011435   Sastry G;Reddy Y V R;Om Prakash (Watershed Management Task Force, Central Research Institute for Dry Land Agriculture (ICAR), Hyderabad, A.P.) : Soil and water conservation interventions in watershed development programmes - economic viability, acceptability and emerging issues. Indian J Soil Conserv 2004, 32(2), 81-90.

A study was undertaken in semi-arid regions of India. Thirty seven watersheds located in agro-ecological regions representing both light and heavy soils, funded by Min. of Agri., MoRD, ICAR, Int'l Agency and NGO were selected. A non treated watershed (control) was also selected adjacent to treated watershed (with treatments) for comparison. Two types of survey were taken up in the study. They include: i) Rapid reconnaissance survey and ii) Detailed field survey. Data on bio-physical and socio-economic aspects were collected. Economic viability in terms of employment generation, additional benefit-cost ratio and additional annuity value have been presented. Acceptability in terms of participation at various stages of project implementation were assessed. The analysis shows that while people participated during project planning and execution stage, the same was low during monitoring and evaluation and post project maintenance.

11 tables, 9 ref

011434   Sarkar J;Gadgil A S (India Meteorological Department, , Pune-411 005) : Evaluating bioclimate aspects over the Vidarbha region. Mausam 2004, 55(3), 485-94.

Some of the important bioclimatic aspects, outgoing water budget from the human body in terms of respiratory and non-respiratory evaporative losses, human discomfort and wind chill have been studied. Outgoing water budget has been computed using monthly normals of the maximum temperature and vapour pressure for a number of fairly well distributed stations in the Vidarbha region. Discomfort has been quantified using Thom's Temperature-Humidity Index (THI) or Discomfort Index and wind chill aspects have been studied using the 'wind chill index (WCI)' of Siple and Passel (1945). The study reveals that total water loss from the human body, sum of respiratory and non-respiratory losses, is maximum (384 g. day^-1) in summer and minimum (116 g. day^-1) in monsoon. However, highest respiratory loss of 213 g.day^-1 is observed in winter and that of lowest (66 g. day^-1) in monsoon. Sensible sweating is very much felt in summer. However, it is not at all felt in winter and post monsoon. Though mornings are comfortable in March, yet the entire region starts experiencing discomfort in the evening hours. As expected, in April and May maximum discomfort prevails. Buldhana district, in the western part of the study region, remains comfortable both during winter and summer in the morning hours. Average cooling power over Vidarbha in winter is observed to be 342 W/m². At Nagpur, maximum cooling power (389 W/m²) has been noticed in this season. Isopleth analysis of monthly mean hourly wind chill reveals that in peak winter (December and January) only during 1300-1700 hours Nagpur climate is 'pleasant' and rest of the day is 'cool' to 'very cool'. However, in peak summer (May) only during 0400-0600 hours climate is 'pleasant' and remaining part of the day is 'warm' to 'hot'. Even in April, despite its being a prominent summer month, climate remains 'cool' from 0300 to 0700 hours.

1 illus, 6 tables, 23 ref

011433   Sadeghi S H R;Singh J K;Mahdavi M (Watershed Management Engineering Dep, College of Natural Resources and Marine Sciences, Tarbiat Modarres Uni, Noor-46417, Iran) : Feasibility evaluation of computer model Sedimot II in flood estimation for Amameh watershed in Iran. Indian J Soil Conserv 2004, 32(2), 95-9.

The recent version of the Sedimentology by Distributed Model Treatment approach, named as SEDIMOT II has been applied to assess its applicability on Amameh watershed of Iran. The Amameh watershed, having an area of 3712 ha, was divided into 12 sub-watersheds. The input variables required for the model, such as, the curve number, time of concentration, Muskingum's model parameters, characteristics of storms and other essential information were obtained for each sub-watershed by field survey and lab experiments. In the present study 12 storms, having coincident hyetographs and hydrographs were selected to calibrate and validate the model for the watershed. A high degree of agreement, above 92 per cent was found between the computed and the observed outputs. The equality of the averages of these two sets of data was also confirmed by the t-student test. The results of model application purported that the efficiency and accuracy of the model is high although it was very sensitive to the variation of CN and time of concentration.

4 illus, 5 tables, 16 ref

011432   Ram L C;Kuar S (Meteorological Centre, , Lucknow) : Quantitative precipitation forecasts for upper yamuna catchment by synoptic analogue method. Mausam 2004, 55(3), 508-11.

sc, 1 illus, 3 tables, 3 ref

011431   Rajendra Kumar J;Thapliyal V;Dash S K (India Meteorological Department, , New Delhi-110 003) : Decadal and epochal variation of frequency and duration of monsoon disturbances and their secular relationship with rainfall over India. Mausam 2004, 55(3), 397-408.

Decadal and epochal variation of frequency and duration of monsoon disturbances like low pressure areas (lows), depressions and Cyclonic Storms (CS) over Indian region are studied by using 110 years (1890-1999) data. No linearly decreasing/increasing trend is observed during 110 years period in any of their frequencies. However, epochal linearly decreasing/increasing trends are noticed in decadal frequencies or duration of different monsoon disturbances. Decadal frequencies of depressions, CS and depressions are decreasing from 1970-79, till recently ended decade of 1990-99. During recent decade, less than half of the total number of depressions and CS are formed compared with 1970-79. On the other hand, total number of lows are increasing significantly from 1960-69 to recent decade, when more than double the number of lows of 1960-69 are formed. Since Indian Summer Monsoon Rainfall (ISMR) also shows interdecadal variation of below normal and above normal phases, variation of frequencies of different monsoon disturbances and their total durations are also examined in similar time scale to understand their relationship with interdecadal variation of ISMR. Stability and secular nature of these relationships are also examined based on their decadal and 10-year moving Correlation Coefficients (CC) for the period 1890-1999. Relationship of decadal anomaly of their frequencies with interdecadal variation of ISMR shows that number of depressions and CS, are higher than the normal during the above normal ISMR decades and less during the below normal decades of ISMR. Reverse is true for the number of lows. The decadal and 10-years moving CC between ISMR and frequencies of different monsoon disturbances and total monsoon disturbance days clearly show epochal variation of their relationship in interdecadal time scale with ISMR. The study shows that secular variation of CC not only exists between ISMR and its various regional and global parameters used in long range forecast of ISMR but also between ISMR and its main synoptic features e.g., monsoon disturbances.

11 illus, 13 ref

011430   Pyasi S K;Singh J K (NO, Jawaharlal Nehru Krishi Vishwa Vidyalaya-Zonal Agricultural Research S, Tikamgarh-472 001, Madhya Pradesh) : Sediment prediction by modelling runoff-sediment process. Indian J Soil Conserv 2004, 32(2), 100-07.

Runoff - sediment process of the Naula watershed of Ramganga river catchment in Uttaranchal, India was modeled by applying dynamic approach. It was found that linear system technique can be extended to model the runoff- sediment process in terms of log-transformed daily data sequence and only non-linear sediment yield dynamic models are suitable for the study area. The models based on the concept of assigning the different weightages to antecedents events were found to be suitable for study area. The fluvial system of the Naula watershed exhibits a strong memory on daily basis.

1 illus, 3 tables, 5 ref

011429   Prakasa Rao G S;Jaswal A K;Kumar M S (India Meteorological Department, , Pune-411 005) : Effects of urbanization on meteorological parameters. Mausam 2004, 55(3), 429-40.

In developing countries like India, the urban environment is constantly under stress as a result of migrant population, enhanced energy consumption of the growing population, increased traffic load and industrial activity, deforestation and release of waste products into the atmosphere and hydrosphere. This urbanization coupled with industrialisation affect the urban climate like temperature, precipitation, wind, relative humidity and bright hours of sunshine. Most of the studies are mainly confined to the mid-latitude cities and very little is known about these urban induced changes (except for temperatures) for low latitude cities. There has been a conspicuous increase in the number of industries after 1950 in the cities. Fifteen cities (including four metros) with a population of more than 1 million are selected for this study. Linear trend analysis was carried out over the climatologically data for different meteorological parameters viz., incoming solar radiation, bright hours of trends observed in these meteorological parameters are discussed.

9 illus, 2 tables, 6 ref

011428   Potdar S S;Srivastava R;Nagaraju M S S;Prasad J;Saxena R K (National Bureau of Soil Survey and Land Use Planning, , Amaravati Road, Nagpur-440 033) : Mapping of erosional soil loss in Nanda-Khairi watershed of Nagpur district of Maharashtra using remotely sensed data and GIS techniques. Agropedology 2003, 13(2), 10-8.

A study was taken up to map the erosional soil loss in Nanda-Khairi watershed of Nagpur district of Maharashtra using geocoded false colour composites (FCC) of IRS-1C (LISS-III) data of kharif and rabi seasons. The data related to soil, slope length and steepness, crop management and conservation measures were derived from satellite data, toposheet and ground truth survey and used as inputs in USLE Model for assessment of erosional soil loss. The soil erosion map prepared by the integration of USLE factors revealed five soil erosion classes. Nearly 62 per cent area of the watershed was under slight erosion with soil loss of <5 t/ha/yr. The moderately slight erosion (5-10 t/ha/yr) and moderate erosion (10-15 t/ha/yr) covered 28.1 and 0.4 per cent area of the watershed, respectively. The area under moderately severe (15-20 t/ha/yr) and very severely erosion (>40 t/ha/yr) classes covered 6.5 and 1.0 per cent area, respectively. Based on erosion class appropriate conservation measures have been suggested.

1 illus, 5 tables, 12 ref

011427   Louis I F;Karantonis G A;Voulgaris N;Louis F (Geophys & Geothermic Dep, Univ of Athens Panepistimiopolis, Ilissia, Athens 15784, Greece) : The contribution of geophysical methods in the determination of aquifer parameters: the case of mornos river delta, Greece. Res J Chem Envir 2004, 8(4), 41-9.

Knowledge of hydraulic conductivity and transmissivity is essential for the determination of natural water flow through an aquifer. although these characteristics are mainly deduced from pumping test analysis, attempts have been made to employ geophysical methods in order to reduce the amount of hydrogeological observations and the resulting cost. Use of layer thickness, as derived from the interpretation of resistivity soundings data and hydraulic conductivity calculated on the basis of both hydrogeological and geophysical data led to the calculation of aquifer transmissivity. this technique was used for the determination of aquifer parameters in Mornos River Valley at central Greece. Maps of the basement relief, resistivity, transmissivity and Transverse Resistance provided the means to identify areas where the aquiferous zone is prolific. The good agreement between aquifer hydraulic conductivityes obtained from the resistivity soundings interpretation and those deduced from pumping test analysis emphasizes the potential of the methodology.

12 illus, 13 ref

011426   Latha G;Ramadass G A;Rajendran V (NO, National Institute of Ocean Technology, Chennai-601 302) : Mean sea level extraction and analysis from tidal measurements. Mausam 2004, 55(3), 511-4.

4 illus, 6 ref

011425   Kukal S S;Bawa S S (Soils Dep, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludiana-141 004) : Performance of gully control measures in foothills of lower Shiwaliks. Indian J Soil Conserv 2004, 32(2), 161-3.

1 table, 9 ref

011424   Khole M;De U S (Meteorological office, , Pune-411 005) : Association between the monsoon onset over Kerala (mok) and sea surface temperature (sst) over North Indian ocean. Mausam 2004, 55(3), 495-6.

4 illus, 3 ref

011423   Kane R P (Instituto National de Pesquisas Espaciais, , C.P. 515, 12245-970, Sao Jose dos Campos, SP, Brazil) : Solar UV, stratospheric ozone and UVB. Mausam 2004, 55(3), 457-68.

The variations of stratospheric ozone and UVB observed at ground were compared with those of solar indices. During sequences of 27-day oscillations, X-ray had very large amplitudes (exceeding 50%), EUV near 30 nm had ″20%, Lyman alpha 121.6 nm ″10%, Mg II 280 nm ″5%, and continua 180-210 nm ″2%, 210-240 nm ″1.5%, 240-300 nm ″1 %, 300-350 nm ″0.5%. There were distinct peaks seen in all of these, with spacing of roughly about 27 days. For effects on stratospheric ozone, the relevant wavelengths are mostly in the continua. In the 27-day sequences, the Dobson ozone at Arosa (47° N, 10° E) showed large fluctuations (″50%) with many peaks, but the peaks did not match with the peaks of solar indices. During one such 27-day sequence, the TOMS ozone overpass over Kagoshima, Japan (32° N, 121° E) and the UVB (295-325 nm) observed at Kagoshima showed large day-to-day fluctuations, ″20% for ozone, ″50% or UVB, but the peaks of ozone and UVB did not match with each other, nor with the peaks of solar indices, thus indicating altogether different mechanisms as their causes. In long-term changes for Arosa Dobson ozone, the largest fluctuations were the seasonal variation (″40% range, peak to trough) and the next largest were the QBO (Quasi-biennial oscillation, ″7%, peak to trough). Solar cycle variation ranges of ozone (peak to trough) were only ″2.6% in cycle 19 (sunspot maximum number 210), ″3.5% in cycle 20 (sunspot maximum number 111) and uncertain thereafter, because of the global depletion which started in 1980. For 1991-1997, the monthly values of ozone at Thessaloniki, Greece (40° N, 23° E) were anti-correlated with 305 nm UVB (1% ozone decrease corresponded to ″2% UVB increase), but poorly correlated with 325 nm UVB, indicating that ozone-UVB relationship was highly wavelength-dependent. However, whereas solar indices had a maximum in 1991 and a minimum in 1996, neither ozone nor any of the two UVB 305 nm and 325 nm showed resemblance with the solar index variations. In particular, ozone level was high in 1991 but decreased considerably within two years (by 1993). A comparison with ozone at Arosa (47° N) and Syowa (69° S) showed that this drop is not related to solar cycle but is due to the global depletion of ozone.

7 illus, 39 ref

011422   Jayaanthi N;Mazumdar A B;Sunitha Devi S (Meteorological Office, , Pune-411 005) : Cyclones and depressions over north Indian Ocean during 2003*. Mausam 2004, 55(3), 389-96.

1 illus, 3 tables

011421   Guhathakurta P;Srivastava A K (India Meteorological Department, , Pune-411 005) : Evidence of climate jump in annual temperature in India. Mausam 2004, 55(3), 419-28.

Annual mean temperature of 50 well-distributed stations in India is analyzed for trend and climate jump. Four statistical tests are used to detect the climate jump. Table-look-up test, which is more appropriate than 't' test for time series data, has been applied for the first time to detect the climate jump. Sudden changes in climate are noticed by getting discontinuities or jump in annual mean temperature of most of the stations. It was found that while the northern India received climate jump much earlier i.e. during the decade 1931-1940, extreme south Peninsular India received climate jump between 1961-63.

4 illus, 1 table, 16 ref

011420   Chaudhuri S;Chattopadhya S (Atmospheric Sciences Dep, Calcutta Univ, Kolkata-700 009) : Variation in annual rainfall of Vidarbha during the last century (1901-2000). Mausam 2004, 55(3), 497-507.

sc, 4 illus, 3 tables, 4 ref

011419   Basu G C;Bhattacharjee U;Ghosh R (Regional Meteorological Centre, , Kolkata-700 027) : Statistical analysis of rainfall distribution and trend of rainfall anomalies districtwise during monsoon period over West Bengal. Mausam 2004, 55(3), 409-18.

The statistical analysis of rainfall distributions in different districts of West Bengal during monsoon period for 68 years (1931 -98) have been studied. The statistical parameters such as moments, coefficient of skewness and kurtosis have been computed to understand the nature of such rainfall distribution in each district. The rainfall anomalies during monsoon period (June-September) have also been studied for each district of two meteorological Sub-divisions, Sub-Himalayan West Bengal (SHWB) and Gangetic West Bengal (GWB) by fitting regression lines through 'Least Square Method' and results for rainfall trends for each district of West Bengal have been discussed.

2 illus, 5 tables, 9 ref

011418   Agnihotri Y;Samra J S;Aggarwal R K;Mittal S P;Bansal R C;Yadav R P;Prasad R (NO, Central Soil and Water Conservation Research and Training Institute, R, Chandigarh-160 019) : Impact analysis of a watershed management project in Shivalik foothills through multiple discriminant function approach. Indian J Soil Conserv 2004, 32(2), 91-4.

A large number of watershed management projects taken up along the Shivalik foothills during the recent years have water harvesting as an important component leading to more income from agriculture and milk production. The fuel and fodder availability from the farmers' fields also increases with such projects which is expected to affect the collection of these commodities from the forest area. The paper attempts to perform impact analysis of one such watershed management project at Relmajra, District Nawan Shahar, using 'Multiple Discriminant Function'. The study is based on 'with and without (control)' and 'before and after the project' approach. Inter comparison between the watershed village (Relmajra) and control village (Taunsa) indicated 'the income from agriculture' as the main discriminating variable. 'Income from milk' did not play a significant role in discriminating the (post project with and without situation) populations. 'Collection of fuel' (q yr^-1) 'Collection of fodder' (q yr^-1) contributed significantly in discriminating the populations under the aforesaid situation.

2 tables, 4 ref

009265   Yu P;Lu L (Nanjing Engineering Institute, , Nanging, P R China) : The generalised polynomial transform (GPT). J Geophys 2004, 25(2-3), 41-53.

Introduces the Generalised Polynomial Transform (GPT) and establishes various necessary and suficient conditions for its existance. The polynomial transforms like FFT, FPT introduced by Nussbaumer and Quandalle, 1978; Nussbaumer, 1981; Reed, 1983; Pinneng Yu, 1994 are particular cases of GPT.

7 ref

009264   Thakur S K;Tomar N K;Pandeya S B (Dep of Soil Science, Sugarcane Research Institute, Rajendra Agricultural University, Pusa, Samastipur-848 125) : Sorption of phosphate on pure and cadmium-enriched calcium carbonate and clay. J Indian Soc Soil Sci 2004, 52(1), 23-8.

Laboratory investigation was carried out to study the effect of cadmium pretreatment of pure calcium carbonate and clay isolate of Typic Haplustept on their phosphate sorbing ability to elucidate the mechanism of phosphorus mobility and availability in the cadmium-contaminated soils. For cadmium enrichment CaCO_{3 and clay were treated with CdCl2 solution containing 10^{-4 and 10-3 mol Cd2+ L-1 and incubated for 48 h. The cadmium untreated and treated CaCO3 and clay were used as P sorbents. Distribution coefficient (Kd) and the percentage of added phosphate sorbed (XAd decreased with increasing solution P concentration and Cd enrichment. The Kd decreased with increasing phosphate sorption (x/m). Phosphate sorption by CaCO3 and clay was satisfactorily described by two-surface Langmuir and Freundlich adsorption maxima and bonding energy constants were calculated in accordance with two surface-Langmuir equation of Syers et al. (1973). The values of P sorption maxima (b1 and b2) decreased and bonding energy (k1 and k2) increased with increasing Cd levels but the effect was more pronounced on b2 and k2 rather than b1 and k1. The enrichment of CaCO3 and clay with 10-4 mol Cd2+ decreased b1 by 20.62 and 22.94 and b2 by 72.65 and 24.80%, while at 10-3 mol Cd2+ decreased b1 by 43.26 and 33.76% and b2 by 91.97 and 44.02% over corresponding b1 and b2 by original CaCO3 and clay. Freundlich constant K decreased and then increased with increasing Cd levels.}}

2 illus, 4 tables 15 ref

009263   sunmonu L A;Adabanija M A;Kumar D P;Olowofela J A (Department of Pure and Applied Physics, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, P M B 4000, Ogbomoso Oyo state, Nigeria) : Estimation of basement depths beneath the koton-karifi area of bida basin (Nigeria) from aeromagnetic data. J Geophys 2004, 25(2-3), 19-26.

An estimate of the depth to the basementof the Koton-Karifi area of Bida basin (Nigeria) has ben made by two-dimensional spectral analysis of the aeromagnetic anomalies. The results show that the magnetic sources are mainly distributed at two levels. The shallow sources ranging in depth from 70 m to less than 800 m below ground level are inferred to be due to intrusives within the sediments. The deeper sources ranging in depth from 1400 m to 3500 m below ground are attributed to the underlying basement.

4 illus, 19 ref

009262   Srivastava D C;Sahay A;Devendra KUar; Mukherjee P (Departmentof Earth Sciences, IIT Roorkee, , Roorkee 247 667) : Origin and ductile-shearing of the microgranitoid enclaves in the granulite-granitoid terrane around Devariya-Bandanwara area, Central Rajasthan. J Geol Soc India 2004, 63(6), 587-610.

Two distinct types of enclaves, namely, geneissic enclaves and microgranitoid enclaves occur abundantly in the granitoid rocks belonging to the granulite-granitoid terrane of the Banded Gneissic Complex. Field relationships, and petrographic and microstructural studies indicate that the gneissic enclaves are the xenoliths of the older rocks, but the microgranitoid enclaves are formed by the process of magma mixing and magma mingling. Both microgranitoid enclaves and the most granitoids are cut by numeous normal fault type and strike-slip type of ductile shear zones. Stress analysis by the fault-slip method and, strain analysis using the feldspar megacrysts as strain markers, reveal that the normal fault type of shear zones are the extensional structures formed by non-coaxial and flattening type of deformation. A critical comparison of the concentrationsof major and trace elements, in teh unsheared and the sheared microgranitoid enclaves, implies the addition of SiO_{2, Al2O3, Na2O, K2O, Pb, Rb and Sr, and loss of Cr and Cu during the ductile shearing. The slopes of isocon lines, passing through the plots of the immobile elements, such as Y and TiO2 indicate that about 18-64% gain in volume has occurred during the ductile shearing of the microgranitoid enclaves.}

17 illus, 4 tables, 45 ref

009261   Singh U P;Venkatesh N S;Godhavari K S; Gopalkrishnan R;Fareeduddin;Rao M S (Geological Survey of India, AMSE Wing, 40th Cross, Eshwar Nagar, Bangalore 560 078) : Lamprophyre dykes in Chotanagpur Gneissic complex, near Simdega, Gumla district, Jharkhand. J Geol Soc India 2004, 63(6), 655-8.

Lamprophyre dykes are reported from the Precambrian metamorphites of the Chotanagpur Gneissic Complex near Simdega, Gumla district, Jharkhand. Petrological and petrochemical studies indicate that they are calcalkaline lamprophyres. The economic significance of these lamprophyres is discussed in light of their proximity to (i) the gold prospects in its strike continuity and (ii) reported occurrences of diamonds in the major drainage basins of the region.

^ssc5 ref

009260   Singh S;Rao V U M;Singh D (Department of Agricultural Meteorology, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar-125 004) : Rainfall probability for Haryana, Chandigarh and Delhi subdivision. J Agrometeorol 2004, 6(2), 264-71.

An attempt has been made to understand the performance of monthly rainfall for June, July, August and September when the seasonal rainfall is reported as excess, deficient or normal. To know the dependence of seasonal rainfall on monthly rainfall, the probabilities of occurrence of excess, deficient and normal monsoon when monthly rainfall was reported to be excess or deficient, are worked out using historical data series of 30 years (1970-99) of monthly and seasonal rainfall of meteorological sub-division (Haryana, Chandigarh and Delhi). All locations received excess or normal rainfall in monsoon season when individual month received excess rainfall in the entire sub-division. From the probability analysis, it is seen that there is a rare possibility of occurrence of seasonal rainfall to be excess/deficient when the monthly rainfall of any month is deficient/excess in the entire sub-division.

6 tables, 8 ref

009259   Singh M;Singh R;Niwas R (Dep of Agricultural Meteorology, CCS HAU, Hisar-125004) : Dry spells during summer monsoon in south - western Haryana. J Agrometeorol 2004, 6(2), 257-9.

Daily rainfall data for a period of 50 years (1946-95) were analyzed to work out dry spells during summer monsoon for south-western Haryana, selecting three locations viz: Hisar, Bhiwani and Sirsa. The first mean dry spell occur around mid July with a duration of 17 to 20 days at these locations and second mean dry spell of 15 to 17 days duration occurs around mid August. The longest dry spell of 54 days was observed at Sirsa and the shortest of 7 day duration at Hisar and Sirsa.

2 tables, 15 ref

009258   Sidhu A S;Narwal R P;Brar J S (NO, PAU, Regional Research Station, Bathinda-151 001) : Adsorption-desorption behaviour of lead in soils amended with different organic materials. J Indian Soc Soil Sci 2004, 52(1), 43-9.

A laboratory experiment was conducted to study the adsorption-desorption behaviour of lead in sandy loam Typic Haplustept and sandy Typic Ustripsamment amended with different organic materials. The results indicated that the Pb adsorption was concentration-dependent in both the soils. Relatively higher amounts of added Pb were adsorbed (4.70-4.75 mg 100g^{-1) in sandy loam than in sandy soil (3.65-4.05 mg 100g-1), amended with different organic materials at lower concentration of the former in the equilibrium solution. The highest amount of 4.75 mg Pb 100g-1 was adsorbed in the FYM-amended soil. The desorption of Pb increased with increased concentration of Pb in equilibrium solution. Higher amount of Pb was desorbed by CaCl_{2 from the samples where more Pb was retained in soil. More desorption was observed from sandy loam soil. However, complete desorption did not take place by 0.002 M CaCl2 in any case. Thus amendment of a soil with any type of organic material reduces the desorbability of Pb from the soil which suggests less Pb availability.}}

4 illus, 3 tables, 6 ref

009257   Sharma V K;Sharma P D;Acharya C L;Sood R K (Dep of Soil Science, Chaudhary Sarwan Kumar Himachal Pradesh Krishi V, , Palampur-176 062) : Characterization of cultivated soils of Neogal watershed in north-west Himalayas and their suitability for major crops. J Indian Soc Soil Sci 2004, 52(1), 63-8.

Six typical pedons representing cultivated soils of Neogal watershed in North-West Himalayas occurring on river terraces and hill slopes viz. Baun, Talinu, Phata, Gopalpur, Bhattu and Mahadev were studied for their morphological characteristics and physico-chemical properties and suitability for locally prefered crops. The soils are acidic in reaction, non-calcareous, coarse to fine loamy in particle size class, mixed in mineralogy and medium to very deep and have thermic soil temperature and udic soil moisture regimes. The soil texture, pH (1:2.5), organic carbon, CEC, base saturation, water retention at 33 and 1500 kPa ranged from loamy sand to clay loam, 5.2 to 6.2, 3.2 to 9.5 g kg^{-1, 4.9 to 14.3 cmol (p+) kg-1, 46 to 77 % and 2.6 to 16.8 %, respectively. Taxonomically, the soils on moderately sloping hill slopes and gently sloping streams side (Baun and Phata) belong to Typic Udorthents and Typic Udipsamments and those on gently to moderately sloping river terraces (Talinu, Gopalpur, Bhattu and Mahadev) are classified as Typic Drystrudepts and Typic Hapludalfs subgroups, respectively. The agricultural land of the watershed qualifies for land capability class III and land irrigability classes 3 and 4. Mahadev soils are highly suitable for locally preferred crops viz. paddy, maize, wheat and potato but Bhattu soils for maize, potato and wheat and Talinu soils for maize and wheat only. The remaining soils are suitable to suitable, while other soils are moderately to marginally suitable for tea gardening. The coefficient of improvement of soils varied from 1.7 to 3.2 for agricultural crops and 1.5 to 5.2 for plantation crops (tea) and suggests for adopting judicious soil and water management practices to sustain crop productivity on these soils.wheat only. The remaining soils are suitable to marginally suitable for these crops. Mahadev, Bhattu and Gopalpur soils are highly suitable to suitable, while other soils are moderately to marginally suitable for tea gardening. The coefficient of improvement of soils varried from 1.7 to 3.2 for agricultural crops and 1.5 to 5.2 for plantation crops (tea) and suggests for adopting judicious soil and water management practices to sustain crop productivity on these soils.}

009256   Sharma P;Tripathi R P;Singh S;Ravindra Kumar (Dep of Soil Science, College of Agriculture, G. B. Pant University of Agriculture and Techn, Pantnagar, Distt. U.S. Nagar-263 145) : Effect of tillage on soil physical properties and crop performance under rice-wheat system. J Indian Soc Soil Sci 2004, 52(1), 12-16.

A field experiment was conducted during 1999-2002 to evaluate tillage-induced changes in soil physical properties and yield of rice and wheat in rotation. Tillage treatments for rice were puddling by 2 passes of rotary puddler (ReP), conventional puddling (CP), direct seedling without puddling (DSWP) and those for wheat were zero tillage (ZT) and conventional tillage (CT) superimposed over the rice tillage treatments. Puddling index was 1.23 and 1.2 times higher in PR and CP plots than in the ReP plots. Cracking after rice harvesting increased with degree of puddling. Among the puddled plots, crack volume was lowest in the ReP plots. Among the puddling treatments, plasticity index was lowest in the ReP plots and highest in the PR plots. Effect of wheat tillage (ZT and CT) on plasticity index was non-significant. Among the puddled plots, bulk density measured at 30 days after transplanting and at harvesting was highest in the PR plots and lowest in the ReP plots. Influence of wheat tillage (ZT and CT) on bulk density was non-significant. Compared to the DSWP plot infiltration rate reduced 2.3 times at 30 DAT and 2.8 times at harvesting in PR plots and 1.1 times at 30 DAT and 1.3 times at harvesting in ReP plots due to puddling. Rice yield was maximum in PR plots but was statistically equal to those in ReP plots, and wheat yield was minimum in PR plots and maximum in DSWP plots. The total grain yield (rice + wheat) was highest (9447 kg ha^{-1) in the ReP plots of rice under ZT for wheat. The ReP condition for rice and ZT for wheat not only optimized yield but also caused minimum deterioration of soil structure.}

5 tables, 16 ref

009255   Ravi Shanker;Bhattacharya D D;Pande A C; Mathur V K (Geological Survey of India, Kolkata; Present Address: B-5, Sector K, A, , ) : Ediacaran biota from the jarashi (middle krol) and mahi (lower krol) formations, krol group, lesser Himalaya, India. J Geol Soc India 2004, 63(6), 649-54.

The Ediacaran biota is already known fromt he Kauriyala Formation (Upper Krol) of Krol Group, Lesser Himalaya, India. The present work records the Ediacaran biota from the underlying Jarashi (Middle Krol=Krol B) and Mahi (Lower Krol=Krol A) Formations. The biota occurs in teh intercalated shale-silstone sequence deposited in a tidal flat environment. The biota from the Jarashi Formation includes soft-bodied metazoans-Pteridinium sp.cf. P. carolinaense (St. Jean) and Charniodiscus sp.cf. C. arboreus Glaessner. The biota of Mahi Formation is represented by Nimbia sp. cf. N. occlusa Fedonkin. In the light of already known Ediacaran biota from the Kauriyala Formation (Upper Krol), thus find extends the stratigraphic range of Ediacaran biota in the Krol Belt downward. The present biota is comparable with Late Neoproterozoic Ediacaran biota of Russian Platform, South Australia, Namibia, North Carolina and Canada. N. occlusa Fedonkin has also been recorded fromt he Cambrian rocks of Arctic Norway and Ireland.

31 ref

009254   Ramasamy V;Ponnusamy V;Dheenathayalu M;Palani G (Dep of Physics, Annamalai University, Annamalainagar, Tamilnadu-608 002) : Quantitative determination of haematite and chalcopyrite in metamorphic rocks using infrared spectroscopy. Indian J Phys 2004, 78(7), 563-8.

The infrared spectroscopic analysis of metamorphic rock samples from Mamandur multimineral complex was investigated. Infrared spectra (4000 cm^{-1 to 200cm-1) were obtained for 24 samples collected from different sites and altitudes of Mamandur hills. The observed results show the presence of quartz, microcline feldspar, sillimanite, magnetite, haematite, chalcopyrite and sphalerite minerals. The presence of the peak at 695cm-1 confirms the crystallinity of quartz. The quantitative analysis of iron bearing mineral (haematite) and copper bearing mineral (chalcopyrite) yields an average amount of 14.9% and 4.6% respectively.}

5 illus, 5 tables, 19 ref

009253   Pande A C;Bhattacharya D D;Jha N;Misra R S; Chandra S (Geological Survey of India, , Lucknow) : Discovery of early permian palynomorphs from the Manjir formation, Chamba district, Himachal Pradesh. J Geol Soc India 2004, 63(6), 665.

Palynological study has revealed the presence of Early Permian Palynomorphs in Manjir Formation of Chamba Valley, Palynomorph taxa identified in the assemblage include Parasaccites, Plicatipollenites, Barakarites, Scheuringipollenites, Striatopodocarpites, Faunipollenites, Striatites and Platysaccus. These taxa show affinities with those found in Lower Gondwana (Early Permian) sediments of Indian sub-continent.

^ssc1 illus, 2 tables

009252   Naik B;Naik A (Department of Mining Engineering, Regional Engineering College, Rourkela, Sundargarh) : Magnetite pebbles in the conglomerate of Silpunji area, Sundargarh district, Orissa. J Geol Soc India 2004, 63(6), 670-1.

An unusual occurrence of magnetite pebbles of variable shapes and sizes is recorded in the matrix supported conglomerate band exposed around Silpunji, in the eastern part of Sundargarh district, Orissa. The metasediments (Chandiposh Group) with which the paraconglomerate band is associated, is intruded by 2809±12 Ma old Tamperkola Granite which suggests the conglomerate to be of Archaean period. Although Koira (Iron Ore) Group is very close to the Chandiposh Group, it is unlikely to be the soruce area for the magnetite pebbles, as Banded Iron Formation of Koira (Iron Ore) Groups is dominantly haematitic in composition. The magnetite pebbles thus indirectly suggest the existence of a rock sequence other than Koira (Iron Ore) Group having iron ore bearing lithogic unit.

^ssc2 illus, 3 ref

009251   Manjappa S;Basavarajappa B E;Gangaraju S A (Department of Chemistry and Environmental Sceince and Technology Stud, , ) : Detection of fluoride levels in groundwaters of Davangere district and its mapping. J Geol Soc India 2004, 63(6), 643-8.

An attempt has been made to detect the fluoride levels in groundwaters in Danangere district by selecting about 300 bore wells, covering all the six taluks of the district. It is observed that fluoride level ranges from as low as 0.21 ppm in Davangere taulk o as high as 6.98 ppm in Harihar taluk. In this context, a study has been conducted to evaluate the real effect of abnormal content on the human beings of this region by correlating the data obtained from District Health Office (DHO). Further, the geological significance with reference to the fluoride occurrence has also been interpreted.

3 illus, 4 tables, 9 ref

009250   Majumdar B;Venkatesh M S;Kailash Kumar; Patiram (Div of Soil Science, ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Umiam, Meghalaya-793 103) : Effect of different farming systems on phosphorus fractions in an acid alfisol of Meghalaya. J Indian Soc Soil Sci 2004, 52(1), 29-34.

The effect of eight watershed-based farming systems consisting of livestock farming (FSW_{1), forestry (FSW2), agroforestry (FSW3), agriculture (FSW4), agri-horti-silvi-pastoral (FSW5), horticulture (FSW6), natural fallow (FSW7) and abandoned jhum land (FSW8), on different forms of P was studied after 17 years of adoption under rainfed condition on hill slopes of Meghalaya. All the forms of P except organic P were significantly highest in FSW4 followed by FSW1 and FSW5 and the lowest values of inorganic P were recorded in FSW8 followed by FSW7. The FSW8 registered the highest value of organic P, which was 60.7% of total P while the contribution of organic P to total P was lowest (32.7%) in FSW4 suggesting higher P mineralization in this system. Among the inorganic fractions of P, the highest value was recorded for reductant soluble P, followed by Al-P, Fe-P, occluded-P, Ca-P and saloid bound P, respectively, in all the systems except FSW7 and FSW8. There was a continuous increase in all the P fractions from top to bottom of the watersheds under different farming systems. The FSW1, FSW4, FSW5 and FSW6 with terraces in the bottom retained relatively higher magnitude of all the forms of P. Soil pH, ECEC and base saturation showed significant positive correlation with all the forms of P.}

3 tables, 20 ref

009249   Leelanandam C (Department of Geology, Osmania University, Hyderabad 500 007) : Mineral compositions of the charnockitic rocks from kondapalli and correlations with the whole rock compositions. J Geol Soc India 2004, 63(6), 659-64.

This communication is aimed at evaluating the Compositional relationships between the minerals and host charnockitic rocks from Kondapalli has been and the composition of any particular ferromagnesian mineral in the granulites is controlled not by the whole rock chemistry alone but by the amount and actual composition of all other coexisting ferromagnesian minerals and also of the ore minerals has been demonstrated.

3 illus, 2 tables, 12 ref

009248   Lama T D;Mallick S;Sanyal S K (Dep of Agricultural Chemistry and Soil Science, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Mohanpur, Nadia-741 252) : Solute transport and retention in some soils of West Bengal. J Indian Soc Soil Sci 2004, 52(1), 5-11.

Solute transport involving passage of aqueous electrolytes, namely KCl, K_{2SO4 and MgCl2 in vertical columns of soils from four locations, namely Baruipur, Gayeshpur, Kalimpong and Matimahal at two different compaction levels has been studied. The experimental data were analysed to obtain the hydraulic conductivity, solute accumulation and breakthrough curves for the aqueous electrolytes in the given soils. The hydraulic conductivity of the aqueous electrolytes through the soils decreased with the increase in compaction. Baruipur soil having high clay and organic matter contents gave distinctly lower values of hydraulic conductivity for K2SO4 than those for KCl. The values of solute accumulation parameter 'r' for Baruipur and Gayeshpur soils were greater than those for other}

7 illus, 4 tables, 16 ref

009247   Kesavamani M;Ramachandran C;Prasad R M C;Rao N B K;Rama Rao J V (Training Institute, Geological Survey of India, Hyderabad) : Asperity model for seismicity in cuddapah basin and adjoining areas: gravity evidence. J Geophys 2004, 25(2-3), 35-40.

The modern concepts of fault segmentation and asperites/barriers as integrated with gravity interpretation to explain the seismicity in Cuddapah basin. The concentration of seismicity in Ongole region is attributed to the presence of the "Ongole asperity" adjoining a major geometrical bend against which the E-W trending Kalva-Ongole fault system is segmented or terminated. Most epicentres, in the other parts of Cuddapah Basin, are correlatable to E-W faults and are typically located at the intersection of N-S to NE-SW trending faults which might have acted as barriers. Reactivation of E-W trending faults appear to be the main source for seismicity in Cuddapah Basin, because of their favourable orientation to the present stress field.

3 illus, 20 ref

009246   Kapoor P N;Chauhan R K (Geology Division, KDMIPE, Dehra Dun 248 195) : Diatoms from the sea bottom sediments of karwar offshore (Kerala-konkan basin) and their palaeoecological significance. J Geol Soc India 2004, 63(6), 636-42.

The core samples from the sea bottom sediments offshore Karwar are studied for palaeoecological interpretation and organic matter preservation. The samples are rich in different types of phytoplankton; the diatoms are studies to interpret palaeoecology. The study suggests warm water tropical environment during deposition of sediments and age of the sediments is less than 0.65 million years.

2 illus, 2 tables, 22 ref

009245   Gadgil S;Vinayachandran P N;Francis P A (Center for Atmospheric and Oceanic Science, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-560 012) : Droughts of the Indian summer monsoon: Role of clouds over the Indian Ocean. Curr Sci 2003, 85(12), 1713-19.

Comparison of the evolution of the normal summer monsoon of 2003 with the unanticipated drought of 2002 led to this investigation of the role of the deep convection in the atmosphere (deep cloud systems) over the equatorial Indian Ocean. It is found that the link to the Indian monsoon to events over the equatorial Indian Ocean is as important as the well-jnown link to the dramatic events over the Pacific (El Nino Southern Oscillation; ENSO). Over the equatorial Indian Ocean, enhancement of deep convection in the atmosphere over the western part is generally associated with suppression over the eastern part and vice versa. It is called the oscillation between these two states, which is reflected in the pressure gradients and the wind along the equator, the Equatorial Indian Ocean Oscillation (EQUINOO). It is show that every season with excess rainfall/drought during 1979-2002 can be 'explained' in terms of favourable/unfavourable phase of either this oscillation or the ENSO or both. In particular, in the monsoon season of 2002 while the ENSO phase was unfavourable but weak, the phase of the EQUINOO was highly unfavourable and a large deficit occurred in the monsoon rainfall.

8 illus, 26 ref

009244   Dutta D;Sarkar D;Banerjee S K (NO, National Bureau of Soil Survey and Land Use Planning (ICAR), Regional, Kolkata-700 091) : Investigations on non-functioning of podzolisation in Darjeeling region of Himalayas. J Indian Soc Soil Sci 2004, 52(1), 56-62.

The soils of Darjeeling Himalayas region occurring in the high altitude zones under different coniferous vegetations were studied for their pedogenesis through study of the physico-chemical characteristics, the transloacation and deposition of Fe, Al and humus in the B-illuvial horizons. The soils were extremely acid (pH-3.7) to very strongly acid (pH-5.0) in reaction with the organic carbon varying from 26.7 to 58.8 g kg^{-1 in surface mineral horizon and 3.9 to 44.2 g kg-1 in deeper horizons. The total N of soils varied from 0.01 to 0.41% and the C/N ratio narrowed down with depth. Exchangable cations were present in the order Ca++ <62> Mg++ <62> K+ <62> Na+ reflecting the decreasing energy of adsorption by the complex and increasing mobility of ions. The distribution of dithionite and pyrophosphate extractable Fe and Al showed no zone of marked accumulation of these constituents in any of the six pedons. The same was true in case of humus also. There was limited migration of Fe and Al bound with humus as evidenced by pyrophosphate extraction. However, the ratio of per cent Fe_{p and Alp to per cent clay was less than 0.2 or % (Fep + Alp) to % (Fed + Ald) slightly less than 0.5, thereby confirming the absence of spodic horizon. The study revealed that pedons showed limited downward migration of Fe and Al along with humus and the process of podzolisation was in juvenile stage. The soils were podzolic in nature on account of limited migration of Fe-Al and humus. The soils were classified as Humic Dystrudepts, Humic Pachic Dystrudepts and Typic Haplohumults.}}

1 illus, 4 tables, 15 ref

009243   Dhillon N S;Dhesi T S;Brar B S (Dep of Soils, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana-141 004) : Phosphate sorption-desorption characteristics of some ustifluvents of Punjab. J Indian Soc Soil Sci 2004, 52(1), 17-22.

A laboratory study conducted on 19 soils collected from flood plain areas of Punjab showed that the amount of phosphate sorption and desorption increased with increase in amount of P added and it varied with various soil properties viz. clay, CaCO_{3, Fe and Al oxides etc. Most of these soils were absorbing more than 150 mg P kg^{-1 soil. Sorption parameters such as sorption maxima, buffering capacity and bonding energy constant related mainly to CaCO3, free Fe oxides, silt, clay and exchangeable Mg. The values of mobility constant (Kd) correlated significantly with clay (r = 0.467*), exchangeable Ca (r = 0.503*) and exchangeable Mg (r = 0.648**). Organic carbon (r = 0.870**) and exchangeable Fe (r = 0.680**) showed highly significant relationship with maximum phosphate desorption (Dm). Supply parameter, maximum buffering capacity and bonding energy constant are important sorption parameters which control P availability to berseem in these soils.}}

1 illus, 6 tables, 15 ref

009242   Devaraju T C;Alapieti T T;Kaukonen R J (Departmentof Studies in Geology, Karnatak University, Dharwad 580 003) : Ni-Au-PGE mineralization in the ultramafic body at Shankaraghatta, Shimoga schist belt, Karnataka: a mineralogical and geochemical study. J Geol Soc India 2004, 63(6), 611-24.

Association of Ni and PGE with the already known gold mineralization is recognized in about 5 m wide sulphide zone in the ultramafic rock exposed between Bhadra Reservoir and northern border of Kuvempu University Campus. The mineralization is picked up over a strike length of almost 3 km. The mineralized ultramafite, which is a metadunite, contains about 94% serpentine, 3% sulphides, 1% magnesite and 0.5% Fe-Cr oxide. Millerite and pentlandite are the main carriers of Ni. Gold varies from native gold to electrum Melonite greatly dominates michenerite, merenskyite and Pd-Ti-Bi-Sb alloy among Pd minerals identified Pt is present both as sperrylite and as irarsite. Au as well as Pd-Pt minerals occur as minute inclusionsof 1 to 10 microns in size. About 50% of these inclusions are in sulphides, 10% in silicates and the remaining are located along the contacts between the sulphides and silicates. The ultramafite contains isolated pods and patches of chlorite-rock which are contrastingly enriched in Al, Fe, Ti, Mn, REE, Y, Th, U, Zn and Zr and depleted in Si, Mg, Ni, Cr, As and Bi. These chlorite pods are interpreted as products of late stage residual liquid of ultramafic magma. The Shankaraghatta ultramafite is not a layered intrusion. The primary economic target in this case is Au and Ni and not PGE as in stratabound deposits. Here the distributiono f Ni, Au and PGE is controlled by sulphides. Concentration of the metals in sulphide melt by liquid immiscibility is suggested. Very high MgO and contrastingly low Al_{2O3 and TiO2 of the minealized metaduniteo f Shankaraghatta suggest its formation from ultramafic magma derived from high degree (20-25%) of partial melting of fertile mantle associated with plume activity.}

15 illus, 11 tables, 25 ref

009241   Das P K;Sahu S K;Acharyya N (NO, College of Agriculture, O.U.A.T., Chiplima, Sambalpur-768 025) : Sulphate adsorption characteristics of some alfisols of Orissa. J Indian Soc Soil Sci 2004, 52(1), 34-42.

Sulphate adsorption characteristics of the surface soils and sub-soils of five alfisols of the state were studied. Adsorption of SO_{4^{2- was higher in the sub-soils than in the surface soils which was attributed to higher clay, free Fe2O3, exchangeable Ca2+ + Mg2+ and lower organic matter contents in the former than in the latter. Free Fe2O3 had the dominant role in SO42- adsorption, followed by clay and exchangeable Ca2+ + Mg2+. These three factors alongwith free Al2O3, pHw and organic carbon jointly contributed 99.2 to 99.9 percent of variations in SO42- adsorption at different levels of SO42--S added. Equilibrium buffering capacity and maximum buffering capacity for SO42--S increased, whereas supply parameter of SO42--S decreased from surface to the sub-soils.}}

1 illus, 6 tables, 20 ref

009240   Das M (NO, Water Technology Centre for Eastern Region, Chandrasekharpur, Bhubaneswar-751 023) : Alliance among Hydro-physical and Physico-chemical Properties of Soil. J Indian Soc Soil Sci 2004, 52(1), 1-5.

Estimation of water retention characteristics, penetrability, weighted mean diffusivity and cation exchange capacity (CEC) of soil is difficult though imperative to characterize any soil and study the soil water relation. Therefore, with the measured values of clay, organic and humus carbon, pore space, coarse sand, soil volume expansion, pH, saturated hydraulic conductivity and absolute specific gravity of twelve different soils, linear, quadratic and logarithmic regressions were evaluated separately in different relevant combinations for determining the above properties. Validation of relations reveals that linear and quadratic regressions with known values of clay, organic carbon and pore space/soil volume expansion determine the wilting point successfully, while quadratic relation was only found suitable to determine the field capacity of soil. Quadratic equation developed from clay and pore space percent with organic/humus carbon can be used to determine available water capacity and penetrability of soil. However, the CEC of soil, derived from all regression functions developed on clay content, organic carbon, and soil volume expansion/pH, was found in good agreement with the actual value. The study thus provides some easy alternatives to be utilized appropriately for precise evaluation of important hydro-physical and physico-chemical soil properties.

2 tables, 7 ref

009239   Chandra A (Post President, Association of Exploration Geoscientists,, , Hyderabad) : Emerging trend in oil and gas exploration in India- a bright future ahead. J Geophys 2004, 25(2-3), 3-11.

^iia22 illus

009238   Bharali B N (Oil India Limited, , Duliajan, Assam) : Recent seismo tectonic activity along the indo-burman range. J Geophys 2004, 25(2-3), 13-8.

The Indo-Burman Range, characterized by shallow and intermediate depth earthquakes, ophiolitic rock and pelagic sediments is an important geotectonic feature, marking eastward subduction of the Indian plate beneath the Burman plate. The subduction is well indicated by the distribution of earthwuake foci. Presents focal mechanism solutions, obtained for ten recent earthquakes occuring in the region of Indo-Burman range. The stress pattern obtained from the solutions, when examined in the context of some major tectonic features of the region, helps to infer the recent tectonic activity which occurred along the Indo-Burman range.

3 illus, 1 table, 18 ref

009237   Bandyopadhyay B K;Sarkar P;Sen H S;Sanyal S K (NO, Central Soil Salinity Research Institute, Regional Research Station, C, West Bengal-743 329) : Influence of soil properties on arsenic availability in soil. J Indian Soc Soil Sci 2004, 52(1), 50-5.

The effect of soil properties, namely, texture, soil moisture regime, salinity, available P, Fe, Zn and organic matter content on available arsenic content in soil was investigated in the laboratory incubation studies. The soils used were those from Baruipur and Canning in the district of South 24-Parganas, West Bengal, representing coastal soils (Typic Haplaquept) of the Indo-Gangetic alluvial plains. The Baruipur soil was loam in texture while the Canning soil was a silty clay. Results indicated that the increase in the arsenic availability in soil with rates of added arsenic was more in coarse textured soil than in the fine textured one. The available arsenic (extracted with 0.05 M NaHCO_{3, pH 8.5) content of soil increased in presence of added phosphatic fertilizer, organic manure, salinity and under waterlogging, while it decreased with application of Fe and Zn fertilizers as well as on drying of soil. Application of Fe fertilizer appeared to be relatively more effective in reducing arsenic availability in soil. Application of high doses of P fertilizer and organic manure to arsenic contaminated soils should be restricted to avoid enhanced availability of soil arsenic. It appeared that inappropriate management of arsenic affected soils or those irrigated with arsenic contaminated water might increase the arsenic availabilty in soil, which, in turn, might aggravate the arsenic contamination of crops grown.}

7 tables, 27 ref

009236   Bal S K;Kingra P K;Hundal S S (Dep of Agronomy & Agrometeorology, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana-141 004) : Behaviour of rainfall during 20th century at Ludhiana, Punjab. J Agrometeorol 2004, 6(2), 272-3.

2 tables, 2 ref

009235   Babu V R;Ram S;Srinivas R;Bhaskar P V; BHattacharya A K (Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration & Research, Department of Atomic Energy, Hyderabad, Nagpur) : VLF-EM surveys for uranium exploration in Dulapali area, Raigarh district, Madhya Pradesh, India. J Geophys 2004, 25(2-3), 27-33.

Uranium mineralisation is reported in the basement fracture of Sambalpur granitoids in Dulapali area (lat.21° 25' 45" N, long 83°20' 42" E) of Raigarh district, M P VLF-EM surveys are conducted using Scintrex IGS-2/VLF-4 equipment to demarcate the spatial locations of these fractures filled with feruginous breccia of magnetite, hematite, ilmenite, pyrite and chalcopyrite vis-a-vis, the EM conductors. Three parameters vertical in-phase (DZR) vertical out-of-phase (DZI) normalised by horizontal magnetic field (Hy) and VLF-EM resistivity (r_a are recorded and analysed.

6 illus, 8 ref

009234   Aravindan S;Manivel M;Chandrasekar S V N (Department of Earth Sciences, Annamalai University, Annamalainagar 608 002) : Groundwater quality in the hard rock area of the gadilam river basin, Tamil Nadu. J Geol Soc India 2004, 63(6), 625-35.

Hydrogeochemistry of the groundwater has been determined by various analytical method in the hard rock area of the Gadilam river basin. The data obtained are used to determine important quality parameters and ratios. High TDS is found in groundwaters of geneissic and granitic aquifiers. Based on the salinity and sodium hazard for irrigation quality, C5 S2, C5 S3 and C5 S4 are the quality classes found not suitable for even salt tolerant cropsin the study area. The quality parameter of the groundwater samples has been matched with ISI standards (1991). High amount of nitrate pollutionis found in and around the villages of Kattusellur, Totti Kunjaram, Kuchipalayam and Parikkal. Analyses of trace metal constituents in a few-selected groundwater samples has indicated the presence of antimony, and mercury in the study area.

6 illus, 2 tables, 15 ref