Is irrigation fit for purpose? A review of the relationships between scheme size and performance of irrigation systems

Irrigation is increasingly being called upon to help stabilize and grow food and water security in the face of multiple crises;these crises include climate change, but also recent global food and energy price crises, including the 2007/08 food and energy price crises, and the more recent crises triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic and the war on Ukraine. While irrigation development used to focus on public, large-scale, surface- and reservoir-fed systems, over the last several decades, private small-scale investments in groundwater irrigation have grown in importance and are expected to see rapid future growth, particularly in connection with solar-powered pumping systems. But is irrigation 'fit-for-purpose' to support population growth, economic development, and multiple food, energy and climate crises? This paper reviews how fit-for-purpose irrigation is with a focus on economies of scale of surface and groundwater systems, and a particular examination of systems in Sub-Saharan Africa where the need for expansion is largest. The review finds challenges for both larger surface and smaller groundwater systems in the face of growing demand for irrigated agriculture and dwindling and less reliable water supplies. To support resilience of the sector, we propose both a holistic design and management improvement agenda for larger surface systems, and a series of suggestions to improve sustainability concerns of groundwater systems.

Influence of biochar on improving hydrological and nutrient status of two decomposed soils for yield of medicinal plant - Pinellia ternata

The root tuber of Pinellia ternata has been used as a traditional therapeutic herbal medicine. It is reported to impart beneficial attributes in recovering COVID-19 patients. To meet an increasing demand of P. ternata, this study is intended to investigate the effects of biochar on the soil hydrological and agronomic properties of two decomposed soils (i.e., completely decomposed granite (CDG) and lateritic soil) for the growth of P. ternata. The plant was grown in instrumented pots with different biochar application rate (0%, 3% and 5%) for a period of three months. Peanut shell biochar inclusion in both soils resulted in reduction of soil hydraulic conductivity and increase in soil water retention capacity. These alterations in hydrological properties were attributed to measured change in total porosity, biochar intra pore and hydrophilic functional groups. The macro-nutrient (i.e., N, P, K, Ca, and Mg) concentration of both soils increased substantially, while the pH and cation exchange capacity levels in the amended soils were altered to facilitate optimum growth of P. ternata. The tuber biomass in biochar amended CDG at all amendment rate increases by up to 70%. In case of lateritic soil, the tuber biomass increased by 23% at only 5% biochar application rate. All treatments satisfied the minimum succinic acid concentration required as per pharmacopoeia standard index. The lower tuber biomass exhibits a higher succinic acid concentration regardless of the soil type used to grow P. ternata. The biochar improved the yield and quality of P. ternata in both soils.

Preface

In order to meet the health and safety needs of our attendees and staff, the 2021 International Conference on Agriculture Science and Water Resource (ASWR2021) which was scheduled to be held in Guangzhou, China, was held virtually online during January 22nd-25th, 2021. Being different from the traditional gatherings we all know, this virtual conference allows us to connect in new ways while keeping expenditure saving and maintaining social distancing. Presentations of presenter from different countries are accessible to hundreds of researchers effectively. Closely related to life, agricultural science and water resource have always been hot research topics and are gaining more and more attention from various countries. Agricultural production depends to a large extent on limited resources such as soil, water, nutrients and energy. At the same time, the misconduct usage of water resources brings about the increasingly prominent environmental problems. Under such condition, ASWR2021 would lay a platform for the interaction between experts and scholars and engineering technicians in the related fields to jointly promote the challenge aspects and discuss future developmentsand discuss future developmentsand discuss future developmentsand discuss future developmentsand discuss future developmentsand discuss future developmentsand discuss future developmentsand discuss future developmentsand discuss future developmentsand discuss future developmentsand discuss future developmentsand discuss future developmentsand discuss future developmentsand discuss future developmentsand discuss future developmentsand discuss future developments in this field. More than 60 individuals attended this online conference via cloud platform for video and audio Zoom. The conference was divided into two parts: keynote speeches and oral presentations. In the keynote speeches part, three keynote speeches with allocated time about 45 minutes each were delivered by Prof. Jiří Jaromír Klemeš, Brno University of Technology, Czech Republic;Prof. Defu Zhang, Xiamen University, China and Assoc. Prof. Wenchao Li, Hebei Agricultural University, China. Their insightful speeches gave our participants great inspiration. In the oral presentations part, experts and practitioners interested in Agriculture Science and Water Resource were given about 10 minutes to present their oral presentations to discuss state-of-the-art research results, perspectives of future developments, and innovative applications of their research. The conference ASWR2021 focuses on the discussion of the various aspects of agriculture, water resource, animal science, plant science and soil science. Some submitted manuscripts within the scope of the conference, which representing the advanced studies, were selected as the excellent papers and complied in the Conference Proceedings. Every accepted paper has undergone peer review process arranged by the Editorial Committee. At least two independent reviewers should review and approve a paper. If reviewers had different opinion on it, more reviewers would be selected to help make a final decision. We believe that the Proceedings will serve as an important research source to provide recent development and information related to agriculture, water resources and environment protection. On behalf of the Organizing Committee, we would like to take this opportunity to express our sincere gratitude to all authors and presenters. We are also grateful to the Technical Program Committee members and reviewers as well as all the colleagues from IOP publisher. It is the joint efforts of everyone that makes the conference a great success. Committee of ASWR2021 List of Committee Members are available in this Pdf.

Preface

Climate change has led to the increase of heat exposure or natural hazard due to extreme weather. This anthropological climate change phenomenon has negatively altered the most fundamental natural resources for living organism: air, water, and soil. Air has been polluted and warming due to human activities. The quantity of freshwater keeps on depleting, while the ground water recharge intervened with chemical and biological contamination. The sustainability of soil as the natural planting media is under threat due to land use conversion and soil quality degradation. Water acidification and temperature increase have been proved to change the salinity of seawater. Those are the impact of the increasing greenhouse gas emission in the earth's atmosphere.The 8th International Conference on Climate Change (ICCC) aims to accommodate and to discuss the regional findings related the adaptation and mitigation strategies on climate change worldwide. The meaning to hold ICCC is getting more and more important. This conference can alert the creeping disaster. The contribution of all the participants, distinguished guests to this conference would make our world better and progress our scientific knowledge. Sharing the insight into the recent research and the cutting-edge technologies should enhance our ability and it might give us the breakthrough ideas on our sustainability under climate change. ICCC would be fruitful for every participant and be a great chance to approach the scientific solution for our common goals.Faculty of Agriculture of Sebelas Maret University, Surakarta, Indonesia is very proud to organize the 8th International Conference on Climate Change (ICCC). International Conference on Climate Change has been playing a significant contribution to formulate the strategies to cope with the emerged problems due to the climate change, as well as to support the sustainable development goal achievement. Sebelas Maret University has been seriously taking part to minimize the climate change impact, by promoting environment-friend programs, such as the green campus program and prohibiting the motor-vehicle to enter the campus every month. Sebelas Maret University also realizes that the responsibility of maintaining this earth should be by everyone. Each of us plays a significant contribution to minimize the global warming of this earth. That is why Faculty of Agriculture of Sebelas Maret University organize such events to discuss the findings related the earth-protection.We hope this conference will resulting into valuable recommendations in focusing and improving the natural resources management as well as improving the human's living efficiency to bring the greenhouse gas emission down. We need to produce alternative technologies as the climatic resilience strategies to overcome the key climate-change sensitive pathways, as well as to support the achievements some global goals in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). Accordingly, the topic of the 8th ICCC is "Environmental Management towards Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) under the Changing Climate”.The 8th ICCC was organized by Faculty of Agriculture, Sebelas Maret University, Indonesia, in collaboration with Asian Institute of Technology, Thailand and The United Graduate School of Agricultural Sciences, Gifu University, Japan. The 8th ICCC was held at The Asian Institute of Technology Conference Center, Thailand from 17-18 November 2022. The 8th ICCC was conducted in the Hybrid method because travel restrictions are still enforced by some countries to prevent the spread of Covid-19. Besides, providing options for attending the 8th ICCC virtually is more comfortable for participants and presenters with limitedness of budgets.The 8th ICCC 2022 delivers great appreciation to Prof. Dr. Samanhudi, Dean of Faculty of Agriculture, Sebelas Maret University, Indonesia;Professor Dr. Shobhakar Dhakal, Vice President for Academic Affairs, Asian Institute of Technology, Thailand;and Prof. Dr. Ken Hiramatsu, Dean of United Graduate School of Agricultural Science, ifu University, Japan;for formal support to the conference.Gratitude presented to the invited speakers: Prof. Dr. Avishek Datta from Head of Department of Food, Agriculture, and Bioresources, Asian Institute of Technology, Thailand;Prof. Dr. Eric van Hullenbusch from Institut de Physique du Globe de Paris, France;Dr. Taku M. Saitoh from Gifu University, Japan;Dr. Jauhari Syamsiyah from Sebelas Maret University, Indonesia;and Dr. James MacGregor from Eco-Plannet, Canada.List of Committee of the 8th ICCC 202 is available in this Pdf.

On growth patterns and mechanisms in arctic-alpine shrubs. (Special Issue: The uneven geographies of the COVID-19 pandemic.)

Arctic-alpine ecosystems are considered hot-spots of environmental change, with rapidly warming conditions causing massive alterations in vegetational structure. These changes and their environmental controls are highly complex and variable across spatial and temporal scales. Yet, despite their numerous implications for the global climate system, the underlying physiological processes and mechanisms at the individual plant scale are still little explored. Using hourly recordings of shrub stem diameter change provided by dendrometers, paired with on-site environmental conditions, enabled us to shed light on these processes. In this way, growth patterns in three widely distributed shrub species were assessed and linked to thermal and hygric conditions. We started our analysis with a close examination of one evergreen species under extreme environmental conditions, followed by a comparison of evergreen and deciduous species, and, finally, a comparative look at growth patterns across local micro-habitats. The results revealed distinct growth strategies, closely linked to species-specific water-use dynamics and cambial rhythms. Within the heterogenous alpine landscape these conditions were mainly attributed to the variation in local micro-habitats, defined by fine-scale topography and consequent variation in snow conditions and exposure. Thus, the overall growth success was mainly controlled by complex seasonal dynamics of soil moisture availability, snow conditions, and associated freeze-thaw cycles. It was therefore in many cases decoupled from governing regional climate signals. At the same time, exceedingly high summer temperatures were limiting shrub growth during the main growing season, resulting in more or less pronounced bimodal growth patterns, indicating potential growth limitation with on-going summer warming. While shrubs are currently able to maximize their growth success through a high level of adaptation to local micro-site conditions, their continued growth under rapidly changing environmental conditions is uncertain. However, our results suggest a high level of heterogeneity across spatial and temporal scales. Thus, broad-scale vegetational shifts can not be explained by a singular driver or uniform response pattern. Instead, fine-scale physiological processes and on-site near-ground environmental conditions have to be incorporated into our understanding of these changes.

A review of South African sugarcane production in the 2021/22 season: climate, production and economics

This paper characterises South African sugarcane production for the 2021/22 milling season, from an agricultural perspective, to enable the industry to evaluate recent production strategies, and to identify priorities for improved efficiency. The industry's cane and sugar production during the 2021/22 season was 17.2 and 1.84 million tons, respectively. These figures show a marked drop of 5.6% for cane and 8.7% for sugar, when compared to the production figures for the 2020/21 season. The estimated industry average cane yield and quality also decreased slightly, compared to the previous season, but the main reason the drop in cane and sugar production was the limited milling capacity at several mills in KwaZulu-Natal. The civil unrest in July 2021 exacerbated the situation, causing disruptions to harvest and mill operations, as well as the subsequent closure of mills in parts of KwaZulu-Natal. The area harvested decreased considerably from an estimated 254 028 ha in 2020/21 to 241 030 ha in 2021/22 while estimated carry-over cane area increased from 24 029 ha to 32 476 ha over the same period. Rainfall was generally well above the long-term mean and well-distributed in most areas, while irrigation water supply also improved remarkably, compared to 2020 supply. Low temperatures and reduced sunshine duration caused yield reduction in the northern irrigated areas, but most rainfed areas experienced yield improvements when compared to 2020/21, because of the good rainfall. The Midlands region experienced severe frost damage during the winter of 2021, which had a negative impact on cane yield and quality. The Sugar Industry Value Chain Master Plan continued to help stabilise local sugar demand as well as reduce imports and exports at low world market prices, which all contributed to a 6% increase in the Recoverable Value (RV) price. This improved profitability for both largeand small-scale growers. COVID-19 had no noteworthy impact on sugarcane production.

Selection and evaluation of environmentally friendly pesticides, biological preparations and resistant variety samples against harmful objects of gourds in the conditions of the south-east of Kazakhstan

In the Republic of Kazakhstan melons and gourds are produced mainly in the traditional way, that is, by using chemical fertilizers and pesticides. The production of environmentally friendly melons is at the initial stage of its development. There is no organic melon growing at all. Considering the huge export potential of melons among other crops cultivated in the country (the total supply of melons and melons on the domestic market is 472%), the great economic and social significance of the transition of the melon industry to organic production is growing. In the future, Kazakhstan may be in the center of attention of the world community as a manufacturer and supplier of environmentally friendly (organic) melons, and environmentally friendly, natural melons may well become a brand of our sovereign state. To do this, it is necessary to make fundamental changes in the melon industry of the country. In general, the transition of agricultural production to an organic direction will contribute to the consumption of the safest and most useful products by the local population. Here, one should also take into account the decrease in the immunity of the human body due to various diseases, including those associated with the coronavirus pandemic. It should also be taken into account that only a limited number of pesticides used against harmful objects in agriculture act as intended, and most of the toxic substances spread into the environment. The use of disinfectants without scientific support has a negative impact on flora and fauna, being deposited in the soil and irrigation system of fields for a long time, thereby causing enormous damage to the environment. Given the above facts, our scientific research was aimed at the selection of pesticides and biological preparations with high biological and economic efficiency, low rates and frequency of treatments, as well as varieties with high resistance to fungal diseases of melons (watermelon, melon). Research work was carried out on the experimental plots of the Regional Branch "Kainar" of the LLP "Kazakh Research Institute of Horticulture" in the period 2020-2021. The studies used classical methods generally accepted in melon growing. The results obtained are new and relevant, and in the future, will contribute to the transition from traditional melon growing to biological.

An inaugural survey of cereal, oilseed and vegetable crop diseases in the Yukon Territory in 2020

Various kinds of field crops growing on two commercial farms in the Whitehorse area of the southern Yukon Territory were surveyed for diseases in summer 2020 by staff of the Agriculture Branch of the Government of Yukon. They included barley, wheat, canola, beets, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, potatoes and turnips. Fields were visited one or more times during July and August. The incidence and severity of diseases were visually assessed on a crop-by-crop basis and samples were collected for laboratory analysis of the pathogens present, if any. Both infectious and non-infectious diseases were present on most crops. The infectious diseases were caused by various species of plant pathogenic bacteria and fungi that were common on these crops growing in other areas of Canada. INTRODUCTION AND METHODS: The 2020 field crop disease survey is believed to be the first organized study of its kind on agricultural crops in the Territory. In his book, "An Annotated Index of Plant Diseases in Canada . . . ", I.L. Conners lists over 300 records of plant diseases on trees, shrubs, herbs and grasses in the Yukon that were published by individuals who were surveying forests and native vegetation mainly for federal government departments, universities and other agencies (Conners 1967). The objectives of the 2020 survey were: (1) to determine the kinds and levels of diseases on selected Yukon crops, (2) to identify the major pathogen species attacking Yukon crops, and (3) to use the results to plan future surveillance activities aimed at helping producers to improve their current disease management programs. All of the fields included in the 2020 survey were situated on two commercial farms, which were designated as Farm #1 and #2, in the Whitehorse area in the southern Yukon (Fig. 1). The crops surveyed included cereals (barley and wheat), oilseeds (canola) and vegetables (beets, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, potatoes and turnips). Fields were visited one or more times in the mid- to late growing season (July/August) at a time when damage from diseases was most noticeable. Symptoms were visually assessed on a crop-by-crop basis by determining their incidence and severity. Incidence was represented by the percentage of plants, leaves, heads, kernels, etc., damaged in the target crop, while severity was estimated to be the proportion of the leaf, fruit, head, root/canopy area, etc., affected by a specific disease as follows: Proportion of the canopy affected based on a 0-4 rating scale, where: 0 = no disease symptoms, 1 = 1-10% of the crop canopy showing symptoms;2 = 11-25% showing symptoms, 3 = 26- 50% showing symptoms, and 4 = > 50% showing symptoms. Photographs of affected plants were taken and sent to plant pathologists across Western Canada for their opinions on causation. Where possible, representative samples of plants with disease symptoms were packaged and sent to the Alberta Plant Health Lab (APHL) in Edmonton, AB for diagnostic analyses. Background information, such as the general cultural practices and cropping history, was obtained from the producers wherever possible. GPS coordinates were obtained for each field to enable future mapping Cereals: Individual fields of barley (11 ha) and wheat (30 ha) located at Farm #1 were surveyed. The barley was a two-row forage cultivar 'CDC Maverick', while the wheat was an unspecified cultivar of Canada Prairie Spring (CPS) Wheat. Plant samples were taken along a W-shaped transect for a total of five sampling points for the barley field (< 20 ha) and ten sampling points for the wheat field (> 20 ha). The first visit, which occurred on July 30, involved visual inspection and destructive sampling wherein plants were collected and removed from the field for a detailed disease assessment at a lab space in Whitehorse. There, the roots were rinsed off and the plants were examined for disease symptoms. The second visit to these fields, which occurred on August 27, only involved visual examination of the standing crop. Oilseeds: A single 40 ha field of Polish canola (cv. 'Synergy') was examined o

Spring frost protection in orchards by under canopy sprinkler irrigation. (L'Accademia per il post Covid-19.)

Spring frost events are predicted to increase due to climate change. Yield losses caused by late radiative frosts can be highly remarkable in many fruit species, mostly stone fruits, grapes and kiwi, and active protection means are part of a general need for adaptation in orchard management. The principle of using over canopy and under canopy irrigation is based on the property of water that, when freezing, releases heat. Technical and management tools able to magnify such effect have been developed and here described for under canopy application, when the icing of water sprinkled to orchard grass allows adequate increase of the air temperature at canopy level.

Handbook for scaling irrigation systems

The demand for more efficient use of land and water resources to enable farmers to produce food using climate-resilient processes continues to grow in the face of a growing global population and the impacts of climate change and other shocks such as Coronavirus (COVID-19). Although irrigation has been widely promoted as important for productivity and resilience, it has not been sufficiently expanded. Large, well-established irrigation projects developed by public institutions and select private sector projects play an important role in providing access to irrigation, but they are insufficient to meet need. In parallel, farmers have been developing effective small-scale irrigation (SSI) options that include a range of technologies, financing methods, and operating models. International Finance Corporation (IFC) and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) are global organizations focused on promoting resilient agriculture and food system transformation. This handbook takes a practical approach in guiding its target readers, which comprise policy makers, governments and government agencies, private sector actors, and development institution partners, on how to deliver effective design and operation strategies, combined with financing models, to implement and sustainably expand use of irrigation.

Increasing secondary metabolites production of Phyllanthus sp to support development of herbal medicine industry

This study aim to improve the quality of Phyllanthus sp production by increasing the content of secondary metabolites as a bioactive compound. Phyllanthus sp contains various secondary metabolites that enhance immunity and treat diabetes, hypertension, antioxidants, anti-cancer, kidney disorders, and other illnesses. Since the Covid-19 pandemic, Phyllanthus sp widely used as a raw material for making herbal medicines. The trade value of Indonesian herbal medicines is estimated to increase in 2022, and the price will reach around the US $ 910 million, so it has very bright business prospects. These relatively limited phytopharmaceutical products constrain the supply of high-quality raw materials under the requirements of the herb medicine industry. Therefore, conducting a depth assessment related to efforts to improve the quality of Phyllanthus sp production by increasing the content of secondary metabolites is necessary. The efforts to enhance the quality of Phyllanthus sp as a source of herbal medicine raw materials can be made through plant breeding such as genetic mutations and in combination with the environmental arrangements of soil water content and solar radiation intensity. The efforts to increase the quality of herbal medicine raw materials are critical to support the development of the herbal medicine industry.

Climate‐linked increasing vegetation fires in global high mountains

The spatiotemporal variability of vegetation fires is essential for understanding changes in the climate and ecosystem in mountainous regions. MODIS Collection 6 active fire products indicate that the area burned by vegetation fires declined globally from over 4.27 million km2 to less than 3.52 million km2 annually during 2001–2021. In contrast, global high mountains higher than 3000 m have experienced an overall increase in their burned area and suffered record‐breaking wildfires from August to December 2020. Although high mountains accounted for less than 0.03% of the global burned area during 2001–2021, this proportion had more than tripled by 2020. This unprecedented wildfire record in 2020 could be mainly caused by favorable fire weather conditions such as low relative humidity, low soil water and high temperature.

The impact of disposable mask waste pollution in peat soil

The abundance of plastic waste in Indonesia has increased due to the contribution of disposable masks waste during the COVID-19 pandemic. The improper waste management causes the habit of dumping waste in the soil system to still frequently occur. The secondary microplastics from disposable mask waste has the potential to damage soil quality and soil capillary water. Therefore, this study was conducted with the aim of understanding the effects of disposable mask waste in peat soil. The research was conducted by setting up 3 reactors containing peat soil with disposable mask waste buried in it and some plants being grown on it. For 45 days, observations and samples were taken, both filtrate water and soil for analysis. The analysis results showed significant changes in soil properties with changes in the concentration of inorganic matter, organic matter, porosity, bulk density, and water content. Further research needs to be done to see the effects of disposable mask waste in the soil system in real conditions where several confounding variables cannot be controlled.

Non-Renewable and Renewable Energies, and COVID-19 Pandemic: Do They Matter for China’s Environmental Sustainability?

Since the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic, people all around the globe have seen its effects, including city closures, travel restrictions, and stringent security measures. However, the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic extend beyond people’s everyday lives. It impacts the air, water, soil, and carbon emissions as well. This article examines the effect of energy and the COVID-19 pandemic on China’s carbon dioxide emissions in light of the aforementioned context, using the daily data from 20 January 2020 and ending on 20 April 2022. Using the nonlinear autoregressive distributed lag model for empirical analysis, the findings indicate that COVID-19 pandemic confirmed cases and renewable energy advance environmental sustainability due to their negative effects on carbon dioxide emissions, whereas fossil fuel energy hinders environmental sustainability due to its positive effect on carbon dioxide emissions. Moreover, these results are also supported by the results of the frequency domain causality test and the Markow switching regression. In light of these results, there are several policy implications, such as vaccination, renewable energy utilization, and non-renewable energy alternative policies, which have been proposed in this paper.

SERRATIA MARCESCENS CAVITARY PNEUMONIA FOLLOWING COVID-19 INFECTION IN A YOUNG IMMUNOCOMPETENT HOST

SESSION TITLE: Complications of Thoracic Infections SESSION TYPE: Rapid Fire Case Reports PRESENTED ON: 10/18/2022 01:35 pm - 02:35 pm INTRODUCTION: Serratia marcescens is a gram negative bacteria known to colonize the human GI tract. While infections of urinary tract, respiratory tract, and CNS can occur, it is usually associated with immunocompromised hosts or patients who undergo invasive procedures or surgeries. Here, we present a 21-year-old immunocompetent male with Serratia marcescens cavitary pneumonia following COVID-19 infection. CASE PRESENTATION: A 21-year-old obese male with no past medical history presented with shortness of breath, cough and fevers for one week. In the emergency department (ED), he was febrile to 38.8°C, tachycardic, saturating 90% on room air. He was recently admitted to an outside hospital two weeks prior with COVID-19 pneumonia. He was treated with Remdesivir and decadron and discharged after five days. No invasive procedures were performed during his hospital stay and he never required advanced oxygen support other than simple nasal cannula. CTA of his chest in the ED showed thick walled bilateral lower lobe cavitary lesions and multifocal ground glass alveolar opacities. No pulmonary embolism was seen. Sputum cultures were collected but inadequate. Bronchoscopy with bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) was performed and fluid studies showed white blood cell count of 70,029 cell/uL, with 94% neutrophils. BAL fluid cultures grew Serratia marcescens. He was originally placed on vancomycin and cefepime and discharged on oral Levaquin for four weeks based on sensitivities. HIV testing was negative. DISCUSSION: Serratia is a rod shaped gram negative bacteria found in soil, water, and human gut flora. It is known to be an opportunistic pathogen that can cause urinary, respiratory, CNS and blood stream infections in immunocompromised patients. Infections in immunocompetent are usually associated with invasive devices such as mechanical ventilation or central venous catheters. While superimposed bacterial infections in COVID-19 illness are well known, they are usually seen in patients with severe disease requiring mechanical ventilation and prolonged hospitalization. Those with underlying systemic illness, advanced age and impaired immune systems are particularly susceptible. Our patient was young, immunocompetent and only required minimal oxygen support while hospitalized for COVID-19. CONCLUSIONS: Serratia marcescens pneumonia is rarely seen in immunocompetent hosts, but should remain on the differential in patients with recent hospitalization and COVID-19 infection, regardless of severity of disease. Reference #1: Hidron, A., Quiceno, W., Cardeño, J. J., Roncancio, G., & García, C. (2021). Post-COVID-19 Necrotizing Pneumonia in Patients on Invasive Mechanical Ventilation. Infectious Disease Reports, 13(3), 835–842. https://doi.org/10.3390/idr13030075 Reference #2: Fazio, G., Galioto, F., Ferlito, A., Coronella, M., Palmucci, S., & Basile, A. (2021). Cavitated pulmonary nodules in a female patient with breast cancer: Keep in mind Serratia marcescens’ infections. Respiratory Medicine Case Reports, 33, 101441. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rmcr.2021.101441 Reference #3: Jose, M., & Desai, K. (2020). Fatal Superimposed Bacterial Sepsis in a Healthy Coronavirus (COVID-19) Patient. Cureus. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.8350 DISCLOSURES: No relevant relationships by Lucy Checchio No relevant relationships by Syeda Hassan No relevant relationships by Jaclyn Rosenzweig No relevant relationships by Stephanie Tzarnas No relevant relationships by Laura Walters

Exploring opportunities to expand groundwater use for livelihood enhancement and climate change adaptation in Laos

This project aimed to identify and prioritize opportunities for sustainable development of groundwater resources with specific focus on the lowland plains and upland plateaus of Laos. It addressed this aim through three key objectives: (1) establish the potential to develop groundwater for irrigation in key hydrogeological settings in Southern Laos;(2) assess the opportunities that solar-powered pumping technologies may provide smallholder farmers seeking to engage in more profitable, market-oriented agriculture;and (3) enhance the capacity of current and emerging groundwater professionals in Laos. Two areas with promising aquifer development potential were selected in Southern Laos: a drought-prone lowland area underlain by sandstone aquifers in Savannakhet province (Outhomphone district);and a wetter, upland basaltic area on the Bolaven Plateau (Pakxong district). For the first objective, a preliminary hydrogeological assessment was undertaken based on the collation and analysis of existing (limited) data supplemented by data from a network of around 40 to 50 monitoring wells in each district and other hydrogeological measurements collected during two field campaigns. For the second objective, the opportunities for solar-powered groundwater pumping to provide an alternative to conventional grid electricity or fuel pumps was explored through policy analysis and the evaluation of a demonstration project as well as actual field operations. The third and final objective involved a cross-cutting effort to enhance capacity of current or emerging groundwater professionals. For Outhoumphone, where the need for dry season access to reliable groundwater sources is high, the sandstone aquifers present are likely sufficiently replenished but inadequately productive to provide a substantial resource for expanding dry season irrigation. Drillers in the area report well instability, saline water and drilling failure as common technical challenges. With adequate field investigations these challenges may be overcome and supplies for commercial agriculture could become feasible. For Pakxong, where the basaltic aquifers are more productive and reliable, field observations show that more entrepreneurial farmers have already started to develop groundwater for high value commercial crops. There is clear scope to expand irrigation development. Drillers report high success rates for wells and this is supported by the aquifer testing undertaken during this research. Even though policies on solar technologies in agriculture are limited, the solar industry appears to be expanding rapidly, with over twenty solar companies based in Laos;most of which are also servicing the agricultural sector. A demonstration site operated by the National Agriculture and Forestry Research Institute in Vientiane Capital provides firsthand experience of solar pumping and data is emerging on its functioning and performance. Rapid assessments of six solar pumping sites on the Vientiane Plain show that better-off farmers and investors with the means to afford the upfront capital cost are accessing water on demand at effectively little or no marginal cost. Although the situation is evolving rapidly, solar water pumping for agriculture still remains an emerging technology in Laos and hence the long term technical performance, economic viability and potential impacts on the groundwater resources remain entirely unanswered at the present time. A one-week hydro-geophysics training course took place in Pakxong in November 2020 that involved 14 attendees from government agencies and the national university. Training was provided in fieldwork and analysis in new techniques to investigate groundwater using geophysical equipment, site wells, drilling and aquifer testing and aquifer conceptualization. In-situ guidance was provided by in-country team members supported by higher level oversight provided remotely by trainers based in Australia due to travel restrictions associated with COVID-19. The project has also enabled 5 Bachelor, Master and Doctorate students to unde

Characterization of cape gooseberry (Physalis peruviana L.) fruits from plants irrigated with different regimens and calcium doses

Cape gooseberry fruits have positioned in the world market due to their excellent nutritional characteristics, because they are an ideal food that contributes to raising the defenses of the human body and helps it to face diseases such as COVID-19, they are also a natural source of antioxidants and anticancer agents. In order to avoid the physiopathy of cracking in cape gooseberry fruits, these were characterized at harvest time, coming from greenhouse plants irrigated with different applications of water levels and irrigation frequencies, as well as different calcium doses, in a design of randomized complete blocks with 12 treatments. The blocks were the irrigation frequencies (4, 9 and 14 days), while the treatments were the combination of four irrigation coefficients (0.7, 0.9, 1.1 and 1.3 of the evaporation of the tank class A) and three doses of calcium (0, 50 and 100 kg ha-1). The plants were sown in 20 L pots with peat moss substrate. Fruits were harvested at the color stage 5 and 6 of the calyx, from 19 weeks after transplanting. The different water levels and irrigation frequencies did not significantly affect the firmness of the cape gooseberry fruits, but there was a strong tendency that cracked gooseberry fruits are less firm than healthy fruits. As the irrigation coefficient increased, the total soluble solids (TSS) increased while the total titratable acids (TTA) decreased. Irrigation frequency of 14 days generated fruits with higher TSS and pH values. The calcium doses did not affect the calcium concentration in the fruits or the TSS, TTA and pH values. Therefore, it can be concluded that incremented irrigation coefficients (up to 1.3) increase the quality of cape gooseberry fruits.

Impact assessment of COVID 19 on cotton economy of India

The impact of COVID 19 on the economy in general is no doubt ravaging and its impact on agriculture is complex and varied across diverse segments that form the agricultural value chain. Cotton has a complex supply chain that stretch from input suppliers, farmers, traders, ginning factories, spinning mills, textile companies and oil processors. The study was designed to capture the panoramic view of world and national cotton economy during the pandemic period and its impact on cotton fanning in India. Cotton prices declined in the initial months for January to April, 2020 and later recouped once the lock down restrictions were phased out. As such from the study during the year 2020-2021, it was noticed in general, as per CAB estimates, cotton fanning in India was not Effected in its area and production excepting in north zone which was not due to lock down but for the pest attack and lack of irrigation facilities. Districtwise analysis confirmed that labour availability for loading and unloading and its transport was the major impediment especially in the southern zone while it was market uncertainty in the other zones. During the COVID 19 pandemic year, the cotton value chain, like others, had faced unprecedented disruptions. Cotton farmers and supply chain actors should work together to make sure that the farmers have secured acquaintance to sell their cotton. Farmers' protection should be considered a priority in getting the minimal requirements regarding the input supply, logistics and remuneration for their produce.

Assessing Barriers in Adaptation of Water Management Innovations under Rotational Canal Water Distribution System

This study assessed problems associated with irrigation water provisions and the potential barriers to the adaptation of the interventions (soil moisture sensors, on-farm water storage facilities and the drip method) under rotational canal water distribution in Punjab, Pakistan. Three groups of stakeholders were individually surveyed during September–December 2020: (i) 72 farmers, (ii) 15 officials, and (iii) 14 academicians. We used descriptive statistical analysis, cross-tabulation and the Fisher test to explore the pattern of responses across the groups. The main problems in the canal water distribution system were expressed by the farmers as limited water allocation, while academicians were concerned mostly with inflexibility and officials indicated discussion among neighbors. According to the farmers’ responses, the conventional depth/interval of irrigation is flooding the field with water and observing the plants, indicating over-irrigation behavior. Moreover, the most important barriers in the adaptation of the interventions that were highly rated by the three groups were low awareness, lack of training and financial resources. Additionally, farmers’ education revealed a statistically significant influence on awareness of soil moisture sensors and water storage facilities, while large farm holders showed a positive relationship to conducting a joint experiment with scientists and farmers’ associations on part of their land to improve water use efficiency.

A hard rain's a-gonna fall? New insights on water security and fragility in the Sahel

Do Sahelian countries face specific risks of water-related conflict Sahelian countries face growing fragility and climate challenges-especially those belonging to the Group of Five Sahel States (known as the G5 Sahel)-Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali, Mauritania, and Niger. This study examines how their relation to water availability and irrigation infrastructure factors in. It documents that the G5 Sahel countries, given their high baseline water scarcity and state fragility, face a higher risk of conflict over water resources compared to the rest of Africa. This is demonstrated through empirical analyses using geospatial data and exploiting (i) climate-induced variation in water availability, and (ii) an event study analysis of conflict trends, which sharply increased post-2010 in the region following the Arab Spring and the rise of the Boko Haram. Irrigated areas are found to be important for buffering against weather shocks but are also more prone to targeting during conflict events compared to non-irrigated regions. The evidence suggests that this reflects increased competition for scarce (fertile) resources between state and rebel groups on this climate frontier with a well-documented history of agropastoral conflict. Other regions of Africa are not found to experience similar conflict related to water resources. These findings are especially pertinent for informing projects and policy interventions in fragile countries as post-COVID-19 recovery and climate action plans are rolled out.