Some estimators for estimating the average fish catch from the inland water resources

The paper attempts to study the problem of estimating the average fish catch from inland water resources. Alternative estimators of average fish catch on the basis of per pond and per unit area are considered. These estimators make use of auxiliary information on area of water unit, fish catch in the first round/phase of the survey, number of ponds etc.. An illustrative study, based on fish catch data taken from an actual survey,is also included

The Scope for Using Proximal Soil Sensing by the Farmers of India

Knowledge about spatial distribution patterns of soil attributes is very much needed for site-specific soil nutrient management (SSSNM) under precision agriculture. High spatial heterogeneity exists in the agricultural soils of India due to various reasons. The present practice of assessing the spatial variability of the vast cultivated landscape of India by using traditional soil sampling and analysis is costly and time consuming. Hence, proximal soil sensing (PSS) is an attractive option to assess the plot-scale spatial variability pattern (SVP) of soil attributes for SSSNM. A PSS system, either in a fixed position or mounted on a vehicle (on-the-go), can be used to obtain measurements by having direct contact with soil. PSS measurements provide low-cost and high-density data pertaining to the SVPs of soil attributes. These data can be used to generate digital elevation and soil attribute variability maps at the field scale in a crop production environment. Based on the generated variability maps, locally available and economically feasible agricultural inputs can be applied using variable rate application strategies for sustainable cropping and enhanced farm profit. This overview presents the potential of adopting PSS in India and other developing countries. The scope, challenges, and probable solutions are also proposed. There is ample scope for adoption of PSS in India in view of diverse soil types, climatic conditions, cropping patterns, crop management practices, and ultimately, the ever-increasing demand for higher agricultural production. However, the successful adoption of the PSS technique in India will be dependent on the proper design and adoption of strategies which require adequate planning and analysis. There are several studies that have highlighted the usefulness of soil sensing technologies in Indian soils. There are also certain challenges and limitations associated with PSS in India, which could be addressed. The available proximal soil sensing technologies will be of great help in improving the understanding of soil heterogeneity for adopting SSSNM in order to optimize crop production in India and other developing countries

The Scope for Using Proximal Soil Sensing by the Farmers of India

Knowledge about spatial distribution patterns of soil attributes is very much needed for site-specific soil nutrient management (SSSNM) under precision agriculture. High spatial heterogeneity exists in the agricultural soils of India due to various reasons. The present practice of assessing the spatial variability of the vast cultivated landscape of India by using traditional soil sampling and analysis is costly and time consuming. Hence, proximal soil sensing (PSS) is an attractive option to assess the plot-scale spatial variability pattern (SVP) of soil attributes for SSSNM. A PSS system, either in a fixed position or mounted on a vehicle (on-the-go), can be used to obtain measurements by having direct contact with soil. PSS measurements provide low-cost and high-density data pertaining to the SVPs of soil attributes. These data can be used to generate digital elevation and soil attribute variability maps at the field scale in a crop production environment. Based on the generated variability maps, locally available and economically feasible agricultural inputs can be applied using variable rate application strategies for sustainable cropping and enhanced farm profit. This overview presents the potential of adopting PSS in India and other developing countries. The scope, challenges, and probable solutions are also proposed. There is ample scope for adoption of PSS in India in view of diverse soil types, climatic conditions, cropping patterns, crop management practices, and ultimately, the ever-increasing demand for higher agricultural production. However, the successful adoption of the PSS technique in India will be dependent on the proper design and adoption of strategies which require adequate planning and analysis. There are several studies that have highlighted the usefulness of soil sensing technologies in Indian soils. There are also certain challenges and limitations associated with PSS in India, which could be addressed. The available proximal soil sensing technologies will be of great help in improving the understanding of soil heterogeneity for adopting SSSNM in order to optimize crop production in India and other developing countries