Impact of drone technology on agriculture - farmers' perception analysis

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), or drones, are revolutionizing agricultural practices by enhancing precision and efficiency in crop management. This study examines the impact of drone technology on agriculture in Coimbatore district, Tamil Nadu, focusing on farmers' perceptions and the extent of drone adoption. Covering a sample size of 120 farmers, the research explores various aspects of drone usage, including its benefits and challenges. Key advantages include reduced chemical usage, improved crop monitoring, precise irrigation, increased yields and water conservation. Government initiatives like the Kisan Drone program support the adoption of agricultural drones through subsidies and financial aid. However, high initial costs, technical complexity and regulatory barriers limit widespread adoption, particularly among small and marginal farmers. Custom hiring centres and enhanced government support are identified as potential solutions. Statistical methods such as binary logistic regression, propensity score matching and factor analysis are used to analyze adoption patterns and barriers. Findings reveal that drone spraying is the most common application, with higher awareness and adoption rates among educated farmers. The study concludes with recommendations to improve accessibility, reduce costs and expand training programs to benefit farmers across all socioeconomic segments

Groundwater quality assessment in selected polluted hotspots of Tamil Nadu, India using geospatial and statistical approaches

This study assessed groundwater quality in the Erode and Namakkal districts of Tamil Nadu, India, areas undergoing rapid urbanization and industrialization. Water quality parameters, including pH, Electrical Conductivity (EC), Calcium (Ca²⁺), Magnesium (Mg²⁺), Sodium (Na⁺), Potassium (K⁺), Carbonate (CO₃²⁻), Bicarbonate (HCO₃⁻), Chloride (Cl⁻), and Sulfate (SO₄²⁻), were analyzed for 113 samples to determine their suitability for drinking and irrigation based on BIS (2012) standards. Geospatial mapping visualized parameter variations, while statistical techniques, including the Water Quality Index (WQI), correlation analysis, Piper plot, and Gibbs plot, were employed for risk assessment. Results revealed that 82, 100, 78, 51, 6, 91, 86, 85, 1, and 112 sites exceeded permissible limits for pH, EC, Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, Na⁺, K⁺, CO₃²⁻, HCO₃⁻, Cl⁻, and SO₄²⁻, respectively. Additionally, limits for RSC, RSBC, SAR, Na ratio, Permeability Index, SSP, TSS, Magnesium Adsorption Ratio, and Potential Salinity were exceeded at 5, 5, 1, 0, 11, 33, 0, 13, 71, and 68 sites, respectively. The Piper plot indicated that sulfate and sodium were dominant ions, underscoring significant salinity and hardness issues. The findings highlight the critical need for comprehensive water treatment strategies, such as targeted filtration and chemical neutralization, to ensure safe drinking water and sustainable irrigation practices. Local policymakers could use these insights to implement stricter industrial wastewater discharge regulations, encourage eco-friendly practices, and prioritize vulnerable zones for immediate intervention. By informing sustainable groundwater management policies, the study underscores the urgency of addressing pollution hotspots in the context of continued urban and industrial development

Effects of Artificial Soil Fertility Gradient Strategy on the Soil Fertility, Nutrient Uptake and Growth Attributes of Chakravarthi Keerai (Chenopodium album)

The effect of artificial soil fertility gradient techniques on crop growth attributes, nutrient uptake, soil fertility and soil biological properties were studied in a field trial conducted in 2023 at Horticulture Research Station, Ooty, Nilgiris, Tamil Nadu. It was done using an inductive methodology. The field was split into three equal strips, with three graded levels of fertilizers viz., N (Urea), P2O5 (Single Super phosphate) and K2O (Muriate of Potash) applied to strip I (N0P0K0), II (N1P1K1) and III (N2P2K2). The N1 level has been determined on the basis of the blanket recommendation to Chakravarthi keerai, while the P1 and the K1 levels have been determined based on the fixing capacity of the soil phosphorus (250 kg ha-1) and the potassium (100 kg ha-1). Gradient crop, Chakravarthi keerai variety Ooty 1 was cultivated and green yield of Chakravarthi keerai was observed at the time of harvesting. At the time of harvesting, plant samples were taken and examined for N, P & K content and the uptake of N, P & K was calculated. The results showed that graded levels of fertilizer N, P2O5, K2O had a significant impact on soil fertility status and NPK uptake, as well as plant growth parameter. The article clearly shows a significant influence of the organic carbon, chlorophyll content, soil enzymes activity, microbial population, and Microbial biomass carbon

Role of Digital Assessment in Wound Management

Aim The aim of this study was to assess the role of digital planimetry in accurate measurement of wound size and guide in wound bed preparation in our patient. The calculation of wound surface area was done by using ImageJ software. Methods In our study, digital planimetry was used to measure the wound size using ImageJ software. Results In our study, digital planimetry helped inaccurate measurement of wound and helped to plan measures to decrease the wound size. Conclusion Digital assessment and ImageJ is a simple, easy, cost-effective technique of accurate wound measurement for wound management.</jats:p