<div style="text-align: justify;">The damage to coconut and rubber plantations by the Indian crested porcupine (Hystrix indica) in the Nilambur Forest Division, Malappuram District was reported for the first time. The objectives of this study were to document the mode of attack and estimate the extent of damage by Indian crested porcupine in the plantation crops of the forest fringes. The study was carried out from June 2013 to May 2016 as part of the documentation of human-wildlife conflict in Malappuram District. Stratified random sampling, along with quadrat (10 m x 10 m) method was used to assess the crop damage. Estimation of the economic loss to farmers was carried out by using the market price of the coconuts during the period, collected from the website of Farm Information Bureau, Govt. of Kerala. The mean economic loss of crops damaged by Indian crested porcupine was Rs.1322.35/- per ha/annum. The debarking behavior of Indian crested porcupine on coconut palms (n=31), rubber trees (n=27) and consumption of newly formed bamboo culms (n=42) were also reported. No one has implemented proper mitigation measures against the Indian crested porcupine in the District.</div>

<div style="text-align: justify;">Occurrence of the Indian Crested Porcupine (Hystrix indica Kerr.1792) and the Damage on Plantation Crops in the Nilambur Forest Divisions of Southern Western Ghats, Kerala, India</div>

<div style="text-align: justify;">A study was undertaken to evaluate the economics of feeding protected protein and protected fat in crossbred cows. The feeding trial of 4 months duration was conducted on 24 crossbred cattle which were subjected to treatment T0 (Control), T1 (Protected- protein), T2 ( Protected fat) and T3 (Protected protein and fat). Crossbred cows in second to fourth lactation with most probable production ability (MPPA) of average 2300 liter milk production per lactation for each group were selected. All animals were fed with 2/3 DM through roughages (2/3 from dry and 1/3 from green) + 1/3 DM from concentrate mixture. In T0 and T2 groups untreated groundnut cake was given in ration. Whereas, in T1 and T3 groups, groundnut cake was treated with formaldehyde (FA) (@ 1.0 gm FA /100g CP). Also bypass fat (99%) was supplemented in T2 and T3 groups @ 10 gm per liter milk production. Daily DM intake and daily milk yield for individual animals were recorded. The data generated during experimental period were analyzed by Factorial Randomized Block Design (FRBD) with SAS, 9.3 versions.The DMI was significantly (P&lt;0.05) higher in T3 (12.72) followed by T1 (12.59), T0 (12.47) and T2 (12.23). However, the DMI/ 100 kg body weight was 3.05, 3.01, 3.13 and 2.81 kg/d in T0, T1, T2 and T3, respectively with non significant treatment. The average milk production during supplementation period was 9.82, 11.76, 11.41 and 12.43 kg/d in group T0, T1, T2 and T3, respectively which was significantly 16.49% higher in T1, 13.93% higher in T2 and 20.99% in T3 over T0. The net return over feed cost was highest in T3 group followed by T1 and T2 over T0.</div>

Economics of feeding protected protein and protected fat on crossbred cattle

Background: The livelihood patterns of indigenous tribal communities residing in the Ghumsur forests are intricately interwoven with their dependence on forest-related activities. However, the degradation of forest ecosystems, particularly the incidence of forest fires, exerts a profound impact on the socio-economic dynamics and resilience of these communities. Consequently, an exigent need arises to comprehensively elucidate, evaluate and comprehend the nuanced characteristics of these areas concerning the complex interplay between forest fires and livelihoods.&nbsp; 
 
Methods: A thorough investigation was conducted to evaluate livelihood vulnerability to forest fires in the Ghumsur North Division forests. This assessment utilized the Livelihood Vulnerability Index (LVI), incorporating 34 indicators condensed into six factors for a comprehensive composite index. The factors represented various aspects of vulnerability and were based on tangible indicators reflecting the complexity of livelihood vulnerability. Data sources were primarily used, with indicators standardized on a scale from 0 to 1, where values near 1 indicated higher vulnerability.&nbsp; 
 
Result: The Gallery sub-region is particularly vulnerable due to factors like poor infrastructure, increased reliance on forests, close proximity to forested areas, socio-economic fragility and exposure to extreme weather events. It&rsquo;s crucial to improve adaptive capacity in fire-affected regions to reduce vulnerability to forest fires. Tailored policy interventions should focus on sector-specific development programs and involve communities in adaptation planning to address the link between livelihoods and susceptibility to forest fires.

Forest Fire Hazards and Livelihood Vulnerability Assessment of Ghumsur Forests in Ganjam District of Odisha

<div>Background:&nbsp;Pasteurellosis is an economically important disease of livestock worldwide and vaccination is effective mean to control the disease outbreaks. One of alternative method for vaccine preparation could be the use of lytic phages as bacterial inactivating agents and employing &ldquo;phage lysate immunogen&rdquo; as an immunizing agent. Therefore, the study was undertaken to explore the protective immune response of novel phage lysate vaccine against&nbsp;Pasteurella multocida.&nbsp; 
 
Methods:&nbsp;A phage lysate vaccine of&nbsp;Pasteurella multocida&nbsp;was prepared using isolated lytic phage and subjected to vaccine response study in rabbits. In this experiment, two mouse fixed-dose of lysate was used and the prophylactic efficacies of lysates were evaluated in rabbits by passive mouse protection test (PMPT), western blotting and direct virulent challenge. 
 
Result:&nbsp;Passive transfer of antibodies to mice using post-immunization sera of rabbits protected the animals against the challenge with A: 1 strain (75%) and B: 2&nbsp;strain (50%). In western blotting, a total number of 4 bands were observed in the region between 130 kDa to 25 kDa in the protein of the phage lysate. The study suggested the significance increase in humoral immunity by phage lysate in murine Pasteurellosis.</div>

<div>Active Immunization with Pasteurella multocida Lysate Elicits Antibody that Protects Rabbits against Virulent Pasteurella multocida and Protects Mice by Passive Immunization</div>

Background: The article presents the results of a study which is characterizing the impact of a forest shelterbelt on the productivity and profitability of winter wheat of the dry steppe zone of Volgograd region (Russia). The relevance of the problem was due to the fact that most of the agriculture is used to be concentrated in the steppe and forest-steppe natural zones. It is known that these territories were used to be forest reclamation facilities in the form of a network of protective forest belts. Also it touched&nbsp; the research aimed n need&nbsp; to evaluate the efficiency of winter wheat production within depression zones. The hypothesis means that&nbsp; the soil and climatic conditions of dry steppe regions, were utilizing these depression zone for arable land which significantly reduced the productivity and profitability of winter wheat cultivation. 
 
Methods: The work presents the biological productivity which was taken into account by using the method of meter-long plots in triplicationand a soil moisture was determined by the thermostat-weight method and grain quality was determined by using an infrared analyzer &ldquo;InfraLUM FT-12&rdquo;. The territory was visualized by using an unmanned aerial vehicle and chemical analyzes of soil samples were performed in the soil analysis laboratory of the FSC of Agroecology RAS by using generally accepted methods in soil science. 
 
Result: The research determined that depression zones arise in the steppe and dry steppe zones on the territory of agroforest landscapes near protective forest plantations. The areas of these zones occupy 4-8% of the total arable land area. Observations have shown that soil moisture in the depression zone in the meter-long layer is lower than in the inter-strip space. At the same time, the lack of mineral nutrition elements leads to a significant decrease in biometric indicators and the quality of winter wheat grown.

The Influence of the Depression Zone of Forest Shelterbelts on the Productivity and Profitability of Winter Wheat

Background: In Russia 5.2 million hectares of protective forest plantations were created on agricultural land. Forest strips optimize moisture turnover, heat and gas exchange of the territory and transform agrarian landscapes into more sustainable forest-agrarian ecosystems (agroforest landscapes). Studying the impact of shelterbelt forests on the transformation of soil properties in the context of climate change (organic carbon storage) is an important problem. The aim of our research was to study the effect of shelterbelt forests on soil indicators and to digitally map the contours of forest-meliorated soils on the test site using GIS-technology and field studies. 
 
Methods: In the present study, the methodology of soil studies in agroforested soils (1978) and the methodology of assessing the accumulation of substances in plants and soils in agroforested landscapes were used to study forest-meliorated soils. We proceeded from the position that the reclamation effect of forest belts occurs at a distance of 30 heights. The research was conducted from 2016 to 2022. 
 
Result: Research has established, that the soil profile under the forest belt has an organogenic horizon A0 (forest floor); the thickness of the humus horizon (A+B1) under the forest belt is 8-10 cm higher compared to other zones. Spatial distribution of humus content in the A+B1 horizon from the forest belt to the centers of inter-belt squares (zone 20H) is not characterized by great variability and clear patterns and on average makes 1.15-1.2%. The increase in calcium carbonate (CaCO3) content in the soil occurs in the direction from the forest belt to the 20H zone. The indicator of dense residue in terms of the content of readily soluble salts is not relevant in estimating the forest belt&rsquo;s influence on transformation of soil properties. A preliminary digital map of the contours of forest-reclaimed soils has been compiled. The obtained materials will serve as a basis for modeling the spatial and temporal dynamics of soils under forest belts in the zonal section and improving soil fertility in the interstrip space.

Influence of Forest Strips on Changes in Soil Properties in the Agrolandscape

<div>Background: Deforestation is a worldwide issue, accounting to the annual forest loss estimate of about 9.4 million hectares. Land degradation and global warming have brought drastic environmental conditions affecting agriculture and human life. Therefore, finding solutions to mitigate climate change has become increasingly important. Turning the carbon clock to normal and protecting the environment is the need of the hour.&nbsp; Thus, the study aimed to mitigate the microclimate through the Modified Miyawaki plantation at SRM CAS with native plants. 
 
Methods: Soil amelioration, Modified Miyawaki Plantation (micro-rainwater harvesting pond), organic inputs and Mycorrhiza biofertilizer enhanced the growth of native plants Syzygium cumini, Madhuca longifolia and Millettia pinnata planted in a square pattern with four plants per square metre. The height, girth at the base of each native tree and soil carbon are measured every 3rd month from May 2022 till October 2024. The carbon sequestration by the native species was estimated by measuring the above and below-ground biomass. 
 
Result: The micro-rain water harvesting ponds in each experimental plot stored 32M3 water and supported the growth of the trees. During the study period of 29 months, the organic amendments such as paddy straw mulching, vermicompost and panchagavya enhanced the carbon from 0.154 to 0.601 in the experimental plots compared to 0.025 in the control plots. The average biomass recorded and estimated at the end of the study period recorded a maximum carbon by Madhuca longifolia (250532.71 Kg) and a minimum of 10649.2 Kg by Syzygium cumini. The trees are interconnected through mycorrhizal network.</div>

Carbon Sequestration Through Miyawaki Plantation

<div style="text-align: justify;">Farm workers are exposed to pesticide vapours and organic dust during various farm activities which may leads to many health problems. To minimize health hazards protective clothes were designed with reference to fabric and functional features. Designed protective clothing was given to twenty five farm workers involved in pesticide application and forty farm workers (25 males and 15 females) engaged in threshing activity, for a period of one month to access their suitability and acceptability. On the basis of suitability and acceptability recommended protective clothing for pesticide applicators were jacket with hood and pyjama of water proof fabric (having lining of cotton hosiery fabric), Chemical Resistant mask, Glasses/goggles, Nitrile gloves and Sports shoes. For threshing activity recommended protective clothing were : apron with hood and full sleeves with elasticized cuffs (elastic in &nbsp;two rows),Pleated mask / beak mask, Glasses/goggles ,Sports shoes, Mittens/gloves (for male) and &nbsp;for female : &nbsp;Kameez with full sleeves preferably elasticized cuffs or apron, hood mask/scarf mask ,glasses/goggles, sports shoes, mittens/gloves.</div>

Development of protective clothing for agricultural workers&nbsp;

Background: The work was carried out in the arid environment of south-western Algeria using Retama retama (Forssk.) Webb and Berthel. an indicator shrub for forest protection and restoration. 
 
Methods:&nbsp;The experiment was conducted during the period 2024-2025 in university center of Naama, in the arid region of Na&acirc;ma, Algeria, North Africa.The study of dendrometric parameters such as height, circumference was based on inter-plant measurements,&nbsp; height of the shrubs and circumference of &nbsp;Retama&nbsp;plant. The soil chemical quality&nbsp; was examined by&nbsp; NMR spectroscopy magnetic and diffractometer. The statistical data representation was studied by descending hierarchical classification and correlation using R software. 
 
Result: A height range of&nbsp; 0.2 to&nbsp; 3 m, a crown circumference range from 0.03 m to 13.8 m and an equidistance between 0.2 m and 19.40 m was observed. This study helped&nbsp; to understand the links between dendrometric parameters such as height, circumference and the chemical quality of soil. The chemical analysis of the soil by X-ray fluorescence spectrometry, XRD &ldquo;X-ray diffractometer&rdquo; and NMR &ldquo;nuclear magnetic resonance&rdquo;,shows that SiO2&nbsp;represent 90,83%, Al2O3: 7.45%, CaO:1.02%, Fe2O3:0.29%, Na2O and K2O:0.01%, TiO2: 0.09%. The significant dendrometric results of the retama shrub demonstrate a significant ability to combat erosion and improve soil chemical quality through the addition of nutrients and organic matter from the associated fauna of the retama shrub. Dendrometrics are a valuable tool for sustainable forest management in arid regions, as they link tree characteristics to soil quality and the protection of the forest ecosystem.

Combining Dendrometric Parameters and Soil Chemical Properties: An Useful Tool for Valorization of Shrubs in Forests

Background: Assessing the forest suitability of soils is one of the key areas of agroforestry science. Research in this direction makes it possible to characterize areas where tree and shrub vegetation does not grow under natural conditions. The research carried out makes it possible to assess the possibilities of afforestation in the area of interest; they contribute to the perception of landscape diversity in the context of the reclamation efficiency of the created systems of protective forest plantings, their productivity and durability. Identification of soil suitability for forests is closely related to the assessment of soil quality and fertility. The study of forest suitability of soils has a pronounced regional aspect. This article presents materials from cartographic studies of the dry steppe zone of the Volgograd region of the Russian Federation. The study region is characterized by a wide variety of soil cover. Dark chestnut, chestnut soils and light chestnut soils are common in this zone. The processes of erosion, salinizationand deflation make a great contribution to the diversity of soil complexes. 
 
Methods: In this work, the cartographic research method is the main one. Achieving the research goal, creating a cartographic model of the forest vegetation properties of the study area, was carried out in three stages. At the first stage, the contours of the soil map at a scale of 1:400000 were classified into forest suitability groups. During the second stage, based on the functionality of the QGIS software package, new soil contours were created. At the third stage, area characteristics were taken, share parameters were calculated and an analysis of changes in soil cover was carried out in natural and economic areas. The research materials presented in this article were obtained during the implementation of the state task of the research work of the FSC of Agroecology RAS. The research period is from 2021-08 to 2023-11. 
 
Result: The result of the research is the creation of a cartographic model of the forest suitability of soils in the dry steppe zone of the Volgograd region. Based on measuring the areas of soil contours for each of the 17 administrative districts, the ratio of groups of forest suitability of soils was established. The revealed value of the share indicator for the study area as a whole is as follows: soils I, forest suitability groups occupy 10.4% of the territory; II -9.3%; III - 68.3%; IV - 12%. The data obtained are necessary for planning agroforestry work in the study area.