eBook Chapters

Carbohydrates are synthesized from CO₂ and H₂O in chlorophyll containing plants during photosynthesis. The term carbohydrate was originally coined for this class of compounds as most of them were hydrates of carbon or could be represented by the general formula C_n(H₂O)n. Not all the carbohydrates however, have this empirical formula, for example deoxyribose (C₅H₁₀O₄) and glucosamine (C₆H₁₃O₅N). Further lactic acid (C₃H₆O₃) formaldehyde (HCHO or CH₂O) and acetic acid (CH₃­.COOH or C₂H₄O₂) with this general formula is not a carbohydrate. Carbohydrates are defined as the compounds having either an aldehyde or a ketone group or a modified aldehyde or ketone group and other carbon atoms with alcoholic (-OH) group. Hence the continued usage of the term carbohydrate is for convenience rather than exactness.

Carbohydrates are the most abundant biomolecules on earth. They occur in nature as glucose, starch and cellulose etc. Each year, photosynthesis converts more than 100 billion metric tonnes of carbon dioxide and water into starch, cellulose and other plant products. Carbohydrates are polyhydroxy aldehydes or ketones and their derivatives. They provide 4k calories energy per gram. They promote utilization of lipids and reduce wastage of proteins. They are readily available in roots, tubers, cereal grains, sugarcane and sugar beet.

Carbohydrates have the general formula C_n( H₂O)n, indicting that they are the hydrates of carbon. Some carbohydrates also contain nitrogen, phosphorous or sulfur. They are characterized by the number of carbon atoms they contain. If n=3, they are trioses, n=4 tetroses, n=5 pentoses, n=6 hexoses and n=7 heptoses. The most common sugars in plants are the hexoses. Two or more simple carbohydrates condense together to form polymer sugars like sucrose, starch and cellulose etc. The basic condensing bond is glycosidic bond.

A carbohydrate is a large biological molecules, or macromolecules, consisting of carbon (C), hydrogen (H), and oxygen (O) atoms, usually with a hydrogen : oxygen atom ratio of 2:1 (as in water); in other words, with the empirical formula C_m(H₂O)_n (where m could be different from n). Some exceptions exist; for example, deoxyribose, a sugar component of DNA, has the empirical formula C₅H₁₀O₄. Carbohydrates are technically hydrates of carbon; structurally it is more accurate to view them as polyhydroxy aldehydes and ketones.

The term is most common in biochemistry, where it is a synonym of saccharide. The carbohydrates (saccharides) are divided into four chemical groups: monosaccharides, disaccharides, oligosaccharides, and polysaccharides. In general, the monosaccharides and disaccharides, which are smaller (lower molecular weight) carbohydrates, are commonly referred to as sugars. While the scientific nomenclature of carbohydrates is complex, the names of the monosaccharides and disaccharides very often end in the suffix -ose. For example, grape sugar is the monosaccharide glucose, cane sugar is the disaccharide sucrose, and milk sugar is the disaccharide lactose.

1.    Carbohydrates can be represented by

(a) Fischer projection formula

(b) Haworth cyclic structure

(c) Both (a) and (b)

(d) None of these

2.    If a compound has got four chiral centers then it will have isomeric structures.

(a) 4

(b) 8

(c) 16

(d) 64

3.    The sugar, which does not possess chiral center is

(a) Glucose

(b) Fructose

(c) Glyceraldehyde

(d) Dihydroxyacetone

Food is composed of three main constituents viz; carbohydrates, proteins and fats and their derivatives. In addition to these constituents, inorganic mineral elements and diverse organic compounds like vitamins, pigments, flavouring compounds, enzymes, and acids are also present. Carbohydrates, proteins, fats and vitamins are organic in nature. The percentage of water is large in certain foods. The variation in structure, texture, colour, flavour and nutritive value is because of the varying proportions and arrangements of these constituents.

Carbohydrates are important in foods as a major source of energy, to impart crucial textural properties, and as dietary fiber which influences physiological processes. Digestible carbohydrates, which are converted into monosaccharides, which are absorbed, provide metabolic energy. Carbohydrates account for more than 70% of the caloric value of the human diet. It is recommended that all persons should limit calories from fat to not more than 30% and that most of the carbohydrate calories should come from starch. Non-digestible polysaccharides (all other than starch) comprise the major portion of dietary fiber.

Carbohydrates are the macronutrients consisting of carbon (C), hydrogen (H), and oxygen (O) atoms. In simpler terms, carbohydrates can be defined as polyhydroxy aldehydes or ketones or substances, which yield them on hydrolysis. The general formula of carbohydrates is Cn (H2 O)n , where n is the number of carbon atoms. In nature, carbohydrates are the most abundant biological molecules. In the human diet, carbohydrates are one of the main nutrients that provide energy to the body. The green plants, through the process of photosynthesis, synthesize the carbohydrates.

Classification of carbohydrates

Carbohydrates are also known as saccharides, originating from the Greek word sakcharon, which means sugar. However, not all saccharides have a sweet taste. Carbohydrates can be classified into three distinct groups: monosaccharides, oligosaccharides, and polysaccharides. The number of sugar units determines this classification.

Monosaccharides

Monosaccharides, or simple sugars, are the most basic carbohydrates. They are the monomers that serve as the building blocks for forming polymers or complex carbohydrates. Monosaccharides are the most simple carbohydrates possessing carbonyl groups, i.e., aldehyde (CHO) and ketone (C=O) groups with two or more hydroxyl (OH) groups. Monosaccharide has the generic formula Cn (H2 O)n, where n is the number of carbon atoms. Monosaccharides are sugars that cannot be hydrolyzed further to form simple carbohydrates. These crystalline solids without color dissolve in water but remain insoluble in non-polar solvents.

Introduction

Organic matter in sediment consists of carbon and nutrients in the form of carbohydrates, proteins, fats and nucleic acids. Bacteria quickly eat the less resistant molecules, such as nucleic acids and many of the proteins. Sediment organic matter is derived from plant/animal detritus, bacteria or plankton formed in situ. Total organic carbon refers to the amount of organic matter preserved within sediment.

Materials

1. Sample
2. Crucibles
3. Furnace

Procedure

Take 1.0 g of sample in a crucible whose empty weight is already recorded. Place this crucible in a furnace. Switch on the furnace and set the temperature at 550°C. Keep the samples for 3 hours

1. Aquaculture and Shrimp farming

Considering the current population explosion and the speed of human-centered land encroachment, scientists have expressed concern about the availability and production of food to meet global demand. The agricultural sector alone would not be able to cope with such a huge global demand of 7.6 billion people, which does not seem to be decreasing in any way. Approximately 20% of the global population consumes fish, which originate in the aquaculture sector. On the other hand, it has grown many fold with advancements in science and technologies in fish production and post-harvest, which has become a prominent commercial sector. The fisheries sector is broadly classified into two types: marine and inland. In marine fisheries, fishermen venture into the sea to fish with their fishing vessels and gear to harvest fish, whereas in inland f isheries, fishermen go fishing in rivers, lakes, and reservoirs. However, with advancements in technology and growing demand for fish as food sources, people have started growing fish in captivity under controlled and semi controlled conditions in ponds. The history of fish culture tracks back to 2000 BC, which originated in China, where they started growing carp in captivity by providing the required conditions for fish growth. Providing suitable conditions in captivity means providing the required physical and chemical environment in the culture system by keeping the physicochemical parameters at the optimum level as required by the species cultured. Physicochemical parameters of soil and water are key to the successful culture of fish, which is why emphasis has been placed on the scientific study of the physical and chemical parameters of soil and water.

Carbon assimilation or carbon fixation is the conversion of inorganic carbon (carbon dioxide) to organic compounds by living organisms. The most prominent example is photosynthesis, although chemosynthesis is another form of carbon fixation that can take place in the absence of sunlight. Organisms that grow by fixing carbon are called autotrophs. Autotrophs include photoautotrophs, which synthesize organic compounds using the energy of sunlight, and lithoautotrophs, which synthesize organic compounds using the energy of inorganic oxidation. Heterotrophs are organisms that grow using the carbon fixed by autotrophs. The organic compounds are used by heterotrophs to produce energy and to build body structures. “Fixed carbon”, “reduced carbon”, and “organic carbon” are equivalent terms for various organic compounds.

15.1 Introduction

There is now adequate evidence about the impending global climate change and the consequences thereof. The fourth assessment report of IPCC observed that ‘warming of climate system is now unequivocal, as is now evident from observations of increase in global average air and ocean temperatures, widespread melting of snow and ice, and rising global sea level’ (IPCC, 2007). Though climate change is global in its occurrence and consequences, it is the developing countries like India that are likely to face more adverse consequences. Globally, climate change is seen as a failure of market mechanisms wherein the polluters haven’t had to pay for the negative externalities (Stern, 2007) that their economic activities caused.

Soil microorganisms in true sense are one of natural safety valves that regulate biogeochemical transformations in soil ecosystem. They act as natural agents for the disposal of organic matter. The various essential biological elements such as C, N, S and P, apart from H and O, form the primary building blocks of cells and their constituent elements are recycled through tiny microorganisms present in soil. More they are in quality and quantity, better recycling is expected by them. The organically bound materials are converted to simpler inorganic forms to complete biological cycle initiated during photosynthesis and other anabolic processes.

The cradle-to-grave dairy supply chain includes a number of operations that result in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions related to milk production. These activities broadly include the use of agricultural inputs like fertilizers, fossil fuel for the production of animal feed and fodder, processing concentrates in cattle feed plants, enteric fermentation, manure management, and post farm gate activities like processing milk at dairy cooperative societies, milk unions, its conversion into different milk products, and their distribution through retail supply chains.

ABSTRACT

The rapid growth in population has created the need of industrialization and as a result there has been a significant increase in milk production and processing. Milk is a commodity which is consumed by persons of all age groups due to its nutritive value and health promoting attributes. However, the rapid growth in dairy sector has adversely affected the environment by emitting various greenhouse gases and thereby, resulting in global warming. Apart from it, there has been an increased usage of non- renewable resources like natural gas and coal in dairy sector. As a result, a viable balance has to be maintained between milk production and processing, environmental health and the rapidly growing population. This can only be achieved with the application of green or environment friendly technologies in all the stages of milk production and processing. This chapter will mainly deal with the various sources of greenhouse gases from dairy sector and on application of life cycle assessment and carbon foot printing for computing the impact of greenhouse gases on the environment. Also, this chapter will enclose various green technologies which can be applied in dairy sector to curb the greenhouse gas emissions.

Keywords: Carbon footprint, LCA, Greenhouse gases, Green Technology, Milk production, Milk Processing

Abstract

Cultivation of cash crops of good quality potent to give good economic returns depends largely upon adoption of modern practices in agriculture. The region under test consideration is completely irrigated and cultivates mostly the crops of grapes and sugarcane. A field testing that was carried out for the pumps used by local farmers, revealed glaring inefficiency in pump operation. This is attributed to numerous reasons, the standout of them-being improper pump selection and deviation from operating point. Survey of the farming pattern helped to establish nexus between the energy usages per acre for the two crops. Carbon Footprint was determined for the electricity utilized in these farms. Adoption of selection methodologies and efficient practices would lead to considerable saving in electrical power consumption. The impact of adoption of efficient practices was therefore quantified.

Keywords: Agriculture, Carbon Footprint, Pumps

10.1 Introduction

A single-walled carbon nanotube (SW-CNT) is a nano scale tube formed by a cylindrical shell of single atomic layer of carbon atoms. Nanotubes have diameter of a few nm and length up to 100 nm so that they form extremely thin wires. The atomic structure of SWCNT can be formed by wrapping a stripe of single atomic layer of graphite sheet al.,ong a certain direction, and this direction determines the diameter and chirality of the nanotubes. Experimental and theoretical studies have found that these nano-meter sized CNTs have novel electronic properties, which can be metallic or semiconducting, depending on their radius or chiralities (Mintmire 1992, Hamada 1992, Saito et. al., 1992, Rao 1997, Wildoer 1998 and Odom et al., 1998).

Introduction Nanoscience is a competitive and trending concept in present scientific community, especially in agricultural and allied sciences. The usage of nano-sized materials in food processing sector spreading slowly. With the passage of time and innovation continuation in nanotechnology creating interest to develop miniaturized sensors. Miniaturized sensors have lots of benefits like reducing bulkiness with low power consumption and this eventually reduces the cost. Generally inorganic semiconductors are widely used to develop nano sensors. Generally, sensors are composed of two basic unit which are an identification element and a signal transducer element. Due to its simple structure, high portability and low price, can benefitted against disadvantages of existing system, which are costlier and much more popular. High portability, ease of placement and use make it suitable for onsite use with real-time monitoring. Also, helps in qualitative and quantitative analysis of such substances during analysis of foods which may cause danger and thus inhabit a wider research and development space. For the detection of different unwanted materials or compositions in food, various chemical or biological sensing devices based on different working principles have been developed. The carbon-based nano material can be categories as Ordered Mesoporous Carbon, Carbon Nanotubes, Graphene and Its derivatives, and Carbon Dots.

Introduction

Today, according to Global Assessment of Land Degradation and Improvement (GLADA), nearly one forth area of our world land has been degraded (Arora 2019). The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) is leading the issues of soil or land degradation to restore valuable natural resources for achieving a land degradation neutral world by 2030 (Cowie et al., 2018; IPBES, 2018; Bhattacharya, 2020). Land degradation neutrality (LDN) can be achieved primarily through adoption of sustainable land management practices. Soil organic carbon (SOC) plays a multifunctional role and is sensitive to land management practices and a key indicator of soil quality, soil health and LDN. Soil is a major reservoir of terrestrial C in the biosphere and plays an important role in global C cycle. Therefore, a little change in SOC pool can significantly influence the atmospheric CO2 concentration. In general, 1 Pg of SOC stock is equivalent to about 0.47 ppm of CO2 in the atmosphere, and vice versa (Lal, 2018). Besides this it maintains overall soil sustainability and enhances food security.

Achieving carbon neutrality in Indian soils is a major challenge. Because, productive land goes out of cultivation and marginal or degraded land comes under cultivation due to urbanization, industrialization and various development activities. Also, it is very difficult to increase SOC because climatic condition prevails with a high rate of decomposition. According to an UN report, India will be the most populated country in the world and expected to add 273 million people between 2019 and 2050 which will exert huge pressure on natural resources, particularly soil and water to fulfil the increasing food demands of such ever-growing population. The extensive use of natural resources along with intensive cultivation will enhance greenhouse gases (GHGs) emission, slow down agricultural productivity, enhance land degradation, and decline factor productivity of major production systems. Due to change in distribution of rainfall and concurrent rise in temperature owing to climate change, the fertile top soil becomes more prone to degradation.

14.1 Introduction

Atmospheric concentration of CO₂ has increased from 280 ppm in pre-industrial era to 385 ppm in 2008 (+ 37.5%) and is presently increasing at the rate of 2 ppm yr^-1 or 3.5 Pg yr^-1 (1 Pg or petagram = 1 Gt = 1 gigaton = 1 billion metric ton). The increase in CO₂ emission by human activity is attributed to fossil fuel combustion, deforestation and biomass burning, soil cultivation and drainage of wetlands or peat soils. Increase in fossil fuel combustion is caused by high global energy demand of 475 Quads (1 quad = 1015 BTU) and increasing at the rate of 2.5 % yr^-1, especially in emerging economies including China, India, Mexico, Brazil, etc. The world population of 6.7 billion in 2008 is increasing at the rate of 1.3 % yr^-1 and is projected to be 9.5 billion by 2050 before stabilizing at 10 billion towards the end of the 21^st century. There exists a strong positive correlation between population growth on the one hand and CO₂ emission or the energy demand on the other. The People’s Republic of China accounted for 13% of the world’s C emissions in 2002 and that share is projected to rise to 18% by 2025 (Lal, 2004a).

INTRODUCTION

Climate change is one of the most important global environmental challenges facing humanity with implications for food production, natural ecosystems, freshwater supply, health, habitat destruction biodiversity, etc. According to the latest scientific assessment, the earth’s climate system has demonstrably changed on both global and regional scales since the pre-industrial era. Since the very beginning of civilization, land resources have been under tremendous pressure for food and forest products. Anthropogenic activities have affected the biosphere through changes in the landuse and forest management activities, thus altering the natural balance of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. The environmental security thus, has become a serious concern across the globe. The meteorological records have shown significant increase in the environmental temperature referred to as the global warming. Human activities have increased green house gases and raised global temperature by 0.50 C over the past 100 yr, which may increase by 1.4 to 5.8°C during the next century (Bhadwal and Singh 2002). Evidence of this global crisis include the rise in global sea levels by 3.4 mm yr-1 ((http://climate. nasa.gov/vital-signs/sea-level/) through the melting of the world’s snow peaks and glaciers, which poses a threat to millions living in coastal areas. A drastic effect on splitting of huge glacier in the Antarctica has already been registered, which has thrown a challenge to save the earth, lest the very survival of the mankind will be jeopardized. Each degree rise in temperature will displace the limits of tolerance of land species some 125 km towards the poles or 150 m vertically on mountains. The Inter-governmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) estimates that 20 to 30 per cent of plants and animals could be at risk of extinction if average global temperatures reach the projected levels (Hawkes et al., 2000).

Greenhouse gas emission is likely to rise by 25-90% by 2030 relative to 2000 and the earth could warm by 3° C at the end of this century. Even with a temperature rise of 1-2.5° C, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change predict serious disastrous effects, including reduction in crop yields in tropical and subtropical areas leading to increased risk of food shortage, spread of climate responsive diseases such as malaria, and an increased risk of extinction of 20-30% of all biodiversity present on earth (IPCC, 2007). Carbon dioxide is the most important among all greenhouse gases. Carbon sequestration may be defined as the process of removing C from the atmosphere and depositing it in a reservoir. It entails the transfer of atmospheric carbon dioxide, and its secure storage in long-lived pools (UNFCCC, 2007).

From the agroforestry point of view, carbon sequestration involves primarily the uptake of atmospheric CO₂ during photosynthesis and transfer of fixed carbon into vegetation and soil pools for ‘secure’ storage. It occurs in two major segments of agroforestry systems; aboveground and belowground. The total amount sequestered in each part differs greatly depending on a number of factors including the region, the type of system, site quality, and previous land-use (Nair, 2012). On average, the soil and aboveground parts are estimated to hold major portions, roughly 60 and 30%, respectively, of the total carbon stored in tree-based land-use systems (Lal, 2010). Sequestering CO₂ from atmosphere through natural techniques such as afforestation, reforestation, natural regeneration of forests and the adaptive agriculture is more economically and ecologically sound in increasing the carbon storage capacity of the terrestrial ecosystems (Dhyani, 2014). Although carbon sequestration through afforestation and reforestation of degraded natural forests has long been considered useful in climate change mitigation, agroforestry offers some distinct advantages (Murthy et al., 2013). The carbon in the aboveground and belowground biomass in an agroforestry system is generally much higher than the equivalent land use without trees. An agroforestry system has higher carbon sequestration potential than pastures or field crops (Kirby and Potvin, 2007).

ABSTRACT

The increasing level of green house gases in general CO₂ in particular has raised concerns about the vulnerability of human, animal and plant life. These concerns have prompted the Governments world over to take the appropriate measures to save them from perspective destruction. Forests though serve as source and sink of the CO₂, there is need to synthesize the impact of climate change on forests and the role of forests in global carbon cycle. Climate change needs to become part of decision making in forest management. Also, the agroforestry, a potential carbon sequestration activity is lagging behind, there is a growing interest in it in countries that have not only ratified Kyoto Protocol but also facing many other ecological problems on their private working land. The Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) offers benefits through sink credits and reduces the negative impact of climate change, therefore, necessary institutional arrangements should be put in place to use CDM projects effectively for generating resources through afforestation and reforestation projects for the well being of present as well as future generation. Forest/agroforestry scientists/managers need to realize the current degree of vulnerability and start thinking about their ability to cope with the impacts. Governments have initiated negotiations on policy actions to reduce the green house gases and addressed the vulnerabilities of the ecological, economic and social systems to climate change. It may be one of the least expensive ways for industries to off-set their carbon emission and tree growers to benefit through the carbon trade. Despite the fact that the certain aspects under Kyoto Protocol are still under clarification and negotiation, the forest plantations will play an important role in carbon sequestration and the implementation of Kyoto Protocol. Since the development of plantation is a slow process, the dividends will only be realized after a gap therefore the new plantation should be taken up without delay and the old one be managed as per their silvicultural rotation.

Global climate changing has been a focus for a long time in many fields, the increasing CO₂ concentration in atmosphere was considered as one main driving force for global warming. The increases in greenhouse gasses in the atmosphere contributed to raise concerns over climate change enhanced the role of forests and plantations in the global carbon cycle are growing as a great issue. Carbon dioxide (CO₂) is one of the main greenhouse gases because a huge volume of CO₂ is added to the atmosphere, when compare to all other greenhouse gases and made itself as a primary agent of global warming. It contributed 72 per cent of the total anthropogenic greenhouse gases, causing between 9-26 per cent of the greenhouse effect (Kiehl and Trenberth, 1997). According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), there has been an unprecedented warming trend during the 20th century. Scientists now have estimated that the average global surface temperature is likely to rise by 1.4 to 5.8°C by the end of the 21^st century (IPCC 2007).

The IPCC estimates that the level of carbon dioxide in today’s atmosphere is 31 per cent higher than it was at the start of the Industrial Revolution about 250 years ago. An atmospheric level of CO₂ has risen from 280 ppm at the pre-industrial to the present level of 375 ppm. Most of the increase has occurred in the second half of the 20^th century. The mitigation of climate change demands, determined commitment of scientists to develop strategies to effectively manage the issues of the changing climate through carbon sequestration. Carbon sequestration is ought to be a promising solution for reducing atmospheric carbon dioxide, an important greenhouse gas.

All life on planet Earth is carbon centered; hereditary characters are controlled by DNA and RNA, growth by proteins and activities by energy from carbohydrates and fats – all these are carbon compounds. Not only this, but the life also ends as carbon compounds CO₂ or CH₄, depending on aerobic or anaerobic decomposition. Incidentally soil fertility also depends very much on soil organic carbon (SOC). In ancient days, farmers used to apply manure to maintain soil fertility and even now, urea, the nitrogen fertilizer used in the largest amounts, is a carbon compound. All living forms on the Earth including all plant and animal species and their activities are a part of global carbon cycle. The carbon cycle is the biogeochemical cycle by which carbon is exchanged among the biosphere, pedosphere, geosphere, hydrosphere, and atmosphere of the earth.

Carbon dating uses the half-life of Carbon-14 to find the approximate age of an object that is 40,000 years old or younger.

5.1 What is radiocarbon dating ?

Radiocarbon dating is a method of estimating the age of organic material. It was developed right after World War II by Willard F. Libby and coworkers, and it has provided a way to determine the ages of different materials in archeology, geology, geophysics, and other branches of science. Some examples of the types of material that radiocarbon can determine the ages are wood, charcoal, marine and freshwater shell, bone and antler, and peat and organic-bearing sediments. Age determinations can also be obtained from carbonate deposits such as calcite, dissolved carbon dioxide, and carbonates in ocean, lake, and groundwater sources.

4.1 Introduction

Biomass is referred to as an indirect source of solar energy and considered a source of stored chemical energy. Biomass is renewable organic material derived from plants and animals serving as sources of energy. Biomass produced from agricultural sector is big challenges for all over the world due to its improver disposal. Mitigating greenhouse gas emissions and ensuring adequate global food supplies represent two of the last decade’s mostdifficult challenges.Although global food production has benefitted from chemical fertilizers, environmental problems have emerged as a result of their use. Additionally, overuse of fertilizers can result in hardened soil, decreased soil fertility, polluted air and water, and the release of greenhouse gases. There is an urgent need to find an alternative to chemical fertilizers that, ideally, can be sourced in abundant amounts, promotes global food production, enhances CO₂ capture , and does not affect soil health or damage the environment¹. To sustain agricultural productivity, it is crucial to maintain adequate levels of organic matter in the soil to preserve its physical, chemical, and biological integrity. Biochar, a pyrogenic black carbon, may play an important role in improving soil health, resulting in higher crop yield and absorbing atmospheric carbon dioxide. Biochar is the most auspicious straw management measures and have highest carbon abatement and economic profit².

Biochar is produced by heating biomass at high temperatures (300 – 600 °C) in a closed reactor containing no to partial levels of air. Under these conditions, biomass undergoes thermo-chemical conversion into biochar. Because of its numerous potentials uses in agriculture, energy, and the environment, much attention has been given to biochar in both political and academic areas. Biochar can be used in a variety of applications such as energy production, agriculture, carbon sequestration, waste water treatment, and bio-refinery; additionally, biochar provides an alternative strategy for managing organic waste. These advantages have renewed the interest of agricultural researchers in producing biochar from bio-residues and using the product as a soil amendment.

2.1. Origin and distribution

• Queen of spices, native to East Indies/ India, originating in the forests of the Western Ghats in Southern India.

• Also grows in Sri Lanka, Guatemala, Indo China and Tanzania.

• Cultivated in Kerala, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.

2.2. Economic importance

• Used for flavouring various preparations of food, confectionery, beverages and liquors.

• Used as whole pod, seeds or ground.

• Used in garam masala

• Spice mixture seasons meat and vegetable dishes, and masala chai and Turkish coffee.

• Antioxidant and diuretic properties

• May lower blood pressure.

• May contain cancer-fighting compounds.

• May protect from chronic diseases due to anti-inflammatory effects.

• May help with digestive problems including ulcers.

1.0 INTRODUCTION

Cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum Maton.) acclaimed as the ‘Queen of Spices’ is the true cardamom belonging to the family Zingiberaceae. The cardamom of commerce is the dried ripe fruit and is one of the most important valued spices next only to saffron. It is native of evergreen forests of Western Ghats of South India. Cardamom is a shade loving plant (Pseophyte) thriving well in elevations up to 600-1200 m above MSL under an average annual rainfall of 1500-4000 mm and temperature range of 10-350C. India has been the world’s largest producer of cardamom until 1979-80. Later, Guatemala emerged as world’s premier producer and the exporter of cardamom accounting for about 90 per cent of the global trade. Cardamom is also grown lesser extent in Sri Lanka, Papua New Guinea and Tanzania.

Cardamom thrips: Sciothrips cardamomi: Thripidae

Thysanoptera

This thrips attacks other crops like amomum,  tea, colocasia, grapevine, castor, cotton, ginger and turmeric also. The thrips are minute greyish brown insects with fringed wings. They breed on unopened leaves, spindles, leaf sheath, flower bracts and floral tubes .

The word cardiac arrest (CA) or heart attack is frightening. In animals heart attack does not occur in the manner as it occurs in humans. In humans the main cause of cardiac arrest or heart attack is coronary infarct. The prevalence of cardiac arrest or cardiopulmonary arrest (CPA) or heart attack in animals is relatively very low as coronary infarct is not a common disease in animals.

Key Points

• Cardiac crises can result in deadly outcomes. Prompt and precise diagnosis leads to early symptom alleviation and increased survival.

• Many illnesses qualify as cardiac crises, including thromboembolic disease, cardiac tamponade, arrhythmogenic disease, and congestive heart failure.

Introduction

A cardiovascular emergency is defined as any condition affecting the heart or vasculature that prevents appropriate blood flow, tissue perfusion, or oxygenation. Cardiac emergencies include a wide range of disorders such as arrhythmias, cardiac tamponade/pericardial effusions, and congestive heart failure (CHF).

Cardiac ultrasound is also known as echocardiography and it has a very important place in the diagnosis of cardiac diseases of the humans as well as animals. Echocardiography is an imaging of the heart using ultrasound. The diagnosis of congenital heart diseases, shunts, complex malformations, valvular heart diseases, different cardiomyopathies, endocarditis, pericardial effusion, cor pulmonale and cardiac tumours has been possible by cardiac ultra ultrasound that was otherwise difficult.

Cardiovascular system consists of heart and blood vessels which include both arteries and veins. Blood vessels formation occurs in two stages i.e vasculogenesis and angiogenesis. Splanchnic mesodermal cells lining the yolk sac form clusters, referred to as blood islands. Vasculogenesis, the formation of blood vessels from blood islands of of Pander, commences during the third week of gestation in domestic animals first in yolk sac and later in the allantois.Development of blood vessels involves a complex series of events during which endothelial cells differentiate, proliferate, migrate and become organized into vascular network. Angiogenesis describes budding and sprouting of new vessels from existing vessels. This process a fundamental requirement for embryological development, continues postnatally.

The primary function of cardiovascular system is to maintain blood circulation so that normal exchange of fluid, electrolyte, oxygen, carbon dioxide, nutrient
and excretory and secretory end products can take place between tissue and blood. Failure of circulation to any degree interferes with the transport and
exchange mechanism.

Common Maintenance

 • Clean the exterior surface with a brush or cotton waste and plenty of water or kerosene oil.

 • Lubricate or lubricate the moving or rubbing surfaces of parts as needed.

 • Filter the chemical solution/fuel oil mixture as it is poured into the tanks. Make the caps or lids leak-proof by using gaskets.

 • Flush the equipment with clean water to clean the insides of containers, tubes, and nozzles.

Care and Maintenance of Hand Sprayer & Duster

• Dusters should be made of dry and sieved dust.

 • Grease the duster gear box once a month.

 • Clean the duster after use by removing all dust from the hopper.

 • Oil the sprayer’s cup and bucket washers on a regular basis.

 • After completing the day’s work, cleanse the spray tank discharge lines and nozzles with clean water.

i) Common Maintenance

Clean outer surface with brush or cotton waste by using plenty of water or kerosene oil.

Oil the moving or rubbing surfaces of parts with lubricating oil or grease.

Filter the chemical solution/ fuel oil mixture while pouring into the tanks. Make the caps or lids leak-proof with gaskets.

Flush the equipment with clean water to wash inside parts of containers, tubes and nozzles to be free from chemicals.

3.1. Introduction 

Calves are the future replacement stock of dairy farm. The raising of calves, an important operation of the dairy farm requires a great deal of managemental skill, application and constant attention. Any negligency results in increased calf mortality, poor growth and development of the calves. So, care of the calves is important for success of the dairy farm.

Care and Management of Commercial Growers (09-20 weeks) Under Deep Litter System

Grower management essentially remains the same as that of chick management (brooding management) except for the additional space required for floor, feeders and waterers to keep with the size of birds. The growers may be reared in separate grower-houses or continued to be reared in brooder-cum-grower houses.

Floor space: 1260 cm² (1.4 ft²) per bird.

Feeder space: 6-8 cm per bird. One linear feeder of 120 cm length and 8 cm depth for 40 growers.

Waterer space: 2 cm per bird; a circular waterer of 36 cm and 8 cm depth of 6 lit. capacity for 50 growers. Growers are to be provided with fresh, cool and potable drinking water at least twice a day. Water requirement is increased during hot days. Care must be made not to spill water on litter.

Lighting management: No artificial lighting is given other than natural day light since they require only 9 hours of light per day.

Livestock sector has emerged as one of the key components of agricultural growth in developing countries in last few decades. This sector plays a significant role in the economic progress of India as it contributes 26% to the agricultural GDP and provides employment to around 18 million people. Over 70% of the rural households in India depends on livestock farming for supplementary income and is considered as an important instrument in poverty alleviation. It provides the major extra contribution to agriculture through manure, fuel fertilizer, apart from meat and milk that grant a regular supplementary income and employment not only to producers but also to huge size of the population engaged in secondary and tertiary business related to livestock. The economy of Jammu and Kashmir is also agriculture dependent and is the main occupation of majority of the rural people who earn their livelihood from it. Census figures 2011 signify that about 73% of the population of J&K lives in rural areas and are associated with agriculture and allied sectors including livestock rearing as main occupation.

Traveling with your dog can be a delightful experience, whether you're embarking on a road trip, flying to a distant destination, or simply visiting friends and family. However, it requires careful planning and preparation to ensure your dog's safety, comfort, and well-being. This guide covers the essential aspects of traveling with your dog, providing tips and best practices for a smooth journey.

Preparing for the Journey

Health Check and Documentation

1. Veterinary Check-up: Before any trip, schedule a visit to the vet to ensure your dog is healthy and up-to-date on vaccinations. Discuss any travel-specific health concerns with your vet.

2. Documentation: Carry a copy of your dog’s medical records, including vaccination certificates, in case they are needed during your trip. Some destinations require proof of rabies vaccination and other health certifications.

5.1. Introduction

A dry cow is a cow that is not producing milk. Usually cow remains in-milk for about 305 days (average lactation length), after that it remains for a period of about 60 days in dry condition (not giving milk) called dry period. Dry period is critical for a cow for regeneration of her udder and reserve nutrients for the next lactation, otherwise, milk production will not be upto the mark and the cow may suffer from several metabolic diseases after parturition. A dry cow is just as valuable as a lactating cow, therefore should be not neglected. A dry cow management programme includes nutrition, general management and health control programme.

4.1. Introduction

Heifers are young female cattle from 12 months of age to first calving. Heifer management is important as they are future cow of the herd. Proper growth and body condition of the heifers are associated with their early sexual maturity and age at first breeding, and their later productive and reproductive performances, when they become cow. Thus, proper care and management of the heifers is necessary to establish a good dairy herd.

Small ruminant sector, after agriculture, is the second largest means for economic sustainability and livelihood in India. It contributed Rs. 32000 crore to the gross domestic product of India in 2012 -13 despite having a potential to contribute over Rs. 150,000 crore but there are certain lacunae in system which act as its growth inhibitor. Small ruminants are the main source for rural economies due to participation of women (70% of total) and weaker sections of the rural society. Thus there is urgent need for formulating policies to support the development of the small ruminant sector.
 
Sheep and goat husbandry is a tool for poverty alleviation of the rural masses because of wide adaptability with low investments, high fertility and fecundity, low feed and management costs, higher feed conversion efficiency, quick pay off and low risk in comparison to large ruminants. The above traits of small ruminants need to be exploited for economic upliftment of small farmers.

CARE AND MANAGEMENT

Pregnant female should be fed with green, fresh vegetable, green leaves. Only with good management, healthy young ones can be expected. Similar to birds, rabbits have Nest building behaviour. Around 25 days of pregnancy, keep the pregnant animal in cage provided with bedding material separately. Around 28 days, the female makes nest by pulling the fur from abdominal region and also bedding material. The fur from abdominal region is pulled to make teats clean for young ones to suck milk. If female makes good nest, it can be concluded that it will be a good mother. Some females due to disturbance are unable to make nest and also abandon young ones, go astray.

Act of parturition in rabbit is kindling and it takes place in early hours of day and late evenings. Full process is completed in 90 minutes. In some females, aggressive behaviour is seen. Such aggressive females have good mothering ability.

The young seedling stock and rooted cuttings as well as nursery plants require proper care and nourishment. The operations to be performed regularly in nurseries are as follows.

1. Shifting of plants: The nursery plants grown in the pots or polybags are to be shifted once in 2-3 months to avoid root penetration into the soil. If the taproot penetrates deep into the soil, the chances of mortality increases. Hence shifting of grafts and potted plants has to be done at the said intervals
2. Removal of rootstock sprouts: Once has to keep a constant watch on the sprouts arising on the rootstock, which are to be nipped off as and when, observed, to encourage rapid growth of scion shoots.
3. Irrigation: The young tender seedlings are exacting in their water requirement. Proper and judicious irrigation is an important indicator of a healthy nursery, which solves many problems in the nursery. There are many methods adopted in nurseries. However, it depends upon water availability, kind of nursery plants and its growth stage, etc. These methods are flow or flood irrigation, furrow irrigation, overhead irrigation through rose cans, automizers or sprinkler systems, etc.

Natural disasters like cyclone, earthquakes, flood etc. can happen suddenly and put everyone, including our pets, in danger. Taking care of your dog during such situation means being prepared, staying calm and knowing what to do. This article provides simple steps to help you care for your dog during a disaster.

Before a Disaster make an emergency plan

i. Find Safe Spots: Identify safe places in your home and community where you can go with your dog.

ii. Know evacuation routes: Plan different ways to leave your home in case one way is blocked and find pet-friendly shelters in your area.

iii. Emergency Contacts: Keep a list of important contacts, such as your vet, local animal control, and pet-friendly hotels.

Managing the care of a pregnant dog and supporting her through the whelping process requires careful attention, preparation, and understanding. Ensuring the health and safety of both the mother and her puppies is paramount. This article provides a comprehensive guide on how to care for a dog during pregnancy and whelping, including nutritional needs, veterinary care, creating a whelping area, and post-birth care.

Understanding Canine Pregnancy

Gestation Period

• The gestation period for dogs is approximately 63 days, though it can range from 58 to 68 days.

Signs of Pregnancy

• Early signs include increased appetite, slight weight gain, and changes in behavior such as increased affection.

• Around the fourth week, the abdomen may start to swell, and by the sixth week, noticeable weight gain and enlarged nipples are common.

6.1. Introduction

Care of cows at and after calving is vital for successful birth and maintaining the cow and calf in proper health condition. Calving is a high risk event in terms of both cow and calf health, and is associated with most of the health problems. New born calves are born sterile and it gets infection from the surroundings which depends on the maintenance of hygienic environment and care of the just after birth. The fresh cows are susceptible to a number of metabolic diseases and infections due decrease immune status of the cow. Preparation and care during this period will minimize sickness and death of the cow and calf.

7.1. Introduction

The lactating cows are important assets of a dairy farm. The profitability and viability of the dairy farm mainly depend on the overall milk production. The lactation cycle of the cow can be divided into different phases for efficient management as milk production, DM intake and body weight vary considerably during the different phases. In the early lactation, lactating animals loose body weight drastically and they are prone to various metabolic disorders. Efficient nutritional management during lactation is required to support the high milk production, persistency of lactation and health of the cows. Another most important event is the post partum oestrus and subsequent conception, which depends on the care and management of the cows during this period. Therefore, proper care and management of the lactating cows are essential to harvest maximum amount of milk from healthy cows in a sustainable way.

Calves play an important role in the dairy development and successful growth of young calves to mature stage is required for herd replacement and to get economic returns when they are sold. Good calf-care is important for sustenance of the dairy form and preservation and maintenance of good quality germplasm.