Effects of December

Abstract Heavy rain falling on land at the upper reaches of the Kelantan River, Malaysia, on December 2014, had resulted in severe soil erosion and untold damages to croplands. The lower reaches of the river were heavily silted with infertile materials considered unfit for crop production. A study was conducted to explain why the flood phenomenon occurred, to determine the physico-chemical properties of the sediments silted in the Kelantan Plains and to propose measures for soil mitigation. Results showed that the silted sediments were characterized by the presence of quarts, mica, feldspars, kaolinite, gibbsite and hematite believed to come from the top-and subsoil of the upland areas. The sediments' pH was very low and Al and/or Fe contents were very high, while nitrogen and carbon contents varied from area to area. Soils in the Kelantan Plains badly affected by this great flood needed to undergo proper ameliorative program. The most appropriate measure would be to apply ground magnesium limestone in combination with bio-fertilizer fortified with beneficial microbes that would increase their pH to a level above 5, which consequently eliminates Al 3+ and/or Fe 2+ that causes toxicity to the crops growing on them. The organic material so added would enhance the formation of soil structures. It is advised that the farming communities in the upper reaches of the Kelantan River would have to follow the advice advocated by the Department of Agriculture, Peninsular Malaysia, via MyGAP initiative, in order to sustain agricultural production on their land

Establishment of the Top Quality Centralized Instrumentation Centre: a Model for Developing Countries

To take part in the global technological advance, it has become imperative, especially for developing countries, to keep pace with the progress being achieved elsewhere, by renewing their research laboratories and by establishing centers of research and development. Developing countries need to advance the fields of engineering, science and technology, which have become essential factors for their economies. The importance of Research and Development especially in the field of Engineering, Science and Technology, in the academic and industrial sectors, is recognized by the Government of Pakistan. In pursuit of such policies, it has established the Top Quality Centralized Instrumentation Center (TQCIC) at Mehran University. This center establishes a major two-way conduit between industry and academia, thus providing cost-effective high-tech solutions. This paper presents the TQCIC as a role model for developing countries. We focus on the importance of achieving self-reliance, developing state-of-the-art equipment training and facilities, and bridging the gap between industries and academic institutions through programs linking them both. Pakistani universities have only produced a few PhDs in Engineering in their first 50 years. As research culture is vital for the acquisition of new knowledge and health of universities, the TQCIC has resulted in the improvement of infrastructure for better training and research. A large number of highly advanced instruments and equipment have been acquired and installed. Research students, faculty members, research scientists, and industries are all benefiting from these facilities. The paper also covers the procedure for selecting the right equipment, development of infrastructure, and technical staff requirements. We demonstrate the benefits of the TQCIC project in terms of financial, economic, technical, and social aspects

Contribution of phosphate-solubilizing bacteria in phosphorus bioavailability and growth enhancement of aerobic rice

The phosphate-solubilizing bacteria (PSB) can solubilize insoluble forms of phosphorous (P) into simple soluble forms that can be taken up by plants. The main focus of this study was to determine the effect of PSB on P availability in presence of different P rates for improved and sustainable rice (Oryza sativa L.) production under aerobic conditions. Triple superphosphate (TSP) at three levels (0, 30 and 60 kg ha�1) and two isolated PSB (Bacillus sp.) strains (PSB9 and PSB16) were tested in glasshouse conditions. Surface sterilized seeds of aerobic rice (M9 variety) were planted in plastic pots containing 3 kg of soil for 60 days. PSB strains exhibited capability of producing organic acids from soil and plant roots and increased yield of aerobic rice. Significantly, high P solubilization (28.7 mg kg�1) and plant uptake (7.94 mg kg�1) was found in PSB16 inoculated treatments at 30 kg ha�1 of P2O5. In this treatment were also observed high leaf chlorophyll content (34.57), photosynthesis rate (7.59 µmol CO2 m�2 s�1) and root development. Isolated strains showed potential to make higher availability of P and increase content of organic acids from soil and roots at lower doses of TSP in aerobic rice. With the production of organic acids (oxalic, malic, succinic and propionic) higher amounts of P in the soil solution increased plant P uptake and resulted in higher plant biomass. The application of these potential inoculants in an appropriate combination with chemical fertilizers could be considered in organic and sustainable aerobic rice cultivation system