Depth-wise variations of soil physicochemical properties in the apple growing area of Mustang district, Nepal

Understanding the soil fertility is an important management tool in assessing the nutrient requirement of the crops. Considering this, a study was done to determine depth-wise soil parameters distribution in the apple growing areas of Gharpajhog Rural Municipality, Mustang during October 2019. The total 68 sampling points were selected randomly in the different sites, and collection was done from three depths viz. 0-20cm, 20-40cm and 40-60cm by using soil sampling auger. The soil separates, pH, organic matter, total N, available P2O5 and K2O were determined following standard methods in National Soil Science Research Centre, Khumaltar. The results of the study revealed that the effect of depth was significant in the sand and silt proportion, while non- significant in clay proportion. The highest (40.17±1.57%) sand content was in 40-60cm depth, meanwhile highest (45.64±1.07%) silt content was in surface (0-20cm) depth. In addition to this, soil pH, OM, total N, available P2O5 and K2O were also affected by the depth. The highest (8.27) pH was determined in the lower (40-60cm) depth. On the other hand, highest OM (4.93±0.2%), total N (0.24±0.01%), available P2O5 (43.47±4.35 mg/kg) and available K2O (95.91±5.8 mg/kg) in surface (0.20 cm) depth. The surface depth possessed strong content of studied soil parameters might be due to in-situ incorporation of leaf litter, residue etc. as well as applied manure in the surface. Finally, we can also conclude that the adopted current nutrient management practice should be continued for apple production in the study area

Geostatistical based soil fertility mapping of Horticultural Research Station, Rajikot, Jumla, Nepal

Geostatistical soil mapping is important for determining spatial distribution of soil parameters. This study was conducted to assess soil spatial distribution of the Horticultural Research Station, Rajikot, Jumla, Nepal. The total 27 samples were collected randomly at a depth of 0-20 cm by using soil sampling auger. A GPS device was used for determination of geographical position of soil sampling points. The collected samples were analyzed following standard analytical methods in the laboratory of National Soil Science Research Centre, Khumaltar. The Arc-GIS 10.1 software was used for the mapping spatial distribution of various soil parameters. The observed data revealed the structure was sub-angular blocky and granular, whereas colour were dark brown to dark grayish brown and dark yellowish brown. The sand, silt and clay content were ranged 24.40-72.10%, 19.40-63.10% and 6.20-14.50%, respectively and categorized loam, sandy loam and silt loam in texture. The soil pH was slightly acidic to moderately alkaline (5.01-8.06), and very low available sulphur (0.59-2.41 mg/kg) and very low to low available boron (0.04-0.87 mg/kg).  Moreover, very low to medium available manganese (2.18-13.46 mg/kg), very low to very high available iron (4.50-138.58 mg/kg), and low to medium available magnesium (7.20-177.60.53 mg/kg) and zinc (0.26-1.66 mg/kg). Similarly, medium total nitrogen (0.09-0.22%), medium to high organic matter (1.71-6.26%) and available calcium (1200-3144 mg/kg), medium to very high available phosphorus (3.71-82.4 mg/kg) and potassium (59.37-173.05 mg/kg). Correspondingly, high to very high available copper (0.78-4.20 mg/kg). The determined soil test data can be used for sustainable soil management as well as developing future research strategy in the farm

One-Dimensional Lateral Force Anisotropy at the Atomic Scale in Sliding Single Molecules on a Surface

Using a q+ atomic force microscopy at low temperature, a sexiphenyl molecule is slid across an atomically flat Ag(111) surface along the direction parallel to its molecular axis and sideways to the axis. Despite identical contact area and underlying surface geometry, the lateral force required to move the molecule in the direction parallel to its molecular axis is found to be about half of that required to move it sideways. The origin of the lateral force anisotropy observed here is traced to the one-dimensional shape of the molecule, which is further confirmed by molecular dynamics simulations. We also demonstrate that scanning tunneling microscopy can be used to determine the comparative lateral force qualitatively. The observed one-dimensional lateral force anisotropy may have important implications in atomic scale frictional phenomena on materials surfaces

Feasibility of implementing public-private mix approach for tuberculosis case management in Pokhara Metropolitan City of western Nepal: a qualitative study

BackgroundThe Public-Private Mix (PPM) approach is a strategic initiative that involves engaging all private and public health care providers in the fight against tuberculosis using international health care standards. For tuberculosis control in Nepal, the PPM approach could be a milestone. This study aimed to explore the barriers to a public-private mix approach in the management of tuberculosis cases in Nepal.MethodsWe conducted key informant interviews with 20 participants, 14 of whom were from private clinics, polyclinics, and hospitals where the PPM approach was used, two from government hospitals, and four from policymakers. All data were audio-recorded, transcribed, and translated into English. The transcripts of the interviews were manually organized, and themes were generated and categorized into 1. TB case detection, 2. patient-related barriers, and 3. health-system-related barriers.ResultsA total of 20 respondents participated in the study. Barriers to PPM were identified into following three themes: (1) Obstacles related to TB case detection, (2) Obstacles related to patients, and (3) Obstacles related to health-care system. PPM implementation was challenged by following sub-themes that included staff turnover, low private sector participation in workshops, a lack of trainings, poor recording and reporting, insufficient joint monitoring and supervision, poor financial benefit, lack of coordination and collaboration, and non-supportive TB-related policies and strategies.ConclusionGovernment stakeholders can significantly benefit by applying a proactive role working with the private in monitoring and supervision. The joint efforts with private sector can then enable all stakeholders to follow the government policy, practice and protocols in case finding, holding and other preventive approaches. Future research are essential in exploring how PPM could be optimized

Assessment of soil fertility status of Agriculture Research Station, Belachapi, Dhanusha, Nepal

Soil test-based fertility management is important for sustainable soil management. This study was carried out to determine the soil fertility status of the Agriculture Research Station, Belachapi, Dhanusha, Nepal. Using soil sampling auger 25 soil samples were collected randomly from a depth of 0-20 cm. Soil sampling points were identified using GPS device. Following standard methods adopted by Soil Science Division laboratory, Khumaltar, the collected soil samples were analyzed to find out their texture, pH, N, P2O5, K2O, Ca, Mg, S, B, Fe, Zn, Cu, Mn and organic matter status. The soil fertility status maps were made using Arc-GIS 10.1 software. The observed data revealed that soil was grayish brown in colour and sub-angular blocky in structure. The sand, silt and clay content were 36.03±3.66%, 50.32±2.52% and 25.42±2.25%, respectively and categorized as eight different classes of texture. The soil was acidic in pH (5.61±0.14). The available sulphur (0.73±0.09 ppm) status was very low, whereas organic matter (1.34±0.07%), available boron (0.56±0.10 ppm), available zinc (0.54±0.22 ppm) and available copper (0.30±0.01 ppm) were low in status. The extractable potassium (95.52±13.37 ppm) and extractable calcium (1264.8±92.80ppm) exhibited medium in status. In addition, available phosphorus (33.25±6.97 ppm), available magnesium (223.20±23.65 ppm) and available manganese (20.50±2.43 ppm) were high in status. Furthermore, available iron (55.80±8.89 ppm) status was very high. To improve the potentiality of crops (maize, rice, wheat etc.) for studied area, future research strategy should be made based on its soil fertility status

Soil Fertility Assessment and Mapping of Agricultural Research Station, Jaubari, Illam, Nepal

Soil fertility evaluation is a prerequisite factor for sustainable planning of a particular region. Considering this, a study was conducted to determine the soil fertility status of the Agricultural Research Station, Jaubari, Illam, Nepal. In total, 78 soil samples were collected using soil sampling auger randomly from a depth of 0-20 cm. The texture, pH, OM, N, P2O5, K2O, Ca, Mg, S, B, Fe, Zn, Cu and Mn status of the samples were analyzed in the laboratory of Soil Science Division, Khumaltar by following standard analytical methods. The soil fertility maps of the observed parameters were prepared through Arc-GIS 10.1 software. The observed data revealed that soil was brown (10YR 4/3), dark grayish brown (10YR 4/2), dark yellowish brown (10YR 4/4) and yellowish brown (10YR 5/6) in colour, and the structure was granular. Similarly, the sand, silt and clay content were 53.84±1.06%, 34.34±0.83% and 11.82±0.47%, respectively and were indicated as sandy loam and loam in texture. The soil was very acidic (pH 3.85±0.04), and very low in available boron (0.26±0.06mg/kg) and available sulphur (0.59±0.15mg/kg). The available calcium (188.7±31.30mg/kg), available magnesium (50.98±5.0mg/kg) and available manganese (5.16±0.90mg/kg) were low. Likewise, available potassium (110.91±7.30mg/kg), available zinc (1.19±0.31mg/kg) and available copper (0.95±0.05mg/kg) content were medium. Similarly, organic matter (7.88±0.32%), total nitrogen (0.27±0.01%) and available phosphorus (36.53±5.66mg/kg) were high, and available iron (39.5±2.17 mg/kg) was very high.  International Journal of EnvironmentVolume-6, Issue-3, Jun-Aug 2017, page: 46-70</p

Toxoplasma gondii bradyzoites and tachyzoites isolation from vitreous of atypical necrotizing retinitis

Abstract Background Detection of Toxoplasma gondii cysts in vitreous of immunocompetent patient with necrotizing retinitis is extremely rare. We herein report the isolation of Toxoplasma bradyzoites and tachyzoites from the vitreous of healthy person. Results A 19-year-old immunocompetent female presented with sudden loss of vision in left eye since 1 week. The BCVA was 6/6 and HM in right and left eye. The left eye finding was suggestive of diffuse necrotizing retinitis with retinal detachment. The IgM and IgG for TORCH infection were negative and HIV, HCV and HBsAg tests were also non reactive. The patient underwent diagnostic and therapeutic vitrectomy with silicon oil installation. The vitreous toxoplasma IgG titre was found to be significantly raised to 1:16. Bradyzoites of toxoplasma were identified in H&E staining and tachyzoites of Toxoplasma were identified in Giemsa staining of vitreous sample. She received oral clindamycin and oral corticosteroid but the vision could not be restored in left eye. Conclusion Hence, atypical toxoplasmosis with necrotizing retinitis is a fulminant condition with the diagnostic and therapeutic challenge