems in restoring the productivity of tsunami inundated coastal areas of southern Andaman. Bunding of agricultural land leached out the salts by impounding of rainwater with significant reduction in electrical conductivity (ECe), sodium absorption ratio (SAR), and exchangeable ions (e.g., Na+, Ca2+ + Mg2+, Cl and SO4 2 ). The BBF system installed in the low lying waterlogged areas improved the drainage of the beds, harvested rain water (4476 m3 ha 1), prevented entry of tidal and runoff water into the furrow, and reduced the overall salinity. In addition, microbial biomass carbon was significantly improved (193–210 mg kg 1soil). Whereas the low lying areas were inundated during the 20 to 45th standard meteorological week by 25 to 85 cm of water, soils under BBF systems were adequately drained and had moisture content between field capacity and the saturation level. The depth of submergence (R2 = 0.798) and soil salinity (R2 = 0.787) were correlated with the rainfall amount. Consequently, the BBF systems enabled a higher cropping intensity (218%), increased fish production (2.32 Mg ha 1) and water productivity (47.36 Rs m 3) and enhanced employment generation (213 man days). These land forming interventions must be up scaled to tsunami-affected, low lying areas of Andaman and elsewhere in southeastern Asia.Not Availabl

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Not AvailableSoil and water salinity, waterlogging, and a lack of good quality irrigation water are the principal constraints affecting the productivity of the coastal areas in the humid tropical region. The present study was conducted at four sites in the coastal lowlands of the Andaman Islands to assess the impact of a permanent raised bed and furrow (RBF) system on waterlogging and salinity. The RBF system improved the drainage of the raised beds, maintained a favorable soil moisture content, harvested rain water to a maximum depth of 120 cm, and prevented the entry of tidal and runoff water into the furrow. Between the years 2009 and 2014, the soil salinity in the raised beds was reduced by 85% from the initial level of10.9 dS m−1 during three distinct phases namely, the lag phase, the leaching phase and the equilibrium phase which were recognized based on their rate of reduction of salinity Similarly significant reductions were observed in seasonal variations and in the vertical salinity gradient. Inter-annual variations in salinity closely followed the rainfall pattern, particularly during the dry period. The data showed significant reduction in the concentration of soluble ions (e.g., Na+, Ca2++ Mg2+, Cl−and SO42−). In addition, over the years the salinity and sodium toxicity in the furrow water decreased and became suitable for irrigation and fish culture. In contrast, the coastal lowlands adjoining the RBF system experienced waterlogging (5–81 cm) and high levels of salinity (3.0–9.1 dS m−1), which closely corresponded with the rainfall patterns. Multiple linear regression models were developed to predict the surface soil salinity of the RBF system separately for the monsoon (r2= 0.56) and dry seasons (r2= 0.63). Waterlogging and salinity peaks in different seasons require a different management strategy, but the RBF system was effective in addressing this challenge together. The findings from this study would equally apply to other humid tropical coastal regions, provided that considerations are given to the inherent soil properties and the local hydrology.Not Availabl

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Not AvailableSoil and water salinity, waterlogging, and a lack of good quality irrigation water are the principal con-straints affecting the productivity of the coastal areas in the humid tropical region. The present studywas conducted at four sites in the coastal lowlands of the Andaman Islands to assess the impact of apermanent raised bed and furrow (RBF) system on waterlogging and salinity. The RBF system improvedthe drainage of the raised beds, maintained a favorable soil moisture content, harvested rain water to amaximum depth of 120 cm, and prevented the entry of tidal and runoff water into the furrow. Betweenthe years 2009 and 2014, the soil salinity in the raised beds was reduced by 85% from the initial level of10.9 dS m−1during three distinct phases namely, the lag phase, the leaching phase and the equilibriumphase which were recognized based on their rate of reduction of salinity Similarly significant reduc-tions were observed in seasonal variations and in the vertical salinity gradient. Interannual variationsin salinity closely followed the rainfall pattern, particularly during the dry period. The data showedsignificant reduction in the concentration of soluble ions (e.g., Na+, Ca2++ Mg2+, Cl−and SO42−). In addi-tion, over the years the salinity and sodium toxicity in the furrow water decreased and became suitablefor irrigation and fish culture. In contrast, the coastal lowlands adjoining the RBF system experiencedwaterlogging (5–81 cm) and high levels of salinity (3.0–9.1 dS m−1), which closely corresponded with therainfall patterns. Multiple linear regression models were developed to predict the surface soil salinity ofthe RBF system separately for the monsoon (r2= 0.56) and dry seasons (r2= 0.63). Waterlogging and salin-ity peaks in different seasons require a different management strategy, but the RBF system was effectivein addressing this challenge together. The findings from this study would equally apply to other humidtropical coastal regions, provided that considerations are given to the inherent soil properties and thelocal hydrology

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Not AvailableNutritional quality of eggplant can vary depending on the cultivation methods and treatments. The present study was aimed to assess the effect of foliar application of panchagavya on yield and quality of eggplant. The results showed increase in plant height, number of branches, number of fruits and single fruit weight in panchagavya treated plants. It was due to the increased chlorophyll concentration resulting in more photosynthetic activity. Application of panchagavya also increased the total phenolic content (15.7%), total carotenoids (24.8%), DPPH activity (51%) and ascorbic acid (1.1%) as compared to the controlNot Availabl

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Not AvailableThe area available for cultivation in these islands is limited therefore efficient use of land and remediation of degraded areas through organic farming practices are viable alternate strategy to increase the crop production and enhance the livelihood support. The locally available organic materials can be effectively recycled to meet crop nutrient requirements. There is a huge potential for organic farming especially cultivation of Spices,coconut, tropical fruits and high value vegetables. Organic waste recycling and other nutrient management strategy can meet 100 % , 60 % and 30 % of N, P and K requirements, respectively. In organic cultivation of selected crops in the islands with best management practices the yield of potential crops can be increased by 10 - 30 % and the average net profit by 15 - 22 % higher than the conventional farmingNot Availabl