V.S. Harikumar's Books

Soil Contamination and Remediation Effects on the Structure and Activity of Soil Microbial Communities

By: M.V. Bindu,V.S. Harikumar

Write a review Read reviews Take a Quiz Solve Book Puzzle

Soil Contamination and Remediation Effects on the Structure and Activity of Soil Microbial Communities

By: M.V. Bindu,V.S. Harikumar

Soil can be defined as the space time continuum forming the upper part of the earth’s crust. It is a natural body comprised of solid, liquid and gases that occur on the land surface. Joffe (1949) defined soil as a natural body differentiated into horizons of mineral and organic constituents usually unconsolidated of variable depth, which differs from the parent material below in morphology, physical properties and constitution, chemical properties and composition, and biological characteristics. Soil is one of the most fundamental resources for sustainability and survival. It is one of the most important assets to protect and pass on to future generations. Soil contamination due to anthropogenic and natural sources is increasing day by day because of increasing population, industrialization, and urbanization. Soil is the receptor of many contaminants from various sources. Contamination decreases the quality of the soil and adversely affects soil organisms. For this study, soil samples from thirteen locations contaminated from agricultural, industrial, and organic sources spread over the districts of Alappuzha and Kottayam in Kerala in the south west coast area of India were analyzed to study the changes in soil characteristics and its influence on soil microbial communities and their activities.

Average ratings

N/A

Write a review

Solve jigsaw puzzle

Age

Page Count

245

Publisher

Anchor Academic Publishing

Published Date

ISBN 10

3960670486

ISBN 13

9783960670483

Endomycorrhizal Association in Sesame. Effects on Growth and Nutrition

By: R. Rajasree,V.S. Harikumar

Write a review Read reviews Take a Quiz Solve Book Puzzle

Endomycorrhizal Association in Sesame. Effects on Growth and Nutrition

By: R. Rajasree,V.S. Harikumar

Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) is recognized as one of the most ancient oils. Its cultivation goes back to 2130 BC. It is cultivated in tropical, subtropical and southern temperate regions of the world for its seeds which are a rich source of edible oil. Recent studies have shown that the oil lowers cholesterol levels and hypertension in humans and reduces the incidence of certain cancers. India ranks high in the area and production of sesame in the world with an annual area of 2.07 million hectares and total production of 0.76 million tons. Even though sesame is the predominant oil seed crop of India, the per hectare productivity and the economic returns given by it are very low. The crop is very sensitive to biotic and abiotic stresses and it grows in marginal light-textured inceptisols having poor soil fertility associated with imbalance and without fertilizer application. The application of both organic and inorganic fertilizers could help bringing in profitable returns. However, due to escalating costs of production of chemical fertilizers and low subsidies for farmers, the agricultural planners are compelled to re-orient their thinking towards cost effective and cheap renewable resources.

Average ratings

N/A

Write a review

Solve jigsaw puzzle

Age

Page Count

201

Publisher

Anchor Academic Publishing

Published Date

ISBN 10

3960670745

ISBN 13

9783960670742

Mycorrhiza

By: A. Prakash,V.S. Mehrotra

Write a review Read reviews Take a Quiz Solve Book Puzzle

Mycorrhiza

By: A. Prakash,V.S. Mehrotra

The compendium is a compilation of research papers, covering various aspects of mycorrhiza, presented at the National Conference on Mycorrhiza held at Barkatullah University, Bhopal. There, the contributors come from different field of research have discussed - in recent future it will be possible the application of mycorrhizal inoculum in large-scale by developing cost-effective technology. Also demonstrations of the use of mycorrhizal-technology have to be carried out in farmer's field and forest nurseries to show the benefits of mycorrhiza in enhancing plant growth and reducing chemical fertilizer use in cultivation practices. The departments, companies and NGOs involved in afforestation and agricultural activities are advised to include eco-friendly mycorrhizal-technology in their programmes, thus, helping in reducing the use of chemicals. The book will serve as a useful guide for conducting further research studies on the interactions between plant and mycorrhiza.

Average ratings

N/A