International Journal of Environment and Climate Change

Climate Change and Dengue Dynamics in South Indian States: A Decade of Evidence (2013–2022)

Monisha Balasubramaniyan — 2025-09-24

Climate change significantly influences vector-borne disease transmission patterns. Understanding the relationship between climatic variables and dengue transmission is crucial for public health planning in tropical regions. To examine the association between climatic variables (rainfall, humidity, temperature) and dengue incidence and mortality in six south Indian states from 2013 to 2022. We conducted a longitudinal ecological study using dengue surveillance data from the National vector-borne disease control program and climatic data from NASA Power Access and CHRS databases. Time series analysis, cross-correlation analysis with lag effects, and negative binomial regression models were employed to examine relationships between climate variables and dengue outcomes, controlling for temporal trends and seasonal patterns. During 2013-2022, 892,456 dengue cases and 2,847 deaths were reported across six states. Strong positive correlations were observed between rainfall and humidity (r=0.90-0.98, p<0.001). Rainfall was most strongly associated with dengue cases at 4–6-week lags (r=0.35- 0.68). Temperature demonstrated non-linear relationships with peak transmission at 26-30℃. Regression analysis revealed that a 100mm increase in monthly rainfall was associated with a 15-25% increase in dengue cases. Maharashtra, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh reported the highest case burdens. Climatic variables, particularly rainfall and humidity with temporal lags, significantly influenced dengue transmission in South India. These findings support the development of climate-based early warning systems for dengue outbreak prediction and control.

Impact of NICRA Interventions on Psycho-Social Dimensions of Women Empowerment in Murshidabad, West Bengal, India

Samarpan Chakraborty — 2025-09-27

In the face of escalating climate variability, empowering rural women through adaptive agricultural practices is vital for building resilient farming communities. The present study, conducted in 2024 -May, 2025, assessed the impact of climate-resilient agricultural interventions under the National Innovations on Climate Resilient Agriculture (NICRA) project on women's empowerment in Murshidabad district, West Bengal. The primary objective was to evaluate how NICRA initiatives influenced Psycho-Social indicators of empowerment among rural women. A total of 120 respondents from four NICRA villages were selected using proportionate random sampling. Data were collected through structured interviews and analyzed using descriptive statistics and correlation analysis. The results revealed high levels of scientific orientation (mean score 3.35), economic motivation (3.28), and risk orientation (3.32) among respondents, while social participation showed the lowest mean (0.78) and highest variability (111.54%). Significant positive correlations were found between empowerment and variables such as scientific orientation, cognitive development, and psychomotor development. The findings suggest that NICRA interventions enhanced individual competencies but highlighted a gap in collective and institutional engagement. The study concluded that while NICRA successfully fostered individual empowerment traits essential for climate adaptation, targeted efforts in group mobilization and institutional support are critical for achieving holistic and sustainable women's empowerment in climate-vulnerable regions.

Biocooling and the Role of Shade Trees in Climate Adaptation: The History, Challenges and Future of Shade Trees in Zanzibar Urban Municipality

Juma Khamis Haji — 2025-10-03

This study investigates the historical role, contemporary challenges, and future potential of shade trees as a Biocooling strategy in Zanzibar Town. Using a mixed-methods design, data were collected through structured questionnaires and semi-structured interviews with 30 respondents drawn from markets, schools, hospitals, open spaces, and disability organizations. Quantitative data were analyzed descriptively, while qualitative responses were thematically coded to capture lived experiences. The findings reveal that road and housing construction are the primary drivers of shade tree loss, intensifying urban heat stress and disproportionately affecting vulnerable groups such as traders, disabled people and the elderly. Indian almond and Neem, both abundant in Zanzibar city, emerged as the most frequently remembered species, underscoring that knowledge about ecological and cultural significance of less frequent, native trees is not so common. Respondents strongly supported replanting, prioritizing markets and open spaces as critical sites for Biocooling interventions. Key barriers identified include inadequate planning, poor watering infrastructure, and limited public awareness. The study concludes that shade trees are not only essential for urban climate adaptation and public health but also serve as cultural anchors and economic assets through heritage tourism. Strengthening institutional coordination, integrating Biocooling into urban planning, and implementing afforestation and awareness campaigns are recommended as urgent strategies to enhance Zanzibar’s climate resilience while preserving its cultural identity.

Assessment of the Sale Price of Agropastoral Waste in the Sassandra Agricultural Basin

Amenan Anne Mary Kouassi-Kouadio — 2025-10-04

Agricultural waste can be not only a source of wealth for these holders, but also a mine of raw materials for economic operators who would make use of it. It is therefore necessary that the prices of these residues be estimated and regulated, in order to make their pre-collection attractive. The objective of this study is to evaluate the selling price of agro-pastoral waste in the Sassandra agricultural basin. The methodology was based on a survey of planters. The sample size is composed of three hundred and five (305) planters from four localities including 52 in Daloa, 100 in Issia, 70 in Soubré, and 83 in Sassandra. The estimated prices were made per kilogram. The results of the study showed that the planters surveyed, whose age is between 18 and 76 years, are made up of 44.54% men and 55.46% women.95% of them have no monthly income. It also appears that the estimated price of residues from perennial crops varies between 10 and 600 francs for hulls, between 25 and 300 francs for bunches, between 25 and 1000 francs for pods and between 10 and 700 francs for fibers. The average prices are 290 francs, 160 francs, 215 francs and 170 francs respectively for hulls, bunches, pods and fibers. Regarding residues from food crops, their prices vary between 10 and 700 francs, 25 and 500 francs, 20 and 600 francs and 10 and 1000 francs respectively for stalks, straw, ears, stem and stalks. The average price of these is 100 francs for the stalks, 180 francs for the straw, 120 francs for the ears, 245 francs for the bales and 230 francs for the stalks.

Assessment of Blue and Green Water Footprint of Rice Crop for Prayagraj Region

Ekta Kumari — 2025-10-04

The rising demand for water in agriculture, combined with increasing concerns over freshwater scarcity, necessitates the adoption of efficient water use assessment frameworks. The water footprint concept serves as a comprehensive indicator of water use by distinguishing between green water (rainwater) and blue water (irrigation water) components. This study evaluates the green and blue water footprints associated with rice cultivation in the Prayagraj region of Uttar Pradesh, India—a key kharif season crop characterized by high water demand. Utilizing climatic data, soil characteristics, and crop parameters, the CROPWAT 8.0 model was applied to determine crop water requirements, effective rainfall, and irrigation demand. The analysis revealed that the total water footprint of rice ranged from 2332.05 to 4931.14 m³/ton, with green water accounting for 1208.97 to 2724.19 m³/ton and blue water for 697.98 to 3100.39 m³/ton over the study period. On average, green water contributed approximately 71%, while blue water contributed around 29% to the total water footprint, underscoring the region’s dependence on monsoonal rainfall during the cropping season. Nevertheless, the considerable blue water contribution highlights the critical role of supplemental irrigation during dry spells and sensitive crop growth stages. These findings emphasize the need to integrate water footprint metrics into agricultural planning and water resource management to enhance sustainability and ensure resilient rice production under variable climatic conditions.

Assessment of Curacron Toxicity on Liver PUFAs Profile and Histology in a Major Carp, Cirrhinus mrigala

Rekha Rani — 2025-10-06

The present finding, evaluated acute toxicity of curacron organophosphate pesticides on the freshwater edible fish Cirrhinus mrigala by assessing its LC₅₀ values at intervals of 24, 48, 72, and 96 hours that is 0. 20 ml/L. Additionally, to observed the acute effects of curacron, sub-lethal concentration (1/10) 0.020 ml/L of calculated LC₅₀ induced in different sets of aquariums, each contain six Cirrhinus mrigala against the control set to evaluated PUFA and alteration of liver histology after 7, 14, 21, and 28 days. Sub lethal level of curacron, showed alterations in fish behavior like hyperactivity, erratic swimming, increased opercula movement surfacing, and cessation feeding, disturbances of normal physiological functions also were noted. In liver Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acid resulted progressive structural damage in liver, reduced lipid peroxidase, and changes in PUFA profiles after applying one way ANOVA test (p<0.05) against control set. Histology of liver revealed degradation of nuclei, cell swelling, cytoplasmic breakdown, hepatocytes, the development of vacuoles, expansion of sinusoidal spaces, alterations in the central vein, and deterioration in the sinusoid. These findings indicated that the released of pesticides had a substantial negative effect on aquatic life, decline in water purity and the ecosystem of water resources.

Identification of Rice Cropping Season and High-Resolution Area Estimation in Major Rice Tracts of Kerala Using Sentinel-1 SAR and Sentinel-2 Optical Imageries

Naveen A Y — 2025-10-06

Accurate identification of rice cropping seasons and precise estimation of cultivated area are critical for crop monitoring, water allocation, and greenhouse gas modeling. In this study information on seasonal vegetation dynamics derived from monthly VH backscatter (σ⁰) from Sentinel-1 C-band Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) time-series (VH polarization) were cross-validated with Sentinel-2 NDVI time series and field surveys during 2023-24 and 2024-25, enabling clear detection of Puncha season (November–March) and Viruppu (May–September) in Kuttanad and Mundakkan (November–March) in Palakkad which are the major paddy cultivation tracts of Kerala. Supervised Maximum Likelihood Classification (MLC) of Sentinel-2 imagery, supported by VH and NDVI time-series, estimated 46,960.65 ha of rice in Kuttanad and 20,519.50 ha in Palakkad, with Kappa coefficients of 0.87 and 0.83, respectively. This research focused on block-level mapping and generation of rice concentration information, which revealed intra-district variability and hotspots of rice cultivation. This confirmed the robustness of SAR-based monitoring for crop season detection and use of Sentinel-2 for high resolution rice area estimation in fragmented, cloud-prone tropical landscapes.

Hydrogeological Parameters Significantly Affecting the Productivity of Boreholes in the Bedrock Aquifer of the Bounkani Region, Northeastern Côte d'Ivoire

Rock Armand Michel Bouadou — 2025-10-06

Drilling involves mechanical surveys carried out directly above aquifers to capture groundwater that will be used to supply drinking water to populations and their activities. It is therefore important to understand the hydrogeological indicators responsible for the productivity of a well drilled into bedrock aquifers. This is the context for the present study, carried out in the Bounkani region (northeastern Côte d'Ivoire). It is in this context that the present study was conducted in the Bounkani region (northeastern Côte d'Ivoire), where hydrogeology has not yet been fully understood. The objective was to statistically determine the hydrogeological parameters responsible for optimizing the productivity of a borehole in order to guarantee a sustainable water supply for the populations of the Bounkani region. To achieve this objective, statistical analyses of the hydrogeological parameters, derived from existing drilling technical data sheets, were performed using Benford's law, the chi-square test, and focused principal component analysis (FPC) to obtain significant correlations between the hydrogeological parameters with a p-value < 0.05. Benford's law combined with the chi-square goodness-of-fit test showed that flow rate and specific flow rate obey Benford's law. However, the static level, alteration thickness, water arrival depth, and total drilling depth contradict this law. In addition, flow rate, specific flow rate, and water inflows are predominant in the first 60 meters of total drilling depth. Water inflows are mainly observed when alteration thicknesses are located within the first 41 meters, which also shows low fluctuation in static levels in boreholes in the Bounkani region. In summary, this study made it possible to determine the threshold values for hydrogeological parameters that must not be exceeded in order to optimize future boreholes in the study area.

IoT-Enabled Automated Aquaponics System for Optimized Water Quality Monitoring and Control

Rachana, V.V — 2025-10-07

Aquaponics is an innovative and sustainable method of food production that combines both aquaculture and hydroponics. However, traditional aquaponics systems require continuous manual monitoring and intervention, which can be inefficient. This paper presents the development of an IoT based automated aquaponics system to optimize water quality management and reduce manual intervention. The system utilized a Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) grow bed with a 1:2 fish tank-to-grow bed ratio, incorporating a 500 L fish tank for 25 fish and a 1 m² grow bed for 48 plants. A filtration unit converted fish waste into nutrients, while a pump (2.7 m head height) and actuators regulated pH, temperature, electric conductivity (EC), and dissolved oxygen (DO). IoT sensors continuously monitored water quality, with a PIC microcontroller transmitting real-time data via a GSM module to the ThingSpeak cloud. Automated controls, including solenoid valves and aerators, adjusted conditions based on predefined thresholds, with alerts sent to users for abnormal values. Over three months, the system maintained optimal water quality (DO >5.5 mg/L, pH 6.5-7.5, temperature 22-32°C, EC <2 dS/cm), ensuring stable fish and plant growth. The system yielded 5.198 kg of fish and 9.57 kg of plants, demonstrating improved water efficiency, reduced human error, and enhanced growth synchronization. This scalable system offers a promising approach to sustainable aquaponics and resource-efficient agriculture. The results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed system in optimizing aquaponics operations and ensuring sustainable agricultural practices. Incorporating renewable energy sources, AI based predictive analytics and advanced sensor network will improve the scalability and real time decision making.

Short Term Changes in Soil Chemical Properties under Different Organic Management Protocols

Shalini Sharma — 2025-10-08

The study assessed how ecological and organic farming practices affect soil chemical properties and nutrient dynamics in the short-term rice-wheat cropping system. A randomized block design with five treatments vis. biochar-based ecological farming (BBEF), climate-resilient organic farming (CROF), low-input natural farming (LINF), phosphorus-potassium fertilization (PK) and nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium fertilization (NPK) was evaluated. Post-harvest soils after 5 crops were analysed for pH, electrical conductivity (EC), soil organic carbon (SOC) and available N, P and K at 0-5, 5-15 and 15-30 cm depths. CROF maintained the highest pH in all layers, showing strong buffering, while NPK had the lowest pH due to urea-induced acidification. EC stayed low across treatments, indicating non-saline soils, with slightly higher values in ecological and organic systems from enhanced organic residue mineralization. SOC was greatest under BBEF followed by CROF at all depths, confirming biochar’s role in long-term carbon storage and the contribution of organic manure in CROF to enhancing soil carbon. Available nitrogen (N) was highest in BBEF and NPK, demonstrating the benefits of biochar and mineral fertilization. Higher available phosphorus (P) in PK and NPK reflected mineral P inputs, while biochar (BBEF) stabilized P availability. Available potassium (K) was highest in PK and in organic systems (BBEF and LINF) due to residue recycling and lower crop removal. Overall, biochar-based ecological and organic practices improved soil fertility and nutrient retention, offering a sustainable strategy to maintain soil health and resilience in intensive rice-wheat systems.

Impact of Climate Variability on Green Gram in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, India

Ankush Chandra — 2025-10-08

This study examines the climatic trends and their relationship with green gram yield in the Prayagraj region over the period 1992–2024. Long-term analysis of meteorological data revealed distinct seasonal patterns and significant shifts in temperature, rainfall, and humidity. The annual mean maximum temperature (33.51 °C) showed a statistically significant decreasing trend, particularly during winter, with the strongest declines in December and January. In contrast, the annual mean minimum temperature (21.46 °C) exhibited a slight increasing tendency, with significant warming in September and October, indicating a narrowing diurnal temperature range. Rainfall patterns were highly seasonal, with over 80 % of precipitation concentrated in the monsoon months. Trend analysis indicated a gradual increase in annual and monsoonal rainfall, particularly in June, July, and May, while winter and post-monsoon rainfall declined. Relative humidity displayed a consistent and statistically significant upward trend annually and across most seasons, with the highest increases during winter and post-monsoon periods.

Correlation analysis between weather parameters and green gram yield highlighted stage-specific sensitivities. Excessive maximum temperatures during pod development, especially in SMW 33, significantly reduced yields, whereas adequate rainfall during flowering (SMW 30) and higher relative humidity during both pod development and early harvest positively influenced productivity. These findings suggest that climate variability in Prayagraj is characterized by cooler days, warmer nights, rising humidity, and shifting rainfall distribution, all of which have critical implications for crop management. The study underscores the need for adaptive agricultural strategies tailored to phenological stages to mitigate adverse climatic effects and sustain green gram yields under changing climate conditions.

Shoreline Change Detection and Analysis in Kochi, Kerala Using Digital Shoreline Analysis System (DSAS)

Midhunraj C. T. — 2025-10-09

This study presents a comprehensive assessment of shoreline dynamics along the Kochi Corporation coastline, India, by quantifying rates of erosion and accretion over a 35-year period (1989–2024). Multi-temporal Landsat satellite imagery, encompassing data from the MSS, TM, ETM+, and OLI/TIRS sensors, was integrated within a Geographic Information Systems (GIS) framework. Shoreline change rates were statistically derived using the Digital Shoreline Analysis System (DSAS), employing multiple metrics including Net Shoreline Movement (NSM), End Point Rate (EPR), Linear Regression Rate (LRR), and Weighted Linear Regression (WLR). The analysis reveals a net erosional trend along the study area, with a mean regression rate of 1.16 m/yr. This trend is attributed to a combination of natural processes and anthropogenic drivers. A critical erosion hotspot was identified in the Fort Kochi region, exhibiting a markedly higher rate of 6.36 m/yr, which has precipitated significant damage to coastal infrastructure. The findings are contextualized with a contemporary land use map of a 500-meter coastal buffer, providing critical insights for integrated coastal zone management and underscoring the urgency for targeted mitigation strategies in vulnerable urban coastal locales.

Assessment of Soil Fertility Status in Rice Growing Area of Banda District of Bundelkhand Region, India

Suraj Mishra — 2025-10-10

An experiment was conducted in Rice growing area of Badokhar Khurd block of Banda district in Bundelkhand region to evaluate the soil fertility index. A total of 300 georeferenced soil samples of 0-15 cm depth were collected, processed and the soil properties viz. pH, EC, OC, available N, P & K were analysed using standard protocols. The maximum rice growing area soil belonged to slightly alkaline (56.3%) followed by neutral (40%) and minute area was found to be slightly acidic (3.7%) in reaction. Almost all the rice-growing area of Badokhar Khurd block exhibited non-saline conditions, whereas the maximum area exhibited low level of soil organic carbon (SOC) and available nitrogen (N), medium level of available phosphorus (P) and high level of exchangeable potassium (K). Calculation of Nutrient Index Value (NIV) categorised fertility status as low for organic carbon (1.14) & available nitrogen (1.16), medium for available phosphorus (2.08) and high for available potassium (2.44). Approaches viz. INM, Agro Forestry, SSNM etc. aiming to increase soil organic carbon and finally the soil fertility are of main concern in delineated rice growing area for elevating the low (OC, N) and medium fertility(P) status of the area.

Hydrogeochemical Assessment and Irrigation Suitability of Groundwater in Banaskantha’s Vegetation Zone, India

Mukesh P. Chaudhari — 2025-10-11

Groundwater serves as the principal supply of water for home and agricultural purposes in the semi-arid Banaskantha district of Gujarat, India. This study provides a thorough hydrogeochemical analysis of 207 groundwater samples that were taken during the post-monsoon season in 2021 from the vegetation zone. pH, EC, TDS, TH, Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, Na⁺, K⁺, Cl^-, SO₄²⁻, HCO₃⁻, CO₃²⁻, NO₃⁻, and F⁻ were among the physicochemical parameters that were examined and contrasted with BIS and WHO standards. The majority of the samples have high salinity, excessive hardness, and high levels of carbonate and chloride, according to the results, making the water mostly unfit for human consumption. Rock-water interactions, evaporation, and human inputs have modified the hydrochemical facies characterised by Piper and Durov diagrams, which show the dominance of Ca–Mg–Cl–SO₄ and Na–Cl types. In addition to the Irrigation Water Quality Index (IWQI), indices like SAR, MAR, KR, PI, PS, and RSC were used to assess irrigation suitability. Irrigation use is restricted by high magnesium hazard and heightened potential salinity, even if SAR readings indicate low sodicity hazard. Evaluation of irrigation water quality using IWQi values shows that only 1.45% of samples fall under the ‘no restriction’ category, while 18.84% have ‘low restriction.’ About 35.27% of samples are classified as ‘moderate restriction,’ and 39.61% as ‘high restriction,’ raising concerns about long-term soil and crop health. A further 4.83% fall into the ‘severe restriction’ class, indicating unsuitability for irrigation." Critical salinity and alkalinity danger zones are highlighted by spatial distribution mapping using GIS. To ensure stable agricultural output, the results underscore the crucial need for sustainable groundwater management and soil-water conservation techniques. These findings underscore the urgent need for sustainable groundwater management, soil–water conservation strategies, and policy interventions focused on regulating groundwater extraction, promoting efficient irrigation practices, and ensuring long-term water security in the region.

Impact of Varying Sulfur and Zinc Levels on Linseed Growth, Yield and Soil Properties in Eastern India

Gaurav Kumar Yadav — 2025-10-11

A field experiment was conducted during rabi 2021-22 at Bhola Paswan Shastri Agricultural College Farm in Purnea, Bihar to investigate the effects of different levels of sulfur (0, 20, 40, and 60 kg/ha) and zinc (0, 5, and 10 kg/ha) on the growth, yield along with sulfur and zinc uptake in linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) season. The soil was characterized as sandy loam with neutral pH, low organic carbon and available nitrogen, medium available phosphorus and potassium, and deficient in available sulfur and zinc. The treatments were arranged in a factorial randomized block design with three replicates. The result indicated that application of sulfur at 40 and 60 kg/ha observed non significant difference in seed and stover yield. However, Zinc application at 10 kg/ha recorded significantly higher stover yields only as compared to 5kg Zn/ha. The oil content in seed was the non significant among 60 kg S/ha and 10 kg Zn/ha as well as the 40 kg S/ha and 5 kg Zn/ha treatments. Sulfur and zinc uptake at 90 days after sowing and harvest was significantly higher with 60 kg S/ha and 10 kg Zn/ha and statistically at par with 40 kg S/ha and 5 kg Zn/ha, respectively. Soil properties such as pH, EC and OC% remained unaffected.

Estimation of Chlorophyll-a Concentration in Gulf of Kutch, India Using AQUA MODIS Sensor Data

Deepak Kumar — 2025-10-14

Introduction: In the recent few years, researchers have used remote sensing technology to study various water quality parameters. One of such parameters is chlorophyll- concentration in the water bodies. Chlorophyll-a is indicative of algal Bloom in water bodies. Algal blooms can decrease the dissolved oxygen concentration in water bodies. Low dissolved oxygen concentration is dangerous for aquatic plants and animals.

Aim: Using remote sensing, near-surface concentration of the photosynthetic pigment chlorophyll-a can be estimated. Using the spatial distribution of chlorophyll-a concentration, concentration of phytoplankton and zooplankton can be correlated.

In the present study, the coastal region around the Gulf of Kutch has been selected as the study area. The Gulf of Kutch is in India, and is spread along the coastal regions up to an approximate length of 150 km.

Methodology: In the present study, AQUA-MODIS sensor has been used to estimate Chlorophyll-a content in the Gulf of Kutch. Level-2 data from the period 2015 to 2022 has been acquired and processing of data has been done using SeaWiFS Data Analysis System (SeaDAS) software, developed by NASA. SeaDAS has been used for processing and analyzing ocean color data.

Results: The results revealed that chlorophyll-a concentration varied from 3 mg/m³ to 18 mg/m³ for the study area. Also, as one moves from Gulf of Kutch towards Arabian sea, the concentration kept on decreasing and reached at 0.4 mg/m³.

Conclusion: The results also suggested that regions where chlorophyll concentration was high, the phytoplankton concentration might also be high in those regions. Thus, near to coastal regions, phytoplankton concentration also dominates.

Evaluation of DSSAT CROPGRO Model on Growth and Yield of Pigeonpea Cultivars under Different Sowing Windows

Nagaraju Dharavath — 2025-10-14

The Decision Support System for Agrotechnology Transfer (DSSAT) is a widely used tool for assessing crop performance under varying conditions. The present study focused on validating the CSM-CROPGRO-Pigeonpea model (DSSAT v4.7.5). This model utilizes inputs of weather, soil, management, and genotype data to simulate crop growth, development, and yield, thereby enabling the evaluation of management practices and climate impacts on pigeonpea productivity. We calibrated and tested the model for four varieties—Vipula, Rajeshwari, BDN 711, and ICPH 2740—using field data from Pune over two growing seasons (2017–18 and 2018–19). Model performance was evaluated for phenology, leaf area index (LAI), grain yield, and stalk yield using RMSE and NRMSE statistics. The results demonstrated a close agreement between simulated and observed values. The model exhibited excellent accuracy in predicting phenology, with NRMSE values for days to flowering initiation, 50% flowering, and physiological maturity ranging from 2.11–4.34%, 1.49–4.42%, and 4.29–7.05%, respectively. For growth and yield parameters, the model's performance was good, with LAI simulations showing moderate agreement (NRMSE: 14.91–19.87%). Predictions for final yield were reliable, with NRMSE values of 8.96–14.22% for grain yield and 12.78–17.77% for stalk yield across the four cultivars. In conclusion, the CSM-CROPGRO-Pigeonpea model effectively simulated growth, development, and yield for the tested pigeonpea varieties, confirming its suitability as a robust tool for agricultural decision-support in the semi-arid conditions of Pune.

Development and Performance Evaluation of an IoT-enabled Automated Aeroponic System for Sustainable Crop Production in Kerala, India

K Amrutha — 2025-10-18

Aeroponics, a soilless cultivation technique that delivers nutrient-rich mist to plant roots, offers a viable solution to increasing food production sustainably while conserving water, reducing land use, and enabling agriculture in urban and resource-scarce environments. Traditional farming faces issues such as inefficient water use, land scarcity, and soil degradation, which are further exacerbated by urbanisation. This research investigates the development and assessment of an IoT-enabled automated aeroponic system for Palak cultivation at the KCAEFT Campus in Tavanur, Kerala. The system includes essential components such as a growth chamber, misting units, PVC fittings, and storage tanks for water and nutrients. A microcontroller-based control unit, integrated with a Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM) Module and various sensors, viz. pH, Electrical Conductivity (EC), Total Dissolved Soilds (TDS), temperature, humidity, and level sensors, facilitates real-time data transmission to the ThingSpeak IoT platform for monitoring and automation. The system maintains optimal conditions, with temperatures ranging from 23°C to 27°C and humidity levels between 75% and 95%. Performance evaluation revealed a yield of 9.29 kg over 80 days, with a water use efficiency of 66.88 kg/m³ and nutrient use efficiency of 2.86 kg per kg of nutrients. The benefit-cost ratio was recorded as 1.19. Integrating IoT with aeroponics enhances precision agriculture by automating irrigation and nutrient management, addressing challenges such as water scarcity and food security. Expanding the system to larger greenhouse setups can further optimise resource utilisation, while small-scale urban applications enable local food production. Despite implementation challenges, aeroponics remains a promising approach to sustainable farming. Due to rapid land-use changes and urbanization, Kerala is experiencing a steady decline in cultivable land, which is putting a strain on traditional farming methods. These limitations draw attention to the need for creative solutions that can improve food production while effectively utilizing scarce resources and space, such as indoor and urban farming systems. The created IoT-based aeroponic system provides a scalable, resource-efficient, and sustainable farming solution, directly addressing these issues. However, the system’s time efficiency and scalability make it an attractive solution for modern agriculture, particularly in urban or indoor environments. Future research could focus on expanding its application to other crops and enhancing its scalability and energy efficiency.

Assessment of Perceived Constraints and Suggestions of Farmers towards Climate Change Adaptation Using Garret Ranking Approach

Pawan Kumar Gupta — 2025-10-18

Climate change refers to any change in climate over time, either due to natural variability or as a result of human activity. Against this backdrop, understanding constraints and perceived suggestion by the farmers towards climate change becomes essential for designing context-specific strategies that enhance resilience and ensure sustainable agricultural growth. The present study carried out in Bundelkhand region of Uttar Pradesh. All districts of Bundelkhand region were selected for study. Further, one block from each district and selected block, two villages were randomly selected. Total 375 households were selected for the collection of data. The study showed that most of the farmers challenge poor digital literacy, lack of extension support, shortage of labour availability in peak season and small and fragmented land holding. To address these issue farmers suggested climate change adaptation viz: changing cropping pattern, ground water recharge, alternative sources for livelihood with farming, agro forestry practices and formation of farmer groups/SHGs/FPOs. The study suggested the needs for targeted awareness and capacity-building programs for farmers. Strengthening climate literacy, ensuring the availability of climate-resilient technologies, and building strong farmer-to-farmer learning networks will be crucial to enhancing the community’s resilience to climate change.

Modeling and Predicting Rice Gall Midge Populations Using Climate Data and Machine Learning Techniques in Andhra Pradesh

P. Lavanya Kumari — 2025-10-22

The Asian rice Gall midge (Orseolia oryzae (Wood-Mason) is a major insect pest affecting rice cultivation in South and Southeast Asia, leading to significant yield losses. Developing a reliable system for the timely prediction of this insect is crucial for effective pest management. In this study, Gall midge insect populations were recorded using solar light traps from three locations-Nellore, Maruteru, and Ragolu in Andhra Pradesh for the past 10 to 20 years. Simultaneously, automatic weather stations close to these study sites recorded climatological parameters, including sunshine hours, rainfall, morning and evening relative humidity, maximum and minimum temperatures, and sunshine hours. Count time series models (Integer-valued Generalized Autoregressive Conditional Heteroscedastic (INGARCH)) and Machine learning models (Artificial Neural Network (ANN), Support Vector Regression (SVR) and Extreme Learning Machine(ELM)) were used to analyze weekly cumulative Gall midge populations and weekly averages of climatological data. To improve prediction accuracy, hybrid models (INGARCH-ANN, INGARCH-SVR, and INGARCH-ELM) were also created. Mean Squared Error (MSE) and Root Mean Squared Error (RMSE) were used to assess the model's performance. The results indicated that the hybrid models, particularly INGARCH-SVR and INGARCH-ELM, outperformed standalone models in predicting Gall midge populations. The findings highlight the potential of integrating time series modeling with machine learning techniques to improve pest forecasting and aid in proactive, site-specific pest management strategies, thereby minimizing economic losses and ensuring sustainable rice production.

Profitability of Hybrid Rice Seed Contract Farming Business in Telangana, India

Vanamala Sai Keerthi — 2025-10-22

Contract farming safeguards the small and marginal farmers by limiting price fluctuation through a contractual agreement between farmers and the firm. Similarly, rice being the staple food crop of India and the agro-climatic conditions of Telangana favors the production of hybrid rice seed production among small and marginal farmers and enables the farmers to improve their livelihood through contractual agreement and ensures income security. Bhadradri Kothagudem and Karimnagar district were purposively selected as they were highly hybrid rice producing districts of Telangana. The data were gathered and analyzed for profitability measures. Based on the study, it was found that the total cost of cultivation and gross returns of Bhadradri Kothagudem district was Rs. 49852 and Rs.73560; while in Karimnagar it was Rs. 58498 and Rs. 83400 respectively. The benefit cost ratio in hybrid rice seed production of Bhadradri Kothagudem district was 0.67 and Karimnagar district was 0.70. Though hybrid rice seed producers were able to earn higher profits through contractual agreement, rules and regulations should be established by authorized institutes and implemented as per standards.

Mapping Spatial Variation of Soil Carbon Concentration and Assessment of Carbon Stocks in an Agricultural Farm of Semiarid Region of India

Tapan Gorai — 2025-10-23

Soil carbon is a major indicator for sustainability of agricultural productivity and crucial for climate change studies. Spatial modeling and prediction map of surface soil (0.0 -0.15 m) carbon concentration in a semiarid agricultural farm, New Delhi, India was generated using geo-statistical techniques. Average concentration of total carbon at surface soil was 5.7 g kg^-1, ranging from 0.72 to 14.49 g kg^-1. Spatial ranges of soil organic carbon (SOC) and total carbon (TC) concentration were 180 m and 83 m respectively, as identified through semivariogram modeling. Depth-wise carbon density and stock were also assessed for five soil families under subgroup of Fluventic Haplustepts (1), Typic Haplustepts (3) and Calcic Haplustepts (1) in the farm (number of soil family within parenthesis). SOC density within 1.5 m depth ranged from 35.11 Mg ha^-1(in Calcic Haplustepts) to 57.16 Mg ha^-1(in Fluventic Haplustepts). Contrarily, soil inorganic carbon (SIC) density within 1.5 m depth varied from 16.98 Mg ha^-1(in Fluventic Haplustepts) to 403.68 Mg ha^-1(in Calcic Haplustepts). The farm having 293.1 ha of cultivated area had 27.94 Gg TC stock within 1.5 m depth, of which proportion of SIC stock (i.e. 51.1%) was higher than SOC stock (i.e. 48.9%), indicative of calcification process in semiarid ecosystem. The assessment of soil carbon concentration, density or stock assessment with georeferenced location of nationally important agricultural farm will be useful for spatiotemporal analysis of soil carbon changes, carbon emission and sequestration studies in context of global warming sceniario.

Investigating the Utilization of Solid Waste Management Segregated Bins (Plastics, Glass, Compost) at Soweto Market of Lusaka District, Zambia

Joseph Chulu — 2025-10-23

Solid waste management remains one of the most pressing urban challenges in Zambia, particularly in Lusaka where rapid population growth and urbanization have outpaced service delivery systems. Soweto Market, the largest and busiest trading centre in the capital, generates significant amounts of waste daily, yet the utilization of segregated bins for plastics, glass, and compost has remained inconsistent. This study set out to investigate the awareness, attitudes, practices, and institutional measures surrounding the use of segregated solid waste bins in Soweto Market, Lusaka District.

Data were collected from 246 marketeers through structured questionnaires and from Lusaka City Council (LCC) and market management officials through key informant interviews. The study revealed that awareness of segregated bins was high (96%), but this awareness was mostly informal, gained through peer observation rather than structured sensitization. Despite recognizing the importance of bins for cleanliness and disease prevention, only 22% of traders reported consistent usage, highlighting a clear awareness–practice gap.

The findings further showed that attitudes towards waste management were generally positive, but responsibility was often shifted to the LCC, reflecting a dependency mindset. Socioeconomic constraints, such as low income, limited traders’ ability to buy bin liners or pay collection fees, while poor infrastructure and inadequate enforcement weakened compliance. At the institutional level, LCC had established legal and policy frameworks for waste management, but implementation was undermined by funding shortages, inadequate bins and trucks, and poor cooperation from traders.

The study concludes that effective solid waste management at Soweto Market requires not only awareness but also strong enforcement, improved infrastructure, and community ownership.

Analysis of Climate Change Indicators in the Niger Delta Region

Wali, Elekwachi — 2025-10-23

Climate change is considered to be a change in the climatic conditions over a period due to anthropogenic or natural causes and is considered as one of the natural factors which affect landscape patterns. Therefore, this study assessed the fluctuation and trend in climate change indicators in the Niger Delta Region. This study adopted a cross-sectional research design method while the data set of thirty years from NIMET (Nigeria Meteorological Agency) of 1986 - 2016 were employed in the study, both, descriptive and inferential statistics and student t-test with the aid of graphs and charts were also reflected in the study. The results shows that years with maximum temperature above the mean annual value includes, 1987, 1995, 1998, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2016. 2016 and 2006 had the maximum and minimum temperature record of 31.76 and 30.25 °C respectively. The average temperature and rainfall increased by 27°C and 2700 mm, respectively, from 1986 to 2016. By correlation analysis of changes with meteorological factors from 1986 to 2016, the results indicated that changes might be not directly related to temperature and rainfall changes with other land use change. This study concludes that among other things to promote in climate change study is to build resilience, policy reform in climate change awareness.

Hydroclimatic Signatures of ENSO over India Understanding Rainfall Variability and Regional Sensitivity

V. S. Yadav — 2025-10-24

This study investigates the relationship between the El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and regional rainfall variability across India using high-resolution gridded rainfall data and the Nino 3.4 index for the period 1951–2023. The Pearson Correlation Coefficient (PCC) was employed to assess the strength and direction of the association between rainfall anomalies and ENSO phases (El Niño and La Niña). Results reveal a strong negative correlation during El Niño years, indicating widespread rainfall deficiency, while La Niña years generally correspond to enhanced precipitation across most regions. Among the five studied regions, North India exhibited the highest negative correlation (r = -0.65) with El Niño, reflecting its pronounced vulnerability to monsoon weakening, whereas South India showed the strongest positive correlation (r = 0.55) with La Niña, suggesting greater rainfall enhancement. Central, East, and West regions displayed moderate correlations, highlighting spatial variations in ENSO influence. The analysis underscores that ENSO remains a major large-scale climate driver affecting India’s rainfall distribution, though its effects are region-specific and modulated by local climatic factors. Understanding these spatial dynamics is essential for improving seasonal monsoon forecasts, agricultural planning, and drought preparedness, thereby contributing to more resilient water resource management strategies under climate variability.

Effect of Different Tillage and Weed Management Practices on Growth Indices of Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) in Central Plains of UP: Toward Sustainable Climate Smart Production

Abhishek Mishra — 2025-10-24

The Experiment took place over two back-to-back Rabi (winter) seasons, specifically 2022-23 and 2023-24, at the Students Instructional Farm of Chandra Shekhar Azad University of Agriculture and Technology, located in Kanpur (U.P.). The study was structured using a split-plot design featuring three tillage methods in the main plots, namely, Zero tillage (T1), Reduced tillage (T2), and Conventional tillage (T3). The sub-plots comprised six weed management practices, namely: Pyroxasulfone @ 120 g/ha as pre-emergence followed by Clodinafop-propargyl @ 60 g/ha as post-emergence at 35 DAS (W₁), Pendimethalin @ 1000 g/ha + Metribuzin @ 210 g/ha as pre-emergence (W2), Clodinafop-propargyl @ 60 g/ha + Metsulfuron-methyl @ 4 g/ha as post-emergence at 35 DAS (W₃), Pinoxaden @ 50 g/ha + Carfentrazone-ethyl @ 20 g/ha as post-emergence at 35 DAS (W₄),Weed free (W₅), and Weedy check (Control) (W₆). A field experiment was conducted to assess the influence of different tillage and weed management practices on growth indices of wheat (Triticumaestivum L.). An experiment was done to evaluate the impact of tillage and weed management conditions on growth indices of wheat growth, such as plant height, leaf area index (LAI), crop growth rate (CGR), relative growth rate (RGR), and net assimilation rate (NAR). Tillage had a significant effect on plant height and CGR at all the growth stages. Peak plant height was measured under zero tillage (21.84, 55.93, 73.83 and 79.18 under 30, 60, 90 DAS and harvest respectively) and was closely followed by reduced tillage and conventional tillage returned the lowest values. Plant height, LAI, CGR and NAR were also greatly influenced by weed management. Weed-free plots (22.27, 57.93, 74.93, 79.87 cm; LAI 1.43, 5.21, 5.20).. CGR was maximum in low and no tillage and in weed-free plot or clodinafop + metsulfuron but there was no significant difference in RGR between the tillage or weed management treatments. NAR was optimal in less tillage and clodinafop + metsulfuron. The interaction effect of tillage and weed control on all the growth indices were not significant. The findings demonstrate the advantage of conservation tillage with good herbicidal management of weeds in streamlining wheat growth and the efficiency of resource utilization.

Determination of the Length of Growing Period for Crop Planning in the North Central Plateau Zone of Odisha

M. Mahanty — 2025-10-24

The LGP of an area varies temporally, spatially with the climate. It is considered as the period from onset of monsoon rain to the cessation of rainfall. It is the major factor to decide which variety of crops to adopt in an area. The length of growing period(LGP) is the duration of the season or number of days when plant growth takes place. Information on LGP provides a basis for the selection of crops, cultivars (short / medium / long duration) and cropping/farming systems of a region.The study aims to estimate the length of crop growing season of the North Central Plateau Agroclimatic Zone of Odisha in order to provide an efficient crop planning for the region.In this study the LGP, annual, seasonal, monthly and weekly rainfall values were computed using daily rainfall data of 31 years(1989–2019) for two districts (Keonjhar& Mayurbhanj) under North Central Plateau Zone of Odisha. The growing season begins when the sum of daily rainfall (forward accumulation) reaches 75 mm (28 May, 29 May…15 Oct) and ends when backward accumulation (15 Oct, 14 Oct…,28 May) reaches to 20 mm. The LGP was computed by adding the duration of the rainy season with the sum of post-monsoon rainfall and the average water-holding capacity of soil divided by the post-monsoon PET of the district. LGPs obtained by the above method varied from 177 to 278 days in this zone with Baripada block of Mayurbhanj District having the highest LGP of 278 days and Saharpada block of Keonjhar has the lowest (177 days). The analysis revealed that the monsoon starts effectively from 22 SMW (12June to 15th June) in Keonjhar district and 23 SMW in Mayurbhanj district remain active up to 41 SMW(9th October to 13th October).Since, rainfall is unimodal in North Central Plateau Zone and we are having around 25–32 weeks LGP, intercropping and sequential cropping can be taken in most of the blocks and double cropping in some of the blocks wherever irrigation facility either as groundwater or surface is available. The present study reveals that the overall mean annual rainfall of the North Central Plateau Zone was 1451mm with an average of 66 rainy days.On upland and medium lands, early sowing of pre-rabi crops like cow pea, horse gram, green gram, black gram, niger, tomato, cabbage, cauliflower, okra, and leafy vegetables to be done to conserve soil moisture.

The Vicious Cycle: Illegal Mining, Climate Vulnerability and Institutional Failure in Ghana's Peri-Urban Landscapes

Raphael Akponzele — 2025-10-24

This study investigates the intricate interplay between illegal mining (galamsey), climate vulnerability, and institutional failure in Ghana, with a specific focus on the Tarkwa-Nsuaem Municipality as a critical case study for both formal and informal gold mining activities. Utilizing a qualitative methodology grounded in an interpretivist paradigm, we conducted four Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) involving diverse stakeholders, including current and former galamsey operators, local farmers, community leaders, and regulatory representatives. Our findings reveal that deep-rooted institutional failures create a permissive environment for illegal mining, which is not merely a criminal act but a rational response to socioeconomic marginalization and historical dispossession. The study underscores the consequent environmental degradation, marked by severe deforestation and water contamination, which disrupts vital Climate-Smart Agricultural practices and exacerbates food insecurity. Furthermore, the compounding effects of climate change amplify community vulnerability, creating a feedback loop that perpetuates socio-economic desperation and maintains a constant labor supply for galamsey. This research highlights the necessity of adopting a holistic approach to address these interconnected crises, emphasizing the need for collaborative governance, environmental restoration, and sustainable livelihood development to break the cycle of institutional failure, environmental degradation, and socio-economic despair.

Hydrochemical Characterisation and Suitability Assessment of Groundwater Using Multivariate Techniques in Challakere Taluk, Chitradurga District, Karnataka State, India

Vinay C — 2025-10-25

Understanding the groundwater resources of Challakere taluk is essential for sustainable management. A comprehensive hydrogeochemical study was carried out using 40 groundwater samples to assess various physicochemical properties. WQI provided a numerical rating of the water's potability, while Wilcox diagrams evaluated its suitability for irrigation. The groundwater quality, as indicated by the WQI, shows significant spatial variation across the study area, with values ranging from 41 to 310. Among the samples analyzed, 27.5% are classified as excellent, and 22.5% as good. However, it is concerning that 50% of the samples fall into poor, very poor, or unsuitable categories for drinking. Further geochemical analysis using Piper, Gibbs, and Chadha diagrams revealed dominant water types and related processes, especially how rocks interact with water and facilitate ion exchange. Some areas showed elevated levels of TDS and sodium (Na). By integrating these techniques, the study provides a detailed understanding of groundwater quality, offering crucial insights for effective groundwater management and policy development in Challakere taluk.

Impact of Climate Change on Vaccines and Cold Chain Management: A Public Health Perspective from the South-East Asia Region

Kanchan Singh — 2025-09-26

Climate change is increasingly disrupting vaccine cold chain systems, posing a critical challenge to global and regional immunization programs. Rising temperatures, floods, cyclones, power outages, and displacement events threaten vaccine potency, availability, and equitable access, particularly in South-East Asia, one of the world’s most climate-vulnerable regions. This paper explores the nexus between climate change and cold chain management, drawing on global and South-East Asian experiences, with a focus on India. It highlights how climate-induced disruptions undermine immunization services and intensify the burden of vaccine-preventable diseases. The analysis draws on experiences from the South East Asian region to illustrate specific risks, including heat-induced equipment breakdown, flood-damaged storage, and interrupted outreach.

Importantly, the paper also reviews emerging strategies adopted by India for climate-resilient vaccine delivery including for real-time monitoring, solar-powered cold chain systems, digital platforms to track migrant populations, exploring innovative delivery systems such as drone and the introduction of new vaccines to reduce the VPD burden. India’s experiences demonstrate that strengthening cold chain resilience requires integrated approaches—combining technology, renewable energy, infrastructure redesign, and workforce capacity building. The paper concludes with a forward-looking roadmap, emphasizing regional collaboration, adaptation financing, and innovation in thermostable vaccines and AI-driven logistics. Safeguarding vaccine integrity in the era of climate change is not only essential for sustaining immunization gains but also central to building climate-resilient health systems for the future.

Anthropogenic Pollution and Its Impact on Silkworm Health and Silk Production

R.R. Saikia — 2025-09-28

Sericulture, a vital agro-based industry in India, faces a significant threat from escalating environmental pollution. This abstract synthesizes a review of the harmful effects of industrial, vehicular, and agricultural pollutants on both the silkworm and its host plant. Pollutants like fluoride, sulfur dioxide, and heavy metals directly disrupt the silkworm's physiology, leading to stunted growth, reduced survival rates, and poor silk quality. Pesticides further compromise the larvae's health and productivity. The review underscores the urgent need to address this pollution to ensure the sustainability of India's sericulture sector and protect the livelihoods it supports.

Comparative Evaluation of GIS-RFR and GIS-AHP Approaches for Flood Susceptibility Mapping: Methodological Insights and Climate Resilience Implications

Reymark P. Rivera — 2025-10-10

Floods remain among the most recurrent and destructive natural hazards worldwide, with their frequency and magnitude projected to increase under global climate change. Robust and context-sensitive flood susceptibility mapping is therefore essential for advancing disaster risk reduction, adaptive land use planning, and climate resilience. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) provide a spatially explicit platform for integrating hydrological, geomorphological, and anthropogenic data. Building on this foundation, multi-criteria decision analysis techniques, particularly the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP), offer structured frameworks for incorporating expert judgment and socio-environmental complexity. This paper presents a comparative evaluation of two methodological paradigms: a GIS-based statistical model employing the Relative Frequency Ratio (RFR), and a GIS–AHP framework that combines spatial analysis with expert-driven weighting of hydrological, morphometric, land cover, and anthropogenic parameters. The GIS-RFR approach demonstrates high predictive accuracy through empirical correlations between flood inventories and conditioning factors, while the GIS–AHP model enhances inclusivity by integrating multiple dimensions of environmental and human drivers, validated against remote sensing data. The comparative analysis highlights the methodological trade-offs between the objectivity and reproducibility of statistical modeling versus the adaptability and contextual sensitivity of expert-based decision frameworks. The synthesis emphasizes that no single approach is universally superior, rather, methodological choice should be guided by data availability, regional hydrological conditions, and policy priorities. Future directions point toward hybrid frameworks that integrate statistical rigor, expert knowledge, and machine learning, thereby reducing uncertainty and enhancing the actionable value of susceptibility maps.

Rupchand (Piaractus brachypomus) Farming in India: Prospects, Challenges and Sustainability Implications

Funde Aniket — 2025-10-15

This review examines the potential, challenges, and sustainability implications of Rupchand (Piaractus brachypomus) farming in India. Aquaculture is central to India’s food and nutritional security and plays a significant role in rural livelihoods. Among various diversification candidates, the red-bellied pacu (Piaractus brachypomus; “Rupchand”) has emerged as a promising species due to its rapid growth, omnivorous feeding habits, and resilience across diverse culture systems. The study synthesizes evidence from published studies, farmer surveys, and case studies across Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, and West Bengal to provide a comprehensive overview of pacu’s economic potential. Evidence indicates strong farmer uptake, shorter culture cycles (≈6 months to market size in semi-intensive polyculture), and favorable economics. The seed production industry has grown substantially, particularly in West Bengal, yet challenges such as supply consistency, standardized grow-out practices, and health management persist. This review synthesizes evidence from published studies, farmer surveys, and case studies to provide a comprehensive understanding of pacu’s suitability for aquaculture diversification. Priorities for future development include selective breeding, feed optimization with a focus on plant proteins, and widespread adoption of best-management practices. In conclusion, this review provides critical insights to guide policymakers, researchers, and farmers towards responsible and sustainable adoption of pacu aquaculture in India.

Seasonal Incidence of Sucking Insect Pests of Cluster Bean, Cyamopsis tetragonoloba (L.) Taub. and Their Relationship with Abiotic Variables

Sanyogita Patel — 2025-10-07

The research study was conducted during the Kharif season 2024 at the Entomology Research Farm, Rajmata Vijayaraje Scindia Krishi Vishwa Vidyalaya, Gwalior (Madhya Pradesh). The Sucking insect pests of cluster bean, Cyamopsis tetragonoloba (L.) Taub., observed during the study period were jassid, whitefly and mites. Peak population of jassid, whitefly and mites were observed during 38^th SMW (6.2 jassids/plant), (5.0 whiteflies/plant) and (4.6 mites per three leaves), respectively. The results showed that jassid had positive significant correlation with rainfall (r = 0.573), whitefly had positive significant correlation with minimum temperature (r = 0.641) and rainfall (r = 0.559) and mites significantly correlated with minimum temperature (r = 0.725) at 5 % significance level.

Ice Melt as a Means to Assess Earth's Heat Budget Imbalance and Climate Changes from the Last Glaciation to the Inevitable Next One

Michel Vert — 2025-10-16

Climate changes predicted by the International Panel on Climate Change are currently linked to the growth of an excess of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, as successive reports have asserted. The forecasts are based on an unusual exploitation of the greenhouse phenomenon that results in ocean warming due to radiative forcing. In the absence of experimental support, the mechanism and the predictions are universally adopted but only by consensus. Some scientists oppose the consensus because many fundamentals of hard sciences are not respected. Therefore, we have recently proposed an alternative mechanism in which the radiative forcing due to carbon dioxide is replaced by heat, a fundamental phenomenon in physics. According to this new mechanism briefly recalled herein, heat is managed by water and its interphases equilibria, water vapor being the main obstacle to radiative elimination. Previously developed for the present times, this original mechanism is used here to show that the Earth's heat balance, hitherto said to be balanced in terms of radiative flux inputs and outputs by climatologists, has never been balanced in terms of heat. The thermal imbalance in the distant past was estimated from the energy necessary to melt the ice during the last deglaciation, the current Holocene interglacial plateau, and the 1994-2017 recent period. The melting progressed almost linearly during the first 80% of the deglaciation process, with a slow decline up to a near-steady-state during the still under way Holocene interglacial plateau. Estimates of ice loss over the period 1994-2017 suggests that the imbalance is increasing again, a feature that should lead to more evaporation and thus a proliferation of clouds masking more and more the Sun heating. This masking should lead to an inversion of the imbalance required to initiate the unavoidable next ice age. The relationship between heat imbalance and climate changes could renew the interest of applications like hydrogen and planes currently penalized due to the production of carbon dioxide. In any case, it is the fight against anthropogenic heat sources that should be promoted in the future on the basis of life cycle assessments.

Sustainable Management of Horticultural Waste

Bharti Gautam — 2025-09-23

Fruits and vegetables are the most commonly consumed food products among horticulture crops. There are major nutritional, financial, and environmental consequences associated with the large amount of peel waste produced by the fruit and vegetable-based industries and home kitchens. The need to guarantee nutrition security for a vast population is becoming a critical global issue, which is driving attention to production growth, quality enhancement, food safety assurance, and processing techniques. The majority of our daily food is made up of nutrient-dense horticultural crops. Depending on their nature and how they are processed, these products are ingested in various ways. The study aims to achieve sustainable management of horticultural waste. As a result, a lot of waste is produced in the kitchen, horticulture commodity supply chain, and processing sectors, which has resulted in substantial nutritional and financial losses as well as environmental pollution and a heavy landfill burden. It is clear that waste management has begun to attract public attention. As a result, questions have been raised about where waste is coming from and what can be done from both a top-down (government level) and bottom-up (consumer level) perspective. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for the management of biodegradable waste. A significant portion of today's waste production comes from horticulture, which calls for efficient management and planning in order to account for the waste's potential for use as a resource. Yet, because they are a rich source of various phytochemicals and bioactive substances, these wastes demonstrated remarkable potential for repurposing in a variety of businesses. Therefore, thorough research into sustainable extraction techniques and utilization strategies is warranted. The alternatives for generating horticultural waste, sustainable recycling techniques, and the potential of recycled products in many industries for population improvement with the guarantee of a green environment and sustainable ecology are all illustrated in this review article. Therefore, there is an urgent need for good understanding and efficient waste implementation in the modern world. By modifying contemporary disposal techniques with longer-lasting impacts and greater economic flexibility, sustainability can be achieved in the interim.

Geochemical Barriers and Mineral Precipitation for Groundwater Remediation: Advances in Natural and Engineered Systems

Akintunde S. Samakinde — 2025-09-24

Groundwater across North America is still vulnerable to widespread contamination by metals and metalloids, left over from historic-industrial and mine activities. This review explores natural and engineered techniques employing geochemical barriers and precipitates to immobilize contaminants. Natural attenuating processes like arsenic removal by iron hydroxide at Elizabeth City, NC, and carbonate buffering at Sudbury Basin and Faro Mine, YK, highlight inherent systems' capacities to attenuate pollutant mobility. However, these are subject to stable geochemical environments and long-term management, especially with respect to increasing climate variability and its effect on hydrological regimes (Arnold, 2010). Engineered remedies like zero-valent permeable reactive iron barriers at Denver Federal Center, CO, and lead immobilization by phosphate amendment at Butte, MT, show high removal capacities; however, engineered remedies are limited by clogging and side reactions and by evolving regulatory standards. New techniques like nanoscale hydroxides and biomineralization through sulfate-reducing bacteria hold promise for inexpensive and sustainable remediation, though large-scale validation is required. The remediation guidelines enacted by U.S. EPA and by Canadian agencies set cleanup goals and monitoring schemes and cost-benefit analyses show passive systems to have long-term economic and societal advantage even at large initial characterization costs. Future remediation work needs to incorporate adaptive management schemes and by planning for climatic change can ensure sustainable aquifer protection.

Biochar Production, Activation and Characterization Methods/Techniques: An Integrated Review

V. U. Bambhaniya — 2025-09-24

The review paper focuses on bio-char, a carbon-rich material derived from biomass through low-temperature pyrolysis in limited oxygen conditions. It discusses the unique properties of bio-char, such as high carbon content, large surface area, cation exchange capacity, and nutrient retention, which contribute to its growing importance in environmental and industrial applications. The paper systematically reviews various feed stocks, production methods, and factors influencing yield and quality. It also highlights activation techniques that enhance bio-char’s effectiveness in removing contaminants. Applications such as soil amendment, water and air purification, carbon sequestration, and catalytic processes are explored in detail. Additionally, the review emphasizes the potential of closed-loop production systems and identifies key research gaps that must be addressed to scale up the use of bio-char, particularly for toxic pollutant treatment.

GRAPHIC ABSTRACT

Bamboo as a Resource for Holistic Health, Nutrition, Beauty and Climate Change Mitigation

A. K. Choudhary — 2025-09-25

This study investigates the comprehensive potential of bamboo in holistic wellness, covering its significance in traditional medicines, nutraceuticals, cosmetics and eco-friendly practices. Bamboo shoots are rich in bioactive compounds that support digestive health and bamboo plantations significantly contribute carbon sequestration. The study examines the historical use of bamboo in various traditional medicines, highlighting it’s modern potential therapeutic properties. The nutritional profile of bamboo shoots and their incorporation into dietary supplements as well as their potential health benefits have been reviewed. The study also examines the growing trend of bamboo-based beauty products, which not only promote healthy skin and hair but also support sustainable practices. The significance of bamboo in environmental sustainability, focusing on its rapid growth, carbon sequestration capabilities and potential as a renewable resource for eco-friendly products have been explored. By synthesizing existing literature and recent findings, this study aims to provide a comprehensive overview of bamboo's diverse applications in promoting holistic well-being and environmental conservation.

A Review on Insect Frass: Nature’s Hidden Treasure for Soil Fertility

Lingutla Geethanjali — 2025-09-26

The growing demand for sustainable agricultural practices has led to an increased interest in insect farming and its by-products. Insect frass, consisting of insect excreta, exuviae, and residual feed particles, is emerging as a promising biofertilizer due to its rich nutrient profile and microbial communities. Frass has been shown to enhance plant growth, improve soil fertility, and indirectly contribute to pest management, making it a valuable resource in the circular bioeconomy. This review summarizes current knowledge on the composition, benefits, mechanisms of action, challenges, and future perspectives of insect frass valorization, highlighting its potential role as a sustainable alternative to synthetic fertilizers.

Climate Change Impacts on Aquatic Ecosystems: Biodiversity Shifts, Ecological Risks and Mitigation Strategies

Sanket Sunil Kawade — 2025-10-10

Climate change has emerged as one of the most profound environmental challenges of the 21st century, exerting significant influence on aquatic ecosystems worldwide. Rising global temperatures, altered precipitation patterns, ocean acidification, and ozone depletion are transforming aquatic habitats and threatening biodiversity. Aquatic ecosystems, which provide vital services such as food security, water supply, and habitat for fisheries, are particularly vulnerable to these changes. The impacts of climate change manifest in multiple dimensions, including shifts in the distribution and abundance of marine organisms, disruptions in growth and reproductive processes, and increased vulnerability to diseases and invasive species. Warming oceans have led to poleward shifts of marine species, while altered hydrological cycles are reshaping freshwater ecosystems. Similarly, acidification reduces the resilience of coral reefs and seagrass meadows, affecting ecological productivity and food web stability. The cascading effects extend to human communities through declining fish stocks, increased health risks from vector-borne diseases, and reduced ecosystem services. Mitigation and adaptation strategies such as afforestation, sustainable agriculture, coastal ecosystem restoration, and improved regulatory frameworks remain central to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing resilience. Despite growing research, significant knowledge gaps persist, especially concerning integrated studies that encompass entire aquatic ecosystems rather than isolated components. Addressing these challenges requires coordinated global action, interdisciplinary research, and strong policy interventions. This review highlights the critical importance of mitigating climate change impacts on aquatic ecosystems to preserve biodiversity, sustain livelihoods, and secure ecological and human resilience for future generations.

Climate Change and Pulses: Impacts, Adaptation Mechanisms and Resilience Strategies

Mukesh Vishnoi — 2025-10-10

Climate change poses a significant threat to pulse crops across various agroecological zones. Rising temperatures, erratic rainfall, and extreme events reduce yield stability and quality. Elevated carbon dioxide alters physiology but does not offset heat and drought stress. Salinity and waterlogging issues are expanding in coastal and irrigated zones. Pests and diseases shift ranges and intensities. This article synthesisesthe impacts across major pulses, including chickpea, pigeonpea, lentil, black gram, green gram, cowpea, and common bean. It reviews physiological responses, yield effects, and nutritional consequences. It then details adaptation options from gene to field to policy. The article uses case studies and data to illustrate practical pathways. It concludes with a discussion of research gaps and a policy roadmap to safeguard productivity, livelihoods, and dietary protein.

Impact of Humic Substances on Carbon Sequestration and Soil Resilience

J. P. Devika — 2025-10-15

Intensified cultivation linked with over application of chemical fertilizers and increasing human activities have been linked to enhanced CO₂ emissions, decreasing soil fertility, increasing soil degradation and declining productivity of crops. However, humic substances comprising humic acid, fulvic acid, and humin have shown beneficial effects in improving soil fertility, mitigating greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing soil resilience. Being highly decomposed organic matter, these substances play a vital role in boosting soil health and promoting carbon sequestration. Elevated levels of humic substances are associated with a notable increase in soil organic carbon content. Additionally, they contribute to a reduction in the emission of major greenhouse gases. Human-induced disturbances, including land cultivation and poor land management practices both historically and currently, continue to degrade soil. Therefore, developing soils with resilient characteristics is essential to withstand such degradation. Humus contributes to the improvement of soil’s biological, physical, and chemical properties, ultimately strengthening its resilience capacity.

Evaluation of Global Problems in Mitigating Climate Change for Sustainable Development

Mustafa Seçkin Şalvarlı — 2025-10-16

Ensuring balanced growth and development in terms of the environment, economy, and society is possible through sustainable development. The public and private sectors must work together to adopt a range of policies, laws, and incentive programs in order to advance energy efficiency and efficient technology. Because of their reliance on imported energy, several countries experience economic instability as a result of large energy imports. The goals of energy policy are to diversify energy resource access and boost the security of the energy supply. A significant portion of greenhouse gas emissions originate from the energy sector, and many energy plans fall short of the legally required carbon reduction objectives. Achieving net zero emissions can be a more sustainable transition that enhances resilience and security over the long run. Systems of energy supply that are affordable, dependable, and readily available may be severely impacted by climate change. International collaboration is necessary to combat climate change and promote sustainable development, taking into account the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Certain policies pertaining to climate change need to be revised. Utilizing technology effectively and efficiently promotes the growth of innovative industries and boosts the output of domestic technology. The shift to clean energy generates new employment possibilities in the fields of renewable energy technology installation, manufacturing, research, marketing and development.

An Appraisal of the Ecology and Socio-economic Implications of Traditionally Managed Trees Outside Forests (TOFs) in North East India

Pooja Dasgupta — 2025-10-22

Trees outside forests (TOFs) play crucial roles through their contributions to biodiversity, timber and non-timber forest products (NTFPs), carbon sequestration, climate moderation and livelihood enhancement, aligning with national and global sustainability goals. An analysis of research on TOFs in Northeast India over the past 35 years (1990-2025) reveals a steady rise in scientific attention. Traditionally managed systems such as home gardens, sacred groves and village community forests dominate the region’s landscape, covering about 32,110 km², with Assam and Arunachal Pradesh accounting for the largest areas. This review synthesizes data from peer-reviewed publications, institutional reports and gray literature retrieved from databases including Scopus, Web of Science and Google Scholar. Studies were categorized by TOF type, state and thematic focus to assess spatial and temporal research trends. Findings indicate that while home gardens and sacred groves are relatively well-documented, community forests remain underrepresented. The deep cultural and traditional roots of TOFs further highlight their significance as heritage systems interlinking people and landscapes. However, major research gaps persist in quantifying ecosystem services, carbon dynamics and livelihood outcomes. Strengthening interdisciplinary and comparative studies across the northeastern states can deepen understanding of their benefits. Recognizing TOFs as an important part of the green cover and including them in regional conservation and development plans is necessary to protect biodiversity, adapt to climate change and support sustainable growth in rural areas of Northeast India.

Acid Sulphate Soils: Characteristics, Constraints and Integrated Management Strategies for Sustainable Utilization

Sumayya S — 2025-10-25

Acid sulphate soils, rich in iron sulfides such as pyrite (FeS₂), are highly acidic soils that severely limit agricultural productivity due to low pH, aluminium and iron toxicity, nutrient imbalances, and poor fertility. In Kerala’s Kuttanad region, these soils pose major constraints to rice-based cropping systems. Acid sulphate soils(ASS) exhibit high potential acidity, variable organic carbon content, and microbial communities dominated by sulphur-oxidising bacteria, leading to sulphuric acid formation upon pyrite oxidation. Effective management requires integrated strategies, including avoidance of soil disturbance, neutralisation with lime and silicate amendments, enhancement of soil organic matter, nutrient management with organic and inorganic inputs, biological interventions such as sulphate-reducing bacteria, and water management through reflooding, groundwater manipulation, and tidal buffering. Cropping system interventions, including rice-fish rotational farming and raised bed cultivation of cassava and vegetables, alongside Al- and Fe-tolerant rice varieties, further improve productivity. These combined approaches mitigate acidity and metal toxicity, enhance nutrient availability, and maintain soil organic carbon, enabling sustainable utilization of ASS in challenging coastal wetland ecosystems.

Climate Change and Faith: A Bibliographic Exploration of Intersections in a Warming Planet

Mbugua J.K — 2025-10-09

Climate change has emerged as both a scientific and socio-ethical challenge, demanding responses not only from policymakers and scientists but also from cultural and religious institutions. Faith traditions across the globe are increasingly recognized as key stakeholders in shaping ecological awareness, mobilizing climate action, and framing ethical debates about sustainability. This bibliometric review investigates the intersections between climate change and faith by analyzing 312 scholarly publications indexed in Lens.org between 2000 and 2025. Using bibliometric mapping, the study identifies publication trends, geographic hotspots, thematic clusters, and citation networks, while highlighting gaps in the literature.

The findings reveal an accelerating growth of scholarship on religion and climate change, particularly since 2015, when frameworks such as the Paris Agreement and major faith declarations (example., Laudato Si’ and the Islamic Declaration on Climate Change) brought faith perspectives into global climate discourse. North America and Europe account for more than half of all publications, though Africa, Asia, and Latin America are gaining visibility through studies of indigenous spiritualities, interfaith initiatives, and community resilience. Thematic analysis highlights four clusters: (1) eco-theology and religious ethics, (2) faith-based climate activism, (3) religion and climate justice, and (4) interfaith/indigenous perspectives. Despite this expansion, significant gaps remain in the integration of Global South perspectives and in empirical evaluations of faith-based climate initiatives.

The review argues that bridging theology, policy, and science is essential for advancing climate justice and resilience in an era of ecological uncertainty.