Effect of poplar and eucalyptus based agroforestry system on soil biochemistry

The field experiment was conducted during the winter season of 2016-17 at the experimental site of Agroforestry Research Centre, G. B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar, Uttarakhand. Poplar and eucalyptus were intercropped with different wheat varieties (UP-2526, UP-2565, UP-2628, and DPW-621-50). After harvesting the wheat crop, the soil sampling was performed to determine the soil parameters like electrical conductivity (EC), organic carbon and the minerals content. Nitrogen, phosphorus and potassiumcontent and other biochemical constituents were higher in the agroforestry system as compared to the open farming system. A high soil pH (7. 53) was found in an open farming system and lower pH in an agroforestry system. Soil EC in the agroforestry system was slightly higher than the open farming system. Organic carbon was maximum (1. 33%) under the poplar agroforestry system compared to the eucalyptus based agroforestry system. Overall, this study determines the effect of poplar and eucalyptus based agroforestry systems on soil biochemistry.

Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease: A case report

Hand, foot & mouth disease (HFMD) is a common emerging infectious disease caused by intestinal viruses of the picornaviridae family. A strain of Coxsackie virus (A16, A5, A6) is chiefly instrumental for producing this condition however more severe form is caused by Enterovirus-71. Though HFMD is a mild disease and can often be effectively and competently managed in an outpatient setting, recent outbreaks in the western pacific region with fatal form of disease have attracted the concern about the clinical assessment and appropriate management of HFMD. Early detection and good clinical judgments not only can prevent the fatal progression but also can reduce overall morbidity and mortality regarding HFMD. I am presenting a case report of the afore mentioned disease and the subsequent early clinical manifestation of the fatal form of HFMD to enlighten on the nature of the disease so that early diagnosis and management of the condition can be carried out to halt the disease progression and prevention for the betterment of children especially under five years.