Research

Astronomy & Space Sciences

Title :	Assessment of edaphic factors to combat Citrus Decline in Assam using Geospatial technology
Area of research :	Astronomy & Space Sciences
Focus area :	Agriculture and Soil
Principal Investigator :	Dr. Marami Dutta, Assistant Professor, Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat, Assam
Timeline Start Year :	2023
Contact info :	marami.dutta@aau.ac.in
Equipments :	Desktop Computer and Autoclave

Executive Summary :	Due to consistent nutrient mining and poor fertility management, the quality of soils under citrus orchard has been deteriorating which has led to citrus decline in Assam. The condition is further aggravated by soil and nutrient erosion due to heavy rainfall. Citrus orchards, often located at sloppy hills invite management problem and, hence newer plantations in plains are also on demand. In this study GPS based surface and sub-surface soil samples, both in bulk and core, will be obtained from citrus orchards of Brahmaputra Valley and Hill zones of Assam. The collected soil samples will be processed and analyzed for various physical, chemical and fertility related parameters like sand, silt, clay content, particle density, pH, electrical conductivity, organic carbon, cation exchange capacity, exchangeable Ca++, Mg++, Na+, K+, macronutrients like nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium and micronutrients like Zn, Cu, Fe and Mn. The collected core samples will be used to analyze physical parameters like bulk density, hydraulic conductivity and porosity.
Co-PI:	Mrs. Partibha Thakuria Das, North Eastern Space Applications Centre, ISRO, Shillong, Meghalaya
Total Budget (INR):	25,03,760
Achievements :	The project being undertaken by ISRO in collaboration with academia is directly or indirectly beneficial to the society.

Implementing Agency :	Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat, Assam
Funding Agency :	Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Department of Space (DOS)
Source :	Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)- Department of Space (DOS) 2022-2036