Analysis of Conveyance Losses from Tertiary Irrigation Network

Irrigation canals are generally made through porous soil formations, since the soil is loose porous media – a huge amount of canal water is lost to conveyance losses. The situation becomes direr when these losses result in non-beneficial losses. The Sindh province of Pakistan has more than 70% saline groundwater, conveyance losses to such areas in the province not only become unusable but also creates water management problems. Perhaps the only cost-effective way to address these losses is canal lining. The present study was conducted in the command area of Belharo distributary, Sindh, Pakistan with an aim to determine the extent of losses from the tertiary irrigated network as these water channels are less considered in the literature with regards of conveyance losses. Using water balance method, conveyance efficiency and conveyance losses at 30% lined and 50 and 75% unlined length of the watercourses was observed. The results revealed that the tertiary irrigation channels face an average of 43% conveyance losses and major proportion of these losses is lost to non-beneficial losses from the study area. The study further suggests 75% lining of watercourses in order to minimize non-beneficial losses. This study also infers that with the use of geo-membrane lining, sizeable amount of fresh water can be saved. Doi: 10.28991/cej-2021-03091756 Full Text: PD

Sensitivity of Direct Runoff to Curve Number Using the SCS-CN Method

This study explores the impact of runoff curve number (CN) on the hydrological model outputs for the Morai watershed, Sindh-Pakistan, using the Soil Conservation Service Curve Number (SCS-CN) method. The SCS-CN method is an empirical technique used to estimate rainfall-runoff volume from precipitation in small watersheds, and CN is an empirically derived parameter used to calculate direct runoff from a rainfall event. CN depends on soil type, its condition, and the land use and land cover (LULC) of an area. Precise knowledge of these factors was not available for the study area, and therefore, a range of values was selected to analyze the sensitivity of the model to the changing CN values. Sensitivity analysis involves a methodological manipulation of model parameters to understand their impacts on model outputs. A range of CN values from 40-90 was selected to determine their effects on model results at the sub-catchment level during the historic flood year of 2010. The model simulated 362 cumecs of peak discharge for CN=90; however, for CN=40, the discharge reduced substantially to 78 cumecs (a 78.46% reduction). Event-based comparison of water volumes for different groups of CN values—90-75, 80-75, 75-70, and 90-40 —showed reductions in water availability of 8.88%, 3.39%, 3.82%, and 41.81%, respectively. Although it is known that the higher the CN, the greater the discharge from direct runoff and the less initial losses, the sensitivity analysis quantifies that impact and determines the amount of associated discharges with changing CN values. The results of the case study suggest that CN is one of the most influential parameters in the simulation of direct runoff. Knowledge of accurate runoff is important in both wet (flood management) and dry periods (water availability). A wide range in the resulting water discharges highlights the importance of precise CN selection. Sensitivity analysis is an essential facet of establishing hydrological models in limited data watersheds. The range of CNs demonstrates an enormous quantitative consequence on direct runoff, the exactness of which is necessary for effective water resource planning and management. The method itself is not novel, but the way it is proposed here can justify investments in determining the accurate CN before initiating mega projects involving rainfall-runoff simulations. Even a small error in CN value may lead to serious consequences. In the current study, the sensitivity analysis challenges the strength of the results of a model in the presence of ambiguity regarding CN value

Projected Rainfall Variability Based on PRECIS Regional Model

The present study indicates the potential projected variation of decadal mean rainfall over Kohistan region of Sindh Province, Pakistan. Precipitation variability is a crucial climatic factor that affects human health and their settlements. In this study, the precipitation variability associated with climate change in Kohistan region, Sindh, Pakistan is simulated using the PRECIS regional climate modeling system. The study analyses the precipitation variability in the future for two spells (2021-2050 and 20712099) with respect to the past (1961-1990) climate under the baseline ECHAM5 dataset for A1B Scenario at a resolution of 25x25 km. Based on this analyses, the precipitation scarcity is projected for 2021-2050 and 2071-2099 decades. The projected results showed a serious precipitation variation and shortfall of 12.60, 53.98, and 48.19% during 2031-2040,2041-2050 and 2081-2090 decades respectively as compared to baseline (1961-1990). The analyzed situation would be harmful to the water resources and agricultural production in the region during the shortfall, which imposes the adverse effect on the recharge of groundwater and quality. That might cause of long drought spell in the region. While during the 20212030 decade shown slight influence on the potential of hill torrents and groundwater recharge. However, the results reveal for the period of 2071-2080 and 2091-2099, the extreme floods with 60.50 and 70.50% are projected as compared to baseline 1961-1990. The increasing trend of precipitation indicates additional recharge of fresh groundwater and quality, with increasing level of aquifers, subsequently more agricultural production would be expected with alternate employment opportunities in the water sector. The projected results, indicating the decadal scenarios of the drought and wet spells in the region by the precipitation variation, which may impact on the hill torrents, groundwater and agricultural production, and employment opportunities. These quantitative projections should enable policymakers and stakeholders to plan for future measures

Study of Soil, Water, and Cropping Pattern in Danastar Wah (Manchar Lake) Command Area Using Geospatial Tools

The effluent water brought by RBOD (Right Bank Outfall Drain) is not only threat to the aquatic life of Manchar Lake but also the fertile agricultural lands which are being cultivated by use of lake water through Danastar Wah are at risk of salinization. The farming community of the area is scary of continual use of irrigation waters received through the Danastar Wah; they are of the view that the constant use of this water will ruin their fertile lands into salt-affected soils. Thus, keeping in view the fears of the farmers of the command area of Danastar Wah, a study was carried out to investigate the water quality of the Manchar Lake, RBOD MNV (Main Nara Valley) drain and Danastar Wah, and to examine soil salinity status of the area using Geo-referenced field and satellite imagery data for Kharif season of the year 2015. The results of the study showed that the EC (Electrical Conductivity) of the Danastar Wah water was below 1.2 dS/m. Thus, the water was suitable for irrigation purpose. In all the water samples, Na+, Ca2+ + Mg2+ and CO3 concentrations were found within the permissible limits, while no concentration of HCO3 was found in any of the water samples. In the command area, clay texture was dominant down to a depth of 60 cm soil profile. In the area about 37, 28, and 30% of the soils were normal (non-saline), saline and sodic, respectively; while only 5% of soils were saline-sodic. The cotton crop was identified as the major Kharif crop, occupying about 13.76% (2,844 ha) of the total command area, followed by rice crop grown on about 5.21% (1,078 ha) of the command area. The overall accuracy of image classification was 90% with a kappa coefficient of 0.86. Based on this study, it can be concluded that the water of the Danastar Wah can be used for irrigation purpose during Kharif season only with the condition that adequate land drainage is maintained. It is also suggested that before using the water of Manchar Lake, RBOD and Danastar Wah for Rabi season, analysis for water quality be conducted. GeoInformatics (GIS and RS) tools can be employed for spatial and temporal monitoring of water quality of the Manchar Lake

A Sociological Study about the Adoption of Contraception Methods and Their Effects on the Married Females’ Health in Rural Areas of Tehsil Dera Ghazi Khan-Pakistan

Population is growing rapidly & adoption of FP has been neglected by Govt. of Pakistan due to lack of services, awareness and education, traditional believes, employment & misconception. Mostly people think that the use of contraception methods is against the nature and Islam and is also harmful for health. So present study was designed in rural areas of Tehsil Dera Ghazi Khan in 2013 to investigate the knowledge level, adoption of contraception as well as to perceived positive and negative effects of contraception methods on the health of married females in rural community. 160 rural married females were interviewed to find out their demographic features; utilization of contraception and its side effects on their health in tehsil Dera Ghazi Khan. The data was analyzed by using Uni-variate (frequency distribution and percentage) and Bi-variate analysis (Chi square and Gamma Statistics) was carried out. Predominating age categories were <15 and 16-20 years, 45.6% were illiterate, and 55.6% had good mutual understandings. More than one fifth (26.2%) had 1-2 pregnancies, 59.4% had sometimes heard about contraceptive methods while 84.4% had favorable attitude towards adoption of contraception methods. Whereas 58.1% had sometimes used contraceptive methods, 31.9% got information about contraceptive methods from relatives. In adoption of different contraception methods during the life span, respondents reported both types i.e. modern injections (60.6%), spermicides (50.6%), and in traditional methods i.e. withdrawal (6.2%); adoption of herbs (5.7%) and 44.4% had faced positive effects while 19.4% faced negative effects whereas 36.2% of the respondents had both type of effects (positive/ negative) on their health after the adoption of FP methods during reproductive span. Bi-variate analysis showed positive relationship between desired of family size and utilization of contraception, Freedom of decision making vs utilization of contraception methods and mutual understanding of spouse vs adoption of contraception method. There was a need to bring positive change in societal attitude for the utilization of family planning. Keywords: FP Methods, Contraception adoption, effects, Religious opinion, Decision making, Rural Females, Socio-economic statu

Examining the effectiveness of consuming flour made from agronomically biofortified wheat (Zincol-2016/NR-421) for improving Zn status in women in a low resource setting Pakistan: Study protocol for a randomised, double blind, controlled cross over trial (BiZiFED)

Introduction: Dietary zinc (Zn) deficiency is a global problem, particularly in low and middle-income countries where access to rich, animal-source foods of Zn is limited due to poverty. In Pakistan, Zn deficiency affects over 40% of the adult female population, resulting in sub-optimal immune status and increased likelihood of complications during pregnancy. Methods and analysis: We are conducting a double blind, randomised controlled feeding study with crossover design, in a low resource setting in Pakistan. Households were provided with flour milled from genetically and agronomically biofortified grain (Zincol-2016/NR-421) or control grain (Galaxy-2013. Fifty households were recruited. Each household included a female aged 16-49 years who is neither pregnant nor breastfeeding, and not currently consuming nutritional supplements. These women were the primary study participants. All households were provided with control flour for an initial 2-week baseline period, followed by an 8-week intervention period where 25 households receive biofortified flour (Group A) and 25 households receive control flour (Group B). After this eight-week period, Group A and B crossed over, receiving control and biofortified flour respectively for eight weeks. Tissue (blood, hair and nails) have been collected from the women at five time points: baseline, mid and end of period 1, mid and end of period 2. Ethics and dissemination: Ethical approval was granted from the lead University (reference number: STEMH 697 FR) and the collaborating institution in Pakistan. The final study methods (including any modifications) will be published in peer reviewed journals, alongside the study outcomes on completion of the data analysis. In addition, findings will be disseminated to the scientific community via conference presentations and abstracts and communicated to the study participants through the village elders at an appropriate community forum

Biofortified Wheat Increases Dietary Zinc Intake: A Randomised Controlled Efficacy Study of Zincol-2016 in Rural Pakistan

A new variety of zinc biofortified wheat (Zincol-2016) was released in Pakistan in 2016. The primary aim of this study was to examine the effects of consuming Zincol-2016 wheat flour on biochemical and functional markers of zinc status in a population with widespread zinc deficiency. An individually-randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled cross over design was used. Fifty households were recruited to participate in the study, with each household included at least one woman of reproductive age (16–49 years) who was neither pregnant nor breast feeding or currently taking nutritional supplements. All households were provided with control flour for an initial 2-week baseline period, followed by the intervention period where households were randomly allocated in a 1:1 ratio to receive biofortified flour (group A; n = 25) and control flour (group B; n = 25) for 8-weeks, then switched to the alternate flour for 8-weeks. The trial has been registered with the ISRCTN (https://www.isrctn.com), ID ISRCTN83678069. The primary outcome measure was plasma zinc concentration, and the secondary outcome measures were plasma selenium and copper concentrations, plasma copper:zinc ratio and fatty acid desaturase and elongase activity indices. Nutrient intake was assessed using 24-h dietary recall interviews. Mineral concentrations in plasma were measured using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry and free fatty acids and sphingolipids by mass spectrometry. Linear Mixed Model regression and General Linear Model with repeated measures were used to analyse the outcomes. Based on an average flour consumption of 224 g/day, Zincol-2016 flour provided an additional daily zinc intake of between 3.0 and 6.0 mg for white and whole grain flour, respectively. No serious adverse events were reported. This resulted in significant, increase in plasma zinc concentration after 4 weeks [mean difference 41.5 μg/L, 95% CI (6.9–76.1), p = 0.02]. This was not present after 8 weeks (p = 0.6). There were no consistent significant effects of the intervention on fatty acid desaturase and elongase activity indices. Regular consumption of Zincol-2016 flour increased the daily zinc intake of women of reproductive age by 30–60%, however this was not associated with a sustained improvement in indices of zinc status

余水吐流れの同定とシミュレーションのための場接近型数値モデル

京都大学0048新制・課程博士博士(農学)甲第7881号農博第1039号新制||農||777(附属図書館)学位論文||H11||N3244(農学部図書室)UT51-99-G475京都大学大学院農学研究科地域環境科学専攻(主査)教授 河地 利彦, 教授 青山 咸康, 教授 三野 徹学位規則第4条第1項該当Doctor of Agricultural ScienceKyoto UniversityDA

Groundwater Quality Mapping using Geographic Information System: A Case Study of District Thatta, Sindh

International audienceAccess to safe and affordable drinking water for all is an important goal of SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals). Degradation of water quality of coastal aquifers is a major concern throughout the world including the Indus River delta. Looking at the present changing climate scenario, the study was conducted to assess and map the spatial variation in the groundwater quality of district Thatta using GIS (Geographic Information System). The groundwater samples from hundred (100) randomly selected hand pumps of the district were collected such that all union councils of the district were sampled. The water samples were analyzed for different physicochemical parameters, i.e. taste, color, odor, pH, turbidity, EC (Electrical Conductivity), calcium, magnesium, total hardness, chloride, total dissolved solids, and arsenic using standard laboratory techniques. The results of water analysis revealed that 85% of the groundwater samples had TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) concentration beyond the permissible limit described by WHO (World Health Organization). Whereas, all the groundwater samples had chloride concentration beyond permissible limit of 250 mg/l. Analysis for arsenic revealed that only 20% of groundwater samples had a concentration higher than the safe limit of 10 ppb. The study indicated that in most of the areas, the groundwater quality was not as per drinking standards prescribed by WHO, hence was not suitable for drinking purpose. The GIS maps of groundwater quality parameters were prepared using spatial interpolation Kriging tool. These maps provide the visual analysis and interpretation of spatial variability of different groundwater quality parameters, hence are supportive in monitoring and managing the vulnerability of groundwater contamination

Assessing the Effect of Different Water Table Depths on Water Use, Yield and Water Productivity of the Okra Crop

An experimental study was carried out on a Lysimeter with the aim of partially meeting WRs (Water Requirements) of the Okra crop through SWT (Shallow Water Table) while maintaining the SWT at various levels below the ground surface. Under the study, CWR (Crop Water Requirement), yield, water productivity, salt accrual and contribution of SWTs towards meeting the CWR are assessed. The study was designed in accordance with the principles of CRD (Complete Randomized Design) with three treatments and four replications. The treatments; viz. T1, T2, and T3 consisted of maintaining the WTDs (Water Table Depths) at 45, 60 and 75 cm, respectively, below the ground surface. The crop was irrigated with a good quality water having ECw = 0.50 dS m-1 and pH = 7.3. The results of the study showed that the crop consumed the maximum amount of water under T1 treatment, followed by T2 and then by T3 treatment. Accordingly, the contribution of SWTs towards the CWR is 94.8, 93.2 and 42.9% of the total CWR under the T1, T2, and T3 treatments, respectively. Maximum yield is attained under T3 treatment, followed by T2 treatment and then by T1 treatment. Likewise, maximum water productivity is achieved under T3 treatment, followed by T2 treatment and then by T1 treatment. The dry bulk density (ρd) of the soil, under T1 and T2 treatments, increased slightly; however, it remained unchanged under the T3 treatment. The ECse (Electrical Conductivity) of the soil increased, whereas, the pH value of the soil decreased under all the treatments. Statistically, significant difference (p 0.05) under the three treatments. Accordingly, to make profitable use of SWTs, improve WUE and productivity, and maintain soil fertility, the depth of SWT be controlled at 75 cm for growing of the Okra crop. Adapting to this guideline will help in availing the maximum contribution of SWTs towards meeting the CWR and achieve the larger aim of water conservation