To test the validity of thermodynamic parameters from the equilibrium method, we have studied the... more To test the validity of thermodynamic parameters from the equilibrium method, we have studied the reversible heat-induced denaturations of lysozyme, ribonuclease A, cytochrome c and myoglobin at various pH values, using absorption spectral measurements. For each protein, if a linear temperature-dependence of the pre-and post-transition baselines is assumed for the analysis of the conformational-transition curve, the estimate of ∆H van m (the enthalpy change on denaturation at T m , the midpoint of denaturation) is significantly less than ∆H cal m , the value obtained by the calorimetric measurements. If the analysis of thermal-denaturation curves assumes that the temperaturedependence of pre-and post-transition baselines is described by a parabolic function, there exists an excellent agreement between ∆H m values of all proteins obtained from equilibrium and calorimetric methods. The latter analysis is supported by the
In this study, an organic-fertilizer was prepared by composting fruit and vegetable wastes in a l... more In this study, an organic-fertilizer was prepared by composting fruit and vegetable wastes in a locally fabricated unit and enriching it with N applied at the rate of 147 g kg−1 compost. This “organic-fertilizer” was also used as a carrier for PGPR strain, Pseudomonas fluorescens biotype G (N3) containing ACC-deaminase to formulate a bio-fertilizer. The organic- and/or bio-fertilizers were applied at 300 kg ha−1 to maize in pots/plots supplemented with 0, 88 or 132 kg ha−1 urea-N. A basal dose of P and K (100 and 50 kg ha−1, respectively) was applied to all pots/plots. Results of two-years' pot and field trials revealed that the organic-fertilizer supplemented with 88 kg ha−1 N was equally effective compared to full dose of N-fertilizer (175 kg ha−1) in improving root weight, fresh biomass, and ear and grain yields of maize. However, bio-fertilizer supplemented either with 88 or 132 kg N ha−1 significantly increased the growth and yield of maize over full dose of N-fertilizer and exhibited superiority over organic-fertilizer. Organic-/bio-fertilizer application significantly enhanced N and P uptakes while substantially reducing the rate of water loss from the soil and increased aggregate stability. Results may imply that organic waste could be composted into value-added soil amendment by enriching/blending it with N and PGPR containing ACC-deaminase activity. The novelty of this approach is that the organic- or bio-fertilizer was used at a low rate (just 300 kg ha−1). Moreover, this strategy could also be useful to protect our environments against threat posed by organic wastes.
Largely accessible organic wastes can be turned into valuable compost product for raising crops o... more Largely accessible organic wastes can be turned into valuable compost product for raising crops organically on one hand, and get them disposed off safely at the other end. Straight use of organic wastes has tribulations like transportation and handling, wider C:N ratio, high application rates, nutrient overloading, weed seeds, pathogens, and metal toxicities. Composting bestows a tactic for coping high volumes of organic wastes in environmentally sound and desirable manners. Composted materials are remarkably regarded for their ability to improve soil health and plant growth, and suppress pathogens and plant diseases. Currently several composting systems have become available; ranging from a crude and slow windrows method, to the most speedy and computer monitored in-vessel system. Scientific investigations of this biological cum chemical process have reached to molecular level. Value addition of compost through beneficial microorganisms, mineral materials and fertilisers is also being considered. The nature and composition of materials put into composting is imperative for its quality rationale. On the whole, principles and processes governing composting are not so straightforward that ordinary enterprises could develop efficient composting facilities for the treatment of organic wastes. In this scenario, accessibility of comprehensive information to the scientific community as well as environmental protection agencies is imperative. This review article brings together the current information necessary for effective composting of organic wastes from different origins with diversified characteristics under various situations. It also covers the schematic description of well known composting systems, and various factors controlling the process.
A wire house experiment was conducted to study the integrated effect of un-composted, composted (... more A wire house experiment was conducted to study the integrated effect of un-composted, composted (recycled) organic waste and inorganic fertilizer on maize crop. One forth (44 kg ha -1 ) of recommended level of N fertilizer (175 kg ha -1 ) for maize was applied after blending in fruit and vegetable wastes during composting and same rate was applied along with un-composted organic waste. Phosphorus and potassium fertilizers were kept constant as control in all treatments. Compost enriched with 25% N (EC) was further supplemented with 25 and 50% recommended rate of N and compared with recommended N fertilizer. Both treatments significantly improved all yield parameters over control, integrated use of EC and 50% N, however, was statistically at par with chemical fertilizers in improving growth and yield parameters of maize. The study indicated that EC plus 50% N fertilizer resulted in saving of ~25% chemical N fertilizer. Results also revealed that 25% N in composted form was superior in improving growth and yield of maize to 25% N applied directly to soil along with un-composted organic waste. Findings of the trial suggest that efficiency of N fertilizer may significantly improve, when it is blended in composted organic waste providing more nutrients for longer time. At the same time it also depicts that un-composted material may cause immobilization of applied N fertilizer, which reduces its efficiency. Hence instead of using chemical fertilizer alone, its integrated use along with composted organic materials could be more effective, economical and sustainable for both agriculture and environment.
Manipulation of organic wastes and their composts as a source of organic matter (OM) and nutrient... more Manipulation of organic wastes and their composts as a source of organic matter (OM) and nutrients is imperative for sustainable agriculture. Further, the fortification of composts with chemical fertilizer enhances agronomic effectiveness of both by reducing the amount of fertilizer and improving the quality of compost. The present study aimed to explore the potential of organic and chemical nutrient sources with their optimal application and integration for sustainable wheat production. Accordingly, waste fruits and vegetables were collected, dried, ground and processed in a composting vessel. During the enriched composting, waste material (300 kg) was fortified with 30 kg N, i.e. 25% of the standard rate (120 kg N ha -1 ) of N fertilizer. Treatments for both greenhouse and field experiments using wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) included: control (without any compost or N fertilizer), compost (non-enriched), fertilizer N 120 (120 kg N ha -1 ), nitrogen-enriched compost (NEC), NEC + N 30 (30 kg N ha -1 ) and NEC + N 60 (60 kg N ha -1 ). Application rate of composts (non-enriched or enriched) was 300 kg ha -1 in the respective treatments. Phosphorus and potassium fertilizers were applied at 90 kg P 2 O 5 ha -1 and 60 kg K 2 O ha -1 , respectively in all treatments. The crop was grown to maturity, and data on wheat growth and yield attributes were recorded. Application of NEC significantly improved the growth, yield and N, P and K contents of wheat compared with compost and control treatments. The performance of NEC + N 60 was statistically similar to that of fertilizer N 120. Economic analysis also revealed the superiority of NEC + N 60 over other treatments in terms of net return and relative increase in income; however, the value/cost ratio was highest with NEC alone. For effective and economical use of N fertilizer, it is suggested to integrate N fertilizer at reduced rates with NEC. Through enriched compost, application rates can be decreased from tonnes to kilograms per hectare, and dependence on chemical fertilizer can be reduced to a certain extent. So the approach is farmer friendly as it lowers compost application rates, and is economically acceptable as it saves N fertilizer. It is also environmentally sustainable due the recycling of organic waste and possible reduction of N losses to the environment. Thus, the study has wide application in the global environment and fertilizer market.
This study investigates the discursive construction of Hindu identity in the late nineteenth cent... more This study investigates the discursive construction of Hindu identity in the late nineteenth century in North India. Analyzing historical data from a language ideological debate, I show that the construction of the Hindi language and script as perfect and the Urdu language and script as defective were part of the construction of Hindu identity. The metalinguistic debate on Hindi and Urdu often transgressed from linguistic into sociocultural realms by establishing links between language, ethics, morality, and authenticity. The Urdu language and script were argued to be foreign, fraudulent, and prejudiced, in contrast to the Hindi language and script, which were projected as indigenous, honest, and impartial. Drawing on a language ideological theoretical framework , I show the actual workings of the semiotic processes of iconization, fractal recursivity, and erasure in this language debate. I also demonstrate that a major outcome of this debate was that Hindi and Urdu began to index Hindu and Muslim identity, respectively. 1164 1 The British used Hindustani to refer to the Urdu language. Earlier names of Urdu also include Hindi, Hindavi, Rekhta, etc. See Faruqi (2001) for a detailed account of the various names that have been used for Urdu at different points in time.
To test the validity of thermodynamic parameters from the equilibrium method, we have studied the... more To test the validity of thermodynamic parameters from the equilibrium method, we have studied the reversible heat-induced denaturations of lysozyme, ribonuclease A, cytochrome c and myoglobin at various pH values, using absorption spectral measurements. For each protein, if a linear temperature-dependence of the pre-and post-transition baselines is assumed for the analysis of the conformational-transition curve, the estimate of ∆H van m (the enthalpy change on denaturation at T m , the midpoint of denaturation) is significantly less than ∆H cal m , the value obtained by the calorimetric measurements. If the analysis of thermal-denaturation curves assumes that the temperaturedependence of pre-and post-transition baselines is described by a parabolic function, there exists an excellent agreement between ∆H m values of all proteins obtained from equilibrium and calorimetric methods. The latter analysis is supported by the
In this study, an organic-fertilizer was prepared by composting fruit and vegetable wastes in a l... more In this study, an organic-fertilizer was prepared by composting fruit and vegetable wastes in a locally fabricated unit and enriching it with N applied at the rate of 147 g kg−1 compost. This “organic-fertilizer” was also used as a carrier for PGPR strain, Pseudomonas fluorescens biotype G (N3) containing ACC-deaminase to formulate a bio-fertilizer. The organic- and/or bio-fertilizers were applied at 300 kg ha−1 to maize in pots/plots supplemented with 0, 88 or 132 kg ha−1 urea-N. A basal dose of P and K (100 and 50 kg ha−1, respectively) was applied to all pots/plots. Results of two-years' pot and field trials revealed that the organic-fertilizer supplemented with 88 kg ha−1 N was equally effective compared to full dose of N-fertilizer (175 kg ha−1) in improving root weight, fresh biomass, and ear and grain yields of maize. However, bio-fertilizer supplemented either with 88 or 132 kg N ha−1 significantly increased the growth and yield of maize over full dose of N-fertilizer and exhibited superiority over organic-fertilizer. Organic-/bio-fertilizer application significantly enhanced N and P uptakes while substantially reducing the rate of water loss from the soil and increased aggregate stability. Results may imply that organic waste could be composted into value-added soil amendment by enriching/blending it with N and PGPR containing ACC-deaminase activity. The novelty of this approach is that the organic- or bio-fertilizer was used at a low rate (just 300 kg ha−1). Moreover, this strategy could also be useful to protect our environments against threat posed by organic wastes.
Largely accessible organic wastes can be turned into valuable compost product for raising crops o... more Largely accessible organic wastes can be turned into valuable compost product for raising crops organically on one hand, and get them disposed off safely at the other end. Straight use of organic wastes has tribulations like transportation and handling, wider C:N ratio, high application rates, nutrient overloading, weed seeds, pathogens, and metal toxicities. Composting bestows a tactic for coping high volumes of organic wastes in environmentally sound and desirable manners. Composted materials are remarkably regarded for their ability to improve soil health and plant growth, and suppress pathogens and plant diseases. Currently several composting systems have become available; ranging from a crude and slow windrows method, to the most speedy and computer monitored in-vessel system. Scientific investigations of this biological cum chemical process have reached to molecular level. Value addition of compost through beneficial microorganisms, mineral materials and fertilisers is also being considered. The nature and composition of materials put into composting is imperative for its quality rationale. On the whole, principles and processes governing composting are not so straightforward that ordinary enterprises could develop efficient composting facilities for the treatment of organic wastes. In this scenario, accessibility of comprehensive information to the scientific community as well as environmental protection agencies is imperative. This review article brings together the current information necessary for effective composting of organic wastes from different origins with diversified characteristics under various situations. It also covers the schematic description of well known composting systems, and various factors controlling the process.
A wire house experiment was conducted to study the integrated effect of un-composted, composted (... more A wire house experiment was conducted to study the integrated effect of un-composted, composted (recycled) organic waste and inorganic fertilizer on maize crop. One forth (44 kg ha -1 ) of recommended level of N fertilizer (175 kg ha -1 ) for maize was applied after blending in fruit and vegetable wastes during composting and same rate was applied along with un-composted organic waste. Phosphorus and potassium fertilizers were kept constant as control in all treatments. Compost enriched with 25% N (EC) was further supplemented with 25 and 50% recommended rate of N and compared with recommended N fertilizer. Both treatments significantly improved all yield parameters over control, integrated use of EC and 50% N, however, was statistically at par with chemical fertilizers in improving growth and yield parameters of maize. The study indicated that EC plus 50% N fertilizer resulted in saving of ~25% chemical N fertilizer. Results also revealed that 25% N in composted form was superior in improving growth and yield of maize to 25% N applied directly to soil along with un-composted organic waste. Findings of the trial suggest that efficiency of N fertilizer may significantly improve, when it is blended in composted organic waste providing more nutrients for longer time. At the same time it also depicts that un-composted material may cause immobilization of applied N fertilizer, which reduces its efficiency. Hence instead of using chemical fertilizer alone, its integrated use along with composted organic materials could be more effective, economical and sustainable for both agriculture and environment.
Manipulation of organic wastes and their composts as a source of organic matter (OM) and nutrient... more Manipulation of organic wastes and their composts as a source of organic matter (OM) and nutrients is imperative for sustainable agriculture. Further, the fortification of composts with chemical fertilizer enhances agronomic effectiveness of both by reducing the amount of fertilizer and improving the quality of compost. The present study aimed to explore the potential of organic and chemical nutrient sources with their optimal application and integration for sustainable wheat production. Accordingly, waste fruits and vegetables were collected, dried, ground and processed in a composting vessel. During the enriched composting, waste material (300 kg) was fortified with 30 kg N, i.e. 25% of the standard rate (120 kg N ha -1 ) of N fertilizer. Treatments for both greenhouse and field experiments using wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) included: control (without any compost or N fertilizer), compost (non-enriched), fertilizer N 120 (120 kg N ha -1 ), nitrogen-enriched compost (NEC), NEC + N 30 (30 kg N ha -1 ) and NEC + N 60 (60 kg N ha -1 ). Application rate of composts (non-enriched or enriched) was 300 kg ha -1 in the respective treatments. Phosphorus and potassium fertilizers were applied at 90 kg P 2 O 5 ha -1 and 60 kg K 2 O ha -1 , respectively in all treatments. The crop was grown to maturity, and data on wheat growth and yield attributes were recorded. Application of NEC significantly improved the growth, yield and N, P and K contents of wheat compared with compost and control treatments. The performance of NEC + N 60 was statistically similar to that of fertilizer N 120. Economic analysis also revealed the superiority of NEC + N 60 over other treatments in terms of net return and relative increase in income; however, the value/cost ratio was highest with NEC alone. For effective and economical use of N fertilizer, it is suggested to integrate N fertilizer at reduced rates with NEC. Through enriched compost, application rates can be decreased from tonnes to kilograms per hectare, and dependence on chemical fertilizer can be reduced to a certain extent. So the approach is farmer friendly as it lowers compost application rates, and is economically acceptable as it saves N fertilizer. It is also environmentally sustainable due the recycling of organic waste and possible reduction of N losses to the environment. Thus, the study has wide application in the global environment and fertilizer market.
This study investigates the discursive construction of Hindu identity in the late nineteenth cent... more This study investigates the discursive construction of Hindu identity in the late nineteenth century in North India. Analyzing historical data from a language ideological debate, I show that the construction of the Hindi language and script as perfect and the Urdu language and script as defective were part of the construction of Hindu identity. The metalinguistic debate on Hindi and Urdu often transgressed from linguistic into sociocultural realms by establishing links between language, ethics, morality, and authenticity. The Urdu language and script were argued to be foreign, fraudulent, and prejudiced, in contrast to the Hindi language and script, which were projected as indigenous, honest, and impartial. Drawing on a language ideological theoretical framework , I show the actual workings of the semiotic processes of iconization, fractal recursivity, and erasure in this language debate. I also demonstrate that a major outcome of this debate was that Hindi and Urdu began to index Hindu and Muslim identity, respectively. 1164 1 The British used Hindustani to refer to the Urdu language. Earlier names of Urdu also include Hindi, Hindavi, Rekhta, etc. See Faruqi (2001) for a detailed account of the various names that have been used for Urdu at different points in time.
Uploads
Papers by Rizwan Ahmad