A Seal

Evaluation of a new composting method in terms of its biodegradation pathway and assessment of compost quality, maturity and stability

The need for scientific composting methods for effective utilization of organic waste is increasing day by day. In this respect, a new process called the Novcom composting method is being increasingly adopted by the organic tea planters of Assam and Darjeeling (India) for large-scale composting. Study of the biodegradation process under this method and quality evaluation of the end product was carried out at Maud tea estate (Assam) during 2008–2009 and 2009–2010. Generation of high temperatures (>65°C) within the compost heap during the biodegradation process provided an indication regarding the destruction of pathogens and weed seeds in the composted material. Samples collected on day 0, 7, 14, 21 and 30 of composting, were analyzed for physicochemical properties, nutrient status, microbial population, stability and phytotoxicity parameters. The most significant finding was the high microbial population (in the order of 1016 cfu g−1) in the final product, which was generated naturally during biodegradation. Assessment of the maturity and stability parameters of the compost indicated that biodegradation was complete in ∼3 weeks. The study provided an indication of the potential of the Novcom composting method for the production of good quality, stable and mature compost, within a short period.

Productivity, Energy Use Efficiency and Economics of Organic Scented Rice Cultivation in Sub-Humid Agroecosystem

The increasing demand for organic cereals especially indigenous scented rice varieties in the recent years has peaked farmers’ interest towards its organic production. However, the threat of crop loss under organic cultivation has been holding back large scale initiatives. Inhana Rational Farming (IRF) Technology has come up as a promising organic package of practice towards mitigating this drawback of organic production that too at an affordable economics. The present study was conducted to generate scientific information regarding organic scented rice cultivation (Oryza sativa var. ‘Gobindobhog’) utilizing this organic POP in terms of productivity, energy use efficiency and economics. The yield of scented rice cultivated using organic POP was found to be 18% higher than the conventionally grown ones. In terms of energy use efficiency as well, organic POP was calculated to be more efficient signifying the role of organic practice in sustainable agriculture. Net profitability of organic paddy increased up to 17% with a minimum premium price of 25%. This increased higher income opportunity from same unit of land was an added benefit apart from improved soil quality in general; under organic management.

Characterization of soils in terms of pedological variability under different physiography of Damodar command area (part), West Bengal, India

Abstract Five representative soil profiles occurring on four different physiography under subtropical environment of Damodar command area, India, were studied for soil pedological variability. Two way approaches were taken to evaluate the extent of profile development. Firstly different extractants were used to determine various forms of Fe and Al and their different ratios. Average contents of Fe and Al, extracted by different extracting reagents were found to be in descending order, as follows: Aldith > Aloxa > Alpyr and Fedith > Feoxa > Fepyr. Analysis of pyrophosphate (pyr), oxalate (oxa), and dithionate (dith) extractable Fe and Al fractions indicated that with increasing soil age, the content of crystalline Fe and Al oxides increased at the expense of the poorly crystalline forms. The mean content of amorphous Fe and Al, crystalline Fe and Al, and their ratios estimated the degree of soil development. In the second part, elemental analysis was done, silica to sesquioxide ratio as well as ratio of alkali cations was measured and weathering index of each horizon was determined. The ratios and weathering indices indicated that except Madhpur soil series, all other soils were young and pedological development was still in progress in Damodar command area.