HIGHLIGHTS OF

AZRI RESEARCH DI KHANPAKISTAN

5.7

Welcome to Arid Zone Research Institute

Dera Ismail Khan

Dera Ismail KhanDera Ismail Khan

Land Use Pakistan NWFP D.I.Khan (million hectares)

Geographical Area 79.610 10.170 0.896Cultivated 20.150 1.836 0.300

Irrigated 14.360 0.808 0.105Rainfed 5.760 1.028 0.195

Forest 2.810 0.965 0.049Culturable Waste 10.920 1.357 0.374

Agric Statistics of Dera Ismail KhanAgric Statistics of Dera Ismail Khan

CLIMATECLIMATE

• Arid to semi arid and sub Arid to semi arid and sub tropical continentaltropical continental

• Mean annual rainfall ranges Mean annual rainfall ranges from 180 mm to 300 mm from 180 mm to 300 mm

• About 60% rainfall in About 60% rainfall in summer (Kharif) season summer (Kharif) season while 40% rainfall occurs in while 40% rainfall occurs in winter (Rabi) seasonwinter (Rabi) season

Highest rainy month is July while driest month is NovemberHighest rainy month is July while driest month is NovemberThe temperature remains extreme. Above 45 The temperature remains extreme. Above 45 00C in July and 30C in July and 3000C in C in

JanuaryJanuaryThe underground water in rainfed area is brackish varying in salts The underground water in rainfed area is brackish varying in salts

content from 500 ppm to 10,000 ppmcontent from 500 ppm to 10,000 ppm..

SOILSOIL

In this situation, bothIn this situation, both summer crops (sorghum and millet) summer crops (sorghum and millet) and winter crops (wheat, chickpea and barley) can be and winter crops (wheat, chickpea and barley) can be successfully grown, provided run-off water from adjacent successfully grown, provided run-off water from adjacent hills of good quality irrigate the area at proper time while in hills of good quality irrigate the area at proper time while in the remaining areas, the ground water is too saline and the remaining areas, the ground water is too saline and deep to be used for irrigation.deep to be used for irrigation.

The soil of spate area of The soil of spate area of D.I.Khan is categorized D.I.Khan is categorized below as per its physical below as per its physical condition and moisture condition and moisture availabilityavailability..

I. Heavy textured soils with I. Heavy textured soils with incident rainfall plus run off incident rainfall plus run off water from adjacent hills water from adjacent hills (Rod Kohi):(Rod Kohi):

NATIVE FLORANATIVE FLORA

S No. Scientific Name L. Name

1. Salvadora oleoides Jall/Peelu

2. Tamarix aphylla Frash

3. Acacia jacqumantii Kikar

4. Acacia nilotica Kikar

5. Prosopis cineraria Jund

6. Caparis decidua Karir

7. Zizyphus mauritiana Ber

8. Zizyphus munmularia Wild ber

The common plant and grass species found in the area are as follows:The common plant and grass species found in the area are as follows:

NATIVE FLORA NATIVE FLORA Contn….Contn….

S No. Scientific Name L. Name

9 Nannorrhops richieana Jall/Peelu

10 Suada fruiticosa Kali Lani

11 Salsola bariosma Lani

12 Calligonum polygonoides Phog

13 Calotropis procera Ak (small)

14 Desmostychia bipinnata Drub

15 Saccharum Munja Sarkanda

16 Eleusine Flagellifera Chhimber

17 Cynodon dactylon Khabbal

ESTABLISHMENT OF AZRI D.I.KHANESTABLISHMENT OF AZRI D.I.KHAN

AZRI 1996 Farm Area 178 Acre

AZRSS 1974

OBJECTIVESOBJECTIVES

Management of existing natural resources in Management of existing natural resources in such a way to uplift the livelihood of arid such a way to uplift the livelihood of arid farmer.farmer.

Identification of problems of the arid areas Identification of problems of the arid areas and under taking research for their solution.and under taking research for their solution.

Screening of germplasm of cereals and Screening of germplasm of cereals and legumes best suited to the areas.legumes best suited to the areas.

Development of more production Development of more production technologies and cropping systems for dry technologies and cropping systems for dry land agriculture.land agriculture.

Demonstration and dissemination of Demonstration and dissemination of developed technologies to the end developed technologies to the end users/farmers.users/farmers.

AVERAGE YIELD UNDER RAINFED/ SPATE CONDITIONSAVERAGE YIELD UNDER RAINFED/ SPATE CONDITIONS

Crop Yield (kg/ha-1)Millet 560Sorghum 502Wheat 1050Barley 900Chickpea 950Rapeseed/mustard 420

REASONS OF LOW YIELDREASONS OF LOW YIELD

Poor moisture conservation practices.Poor moisture conservation practices. Differences in soil quality, even with in one Differences in soil quality, even with in one

embanked field.embanked field. Non-availability of suitable certified seed with Non-availability of suitable certified seed with

higher germination percentage.higher germination percentage. Un-scientific methods of sowing instead of Un-scientific methods of sowing instead of

improved methods.improved methods. Lack of fertilizer application.Lack of fertilizer application. Un-awareness about insect/pest controlUn-awareness about insect/pest control..

Major Agricultural IssuesMajor Agricultural Issues

1. Scarcity of moisture/rainfall.Scarcity of moisture/rainfall.2.2. High temperature.High temperature.3.3. Soil erosion.Soil erosion.4.4. Salinity, alkalinity and water logging.Salinity, alkalinity and water logging.5.5. Low soil fertility.Low soil fertility.6.6. Poor quality of under-ground water.Poor quality of under-ground water.7.7. Low yielding crop varieties and range Low yielding crop varieties and range

management.management.

ACHIEVMENTS OF ACHIEVMENTS OF AZRI D.I.KHANAZRI D.I.KHAN

WheatWheat

1.1. Two wheat lines have been selected from elite Two wheat lines have been selected from elite material (NARC and CIMMYT) which are in pipeline material (NARC and CIMMYT) which are in pipeline for varietal evaluation. The seed of one entry with for varietal evaluation. The seed of one entry with the proposed named AZRI DN-1 has been included in the proposed named AZRI DN-1 has been included in NUYT 2006-07 for variety development for the area.NUYT 2006-07 for variety development for the area.

2.2. Planting wheat from October 15 to November Planting wheat from October 15 to November increased the yield 50 % over early planting of increased the yield 50 % over early planting of October.October.

3.3. Use of mold/disc plough appeared best for weed Use of mold/disc plough appeared best for weed control, water conservation and increased the yield control, water conservation and increased the yield of wheat 53 % over of wheat 53 % over traditional cultivator.

4. Drill sowing of wheat increased the yield 50 % over broad- cast.

5. The Quality (bold) seed of wheat increased the yield (33 %) over poor shrinkle seed.

6.6. Seeding rate in wheat 100 kg haSeeding rate in wheat 100 kg ha-1-1 increased the yield 18 % increased the yield 18 % over 70 kg haover 70 kg ha-1-1..

7.7. Split application of NP (50-25 NP kg haSplit application of NP (50-25 NP kg ha--

11) as half dose at sowing and half dose ) as half dose at sowing and half dose after 30 days of sowing increased the after 30 days of sowing increased the wheat yield by 25 % over whole application wheat yield by 25 % over whole application in rainfed in rainfed areas.areas.

8.8. Fertilizer rate of 50-25 kg NP haFertilizer rate of 50-25 kg NP ha-1-1 was was found optimum for maximum grain yield of found optimum for maximum grain yield of wheat.wheat.

9.9. Weedicide Buctril-M @ 1 lit haWeedicide Buctril-M @ 1 lit ha-1 -1 showed the showed the best broad- leaf weeds control in wheat best broad- leaf weeds control in wheat crop which increased the yield 28% over crop which increased the yield 28% over control.control.

10.10. Sarkanda proved to be the best Sarkanda proved to be the best mulching material for water conservation mulching material for water conservation and weed control in wheat cropand weed control in wheat crop followed followed by rice-straw which increased the grain by rice-straw which increased the grain yield yield by by 50 % and 42 % over control, 50 % and 42 % over control, respectively.respectively.

11.11. Wheat cutting at 6-8 leaves stage for fodder Wheat cutting at 6-8 leaves stage for fodder purposes proved economical in rodkohi soil as the purposes proved economical in rodkohi soil as the grain yield decreased was compensated through grain yield decreased was compensated through fodder yield for livestock production during short-fodder yield for livestock production during short-fall season for other grasses.fall season for other grasses.

12.12. Recommended package of practices resulted in Recommended package of practices resulted in increased seed yield of wheat (25 %) over increased seed yield of wheat (25 %) over traditional practicestraditional practices..

13.13. Application of 60 kg haApplication of 60 kg ha-1-1 nitrogen when applied in nitrogen when applied in the form of ½ basal and ½ after 30 days increased the form of ½ basal and ½ after 30 days increased the seed yield up to 22.58 % over whole the seed yield up to 22.58 % over whole application as a basal dose.application as a basal dose.

14. Effect of different fertilizer application methods 14. Effect of different fertilizer application methods revealed that side bending application of 60:40:0 revealed that side bending application of 60:40:0 (NPK) increased the seed yield up to (21.52 %) of (NPK) increased the seed yield up to (21.52 %) of wheat in rod kohi D.I.Khan.wheat in rod kohi D.I.Khan.

ChickpeaChickpea

1.1. October 10-25 planting increased the yield in October 10-25 planting increased the yield in chickpea 42 % over late planting.chickpea 42 % over late planting.2.2. Chickpea seed treated with inoculum increased Chickpea seed treated with inoculum increased the yield 28 % over untreated seed.the yield 28 % over untreated seed.3.3. The quality seed of chickpea increased the The quality seed of chickpea increased the yield (60 %) over poor/inferior quality seed.yield (60 %) over poor/inferior quality seed.4.4. Seeding rate of chickpea 80 kg haSeeding rate of chickpea 80 kg ha-1-1 increased increased the yield 60 % the yield 60 % over 40 kg haover 40 kg ha-1-1..5.5. Different application rates of methamedophos Different application rates of methamedophos (insecticide) revealed that 1 liter ha(insecticide) revealed that 1 liter ha-1-1 significantly significantly controlled the short controlled the short horn grass hopper and horn grass hopper and increased the seed yield up to 45 % over control.increased the seed yield up to 45 % over control.6.6. Chickpea appeared 5 to 6 times more Chickpea appeared 5 to 6 times more economical than wheat or barley in arid areas of economical than wheat or barley in arid areas of D.I.Khan.D.I.Khan.

7.7. Intercropping of chickpea in wheat with 1:1 ratio Intercropping of chickpea in wheat with 1:1 ratio gave the highest return of Rs.1301 hagave the highest return of Rs.1301 ha-1-1 over wheat over wheat alone.alone.

8.8. Intercropping of local cucumber in chickpea gave Intercropping of local cucumber in chickpea gave an increase 26 % over chickpea alone.an increase 26 % over chickpea alone.

9.9. Use of improved technologies in chickpea Use of improved technologies in chickpea increased the yield 30 % over traditional practices.increased the yield 30 % over traditional practices.

10. Rotation of one year chickpea and wheat appeared 10. Rotation of one year chickpea and wheat appeared the best rotation over continuous cropping of the best rotation over continuous cropping of wheat for obtaining maximum yield.wheat for obtaining maximum yield.

11.11. Chickpea crop gave higher yield of 24 % in rice Chickpea crop gave higher yield of 24 % in rice based soils as compared to non rice based.based soils as compared to non rice based.

12.12. Light grazing of chickpea increased the yield 30 % Light grazing of chickpea increased the yield 30 % over ungrazed crop and also provided over ungrazed crop and also provided approximately 2 tonnes approximately 2 tonnes green fodder/acre in green fodder/acre in Rodkohi soils. Overall 39 % more income produced Rodkohi soils. Overall 39 % more income produced over ungrazed crop.over ungrazed crop.

13. Row spacing of 30 cm was found optimum for 13. Row spacing of 30 cm was found optimum for chickpea and lentil.chickpea and lentil.

14. Optimum fertilizer rate 20:40 kg NP ha14. Optimum fertilizer rate 20:40 kg NP ha-1-1 was was found for maximum grain yield of chickpea.found for maximum grain yield of chickpea.

Canola RapeseedCanola Rapeseed

1.1. Introduced canola type rapeseed to create the Introduced canola type rapeseed to create the awareness about its oil to be used as edible oil among awareness about its oil to be used as edible oil among the farmers for its promotion.the farmers for its promotion.2.2. Canola type rapeseed cut at bud stage as a fodder/ Canola type rapeseed cut at bud stage as a fodder/ vegetable (Saag) decreased the yield but the aggregate vegetable (Saag) decreased the yield but the aggregate profit increased by 45 % over control (un-cut) with the profit increased by 45 % over control (un-cut) with the compensation through fodder yield.compensation through fodder yield.3.3. Removal of secondary branches in canola Removal of secondary branches in canola (rapeseed) at (rapeseed) at flowering stage produced 8 tones green flowering stage produced 8 tones green fodder without reducing yield while oil content also fodder without reducing yield while oil content also increased by 2-2.5 % with the said practice.increased by 2-2.5 % with the said practice.

MungbeanMungbean

1.1. Planting from June 15 to late June increased the Planting from June 15 to late June increased the yield in yield in mungbean 40 % over July planting.mungbean 40 % over July planting.

2.2. The insecticide (Methamedophos) @ 1 lit haThe insecticide (Methamedophos) @ 1 lit ha-1-1 appeared the best rate for short horn grass appeared the best rate for short horn grass hopper control in mungbean and gave maximum hopper control in mungbean and gave maximum VCR (1:15) haVCR (1:15) ha-1-1..

3.3. The recommended inputs i.e fertilizer (20:5 kg N: The recommended inputs i.e fertilizer (20:5 kg N: PP22OO55), insecticide Methamedophos ( 1 lit ) and ), insecticide Methamedophos ( 1 lit ) and weed control (3.7 lit) Pendemethaline gave weed control (3.7 lit) Pendemethaline gave maximum yield increase i.e. (71% over control/ maximum yield increase i.e. (71% over control/ ha).ha).

4.4. Different application rates of phosphorus with Different application rates of phosphorus with basal dose of 20 kg N habasal dose of 20 kg N ha-1-1on mungbean revealed on mungbean revealed that 50 kg P hathat 50 kg P ha-1 -1 increased the seed yield 33 % increased the seed yield 33 % over control and appeared economical over higher over control and appeared economical over higher rates.rates.

SorghumSorghum

1.1. Application of 90 kg N haApplication of 90 kg N ha-1-1 in three equal in three equal splits splits through soil appeared the best method through soil appeared the best method for obtaining maximum yield.for obtaining maximum yield.2.2. Nitrogen (90 kg haNitrogen (90 kg ha-1-1) applied through soil ) applied through soil appeared superior than foliar application.appeared superior than foliar application.3.3. Intercropping 2 rows of sorghum followed by 2 Intercropping 2 rows of sorghum followed by 2 rows of mung bean gave higher monetary return of rows of mung bean gave higher monetary return of Rs. 6643/- Rs. 6643/- per hactare over sole cropping.per hactare over sole cropping.

Arid HorticultureArid Horticulture

1.1. Collected sixteen (16) improved cultivars of date Collected sixteen (16) improved cultivars of date palm germplasm i.e, Dhakki, Zaidi, Mobini, palm germplasm i.e, Dhakki, Zaidi, Mobini, Obaidullah Wali, Sarkari, Shamran, Bharam, Obaidullah Wali, Sarkari, Shamran, Bharam, Khudravi, Basra, Hussaini, Muzawati, Sabzo, Khudravi, Basra, Hussaini, Muzawati, Sabzo, Shakri, Gulistan, Noll and Denra to have true to Shakri, Gulistan, Noll and Denra to have true to type cultivars for further multiplication type cultivars for further multiplication among among the area’s farmers.the area’s farmers.

2.2. Established local root stock of ber (zizyphus) Established local root stock of ber (zizyphus) and grafted with fourteen (14) improved ber and grafted with fourteen (14) improved ber cultivars, i.e, Sufi Sanaghar, Ajmeri Gilli, Haq cultivars, i.e, Sufi Sanaghar, Ajmeri Gilli, Haq Nawaz, Chambeli Gubba, Karela, Sufan, Late Nawaz, Chambeli Gubba, Karela, Sufan, Late Gola, White Gola, Sufi Sialkoti, Dehli White, Gola, White Gola, Sufi Sialkoti, Dehli White, Mehmood Wali, Ajooba, Mustaq wali and Gola Mehmood Wali, Ajooba, Mustaq wali and Gola to strengthen improved germplasm for further to strengthen improved germplasm for further dissemination to area growers.dissemination to area growers.

Range GrassesRange Grasses

1.1. Maintained five range grasses spp. i.e, Mott grass, Maintained five range grasses spp. i.e, Mott grass, N.B.Hybrid, Elephant grass, Kazangola and N.B.Hybrid, Elephant grass, Kazangola and Chloris Chloris gayanagayana for further multiplication. for further multiplication.

2.2. Row spacing of 50 cm was found most appropriate as Row spacing of 50 cm was found most appropriate as compared with 100 and 150 cm for all the above spp.compared with 100 and 150 cm for all the above spp.

3.3. Out of five range grasses the highest green fodder Out of five range grasses the highest green fodder yield of 39 t hayield of 39 t ha-1-1 was obtained from N.B. hybrid was obtained from N.B. hybrid followed by Mott grass with 35 t hafollowed by Mott grass with 35 t ha-1-1 with the with the irrigation interval of 30 days.irrigation interval of 30 days.

4.4. The irrigation intensity significantly affected the The irrigation intensity significantly affected the green fodder yield of all above grass species. In case green fodder yield of all above grass species. In case no irrigation N.B. was highly effected (65 %) while no irrigation N.B. was highly effected (65 %) while Chloris gayanaChloris gayana (23 %) with 30 days interval. (23 %) with 30 days interval.

Mazri Mazri ((Nannorrhops ritchieanaNannorrhops ritchieana))

1.1. Identified mazri plant as a best source of earning Identified mazri plant as a best source of earning among among the the local flora in sandy belt, use for making local flora in sandy belt, use for making different types of ropes, utensils and handicrafts.different types of ropes, utensils and handicrafts.2.2. The highest emergence value of 87 % of mazri The highest emergence value of 87 % of mazri plants recorded in the treatment having 6 inches seed plants recorded in the treatment having 6 inches seed depth followed by 8 inches.depth followed by 8 inches.3.3. Kharif (July) rainy season was found most Kharif (July) rainy season was found most appropriate season for sowing of mazri as compared appropriate season for sowing of mazri as compared to spring (february) season.to spring (february) season.

Mazri ProductsMazri Products

Prepared by Dr Rahmatullah Khan,AZRI DI Khan