Allelopathy refers to the direct or indirect harmful effects of one plant on another through the release of chemical compounds into the environment. These compounds, called allelochemicals, can inhibit growth, reduce yield or even kill neighboring plants. *Role in Irrigated Agriculture:* AllelopathyRead more
Allelopathy refers to the direct or indirect harmful effects of one plant on another through the release of chemical compounds into the environment. These compounds, called allelochemicals, can inhibit growth, reduce yield or even kill neighboring plants.
*Role in Irrigated Agriculture:*
Allelopathy significantly impacts cropping systems in irrigated agriculture:
*Benefits:*
1. Weed control: Allelopathic crops suppress weed growth, reducing competition for water and nutrients.
2. Improved crop yields: By inhibiting neighboring plants, allelopathic crops can increase resource availability.
3. Soil health: Allelochemicals can enhance soil fertility and structure.
*Challenges:*
1. Crop selection: Incompatible crop combinations can lead to reduced yields.
2. Soil pollution: Persistent allelochemicals can harm subsequent crops.
3. Water contamination: Allelochemicals can leach into water sources.
*Major Cropping Systems:*
1. Rice-Wheat System: Rice allelopathy suppresses weeds, benefiting wheat.
2. Maize-Soybean System: Maize allelopathy enhances soybean growth.
3. Sugarcane-Based Systems: Sugarcane allelopathy controls weeds and promotes soil health.
4. Cotton-Based Systems: Cotton allelopathy reduces weed growth.
*Management Strategies:*
1. Crop rotation and intercropping
2. Allelopathic crop breeding
3. Integrated pest management (IPM)
4. Soil conservation practices
5. Irrigation management to minimize allelochemical leaching
*Examples of Allelopathic Crops:*
1. Rice (Oryza sativa)
2. Wheat (Triticum aestivum)
3. Maize (Zea mays)
4. Sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum)
5. Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum)
6. Sunflower (Helianthus annuus)
7. Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor)
*Research and Future Directions:
1. Identifying allelopathic compounds and mechanisms
2. Developing allelopathic crop varieties
3. Investigating allelopathy’s role in organic farming
4. Integrating allelopathy with precision agriculture
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India's Renewable Energy Status and Targets Current Status of Renewable Energy India has achieved considerable success in renewable energy, ranking as the world's 3rd largest producer. In 2023, India's installed renewable energy capacity is 179.5 GW, which comprises: - Solar Power: ~72 GW - Wind EneRead more
India’s Renewable Energy Status and Targets Current Status of Renewable Energy
India has achieved considerable success in renewable energy, ranking as the world’s 3rd largest producer. In 2023, India’s installed renewable energy capacity is 179.5 GW, which comprises:
– Solar Power: ~72 GW
– Wind Energy: ~46 GW
– Bioenergy: ~10 GW
– Small Hydro: ~5 GW
Targets to be Achieved
India aims to achieve 500 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030 to meet its Net Zero emissions target by 2070. The key goals include:
– 175 GW renewable energy by 2022 (achieved ~120 GW).
– 450 GW by 2030, revised to 500 GW under COP26 commitments.
– Increasing solar energy through schemes like PM-KUSUM and the
Rooftop Solar Programme.
Significance of the National Programme on LEDs LED, which aims at the provision of an essential reduction in energy usage by LEDs. They have distributed over 37 crore LED bulbs while saving annually around 48 billion kWh.
There has been a reduction in CO₂ emissions by almost ~39 million tons annually.
Promotes energy efficiency, reduces electricity bills, and enhances sustainability.
India’s renewable energy push and adoption of LED is critical for the country’s energy security and sustainability. Strong implementation will ensure a cleaner, greener future.
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