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Professor Jayashankar Telangana State Agricultural University, Hyderabad (Telangana State)
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ThesisItem Open Access ASSESSMENT OF SOIL QUALITY AND CHANGES IN NUTRIENT FRACTIONS IN RABI GROUNDNUT AFTER THIRTEEN CROP CYCLES UNDER ORGANIC NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT(PROFFESSOR JAYASHANKAR TELANGANA STATE AGRICULTURAL UNIVERSITY, 2021-12-21) Saritha, J. D.; Sridevi, S.The present experiment was conducted at the college farm, College of Agriculture, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad for two consecutive rabi seasons of 2016-17 and 2017-18 with groundnut (variety K6) as test crop. The field was under a long term study from kharif, 2003-04 to 2014-15 under the aegis of AICRP-IFS, Rajendranagar and evaluated the effect of organic, inorganic and integrated nutrient management practices on productivity of maize-onion cropping system. The field was maintained undisturbed and fallow during 2015-16. The soil of the experimental field is a sandy loam, non-saline and neutral in reaction. The soil was low in organic carbon and available nitrogen, medium in available phosphorus and high in available potassium at the start of the long-term experiment. Six treatments viz.,T1: 50% N through FYM + 50% N through chemical fertilizers, T2: 100% N basal through FYM + neem cake + vermicompost each on 1/3rd N basis, T3: 2/3rd N basal through FYM + neem cake + 1/3rd N top dressing through vermicompost, T4: 50% N through FYM + biofertilizers for N, rock phosphate for P and PSB, T5: 100% N through FYM + neem cake + vermicompost each on 1/3rd N basis + biofertilizers for N and PSB, T6: 100% NPK through chemical fertilizers were tested in a RBD with four replications. Highest dry matter (7943 kg ha-1 ), pod yield (3053 kg ha-1 ) and haulm yield (5288 kg ha-1 ) of groundnut were recorded with the conjunctive application of 50% N through FYM + 50% N through chemical fertilizers, which was on par with the treatment 100% N through FYM + neem cake + vermicompost each on 1/3rd N basis + bio-fertilizers for N and P. Treatment T5 with application of sole organic inputs showed significant positive influence on soil physical properties viz., decreased bulk density (1.35 Mg m-3 ), and increased total porosity (54.28%) and available water content (9.06 %) in 0-15 cm soil layer. Soil pH and electrical conductivity were not influenced by nutrient management practices. Soil organic carbon and CEC were significantly superior in treatments with organic manures followed by INM practices and lowest under100% RDF application through chemical fertilizers in 0-15 and 15-30 cm soil depth. Nitrogen fractions viz., NH4-N, NO3-N, total hydrolysable N, acid insoluble nitrogen; phosphorus fractions viz., saloid-P, Al-P, Fe-P, Ca-P, RS-P, occluded-P, total P and available P; water soluble, exchangeable, non-exchangeable potassium fractions and total potassium were significantly higher with INM (T1), while fixed ammonium nitrogen was found to be unaffected. Significant effect of the treatments on N P K fractions was found in 0-15 and 15-30 cm depth, however NO3-N showed variations up to 30-45 cm depth. P fractions were higher in T4 which included rock phosphate and PSB. Higher DTPA extractable micronutrients were registered with application of 100% organics either with or without bio-fertilizers (T2, T3 or T5). Carbon fractions viz., KMNO4-C and soil microbial biomass carbon were significantly superior with organic nutrient management (T5), while mineralisable-C was superior with integrated application of FYM and chemical fertilizers. Activities of soil enzymes, viz., dehydrogenase, β-glucosidase, acid phosphatase and alkaline phosphatase were significantly higher with organic treatment T5 while urease activity was higher under INM (T1). All biological parameters were found significant only in 0-15 and 15-30 cm depths and decreased with depth irrespective of treatments. Soil quality index (SQI) was significantly higher with application of 100% organics along with bio-fertilizers (T5) (0.91 and 0.94) and lower under chemical fertilizers treatment (0.56 and 0.64) in surface and subsurface layers respectively. Significant correlation of SQI with pod yield was observed in 0-15 and 15-30 cm depths. SQI of 30-45 cm soil layer was not correlated with the pod yield.ThesisItem Open Access PERFORMANCE OF SELECTED DECONTAMINANTS AND CROPS IN HEAVY METAL POLLUTED SOILS(PROFFESSOR JAYASHANKAR TELANGANA STATE AGRICULTURAL UNIVERSITY, 2022-07-02) Balachandra, Y.; Chandini Patnaik, M.The present investigation entitled “Performance of selected decontaminants and crops in heavy metal polluted soils” was carried out to know the direct, residual and cumulative effects of applied decontaminants on yield and the extent of entry of heavy metals into maize, castor and palak crops in the selected polluted soils. Field experiments with five decontamination treatments replicated four times was initiated in kharif, to study the direct effect followed by residual and cumulative effect during rabi, with appropriate design of experimentation. Simultaneously laboratory experiments were also conducted to understand the extent of availability of heavy metals upon decontaminants in soils varying heavy metal pollution status. Among all the decontamination treatments tried in this investigation, CaO applied @ 1 t ha-1 was found to improve the yield maximum in the range of 8.36 (in maize) to 25.05 percent (in palak) over control. Such improvement in the yield of crops when CaO was applied @ 2 t ha-1 was almost similar (10.29 in maize to 25.34 percent in palak) like that of 1 t ha-1 . Castor crop recorded and percent of higher yields due to application of 1 and 2 t ha-1 CaO, respectively over RDF alone. Phosphorus applied at higher rate (150% RDP) to crop was also found to be encouraging in improving the yields of these crops in the range of 4.69 (Maize) to 12.40 (Palak) per cent and it was on par when 200% RDP was applied to these crops (5.10 in maize to 12.57 per cent in palak). Application of higher P (200%) to castor resulted in 10.77 per cent higher yield than that of control and was similar like that of 150% RDP (10.13 per cent). The decontaminants applied had residual effect and the extent of improvement in the yield of crops when compared to the direct effect was lesser. The highest improvement in yields of crops due to residual effect was noticed when CaO @ 2 t ha-.1 was applied in earlier season crop. Cumulative effect of decontaminants immediately in the next season was not very encouraging and was almost like residual effect in improving the yields. CaO applied @ 2 t ha-1 recoded highest reduction in total metal load during direct, residual and cumulative effect of applied decontaminants in the study. The reduction was from 5.93 in castor to 17.71 percent in palak (direct effect), 15.80 in castor to 18.65 per cent in palak (residual effect) and 16.46 per cent in castor to 22.91 percent in maize (cumulative effect). The reduction of total toxic metal load in crops due to the direct, residual and cumulative effects of applied decontaminants was 11.72, 10.92 and 12.54 percent in palak, 10.77, 8.65 and 11.94 percent in maize grain and 8.33, 9.01 and 9.37 percent in castor seed, respectively. The urease and dehydrogenase activity was increased in palak, maize and castor due to decontamination treatments in the direct (15.06, 30.13, 17.08 (µg NH4 + g -1 2h-1 ) and 15.87, 28.50, 18.60 (μg TPF produced g-1 day-1 ), residual (18.59, 26.5, 18.92 30.13 (µg NH4 + g -1 2h-1 ) and 17.19, 29.61, 18.97 (μg TPF produced g-1 day-1 ) and cumulative effect of applied decontaminants (30.49, 25.66, 22.57 (µg NH4 + g -1 2h-1 ) and 31.95, 32.54, 24.21 (μg TPF produced g-1 day-1 ), respectively in palak, maize and castor crops under study. Application of decontaminants i.e. lime /excess P reduced the DTPA and /or AB DTPA extractable Pb, Cd, Ni and Co. CaO application was found to have maximum depressive effect on these toxic metal extractability. The overall mean Heavy metal extractability of lead, cadmium, nickel and cobalt were reduced by 60th day of contact by 8.95, 16.66, 6.78 and 31.68, percent over their mean initial status of polluted soils. The extent of decrease of Pb due to different decontamination treatments was in the range of 11.85 to 13.84 percent in different polluted soils. Such decrease in the availability of Cd, Ni and Co was in the range of 4.12 to 5.0, 4.55 to 8.55 and 11.35 to 16.38 percent, respectively. However, AB-DTPA on an average extracted lower amounts of toxic metals over DTPA. The mean percent variation by AB-DTPA over DTPA extraction was -8.4, - 1.58, -1.12, and -24.09, respectively for Pb, Cd, Ni and Co in the soils studied for the incubation experiment. In terms of the choice among the tested crops, castor continues to be the most preferred choice on heavy metal polluted soils to reduce/prevent the entry of heavy metals into food chain as much as possible. On the other hand, any attempt to prevent heavy metal entry into food chain (food crops) through decontaminants appears to be less prospective with the decontaminants tried in this investigation.ThesisItem Open Access EVALUATION OF DIFFERENT NITROGEN SOURCES ON PERFORMANCE AND GHG EMISSIONS OF RICE UNDER CONTINUOUS FLOODING AND ALTERNATE DRYING(PROFESSOR JAYASHANKAR TELANGANA STATE AGRICULTURAL UNIVERSITY, 2022-11-05) MADHAVI, P; JAYASREE, GAn investigation on “Evaluation of different nitrogen sources on performance and GHG emissions of rice under continuous flooding and alternate drying” was carried out during Rabi 2015-16 and 2016-17, at College Farm, College of Agriculture, PJTSAU, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad to study the effect of water management and varied sources of N on yield and GHG emissions in rice crop . The soil of the experimental site was clay loam, slightly alkaline in reaction, normal in electrical conductivity, low in organic carbon , and low in available nitrogen, medium in available phosphorus and potassium. The experiment was laid out in a Split plot design under two types of water management practices i.e., Continuous flooding (CF) and alternate wetting and drying (AWD) with five treatments viz., T1- N0:P2O5 @ 60 kg ha-1: K2O @ 60 kg ha-1 (Control); T2- Nitrogen @ 120 kg ha-1(Prilled Urea): P2O5 @ 60 kg ha-1: K2O @ 60 kg ha-1 T3- Soil test based Nitrogen fertiliser application; T4- Nitrogen @ 60 kg ha-1 + 60 kg ha-1 through green manure and T5-Neem Coated Urea. The treatments were replicated thrice and the plot size was 6 x 4 m. Soil and Plant samples were analysed using standard procedures. Gas flux from the soil was collected using closed chamber technique as given by Hutchison and Mosier, 1981. The gas samples were analysed immediately in gas chromatography (Bruker 450) to prevent diffusion losses of gas. Dry matter was produced significantly highest under continuously flooded rice i.e., 189.63 g m-2, 398.15 g m-2 and 851.10 g m-2 during 2015-16 at maximum tillering, flowering and at harvest. STCR treatment in combination with continuous flooding was recorded high dry matter accumulation at all stages and during both years of study. In 2015-16, results revealed that continuous flooded rice recorded higher N content of 2.086 %, 1.273 %, 0.503 % and 1.369 % at maximum tillering, flowering, at harvest in straw and grain over alternate drying. Among nitrogen sources, higher N content was noticed in STCR treatment during two years of study. Interaction also found significant effect with continuous flooding in combination in STCR treatment recorded higher N content at different stages and in grain also. Similar trend was observed with SPAD values also. Plant P content was higher in continuous flooding during the two years of study at different stage of crop growth. Among nitrogen sources, higher P content was observed with STCR treatment at maximum tillering stage . In 2015-16, significantly high K content was noticed in continuous flooding (2.855 %, 2.124 %, 1.485 % and 0.939 % respectively at maximum tillering, flowering and at harvest in straw and in grain) over AWD treatment. During second year also similar trend was observed with CF. However, at maximum tillering the effect was non-significant. As the nutrient uptake is the product of content and dry biomass similar results as that of nutrient content and biomass were obtained. Significantly highest urease enzyme activity (292.9 μg of NH4 + g-1 soil 2h-1, 322.1 μg of NH4 + g-1 soil 2h-1 and 236.5 μg of NH4 + g-1 soil 2h-1 respectively at maximum tillering, flowering and at harvest) was observed under CF rice over AWD in 2015. Similar trend was observed in 2016, i.e., CF treatment shown high urease enzyme activity of 306.0 μg of NH4 + g-1 soil 2h-1, 337.9 μg of NH4 + g-1 soil 2h-1 and 243.4 μg of NH4 + g-1 soil 2h-1 respectively at different stages of crop growth over AWD. Among different nitrogen sources green manure applied treatment i.e., T4 registered significantly high urease enzyme activity which was followed by STCR treatment during two years of study. Interaction between water management and nitrogen sources were found significant at all crop growth stages. Peak enzymatic activity was observed at flowering stage only for both water management practices. At flowering stage highest activity was observed with green manure applied treatment under CF (380.80 μg of NH4 + g-1 soil 2h-1) and was on par with STCR treatment under CF (380.60 μg of NH4 + g-1 soil 2h-1). Soil organic carbon was found non-significant at all stages with respect to water management practices. Among nitrogen sources, T4 treatment i.e., green manure applied plot shown significantly high SOC over other treatments at maximum tillering and flowering stages. Interaction effect was found significant at all stages of crop growth during both the years of study. Agronomic efficiency of nitrogen showed non-significant with water management practices during first year. Among different nitrogen sources, STCR based nitrogen applied treatment. Apparent recovery efficiency was significantly highest in continuous flooding (36.66 and 38.38) over alternate wetting and drying in both the years. Highest B:C ratio was realized with STCR treatment in combination of continuous flooding which was followed by RDN in combination with alternate wetting and drying treatment. Among N sources the B:C ratio was in the order of T3 >T5 > T4 > T2 > T1. About 20% increase in cumulative N2O emissions was noticed with AWD with the highest emission of 1.24 Kg ha-1 season-1 was observed in T2 i.e., prilled urea applied under AWD. In contrast 60 to 85% increase in cumulative methane emissions were noticed in CF irrespective of source of Nitrogen. Carbon-di-oxide equivalent GWP of CF is about 20% more than AWD. The highest GWP was observed in prilled urea RDF applied plots under both water management practices though the N applied in STCR practice was more. Among varied N emissions the GWP of coated urea (1290.9 and 965.4 Kg ha-1 season-1) is significantly lower than that of other sources under CF and AWD, respectively which indicates that farmers can go for coated urea. AWD not only saves water but decreased GWP by 60-85 % over continuously flooded rice with 8 % decrease in yield.ThesisItem Open Access USE OF BIO-TREATED WASTEWATER TO STUDY SOIL PROPERTIES, WATER USE EFFICIENCY AND CROP YIELD IN MAIZE, CHICK PEA, SORGHUM AND SOYBEAN UNDER SEMI-ARID TROPICS REGION(PROFESSOR JAYASHANKAR TELANGANA STATE AGRICULTURAL UNIVERSITY, 2019) GIRI YOGESHGIR YASHWANTGIR; ANJAIAH, TThe present field experiment entitled “Use of bio-treated wastewater to study soil properties, water use efficiency and crop yield in Maize, Chick Pea, Sorghum and Soybean under semi-arid tropics region” was conducted during kharif and rabi seasons in the two successive years i.e., 2014and 2015 at the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), Patancheru, India. The site is geographically situated at 170 53' N Latitude, 78 0 27' E Longitude and at an altitude of 542.3 m above mean sea level. It falls under Southern Telangana Agro-climatic zone. The experiment was carried out at field in randomized block design with three treatment i.e. irrigation with untreated wastewater, treated wastewater and fresh water in five replications. The recommended dose of particular crop (Maize, chick pea, sorghum and soybean) was applied uniformly in all treatments. The experimental soil was sandy loam , dark reddish brown colour, low in organic carbon (0.26 %), slight alkaline in reaction (7.7), non-saline (0.15 dS m-1 ), low in available nitrogen (238 Kg ha-1 ), medium in available phosphorus (19 Kg ha-1 ), medium in available potassium (264 Kg ha -1 ) and low in CEC (13.8 c mol (p+ ) kg-1 ). Secondary nutrient content in experimental soil was 2048 ppm of Ca, 364 ppm of Mg and 3.9 ppm of S. Micronutrient in sandy loam soil of ICRISAT were in the order of Fe>B>Mn>Cu>Zn. Heavy metal content in experimental soil was below the permissible limit of soil in the order of Cr>Pd>As>Cd. Author : GIRI YOGESHGIR YASHWANTGIR Title : USE OF BIO-TREATED WASTEWATER TO STUDY SOIL PROPERTIES, WATER USE EFFICIENCY AND CROP YIELD IN MAIZE, CHICK PEA, SORGHUM AND SOYBEAN UNDER SEMI-ARID TROPICS REGION Degree : DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY IN AGRICULTURE Faculty : AGRICULTURE Discipline : SOIL SCIENCE AND AGRICULTURAL CHEMISTRY Chairperson : Dr. T. ANJAIAH University : PROFESSOR JAYASHANKAR TELANGANA STATE AGRICULTURAL UNIVERISITY Year of submission : 2019 The untreated wastewater used in maize, chickpea, sorghum and soybean was found to be slightly alkaline in reaction (7.8) and non- saline (1.7 dS m-1 ). The value of bicarbonate in untreated wastewater was found to be 139.8 mg l-1 and carbonate was found below detectable limit. The sulphate and chloride of untreated wastewater was found to be within permissible limit of 250 mg l-1 . The value of calcium and sodium in untreated wastewater was found to be within permissible limit of 200 mg l-1 . Nitrate and magnesium content in untreated wastewater was also found in permissible limit of 50 mg l-1 . The value of phosphorus and potassium in untreated wastewater was found to be within a permissible limit of 12 mg l-1 . The value of ammonium and boron in untreated waste water was found to be 57.26 and 0.08 mg l-1 respectively. The value of SAR and RSC in untreated wastewater was found below permissible limit of 8.66 and 1.8 respectively. The value of BOD and COD in untreated waste was 137.3 and 306.2 respectively. Cadmium, chromium, cobalt, nickel, arsenic and lead found in untreated wastewater was below the detectable limit. Micronutrient content in untreated wastewater was also found below the permissible limits. Whatever parameter recorded and calculated in untreated wastewater was also recorded in treated wastewater and fresh water which found to be below the permissible limits. Growth parameters in maize, chick pea, sorghum and soybean viz., plant height, leaf area index and dry matter production were recorded. Yield attributes viz., grain per cob/ pod, test weight, grain and Stover/ straw yield were recorded at harvest in maize, chick pea, sorghum and soybean. Water use efficiency of maize, chick pea, sorghum and soybean was calculated with the help of grain yield data and applied water. Nutrient content and uptake (N, P, K, Zn, Fe, Mn and Cu) in grain and straw/ Stover of maize, chick pea, sorghum and soybean were recorded at harvest. Physico-chemical properties of soil viz., pH and EC were observed at harvest. Chemical properties of soil viz., organic carbon, available nitrogen, available phosphorus and available potassium, exchangeable Ca, Mg, SO4, Na, micronutrient (Fe, Mn, Zn and Cu) and heavy metals (Cd, Cr, As and Pd) were estimated at harvest. Growth attributes i.e. plant height, leaf area index and dry matter production of maize, chickpea, sorghum and soybean was significantly influenced by different irrigation water quality. Highest plant height, leaf area index and dry matter production of maize, chickpea, sorghum and soybean were recorded in untreated wastewater treatment followed by treated wastewater and fresh water irrigation treatment. Different irrigation of different water quality treatments showed significant effect on grain and Stover/ straw yield of maize, chickpea, sorghum and soybean but non significant effects observed on test weight and grain number per cob/pod. In untreated wastewater irrigation treatment, highest grain and straw/ Stover of maize, chickpea, sorghum and soybean was recorded while lowest grain and straw/ Stover of maize, chickpea, sorghum and soybean was observed in fresh water treatment. Highest content and uptake of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium in grain and straw/Stover of maize, chickpea, sorghum and soybean was recorded in untreated wastewater treatment while lowest nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium content and uptake in grain and straw/Stover of maize, chickpea, sorghum and soybean was observed in fresh water treatment. Highest micronutrient concentration and uptake ( Fe, Mn, Cu and Zn ) in grain and straw/ Stover of maize, chickpea, sorghum and soybean was recorded in untreated wastewater treatment while lowest Fe, Mn, Cu and Zn content and uptake in grain and straw/Stover of maize, chickpea, sorghum and soybean was observed in fresh water treatment. Physico-chemical properties (pH and EC) of soil were significantly affected by different irrigation of water quality. pH and EC of soil was increased by the application of untreated wastewater compared to treated wastewater and fresh water treatment. Chemical properties of soil viz. organic carbon, available nitrogen, available phosphorus, available potassium, exchangeable Ca and Mg, sulphur and micronutrient (Fe, Mn, Cu and Zn) were significantly affected by different irrigation of water quality. These properties were increased in untreated wastewater treatment as compared to treated wastewater and fresh water treatment. highest organic carbon content, available N, available P , exchangeable Ca, Mg, sulphur and micronutrient in soil were observed in untreated wastewater treatment followed by treated wastewater treatment while lowest organic carbon content, available N, available P , exchangeable Ca, Mg, sulphur and micronutrient in soil were observed in fresh water treatment. Microbial population i.e. bacteria, fungi and actinomycetes was increased affected by in soil after the harvest of maize, chick pea, sorghum and soybean in untreated wastewater treatment followed by treated wastewater treatment while lowest bacteria, fungal and actinomyctes population in soil after the harvest of maize, chick pea, sorghum and soybean in fresh water treatment. From above results, it is concluded that among all treatments, untreated waste water treatment is recommended to farmer for growing field crops recorded highest grain and straw/ Stover yield and water use efficiency, nutrient content and uptake in grain and straw / Stover of maize, chick pea, sorghum and soybean. Untreated waste water application tended to improve the soil fertility status by increasing the organic carbon content in soil, available nitrogen available potassium, exchangeable Ca, Mg, sulphur and micronutrient content in soil might be due to more availability of all these nutrients in untreated wastewater compared to treated waste water and fresh water.ThesisItem Open Access USE OF BIO-TREATED WASTEWATER TO STUDY SOIL PROPERTIES, WATER USE EFFICIENCY AND CROP YIELD IN MAIZE, CHICKPEA, SORGHUM AND SOYBEAN UNDER SEMI-ARID TROPICS REGION(PROFESSOR JAYASHANKAR TELANGANA STATE AGRICULTURAL UNIVERSITY, 2020) GIRI YOGESHGIR YASHWANTGIR; ANJAIAH, TThe present field experiment entitled “Use of bio-treated wastewater to study soil properties, water use efficiency and crop yield in Maize, Chick Pea, Sorghum and Soybean under semi-arid tropics region” was conducted during kharif and rabi seasons in the two successive years i.e., 2014and 2015 at the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), Patancheru, India. The site is geographically situated at 170 53' N Latitude, 78 0 27' E Longitude and at an altitude of 542.3 m above mean sea level. It falls under Southern Telangana Agro-climatic zone. The experiment was carried out at field in randomized block design with three treatment i.e. irrigation with untreated wastewater, treated wastewater and fresh water in five replications. The recommended dose of particular crop (Maize, chick pea, sorghum and soybean) was applied uniformly in all treatments. The experimental soil was sandy loam , dark reddish brown colour, low in organic carbon (0.26 %), slight alkaline in reaction (7.7), non-saline (0.15 dS m-1 ), low in available nitrogen (238 Kg ha-1 ), medium in available phosphorus (19 Kg ha-1 ), medium in available potassium (264 Kg ha -1 ) and low in CEC (13.8 c mol (p+ ) kg-1 ). Secondary nutrient content in experimental soil was 2048 ppm of Ca, 364 ppm of Mg and 3.9 ppm of S. Micronutrient in sandy loam soil of ICRISAT were in the order of Fe>B>Mn>Cu>Zn. Heavy metal content in experimental soil was below the permissible limit of soil in the order of Cr>Pd>As>Cd. Author : GIRI YOGESHGIR YASHWANTGIR Title : USE OF BIO-TREATED WASTEWATER TO STUDY SOIL PROPERTIES, WATER USE EFFICIENCY AND CROP YIELD IN MAIZE, CHICK PEA, SORGHUM AND SOYBEAN UNDER SEMI-ARID TROPICS REGION Degree : DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY IN AGRICULTURE Faculty : AGRICULTURE Discipline : SOIL SCIENCE AND AGRICULTURAL CHEMISTRY Chairperson : Dr. T. ANJAIAH University : PROFESSOR JAYASHANKAR TELANGANA STATE AGRICULTURAL UNIVERISITY Year of submission : 2019 The untreated wastewater used in maize, chickpea, sorghum and soybean was found to be slightly alkaline in reaction (7.8) and non- saline (1.7 dS m-1 ). The value of bicarbonate in untreated wastewater was found to be 139.8 mg l-1 and carbonate was found below detectable limit. The sulphate and chloride of untreated wastewater was found to be within permissible limit of 250 mg l-1 . The value of calcium and sodium in untreated wastewater was found to be within permissible limit of 200 mg l-1 . Nitrate and magnesium content in untreated wastewater was also found in permissible limit of 50 mg l-1 . The value of phosphorus and potassium in untreated wastewater was found to be within a permissible limit of 12 mg l-1 . The value of ammonium and boron in untreated waste water was found to be 57.26 and 0.08 mg l-1 respectively. The value of SAR and RSC in untreated wastewater was found below permissible limit of 8.66 and 1.8 respectively. The value of BOD and COD in untreated waste was 137.3 and 306.2 respectively. Cadmium, chromium, cobalt, nickel, arsenic and lead found in untreated wastewater was below the detectable limit. Micronutrient content in untreated wastewater was also found below the permissible limits. Whatever parameter recorded and calculated in untreated wastewater was also recorded in treated wastewater and fresh water which found to be below the permissible limits. Growth parameters in maize, chick pea, sorghum and soybean viz., plant height, leaf area index and dry matter production were recorded. Yield attributes viz., grain per cob/ pod, test weight, grain and Stover/ straw yield were recorded at harvest in maize, chick pea, sorghum and soybean. Water use efficiency of maize, chick pea, sorghum and soybean was calculated with the help of grain yield data and applied water. Nutrient content and uptake (N, P, K, Zn, Fe, Mn and Cu) in grain and straw/ Stover of maize, chick pea, sorghum and soybean were recorded at harvest. Physico-chemical properties of soil viz., pH and EC were observed at harvest. Chemical properties of soil viz., organic carbon, available nitrogen, available phosphorus and available potassium, exchangeable Ca, Mg, SO4, Na, micronutrient (Fe, Mn, Zn and Cu) and heavy metals (Cd, Cr, As and Pd) were estimated at harvest. Growth attributes i.e. plant height, leaf area index and dry matter production of maize, chickpea, sorghum and soybean was significantly influenced by different irrigation water quality. Highest plant height, leaf area index and dry matter production of maize, chickpea, sorghum and soybean were recorded in untreated wastewater treatment followed by treated wastewater and fresh water irrigation treatment. Different irrigation of different water quality treatments showed significant effect on grain and Stover/ straw yield of maize, chickpea, sorghum and soybean but nonsignificant effects observed on test weight and grain number per cob/pod. In untreated wastewater irrigation treatment, highest grain and straw/ Stover of maize, chickpea, sorghum and soybean was recorded while lowest grain and straw/ Stover of maize, chickpea, sorghum and soybean was observed in fresh water treatment. Highest content and uptake of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium in grain and straw/Stover of maize, chickpea, sorghum and soybean was recorded in untreated wastewater treatment while lowest nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium content and uptake in grain and straw/Stover of maize, chickpea, sorghum and soybean was observed in fresh water treatment. Highest micronutrient concentration and uptake ( Fe, Mn, Cu and Zn ) in grain and straw/ Stover of maize, chickpea, sorghum and soybean was recorded in untreated wastewater treatment while lowest Fe, Mn, Cu and Zn content and uptake in grain and straw/Stover of maize, chickpea, sorghum and soybean was observed in fresh water treatment. Physico-chemical properties (pH and EC) of soil were significantly affected by different irrigation of water quality. pH and EC of soil was increased by the application of untreated wastewater compared to treated wastewater and fresh water treatment. Chemical properties of soil viz. organic carbon, available nitrogen, available phosphorus, available potassium, exchangeable Ca and Mg, sulphur and micronutrient (Fe, Mn, Cu and Zn) were significantly affected by different irrigation of water quality. These properties were increased in untreated wastewater treatment as compared to treated wastewater and fresh water treatment. highest organic carbon content, available N, available P , exchangeable Ca, Mg, sulphur and micronutrient in soil were observed in untreated wastewater treatment followed by treated wastewater treatment while lowest organic carbon content, available N, available P , exchangeable Ca, Mg, sulphur and micronutrient in soil were observed in fresh water treatment.ThesisItem Open Access “FLUORIDE CONTENT OF WATER, SOIL AND CROPS IN SOME PARTS OF MAHABUBNAGR DISTRICT, TELANGANA STATE”(PROFESSOR JAYASHANKAR TELANGANA STATE AGRICULTURAL UNIVERSITY, 2017) RANJITH MUDIGIRI; JEEVAN RAO, KThe present study entitled “Fluoride content of water, soil and crops in some parts of Mahabubnagar district” was carried out during kharif and rabi seasons of 2015-16. As a part of study a survey was carried out by collecting 250 geo-referenced water, soil and crop samples from Kalwakurthy, Thalakondapally, Amangal, Madgul and Veldanda mandals of Mahabubnagar district during kharif and rabi seasons with the help of hand held Global positioning system (GPS). The samples were analyzed for fluoride and other important parameters of the water, soil and crops. Maps were developed using GIS technique for available fluoride content in water and soil. Apart from survey work, a pot culture experiment was conducted at green house of College of Agriculture, Rajendranagar during kharif, 2016-17. In this study, six levels of fluoride concentration viz., 0 (F0), 3 (F1), 6 (F2), 9 (F3), 12 (F4) and 15 ppm (F5) and different amendments namely FYM (A1), lime (A2), bentonite (A3) and biochar (A4) were evaluated to evaluate the efficacy of amendments to reduce the availability of fluoride in soil and in turn the uptake of fluoride by crops. In the present investigation, the fluoride content in ground water varied from 0.79 to 4.20 ppm with a mean value of 2.06 ppm during kharif season in Kalwakurthy mandal. During rabi season it was ranging from 1.0 to 4.31 ppm with a mean value of 2.56 ppm. In Thalakondapally mandal, the fluoride status of irrigation water samples varied from 0.72 to 4.50 ppm with a mean of 2.84 ppm. During rabi season, the average fluoride content of irrigation water samples was 3.29 ppm with a range of 1.32 to 4.92 ppm. The fluoride content of irrigation water samples ranged from 0.27 to 4.40 ppm with a mean value of 1.75 ppm in Amangal mandal during kharif season and rabi season, the fluoride content ranged from 0.68 to 4.61 ppm with an average of 2.22 ppm. In Madgul, the range of fluoride concentration was from 0.71 to 4.01 with a mean value of 2.42 ppm during kharif while in rabiit varied from 1.01 to 4.11 with an average of 2.64 ppm. In Veldanda mandal, the range of fluoride was 0.41 to 3.0 ppm with a mean value of 1.47 ppm. The samples collected during rabi season had shown fluoride content from 0.69 to 3.04 ppm with an average of 1.74 ppm. The available fluorine content in soils of Kalwakurthy mandal ranged from 0.05 to 0.25 ppm with a mean value of 0.11 ppm. During rabi, it varied from 0.08 to 0.29 ppm with an average of 0.16 ppm. In Thalakondapally mandal during kharif season available fluorine varied from 0.09 to 0.28 ppm with an average of 0.18 ppm. During rabi, the available fluoride content ranged from 0.11 to 0.28 ppm with mean of 0.20 ppm. In Amangal mandal, during kharif season available fluoride status in the soil ranged from 0.04 to 0.29 ppm with mean value of 0.13 ppm. During rabi, the average of available fluorine in soil was 0.14 ppm and varied from 0.05 to 0.24 ppm. In soils of Madgul mandal, during kharif season the available fluorine ranged from 0.06 to 0.29 ppm with mean of 0.17 ppm. The average of available fluorine was 0.17 ppm in soils of Madgul mandal during rabi season and varied from 0.07 to 0.27 ppm. In kharif season, the available fluorine content in soil ranged from 0.05 to 0.23 ppm in Veldanda mandal. The average of fluorine content in soil was 0.12 ppm. During rabi season, the range of available fluorine was 0.06 to 0.24 ppm with mean of 0.13 ppm. Different crop samples viz., cereals, millets, pulses, oil seeds, vegetables (bulb and fruit) and leafy vegetables (palak and amaranthus) were collected during the study. Plant samples were found to have concentration of fluoride ranging from 0.051 (groundnut) to 0.131 mg kg-1 (palak). Among the plant parts root had the highest fluoride content compared to other plant parts of different crops in study area. The results of pot culture experiment study revealed that, the available fluoride status in soil increased with increasing levels of fluoride additions. With regard to amendments, the lowest concentration of soil available F (ppm) was observed under groundnut (0.202), rice (0.217) and tomato (0.233) with application of lime over other amendments and control (A0). The percentage of decrease in the available fluoride with lime application over control was 47.0, 45.5 and 42.4 in groundnut, rice and tomato grown soils. The interaction of fluoride levels and different amendment applications exhibited the significant difference with respect to the availability of fluoride in tested crops. The fluoride concentration in plant parts was significantly influenced by levels of F, different amendments and their combinations. The increasing rate of fluoride application to soil increased the fluoride concentration in plant parts. The principal objective of the pot culture study to reduce the risk of fluoride uptake by plant parts of crop with application of different amendments. Lowest F concentration values were recorded in plant parts of groundnut, rice and tomato with applications lime (A2) followed by bentonite clay, biochar and FYM amendments. The results of combined application of fluoride levels with different amendments revealed that the highest fluoride concentration was reported at F5A0 and lowest values were recorded in F0A2 treatment. Lime application reduced the concentration of F in plant parts of groundnut, rice and tomato crops and resulted in on par concentration with F0, F1 and F2 combination treatments (F0A2, F1A2 and F2A2). The amount of fluoride in the plant depends on their ability to absorb the fluoride from the soil. This in turn depends on whether the fluoride is in an available state for uptake or not. The application of lime was proved as a best amendment to reduce the availability of fluoride in soil and the subsequent fluoride uptake by crops. The order of tested amendments to reduce the fluoride uptake by plants lime > bentonite clay > biochar> FYM.ThesisItem Open Access HEAVY METAL FRACTIONS IN SEWAGE IRRIGATED SOILS OF PERI-URBAN AGRICULTURE OF HYDERABAD(PROFESSOR JAYASHANKAR TELANGANA STATE AGRICULTURAL UNIVERSITY, 2018) RAJU, B; JEEVAN RAO, KA study entitled “Heavy Metal fractions in sewage irrigated soils of Peri-urban Agriculture of Hyderabad” was conducted to assess the effect of Musi sewage water irrigation on Heavy metal contents in soils and plants along the Musi river belt area in Rangareddy and Nalgonda districts of Telangana State in India. The water and soils samples were collected at different locations along the Musi river belt before sowing of the crops during Kharif 2012 and Rabi during 2012-13. Plant samples were also collected from the same fields. The water, soil and plant samples were analysed for different parameters. Distribution of heavy metals in different fractions in the soils collected along the Musi River was assessed. A separate experiment was conducted in the farmer’s field to study the effect of Organic (FYM) and Inorganic (Gypsum) amendments in reducing the Heavy metal pollution on Spinach crop. The soil samples were collected before and after harvest of the crop. The plant samples at harvest were collected and analysed for different parameters. The yields were recorded and uptakes of heavy metals by Spinach crop were calculated. The different parameters studied such as pH, EC, BOD, Alkalinity, TS, TDS, TSS, HCO3, Na, Cl-, SO4-2, Ca and Mg, Nitrate-N, Total N, P, K, Micronutrients and Heavy metals in Musi sewage water were higher than in normal non polluted water. The values were more during Rabi than in Kharif season. The pH, EC, BOD, CI, SO4-2, Fe, Zn, Cu, Pb and Ni were within the permissible limits and the TDS, TSS, TDS, COD, Na, Mg, Nitrogen-N, Total N, P, K, Mn, Cd and Co contents exceeded the permissible levels based on the limits for irrigation purpose. The analysis of soil samples along the Musi river belt area indicated that except BD values, all other parameters PD, CEC, OC, Available N, P, K, DTPA Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, Pb, Cd, Ni, Co and Cr in sewage water irrigated soils were higher than in the control soils. Further, it is observed that the values were more in Rabi season than Kharif season. Available N, P2O5, K2O, Fe, Mn, Zn, and Co contents were more than adequate level where as Pb, Cd, Ni and Cr contents were below the permissible limits. The trend of Total Heavy metal content in Musi sewage water irrigated soils were observed to be Pb > Ni > Co > Cr and are below the permissible limits. The soil profile status showed that the Silt, Clay, Porosity, WHC and pH values increased with increasing depth where as the contents of Sand, EC, OC, CEC, available N, P2O5, K2O, Fe, Mn, Zn, Ca, Pd, Cd, Ni, Co and Cr values decreased with increasing depth. Fractionation study of Micro nutrients and Heavy metals indicated that Fe, Pb, Cd, Ni, Co and Cr were associated mostly with residual fractions, whereas Mn, Zn and Cu were associated Fe with Mn Oxides and Organic Matter fractions, respectively in sewage water irrigated soils during both the seasons. The Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu and Cr fractions were least associated with Exchangeable fractions, where as Pb & Ni and Cd & Co were least associated with Carbonate bound and Organic bounded fractions, respectively in soils. The potentially bio availability of Heavy metals in polluted soils were in order as Cd > Mn> Ni > Pb > Co> Zn> Cu > Cr > Fe during both the seasons. Analysis of the different plant samples indicated that the contents of N, P, K, Mn, Zn, Cu, Pb, Cd and Cr recorded in edible part of plant species were within the permissible limits, whereas Co and Ni content in edible parts exceeded the permissible limits. The N, P, K, Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, Pb, Cd, Co and Cr contents in rice crop were more in roots followed by in straw and grain samples. Except P, K and Fe, all other nutrients and Heavy metals in Spinach, Mint, Coriander, Para grass grown on sewage water polluted soil were more in roots followed by leaf/straw. The results obtained from the experiment conducted to know the effect of Organic and Inorganic amendments in reduction of Heavy metal pollution in Spinach crop grown on the soil irrigated with Musi sewage water revealed that Significantly highest yields was observed due to maximum reduction in Heavy metals contents in plants with the application of FYM 10 t ha-1 + Gypsum 10 t ha-1.ThesisItem Open Access “EFFECT OF SOURCES AND METHODS OF APPLICATION OF NANO ZINC ON ZINC NUTRITION AND YIELD OF RICE-MAIZE CROPPING SYSTEM IN AN ALFISOL(PROFESSOR JAYASHANKAR TELANGANA STATE AGRICULTURAL UNIVERSITY, 2018) ASWATHY. S. NAIR; PADMAJA, GThe experiment entitled “Effect of sources and methods of application of nano zinc on zinc nutrition and yield of rice-maize cropping system in an Alfisol” was taken up to evaluate the effect of various sources and methods of application of zinc on growth, yield, nutrient uptake, zinc use efficiency from various sources in rice –maize cropping system during 20152017. As a part of the above investigation, an incubation study under laboratory conditions was carried out to find out the release pattern of zinc under field capacity and saturation conditions which resembles the field situation under which maize and rice are grown. Various sources of zinc viz., zinc sulphate (0, 25, 50 and 75 kg ha-1), zinc oxide (0, 7, 13 and 19 kg ha-1), impregnated nano zinc (0, 10, 15 and 20 kg ha-1) and bio zinc (0, 12.5, 25 and 50 kg ha-1) were used in incubation study with four levels of each under both field capacity and saturated conditions. The release of available zinc (mg kg-1) at 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 15, 30, 45 and 60 days of incubation was recorded. Pot culture experiments were conducted in green house, by growing rice and maize crops with an intention to identify best foliar treatments from liquid formulations of nanozinc, biozinc and zinc sulphate with different concentrations for further testing under field condition. The treatments consisted of foliar application of various sources of zinc viz., zinc sulphate @ 0.2%, nano zinc @ 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2 ml/l and bio zinc@1.5, 3.0, 4.5 and 6.0 ml/l.After completion of pot culture experiment, a field experiment was carried out with rice- maize cropping system during Kharif 2016-17 in the college farm of Rajendranagar, Hyderabad. There were sixteen treatments, consisting of two methods of zinc application viz., soil application as basal dose and foliar spray with different sources of zinc viz., ZnSO4, ZnO, nano zinc and bio zinc. The spraying was done during tillering and panicle initiation stage for rice Author : ASWATHY. S. NAIR I.D. No. : RAD/2014-37 Title of the thesis : “EFFECT OF SOURCES AND METHODS OF APPLICATION OF NANO ZINC ON ZINC NUTRITION AND YIELD OF RICE-MAIZE CROPPING SYSTEM IN AN ALFISOL” Degree to which it is submitted : DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY Faculty : AGRICULTURE Department : SOIL SCIENCE AND AGRICULTURAL CHEMISTRY Chairperson : Dr. G. PADMAJA Associate Dean, Agricultural College, Jagtial University : PROFESSOR JAYASHANKAR TELANGANA STATE AGRICULTURAL UNIVERSITY Year of submission : 2018 and knee high and tasseling stage for maize. Residual effect of soil application of zinc fertilizer on maize was assessed in rice-maize cropping system with rice as the first crop. Results from incubation study showed that the release of available zinc at field capacity was maximum up to 15 DAI (0.849 mg kg-1) whereas at saturated conditions, the maximum release was up to 10 DAI (0.923 mg kg-1) and later showed a decrease.This indicates that the maximum availability of zinc to crops is up to 10-15 days under any of the moisture conditions when zinc is applied to soil. With respect to different sources of zinc, the maximum release of available zinc was from zinc sulphate (1.062mg kg-1) compared to other sources. Among different levels of zinc sources, irrespective of sources, maximum release of available zinc was recorded with highest level of each sources. With regard to interaction effect of all the factors viz., moisture conditions, sources and levels of zinc and days after incubation, highest release of available zinc registered at 15 DAI from soil treated with zinc sulphate @ 75 kg/ha under field capacity (2.180 mg kg-1) followed by saturated condition (2.071 mg kg-1) at 10 DAI. After ZnSO4, the release of zinc was significantly higher from soil treated with biozinc at 10 DAI under saturation (1.750 mg kg-1). The results obtained from pot culture study revealed that the foliar application of biozinc @ 3 ml/l was on par with application of 0.2% ZnSO4.Based on the zinc content, uptake and dry matter production, two treatments each of liquid formulations of nanozinc (1.5 ml and 2 ml/l) and biozinc (1.5 and 3 ml/l) were selected considering 0.2% ZnSO4 as check A field experiment was conducted with rice-maize cropping system. Results obtained from plant growth parameters, yield attributes, zinc content and uptake in rice showed that soil application of biozinc @ 25 kg ha-1 was on par with application of zinc sulphate @ 25 kg ha-1. The dry matter production (13.15 t ha-1) zinc content (58.1 mg kg-1) and total zinc uptake (371.0 g ha-1) was highest in T3 followed by T10 at harvesting stage of rice where biozinc was applied @ 25 kg ha-1. Grain yield of rice was higher in T3 (7.08 t ha-1) followed by T10 (7.05 t ha-1). However, irrespective of the sources, with increasing levels of zinc application, there was decrease in yield and other parameters. Among the foliar treatments (T12 to T16), application of biozinc @ 3 ml/l was the best followed by spraying of ZnSO4 @ 0.2%. The zinc content (56 mg kg-1) and zinc uptake (317.6 g ha-1) found to be highest at T16. These values were on par with the zinc content (53.9 mg kg-1) and uptake (332.6 g ha-1) recorded during the harvest of rice with T12. Soil available zinc decreased with the age of the rice crop. The highest available zinc in soil was recorded with soil application of RDF with ZnSO4 @ 50 kg ha-1 during tillering (1.45mg ha-1), panicle initiation (1.32 mg ha-1) and harvest ((0.99 mg ha-1) stages of rice crop which was followed by soil application of biozinc @ 50 kg ha-1 at all stages of crop Soil available NPK decreased with the age of the rice crop. The highest available nitrogen in soil was recorded with soil application of RDF with ZnSO4 @ 25 kg ha-1 during tillering, panicle initiation and harvest stages of rice crop which was followed by soil application of biozinc @ 25 kg ha-1 However, irrespective of the sources, with increasing levels of zinc application, there was decrease in yield and other parameters. Hence it clearly indicates that application of zinc sulphate, biozinc, zinc oxide and nanozinc can be restricted to 25, 25, 6.25 and 15 kg ha -1 respectively to minimize the cost on inputs and to get better yields for the benefit of farmers. However, this needs further confirmation. After harvest of rice, maize was sown during rabi 2016-17 in the same field in all treatments without disturbing the soil. In treatments T3 to T11, zinc was applied to soil through different sources with different levels to rice crops. After harvest of rice, no zinc was applied to these treatments (T3 to T11) and only recommended dose of NPK was applied and the residual effect of soil applied zinc on maize after harvest of rice was studied. Foliar application with different sources and concentrations were tried on maize crop, similar to that of rice crop. The available zinc values in soil after harvest of rice crop were the initial available zinc values for maize in all the treatments where zinc was applied to soil to rice crop. The dry matter production increased from knee high stage to harvesting stage of maize, recording significantly highest values at T11 (22.62 t ha-1) where biozinc was applied @ 50 kg ha-1 to rice crop followed by T4 (21.11 t ha-1) where ZnSO4 was applied @ 50 kg ha-1 to rice crop. The total zinc uptake by maize was significantly highest at T11 (677.3 g ha-1) followed by T4(621.4 g ha-1). The grain yield of maize was also significantly highest with T11 (8.34 t ha-1) followed by T4 (7.55 t ha-1). With increasing levels within each source, residual effect of zinc on maize was positive in terms of yield, nutrient content and uptake. This indicates that whatever excess was applied through different sources with higher doses to rice was left over in soil and was made available to maize. Among the foliar application treatments of zinc, application of biozinc @ 3 ml/l (T16) found to be the best but on par with ZnSO4 @ 0.2% spray (T12), with regard to dry matter production, content and zinc uptake by maize. The grain yield in maize was highest at T12 (6.41 t ha-1) followed by T16 (6.27 t ha-1), but were on par with each other. When standing crop like rice and maize are in the field and because of some reasons, if zinc is not applied to soil and zinc deficiency is noticed on the crop, foliar application is the alternative. The study clearly indicates that wherever, foliar application is possible, biozinc @ 1.5-3.0 ml can be suggested which is organic based nano product with efficiency equal to or more than that of ZnSO4 application @ 0.2%. Though ZnSO4 and biozinc @ 25 kg ha-1 found to be on par, the zinc use efficiency of nano based materials i.e biozinc and nanozinc (both liquid and solid formulations) in terms of yield and zinc uptake was high for both rice and maize crops compared to zinc sulphate and zinc oxide. The nano materials though contained less zinc and applied in small quantities, compared to zinc sulphate and zinc oxide, the zinc use efficiency by crops was more from nano based zinc formulation. From this study it was found that zinc use efficiency in terms of yield and zinc uptake are more for biozinc and nanozinc in rice and maize crops. It was also found that though the zinc content in zinc sulphate was higher (21%) compared to biozinc (6%), the performance of these two nutrients were on par with each other in rice crop and the residual effect was higher for biozinc compared to zinc sulphate on maize crop. The study clearly indicates that nano based formulations can boost up crop growth and metabolism at lesser concentration and biozinc (organic based nano product) can be suggested with efficiency more than zinc sulphate for rice maize cropping system as the zinc source alternative to ZnSO4.ThesisItem Open Access CHANGE DETECTION IN LAND USE LAND COVER AND LAND EVALUATION OF PARTS OF OPEN CAST SINGARENI COAL MINES AREA USING REMOTE SENSING AND GIS TECHNIQUES(PROFESSOR JAYASHANKAR TELANGANA STATE AGRICULTURAL UNIVERSITY, 2017) KAMALAKAR, J; JAYASREE, GThe main aim of the study was to characterize and classify the soils, to evaluate the soil suitability for major crops in that area and change analysis for LULC over a decade (2005-2015) of cultivated soils surrounding open cast coal mine areas Ramakrishnapur, Srirampur and Medipalli of Telangana State. Soil samples were collected from cultivated soils surrounding three different opencast coal mines Rrupanhsirkama (< 3year mine), Srirampur (past 10 year mine) dna Medipalli (> 15 year mine). A total of 6 pedons were escavated with two each at a distance of 1-2 km, 2-4 km and 4-6 km from each mining site. Altogether 18 pedons were escavated and for each open cast mine 20 surface and sub-surface samples were also collected covering between 1-2 km, 2-4 km and 4-6 km from mining site. Pedons were examined systematically and morphological description was done. Horizon wise samples were collected and analysed in the laboratory for physical, physico-chemical and chemical properties. Exchangeable cations in the soil pedons and surface and sub-surface soil samples surrounding cultivated areas of open cast coal mine area were in the order of Ca2+ > Mg2+ > Na+ > K+ on the exchangeable complex, respectively. The soil organic carbon content and the status of Available Nitrogen content were low to medium. The status of Available P and K content were low to high and available sulphur was deficient to sufficient. The available micronutrients Zn, Fe were deficient to sufficient and Cu, Mn were in sufficient in all the soils surrounding open cast coal mine areas. Heavy metals viz., Pb, Cd, Cr and Ni status was below toxic limits in all three mining sites. However, at pedon 7 and some surface samples within 1-2 km radius of Srirampur coal mine the Cd and Ni content were slightly higher than toxic levels. Though remote sensing techniques, accurate spatio temporal statistics of LULC and its changes in coal mining area were generated. On an average, the extent of area converted into open cast coal mining per year was highest at Ramakrishnapur (@300 ha/year) followed by Srirampur (@ 150 ha/year) and Medipalli (@100 ha/year). xx The soils were classified upto the family level. As distinct changes in soil properties were not observed neither at different radial distances from the mining area nor with the age of mine. The Pedons of all the mining sites were Highly to Marginally Suitable for cotton cultivation. Most of the soils are moderately suitable for redgram cultivation. All soils are moderately to marginally suitable to rice cultivation. Almost half of the soils are highly suitable and rest are moderately suitable for maize cultivation.
