Surface water supplies are gradually becoming short in arid and semi-arid regions of the world. Thus, assessment of groundwater quality for crop use appears to be very essential for management and utilization of precious natural water resources. This study reports the water quality of 52 hand pumps and one tubewell located in the most remote areas of desert region, viz. Islamkot and Mithi talukas of district Tharparkar. The water samples were collected during April 2016 (just before the start of rainy season). The water samples were analyzed for EC (Electrical Conductivity), pH, CO32-, HCO3-, Cl-, Ca2+, Mg2+ and Na+ concentration. The SAR (Sodium Adsorption Ratio) and RSC (Residual Sodium Carbonates) were estimated using their respective formula. The categorization of water samples based on their soluble salt content clearly revealed that the water bodies of majority (65%) of areas were hazardous, while 25% areas were marginal. Thus, only 11% water samples of the area under study had useable irrigation water. Because of SAR and RSC the majority (89 and 77%, respectively) of water samples were found to be free from the sodicity hazard. The study concluded that salinity, and not sodicity was the major threat to the area under irrigation with these water bodies. It is, therefore, suggested that the salinity tolerant crops and their genotypes may be used in this area to sustain crop production.
Phosphorus (P) fertilization of wheat at higher dose may result in grain cadmium (Cd) accumulation. This field study envisaged yield and comparative P and Cd accumulation of wheat under different P doses, i.e. 0, 45 and 90 kg P2O5 ha-1 (P0, P45 and P90, respectively) and seed inoculation with rhizobacterial strains, i.e. no Pseudomonas fluorescens (SM0), with ACC-deaminase P. fluorescens (SM1) and with phosphate-solubilizing, ACC-deaminase P. fluorescens (SM2). The soil was non-saline, alkaline clay loam, poor in organic matter and P content. Both P nutrition and rhizobacteria positively affected wheat growth, yield and nutrient concentration. Increased 1000-grain weight (TGW), yield and P concentration of wheat was noted at P90 over P0 (24-132%) and P45 (3.7-37%), and in case of SM2 (13-57%) and SM1 (5.4-34%) over SM0, and for SM2 over SM1 (1.4 to 2.4-fold). Grain-Cd concentration decreased at P90 over P0 (34%) and P45 (17%), and at P45 over P0 (21%). It decreased over SM0 at SM2 (22%) and SM1 (8%), and over SM1 at SM2 (2.7-fold). Straw-Cd concentration decreased at P90 over P0 (25%) and P45 (18%), and over P0 at P45 (8%). It decreased over SM0 at SM2 (18%) but increased at SM1 (9%). At all P levels, SM2 was more effective over SM1 or SM0. TGW and straw-P increased for P90 interacting with SM2 over SM0 (8.6 and 29%) and SM1 (6 and 14%), and for SM1 over SM0 (2.5 and 13%). Grain- and straw-Cd decreased due to interaction of P90 with SM2 (30 and 23%) or SM1 (6 and 7%) over SM0, and for SM1 over SM0 (26% and 17%). We conclude that adequate P nutrition and seed inoculation with ACC-deaminase, phosphate-solubilizing Pseudomonas fluorescens increase growth and yield of wheat due to its increased P and decreased Cd concentration.
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