Effect of sulphur and phosphorus on yield, quality and nutrient status of pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan).

A field experiment was conducted to study the impact of Sulphur (S) and Phosphorus (P) on yield, nutrient status of soil and their contents in pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan) during the year 2008-2009. Seven treatments were studied in Factorial Randomized Block Design with three replications. The treatment combinations were derived from three levels of sulphur (0, 20 and 40 kg S ha-1) and four levels of phosphorus (0, 25, 50 and 75kg ha-1). The experimental soil was medium black, slightly calcareous, clay in texture and slightly alkaline in reaction. The results indicated a significant increase in grain yield (14.81 q ha-1) and straw yield (41.26 q ha-1) of pigeonpea after 20 kg S ha-1 and 50 kg P2O5 ha-1 treatment with common dose of nitrogen @ 30 kg ha-1. The increase in grain and straw yield was 102.77 and 52.87% as compare to higher over control. Maximum number of pods plant -1, maximum number of grains pod-1 and test weight by this treatment was also observed as compared to control. Application of S and P improved soil fertility status and S alone did not influence P availability. Hence, in order to maintain the fertility status of the soil at high level, combine application of 20 kg S ha-1 with 50 kg P2O5 ha-1 is essential. The residual fertility status of soil is advocated for rainfed pigeonpea crop grown on vertisol in Vidarbha region.

Environment quality at Maitri station in Antarctica.

A comprehensive study of air, water and soil quality was undertaken during the austral summer of 1999-2000 at the Indian Polar Research Station "Maitri" in compliance with the statutory requirements of the article 3 of Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty. The main objective of the study was to assess the impacts of various scientific programs and their associated logistic support facilities on the fragile ecosystem of Antarctica. Identification of major sources of pollution and quantification of pollutants in different environmental components were carried out through an extensive environmental monitoring program spread over a period of 5-7 weeks. Preliminary studies reveal that the levels of pollution are not alarming but there is scope for concern looking into the critical aspects of Antarctic environment and the carrying capacity of the environment surrounding Maitri station.