Fertilization and Soil Ploughing Practices under Changing Physical Environment Lead to Soil Organic Carbon Dynamics under Conservation Agriculture in Rice-Wheat Cropping System: A Scoping Review

Ploughing and fertilization practices in rice-wheat system have deteriorated the soil carbon (C) pools. Conservation agriculture (CA) based management approaches have proven to enhance C sequestration and reverse the loss of soil-organic-carbon (SOC), which further enhances soil fertility. Different fractions of SOC pools react to the alterations in management practices and indicate changes in SOC dynamics as compared to total C in the soil. Higher SOC levels in soil have been observed in case of reduced/no-till (NT) practices than conventional tillage (CT). However, between CT and zero tillage/NT, total SOC stocks diminished with an increase in soil depth, which demonstrated that the benefits of SOC are more pronounced in the topsoil under NT. Soil aggregation provides physical protection to C associated with different-sized particles, thus, the improvement in soil aggregation through CA is an effective way to mitigate soil C loss. Along with less soil disturbance, residual management, suitable crop rotation, rational application of manures and fertilizers, and integrated nutrient management have been found to be effective in not only improving soil C stock but also enhancing the soil health and productivity. Thus, CA can be considered as a potential method in the build-up of SOC of soil in rice-wheat system.

Effects of Soil Salinity and Alkalinity on Grain Quality of Tolerant,Semi-Tolerant and Sensitive Rice Genotypes

Soil salinity and alkalinity adversely affects the productivity and grain quality of rice. The grain quality of 19 rice genotypes characterized as salt tolerant （T）, semi-tolerant （ST） and sensitive （S） was assessed in lysimeters containing saline and highly alkaline soils. Head rice recovery was reduced by salinity stress whereas it was not affected by alkalinity stress. The ratio of length to width （grain dimensions） was significantly reduced in the T genotype even at low electrical conductivity （EC, 4 mS/cm） and alkalinity （pH 9.5）, whereas in the ST genotype, it was significantly reduced at high salinity （EC 8 mS/cm）. There was no significant effect of any levels of salinity or alkalinity on grain dimensions in the S genotype. Amylose content was significantly reduced in T and ST groups even at low EC （4 mS/cm） and alkalinity （pH 9.5） and the effect in the S genotype was only at high salinity. Starch content showed significant reduction at high salinity and alkalinity （EC 8 mS/cm and pH 9.8） in the T and ST genotypes and no significant effect was observed in the S genotype. The effect of both levels of salinity （EC 4 and 8 mS/cm） and high alkalinity （pH 9.8） on gel consistency was observed only in the S genotype. The tolerant genotypes IR36 under high salinity, and CSIR10 and CSR11 under alkali stress showed less reduction in amylose content. The T genotype BR4-10, and ST genotypes CSR30, CSR29 and CSR13 showed better gel consistency under saline and alkali stress. Amylose content was affected even at low salinity stress and thus important to be considered in breeding rice for salt tolerance. Overall, the grain quality of T and ST genotypes was less affected by saline and alkali stress compared to S ones.

Morphophysiological Diversity and Haplotype Analysis of Saltol QTL Region in Diverse Rice Landraces for Salinity Tolerance

Rice is sensitive to salinity stress at both the seedling and reproductive stages.The present study used 145 rice genotypes comprising of 100 landraces and 45 advanced breeding lines collected from different regions of India.These genotypes were evaluated in hydroponics under control[electrical conductivity(ECe)~1.2 dS/m]and saline(ECe~10.0 dS/m)environments along with susceptible(IR29)and tolerant(FL478)checks.The stress susceptibility index for eight morphophysiological traits was estimated.Analysis of variance showed significant differences among the genotypes for all the parameters studied in control,stress and relative stress conditions.We identified 3 landraces(Kuttimanja,Tulasimog and IET-13713I)as tolerant and 14 lines as moderately tolerant to salt stress.Strong correlations in the morphological(root and shoot lengths)and physiological traits(shoot Na^(+),Ca^(2+)and Mg^(2+)contents,and Na^(+)/K^(+)ratio)were observed under all the conditions.The hierarchical cluster analysis grouped the genotypes into five clusters,among which cluster Ⅱ comprised salt-tolerant lines.Haplotyping of Saltol region using 11 simple sequence repeat markers on 17 saline tolerant and moderately tolerant lines was conducted.Markers AP3206F,RM10793 and RM3412b,located close to SKC1 gene(11.23‒12.55 Mb),displayed diverse allelic variations and they were not related to the FL478 type.In this region,tolerant lines like Kuttimanja,IET-13713I and Tulasimog have new alleles.As a result,these lines may be suitable candidates for novel genomic regions governing rice salinity tolerance.Salt-tolerance ability of Kuttimanja,Tulasimog and IET-13713I was validated in two years in three salinity stress environments.These promising lines can be used in breeding programs to broaden the genetic base of salinity tolerance in rice,and it may help to dissect key genomic regions responsible for salinity tolerance.

Amelioration of Saline-Sodic Soils with Tillage Implements and Sulfuric Acid Application

Amelioration of saline-sodic soils through land preparation with three tillage implements （disc plow, rotavator and cultivator） each followed by application of sulfuric acid at 20% of gypsum （CaSO4-2H2O） requirement or no sulfuric acid application during crop growth period was evaluated in a field study for 2.5 years at three sites, i.e., Jhottianwala, Gabrika （Thabal）, and Thatta Langar, in Tehsil Pindi Bhattian, Hafizahad District, Pakistan. Within 2.5 years, there was a decrease in the salinity parameters measured （electrical conductivity, pH, and sodium adsorption ratio）, with a gradual increase in rice and wheat grain yields. It was observed that the disc plow, which not only ensured favorable yields but also helped improve soil health at all the three sites, was the most effective tillage implement. Also, application of sulfuric acid resulted in higher yields and promoted rapid amelioration of the saline-sodic soils.

Bio-amelioration of alkali soils through agroforestry systems in central Indo-Gangetic plains of India

A long-term field study was initiated during 1995 at Central Soil Salinity Research Institute, Regional Research Station, Lucknow （26047＇58＂ N and 80°46＇24＂ E） to analyze the effect of agroforestry systems on amelioration of alkali soils. Three agroforestry systems （pas- toral, silvipastoral and silvicultural） were compared with the control where no agroforestry system was introduced. Tree-based silvicultural and silvipastoral systems were characterized by tree species Prosopis juliflora and Acacia nilotica along with grass species Leptochloafusca, Panicum maximum, Trifolium alexandrium and Chloris gayana. Growth of ten-year-old Prosopis juliflora and Acacia nilotica planted in combi- nation with grasses was significantly higher over the silviculture system with the same species. Tree biomass yields of P. juliflora （77.20 t·ha-1） and A. nilotica （63.20 t·ha-1） planted under silvipastoral system were significantly higher than the sole plantation of （64.50 t·ha-1 and 52.75 t·ha-1）. Fodder yield under the pastoral system was significantly higher than the silvipastoral system during initial years but it was at par with that of silvipastoral systems after eight years of plantation. The microbial biomass carbon in the soils of silvipastoral systems was significantly higher than in soils under sole plantation of trees and control systems. The Prosopis-based silvipastoral system proved more effective in reduc- ing soil pH, displacing Na＋ from the exchange complex, increasing or- ganic carbon and available N, P and K. Improvement in soil physical properties such as bulk density, porosity, soil moisture and infiltration rate was higher in the Prosopis-based silvipastoral system than in the silviculture system or control On the basis of biomass production and improvement in soil health due to tree ＋ grass systems, silvipastoral agroforestry system could be adopted for sustainable reclamation ofhighly alkali soils.

Biomass and bio-energy production of ten multipurpose tree species planted in sodic soils of indo-gangetic plains

Ten multipurpose tree species, Terminalia arjuna, Azadirechta indica, Prosopis juliflora, Pongamia pinnata, Casuarina equisetifolia, Prosopis alba, Acacia nilotica, Eucalyptus tereticornis, Pithecellobium dulce and Cassia siamea, were raised in a monoculture tree cropping system on the sodic soil of Gangetic alluvium in north India （26° 47° N： 80°46′ E） for 10 years to evaluate the biomass and bio-energy production. The soil was compact, sodic and impervious to water associated with nutrient deficiency or toxicity. Maximum plant height was recorded with E. tereticornis followed by C.equisetifolia and P. juliflora. A. nilotica performed better than the other species in terms of diameter at breast height （DBH） with a basal area of 13.04 m^2·ha^-1, followed by P. juliflora and C. equisetifolia. P. juliflora and A. nilotica produced nearly similar biomass of 56.50 and 50.75 Mg·ha^-1, respectively, at 10 years; whereas, A. indica, P. pinnata, C. siamea and P. alba did not perform well. P. juliflora scored maximum in net biomass production and nutrient demand. Nutrient （N, P, K, Ca, and Mg） concentrations were higher in leaf component of P. juliflora. However, in woody components, there was little variation between the species. N removal for production of one ton of wood was lowest in Acacia nilotica, P in T. arjuna, K in P. dulce and Ca and Mg in P. juliflora. P. juliflora gave the highest energy production of 1267.75 GJ.ha^-1 followed by A. nilotica with 1206 GJ.ha^-1 and the lowest ofA. indica （520.66 GJ.ha^-1）.

黄河下游灌区农田排水再利用效应模拟评价

在田间试验观测基础上,采用SWAP模型分析黄河下游簸箕李引黄灌区农田排水再利用下的土壤盐分季节性变化以及地下水位对土壤盐分剖面分布的影响,模拟农田排水补灌对作物产量的效应。研究结果表明,咸排水补灌引起的土壤盐分积聚主要在冬小麦生长期,夏玉米生长期内并不明显,有效地控制地下水位有助于减少土壤盐分累积量,维系作物根区的盐分平衡。利用含盐量为4mg/cm3以下的农田排水在冬小麦生长后期水分亏缺阶段进行补灌,可在基本不影响随后夏玉米产量的基础上,不同程度地改善冬小麦产量。对缺水严重的黄河下游引黄灌区,农田排水再利用是缓解水资源供需矛盾、改善作物产量的一种有效水管理措施。

Mechanism of Salt Tolerance in Rice

Shaheen Basma ti was evolved as a salt tolerant fine rice va riety by the Soil Salinity Research Institute,Pindi Bhattian, Pakistan. Water culture studies were conducted to investigate the physiological mechanismexercised by this variety in particular and rice plant in general to face the saline environment. Performanceof this rice variety and the concentration and uptake of ions were studied under stress of three salinity levels(30, 60 and 90 mmol L-1) created with NaCl. Recorded data indicated that shoot dry matter was notsignificantly affected by all the three levels of salinity. However, NaCl levels of 60 and 90 mmol L-1 affectedthe root dry matter significantly. Sodium concentration and uptake was enhanced significantly in root andshoot at the first level of salinity (30 mmol L-1) but thereafter the differences were non-significant, indicatingthe preferential absorption of this cation. The K concentration decreased significantly in shoots at all thelevels. The impact was less pronounced in roots as far as K absorption was concerned. The effect on Ca andMg concentrations was not significant. The values of K:Na, Ca:Na and (Ca+Mg):Na ratios in shoot and rootwere comparatively low under stress conditions, indicating that selective ion absorption may be the principalsalt tolerance mechanism of variety Shaheen Basmati when grown in a saline medium.

A New Transplanting Approach to Enhance Salt Tolerance of Tree Saplings

A field investigation was conducted to determine the survival and growth rate of eucalyptus (Eucalyptus camaldulensis Dehn.) and guava (Psidium guajava L.) saplings planted in salt-affected soils. The field used was highly saline-sodic in nature with a wide variation in electrical conductivity of the saturated soil extract (ECe), pHs, sodium adsorption ratio (SAR) and gypsum requirement (GR). A randomized complete block design was utilized with three treatments, i.e. T1 = plastic container bags totally removed, T2 = only the plastic container bag's base removed and T3 = plastic container bags un-removed. There were 34 and 8 plants in each block for eucalyptus and guava, correspondingly. The survival rates of eucalyptus and guava saplings were greater than 90%. In addition, gain in eucalyptus height was significantly higher in the T1 treatment where the bags were totally removed while for guava height the treatments were not significant.The gain in girth was not significant for both eucalyptus and guava saplings. With eucalyptus the taproot length was greater than the lateral roots while for guava the lateral roots were longer than the taproots.There was a decrease in the salinity-sodicity of the soils for the upper 30 cm depth under both types of vegetation, indicating that the salts had leached down to the B-horizon.

Seed Priming Influence on Early Crop Growth, Phenological Development and Yield Performance of Linola (Linum usitatissimum L.)

Reduced early crop growth and limited branching are amongst yield limiting factors of linola. Field response of seed priming treatments viz. 50 mmol L^-1 salicylic acid （SA）, 2.2% CaCl2 and 3.3% moringa leaf extract （MLE） including untreated dry and hydropriming controls was evaluated on early crop growth and yield performance of linola. Osmopriming with CaCl2 reduced emergence time and produced the highest seedling fresh and dry weights including Chl. a contents. Osmopriming with CaCl2 reduced crop branching and flowering and maturity times and had the maximum plant height, number of branches, tillers, pods and seeds per pod followed by MLE. Increase in seed weight, biological and seed yields was 9.30, 34.16 and 39.49%, harvest index （4.12%） and oil contents （13.39%） for CaCl2 osmopriming. Positive relationship between emergence and seedling vigor traits, 100-seed weight, seed yield with maturity time, 100-seed weight and seed yield were found. The study concludes that seed osmopriming with CaC12 or MLE can play significant role to improve early crop growth and seed yields of linola.

Haplotyping of Rice Genotypes Using Simple Sequence Repeat Markers Associated with Salt Tolerance

Salt stress is a major problem in most of the rice growing areas in the world. A major QTLSaltol associated with salt tolerance at the seedling stage has been mapped on chromosome 1 in rice.This study aimed to characterize the haplotype diversity at Saltol and additional QTLs associated withsalt tolerance. Salt tolerance at the seedling stage was assessed in 54 rice genotypes in the scale of 1to 9 score at EC = 10 dSm^-1 under controlled environmental conditions. Seven new breeding linesincluding three KMR3/O. rufipogon introgression lines showed similar salt tolerant ability as FL478 andcan be good sources of new genes/alleles for salt tolerance. Simple sequence repeat （SSR） markerRM289 showed only two alleles and RM8094 showed seven alleles. Polymorphic information contentvalue varied from 0.55 for RM289 to 0.99 for RM8094 and RM493. Based on 14 SSR markers, the 54lines were clearly separated into two major clusters. Fourteen haplotypes were identified based onSaltol linked markers with FL478 as the reference. Alleles of RM8094 and RM3412 can discriminatebetween the salt tolerant and susceptible genotypes clearly and hence can be useful in marker-assistedselection at the seedling stage. Other markers RM10720 on chromosome 1 and RM149 and RM264 onchromosome 8 can also distinguish tolerant and susceptible lines but with lesser stringency.

Metal Contamination in Nullah Dek Water and Accumulation in Rice

A research study was carried out to determine the electrical conductivity （EC）, residual sodium carbonate （RSC）, sodium adsorption ratio （SAR）, pH and metals in metal-polluted irrigation water from a nullah and those in soils over a period of time, and the effect of metals on rice yield and metal concentrations in rice grain and straw. Two sites （I and If） were selected on the bank of Nullah Dek at Thatta Wasiran in Sheikhupura District （Pakistan）, with two rice varieties, Super Basmati and Basmati 385, at both sites. Water samples were collected during rice crop growth at 15-day intervals from August 3 to November 1, 2002. The results showed that Nullah Dek water had an EC 〉1.0 dS m^-1 and RSC of 2.78-4.11 mmolc L^-1, which was hazardous for crops, but the SAR was within the safe limit. Cu, Mn Cd and Sr were also within safe limits. The soil analysis showed that Site Ⅱ was free from salinity/sodicity, whereas Site Ⅰ was saline sodic. Among metals, Zn was sometimes deficient, Cu, Mn and Fe were adequate, and St, Ni and Cd were within safe limits in the soil at both the sites. After the rice crop harvest, concentrations of all metals tested were usually slightly increased, being higher in the upper soil layer than the lower. In addition, Basmati 385 produced higher rice grain and straw yield than Super Basmati. Chemical analysis of rice grain indicated the presence of Zn, Cu, Fe, Mn, Pb and Sr, whereas rice straw contained Zn, Cu, Fe, Mn and Sr, with Cd and Ni both being found in minute quantities.

Effect of geojute technique on density,diversity and carbon stock of plant species in landslide site of North West Himalaya

Mountainous regions of the globe experience landslides due to heavy rainfall and unplanned construction on slopes. Geojute is adopted globally as a landslide rehabilitation measure, but its impact on natural vegetation development is poorly understood. The present study was conducted to examine the impact of geojute application on vegetation restoration, ecology and carbon stock in a recently occurred landslide, during 2012. The results revealed that the geojute application improved the richness, diversity, density and basal area of plant species at the landslide site. Likewise, biomass production, carbon stock and carbon sequestration of plant species was observed significantly higher in geojute treatments compared to control(without geojute treatment). Moreover, significant improvement in soil moisture was recorded beneath the geojute treatments. Further, results showed that the geojute is highly effective in controlling soil erosion at the landslide site. The findings of this study revealed ecological and environmental benefits of geojute application in term of improvement in vegetation recovery processes, species diversity and carbon sequestration at the landslide site. The scientific outcome of this study can be helpful for planning the rehabilitation measures in landslide affected regions of the globe.

Necessity for quantified measurement of soil sodicity and selection of suitable gypsum amendment for proper reclamation of sodic soils

Dear Editor,Soil sodicity is the primary limiting factor in sustainable crop production in arid and semiarid regions,where the water scarcity,low rainfall,and poor-quality(salty)groundwater are common occurrence(Datta et al.,2019;Hosain,2019;Minhas et al.,2019;Kumar and Sharma,2020).Globally,five categories of salt-affected soils have been identified,based on the nature and composition of salts(Szabolcs and Varallyay,1971;Kovda,1973;Szabolcs,1989).These soils are saline and dominated by natural salts,alkali enriched by salts capable of alkaline hydrolysis(Na2CO3 and NaHCO3),gypsiferous with excess gypsum salts,calcareous with higher content of CaCO3,acid sulfate with Fe2(SO4)3 and Al2(SO4)3 salts,and others including strongly degraded subsoil and potentially saline soils in irrigated regions.These soils were known as Solonchak,Solonetz,and Solod in eastern Europe.The alkali soils of Europe and erstwhile United Soviet Socialist Republic showed A horizon and a natric(sodic)B horizon.

Strategies to mitigate the adverse effect of drought stress on crop plants-influences of soil bacteria:A review

Drought stress affects plant growth and causes significant issues in meeting global demand for food crops and fodder.Drought can cause physiological,physicochemical,and morphological changes in plants,which negatively affects plant growth and productivity.To combat this under the increasing global threat of water shortage and rapid population expansion,it is crucial to develop strategies to meet global food demands.Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria(PGPR)may provide a safe solution to enhancing crop yields through various mechanisms.These soil bacteria can provide drought tolerance to crop plants,allowing them to survive and thrive in water-scarce conditions.Productions of phytohormones,free radical-scavenging enzymes,and stress-combating enzymes that can increase tolerance to drought-induced stress are key features of plant-associated microbial communities.This review summarizes the beneficial properties of microbes that help plants tolerate water scarcity and highlights the bacterial mechanisms that enhance drought tolerance in plants.

Residue recycling options and their implications for sustainable nitrogen management in rice-wheat agroecosystems

Background In the Indo-Gangetic Plain,rice-wheat is the most extensively practiced crop rotation.The escalating issue of crop residue burning,particularly rice straw,and the necessity to lower the exorbitant expenses associated with fertilizer inputs stand out as significant challenges for farmers in the region.A well-suited integrated nutrient management(INM)strategy that focuses on recycling crop residues can serve as a solution to address these issues.Such a strategy not only mitigates air pollution resulting from residue burning but also helps combat water pollution due to nitrate losses from agroecosystems.Field experiments were used to evaluate the suitability of eight INM-modules that included various combinations of inorganic fertilizer rates(50%,100%,150%of recommended dose),crop residues(wheat and rice stubble retention at 30 cm standing stubble equivalent to 1/3 the straw yield),rice straw compost(RSC),farmyard manure(FYM),and green manuring(GM),compared to 100%recommended dose of fertilizers(F)and no fertilizer application.Results There was a considerable improvement in nitrogen mineralization,grain yields,and nitrogen use efficiency under GM+RSC-F50 and GM+FYM-F50.These INM modules would permit a 50%reduction in the use of chemical fertilizers.There was a little yield penalty with in situ rice residue incorporation at 100%F;however,this could be overcome with 150%F fertilizer application.In situ retention of wheat straw with a full application of fertilizer resulted in steadily rising crop yields over time.Changes in the redox potential,soil pH,and soil organic carbon best accounted for the observed trajectories in nitrogen use efficiency.Conclusion The most promising INM modules for adoption by farmers in the Indo-Gangetic Plain to judiciously use crop residues and curtail chemical fertilizer inputs are green manuring with Sesbania aculeata+rice straw compost at 5 t ha^(−1)+only 50%of recommended dose of fertilizers(GM+RSC-F50),and green manuring with Sesbania aculeata+farmyard manure at 5 t ha^(−1)+only 50%of recommended dose of fertilizers(GM+FYM-F50).Sole incorporation of crop residues without nitrogen augmentation from other sources might not help curtail chemical fertilizer use.Composting rice straw,which otherwise is widely burnt,proved a useful nitrogen source and a vital component of INM.Waste rice straw composting at the community scale and its application as a nutrient source can help achieve sustainable nitrogen management in the agroecosystems of Indo-Gangetic Plain.

Sustainability issues on rice–wheat cropping system

Rice–wheat cropping system(RWCS)of the South Asia is labour-,water-,capital-and energy-intensive,and become less profitable as the availability of these resources diminished.This could be further aggravated with deterioration of soil structure,declining underground water and lesser land and water productivity which ultimately are threat in front of sustainable and profitable RWCS in the region.For improving the profits,production and sustainability of this sequence-a paradigm shift is required.Scientists recommended different resource-conserving technologies(RCTs)viz.zero tillage,laser levelling,irrigation based on soil matric potential,bed planting,direct seeding,mechanical transplanting of rice and crop diversification for this purpose.These technologies are site specific and before selecting any particular RCT for a particular region,soil texture and agro-climatic conditions must be considered.A solitary approach/RCT might not be effective to solve the upcoming issue of producing more food grains with inadequate available water and land.Therefore,an integrated approach is required.But before implementing any approach,different issues relating to RWCS must be discovered,considered and addressed in a holistic manner.In this review,an attempt was made to highlight different issues resulted from the practise of intensive rice–wheat cropping sequence of the region,which must be considered while framing and implementing any integrated approach/project such as conservation agriculture for improving the productions,profits and sustainability of RWCS in the region.

Classification and management of community forests in Indian Eastern Himalayas:implications on ecosystem services,conservation and livelihoods

Introduction:Evidence is mounting that traditional knowledge can play a critical role in shaping the biodiversity conservation strategies and maintaining ecosystem services.This study was conducted with Adi community of Arunachal Pradesh(Ar P)state in the Eastern Indian Himalayas to understand as how local systems of forest classification governs conservation tradition and influences subsistence livelihoods.Twenty Adi villages were sampled from East Siang district of Ar P.A total of 197 men and 204 women(total of 401)Adi respondents were selected for this study.A combination of methodologies including in-depth interview,transect walks,focus group discussion,participant observation and informal interactions were combined for data collection.Results:Local forests are classified into 10 different categories based on indicators such as topography,cultural significance,use typology,ownership rights and plant diversity indicators.Local people assign different values(economic,cultural and ecological)to different forest types.Overall,morang followed by regpi and homegardens are perceived to be more valuable to the local needs than other forests with relative ranking of a particular forest reflecting its sustainability.Adis access several diverse services from these community-managed forests.Compared to men(3–35%),the role of women was assessed to be much higher(65 to 100%)in conserving forest biodiversity.Woman-led practices,instrumental in sustainable forest management,included deliberate manipulations of micro-habitats,sustainable harvesting strategies and species domestication.Men were mostly involved in ownership and decision-making roles and in devising social norms to ensure sustainability.Adi celebrate a number of cultural events to sustain biodiversity.Forest-based livelihoods are intrinsically connected to forest resource conservation and are governed by community approaches.Most of the community members gather plants,hunt wild animals and access other ecosystem services from these forests to sustain their livelihoods.Community-owned forests are collectively managed by an indigenous institution‘Kebang’.Conflicts relating to forest land use and resource management are resolved by the customary chief‘Gaon Burha’and his associates using traditional norms.Conclusions:Adi’s system of forest classification,based on ecological,socio-cultural and livelihood indicators,is a location-specific yet comprehensive in nature.Study suggests that integrating the local indicators applied in classifying and strategies applied in managing the local forests can provide valuable insights to the policy makers for the sustainable conservation of forest resources.

Evidence that cultural food practices of Adi women in Arunachal Pradesh,India,improve social-ecological resilience:insights for Sustainable Development Goals

Introduction:Sustainable use of biocultural diversity can help achieve Sustainable Development Goals(SDGs)in many ways.The tribal communities of bio-culturally rich Northeastern India rely heavily on local food resources and knowledge for livelihood security.In this study with Adi women of East Siang district,Arunachal Pradesh,India,we aimed to understand(i)access and use patterns for biocultural plants and animal species from diverse ecosystems and(ii)species diversity and conservation strategies deployed by Adis.We employed a novel participatory approach called“recipe contest”to mobilize Adi women from 15 randomly selected remote and transitional villages.Data collected through interviews,focus group discussions and transect walks from 75 women,were analyzed using qualitative and quantitative methods.Results:We found that traditional local food was linked intricately with women’s knowledge,access patterns,and socio-cultural institutions.From an end-user perspective,remote Adi villages had more widespread use of plant species(14 as food;34 as food-cum-ethnomedicine and 13 as income-generating species)and animal(17)as food in remote than in transitional villages.Further,there were significant differences(p<0.000;0244 and 0.000,respectively)across the social groups for use of plant-and animal-derived food and ethnomedicine.Among different land use systems(i.e.,Jhum lands,home gardens,and morang forests),the highest diversity for food plant was found in home gardens while that for food-cum-ethnomedicinal plants and animal species was observed in morang forests.Adi women apply traditional agronomic,cultural,and harvest strategies,based on local knowledge and institutions and varying with social systems,to conserve their key local resources.Significant correlations(r=0.63 to 0.92)were seen between conservation and use of food and animal species.Traditional knowledge on these aspects was linked intricately to the socio-cultural milieu and is transmitted inter-generationally through various social institutions.Conclusions:Cultural food practices,crucial to social-ecological resilience and livelihood security of Adi and similar indigenous communities confronting global environmental challenges,need to be mainstreamed with relevant policies for achieving some targets of SDGs.