Letters - October 31, 2012

Wasted resource

Organic Universe

It is a universe of its own—an expanding universe that has its own producers and consumers, its entrepreneurs, its markets, its passionate aficionados of scientists and evangelists. It is a universe that is governed by a different set of regulations and plays strictly by the rules, for the most part.

Smart farming

IN A world obsessed with yields, questions have always been raised about the sustainability of organic farming. Now, a comprehensive analysis of the existing studies by scientists from the US and Canada has shown that the yield gap between organic and conventional farming can be narrowed with careful selection of crop type, growing conditions and management techniques.

Fertiliser’s true climate impact

NITROUS oxide is a potent greenhouse gas—it is 300 times more powerful than carbon dioxide in causing global warming. Though it reaches the environment through different sources like sewage treatment, livestock, vehicles and industries, use of fertilisers in agriculture is its biggest contributor.

Biogas rediscovered

When Vijay Ingle of Chittalwadi village in Akola district decided to install a biogas plant at his dairy last year, everyone was sceptical. It had failed to take off in the  Vidarbha region despite the government promoting biogas as the cleanest and cheapest fuel for over three decades and offering subsidies for setting up the plant. Besides, no one had heard of a biogas plant installed 400 metres from the house; it is usually set up in the backyard, close to the kitchen.

Rice originated in India

THE fight where and when rice originated has taken a new turn. An analysis of plant remains found in the dung of dinosaurs in Pisdura village of Chandrapur district in Maharashtra has revealed that dinosaurs had relished the staple much before humans added it to their diet. This pushes the origin of rice 35 million years back and raises the possibility that it had an Indian parent. Till now it was believed that rice originated about 30 million years ago in China.

Poop-corn culture

In 1532, the Spanish forces led by Francisco Pizarro routed the Inca army at Cajamarca in the northern highlands of Peru, bringing to an end South America’s biggest empire. The Spanish conquistador marched to the Inca capital Cusco in regalia, but claimed the Spaniards were restrained in their show of triumph compared to the Incas. “There is no celebration like when the Inca warriors came back from battle. They enter the city of Cusco screaming their victory and the entire city stops. The citizens honour the warriors, offering them food, drink and taking care of their wounds,” he wrote.

Science and Technology - Briefs

TECHNOLOGY Sound, light and gold

Letters

PDS for family planning

Nutrient-rich pond

While Baghel has switched to methods advocated by Palekar, Khichi has devised his own methods for the same. He has put up a small dairy near his first pond, where he dumps all the dung and urine. “The dung produces green scum, which feeds the fish in the tank, which in turn keep the water clean,” he said.