VISIT OF NORTH PUNJAB (SHEIKHUPURA, LAHORE):

Introduction to tour:
On Wednesday 25 May 2011 we left from university at 8:00am for Sheikhupura by the Sheikhupura road. 1st of all we add diesel in buses at petrol pump. Then we started our journey for Sheikhupura and reached Shahkot at 9:00am. We continue our journey and at least reached in Sheikhupura at 11:00 am.

Visit to Adaptive research complex Sheikhupura:

We reached in adaptive research complex at 10:15 am. The director research farm Rao M. Ashraf. He told us about the purposes of farm.

Purposes of farm:
To spread basic research in whole districts Do survey for verities and farmers fields Provide extension services to farmers Establish trials for 2-3 years for approval of varieties Disseminate the technology to farmers Provide awareness to farmers He told that the 1st project was in 1980 and no new research is done in this institute. Its only mean to adopt the verities in regional areas. The departments that work in this institute are agronomy, engineering, plant protection, economics and PBG. Research is undergoing in wheat. Rice and vegetables.

Tunnel farm:
The director of tunnel farm M. liaquat told us about the tunnel farming. He told that three types of tunnel farms. a. High tunnels b. Low tunnels c. Intermediate tunnels He told that the main purposes of tunnels to produce the summer vegetables in winters. In Punjab summer vegetables are less and brought from Sindh.

Tunnels operations:
Soil selection Seed selection Farm layout Transplanting of seedlings Irrigation Hanging of plants for providing of space Timely picking of fruits Grading Packing Marketing

Integrated pest management:

A lecture was also given on pests attack on wheat and other field crops. There are some biotic and abiotic factors that affect the population of insects and pests.

Control practices of pests:

Protect from spray Cultural control Biological control Use of balance fertilizers

Predators of aphids;
Lady bird beetle (11 spotted, 7 spotted, zigzag spotted) Crysoprilla cornia

Visit to Soil and Water testing laboratory Sheikhupura:

After visiting of Adaptive research complex we reached in soil and water testing lab Sheikhupura at 12:15 pm. Dr. Rashid Mehmood told us about the lab work. He told the purposes of lab such as, Advice to farmers. Test and analysis of soil and water. Complete analysis of water for fitness. Fertilizers analysis for fitness. Analysis of Organic matter, Potassium and Phosphorus. He told about soil sample depth and said that take water sample after each 10 feet depth when a pump is installed. He said that soil sample test on the basis of Ec, SAR and pH while water samples are fit or unfit on the basis of Ec, SAR and RSC. He said that texture is determined by saturation %age the water add in making the past do double that water quantity that will be saturation %age. If saturation %age is >50 then clayey texture and if <20 then sandy texture. After this we drank bottles and came back from laboratory at 12:45 pm to adaptive research complex. After this we left for Rice Research Institute Kala Shah Kaku.

Visit to rice research institute Kala Shah Kaku:

After visiting the lab of Sheikhupura we reached in Rice Research institute at 2:20 pm. Mr. Liaquat an Agri. Chemist introduce d different department of institute such as PBG, ENTO, AGRONOMY, CHEMISTRY and plant protection. He told that a chemist determine the fertilizer requirements, salinity tolerance and water requirements. He said that work is done on rice crop only. He told that total area is 500 acres out of which 70 acres for research and 430 acres are for seed multiplication. He also told about new variety basmati-515. He said no new variety with respect to salinity tolerance and rice is sensitive to salinity not sodicity. He said that NH4NO3 dont apply because more leaching is occur with this application. He said that Urea is applied in split form; apply Zinc 5 Kg/acre and 3 Kg/acre Boron. Field application is better than foliar spray. Basmati should transplant late. After this we reached in seminar room where Mr. Saleem a Plant breeder told about features of institute. He told that,

Establishment 1926 Rice institute 1970 st 1 variety 1933 Purposes of institute:

Variety development

Resistance against diseases and pests Suitability for the local areas Quality and quantity maintenance Varieties produced by institute: Total 19 varieties are produced by the institute in which Varieties Basmati-319 Basmati-515 Super basmati Kernel basmati Pak basmati Basmati-198 BASMATI-325 Super basmati1996 Basmati-2000 Shaheen basmati yield 30-40 monds 65-70 monds 65-68 monds 60 monds 50-55 monds 60-65 monds 50-60 monds 66-70 monds 55-60 monds 40-50 monds

Districts in which in rice is grow as a regional crop:

There are six district in which rice are grown as a regional crop and produce good quality and flavor. The districts are as follow, Sheikhupura, Lahore, Hafizabad, Gujrawala, Faisalabad and Nankana sahib. After this we went for lunch and did lunch from 4:00 to 5:00 pm and also said Zuhar and Asar prayers. Then we went to Lahore and reached in Lahore at 6:00 pm. Then we did rest for two hours and then did dinner from 9: pm to 10:30 pm.

Visit to Soil Survey of Pakistan center Lahore:

On Thursday 26 May 2011 we reached in soil survey of Pakistan at 9:10 am. The head of institute said that two projects are under processes that are National institute for land plan and national institute of research for soil and geomatics.

Head quarter is in Lahore Regional head quarters are in Peshawar, Quata, Hyderabad and Muzafarabad. Functions:
Land resource inventories Arial photograph, soil survey Land information services Laboratories services Soil reference centre information services Consulting and training services

National Agriculture land use: Objectives:

Preparation of district wise national plan Purposing necessary changes Identifying potentional crops for waste land Upgrading professional skills Provide legal coverages to land use plan

Main components:
Updation of land resource inventory of Pakistan Land evaluation Preparation of national use plan Preparation of legal network for plan Water logging, sodication, salinization, soil erosion, fertility depletion, structure deterioration, contamination with chemicals, industrial waste water and degradation of land resources.

Aims for remedy of these problems:

a. Preparation of national land use plan b. Preparation of national use act

Achievements:
a. Report writing and maps b. Preparation of 32 reports and 128 maps c. National institute for research of soil and geomatics:

Objectives:
Arranging courses for research organizations

Weakness:
a. Lack of awareness and their proper utilization b. Non transfer of modern technology to research workers and end users

Remedy for weakness:

a. Active participation in soil and soil related activities b. Active participation in soil and soil related GIS and RS c. Activities in technology transfer

Geomatics:
Depend on remote sensing and GIS. In geomatics following activities are performed. Displines of survey Survey and mapping Survey of army camps Survey of infrastructure and crops

Land forms of Pakistan:

There are three categories of land form, Major land form Minor land form Land elements

Major types of land form in Pakistan:

Platues Planes (sand, loess, piedmonts and rivers)

Hills/mountains Lakes/wetland In land forms the geology and morphology are study. After this we drank juices and left for DLR at 11:00 am.

Visit to Directorate of land reclamation Punjab Lahore:

After visiting of soil survey of Pakistan center we went to Directorate of land reclamation at 12:00 pm. The head of DLR welcomed us. The researchers of DLR gave us lecture and told about the DLR.

Objectives:
a. b. c. d. e. To identifying the causes of salinity/sodicity and water logging in Punjab To combat with problems of salinity/sodicity in Punjab To keep vigilant eye on soil degrading To implement and to regulate the reclamation operations To conduct the basic and applied research on soil reclamation and ground water management f. Soil and groundwater monitoring in Chaj Doab

Reclamation research stations:

Nine reclamation research centers spread all over Punjab, representing to all types of agro climate zones of province.

Major Functions of DLR:

Ground water monitoring and management On farm reclamation of salt-affected soils Field research at reclamation research stations Monitoring of water sector environmental pollution Command area development of small dams Analysis of soil and water samples and basic research regarding soil water plant relationship. Industrial and municipal pollution assessment Status of ground water quality profile, Promoting of low delta crops

Use of tensiometer:
Tensiometer is use to know the time that is suitable to irrigate the crops. The more reading of meter show more need of water for crops.

Use of lysimeter:
It is used to know the better use of water by the crops. It is made of two words lysi means water and meter means measurement. It is 1st time used in the directorate in 1972.

To make best use of underground water for irrigation:

The Punjab province receives its share of water from IRSA about 56 million acre feet. It is not enough for irrigation and need to make ground water useable for irrigation. The underground water can be used with the following parameters. Ec <1.50 dS/m SAR <10.00 RSC <2.50 me/L

Classification of salt-affected soils:

Water quality Good Saline: Marginally saline Saline High saline Saline-Sodic: Marginally Moderately Highly Sodic: Marginally Moderately Highly Sodic Ec dS/m <1.5 1.5-3 >3 >3 SAR <10 <10 <10 >10 RSE me/L <2.5 <<2.25 <2.25 <2.25

1.5-3 1.5-4 >4 .5-3 1.5-3 <3

10-15 10-15 >15 10-15 >15 >15

2.5-4 >4 >4 2.5-4 >4 >4

Irrigation water criteria for fitness: Ec <1.50 dS/m SAR <10.00 RSC <1.25 me/L

Classification of ground water:

Reclamation of saline-Sodic/Sodic soils:

Types of salt-affected soils:
1. Saline------- more soluble salts are present that affect crops and other plants adversely 2. Sodic-------- exchangeable sodium is present that deteriorate the physical and chemical properties of soil 3. Saline-Sodic---------- contain both soluble and exchangeable sodium salts

Methods of reclamation:
a. b. c. d. e. Physical methods Chemical methods Biological methods Hydro technical Erector chemical reclamation

How to protect the soil from salinity/Sodicity:

There are some suggestions that protect the soil from salinity and Sodicity hazardous. Deep ploughing in fields Use of organic matter in soils regularly Suitable use of canal irrigation Use gypsum as fertilizers To take care the level of ground water and test of soil annually Type of soils Saline Sodic Saline-Sodic Ec dS/m >4 <4 >4 ESP <15 >15 >15 SAR <13 >13 >13 pHs <8.5 >8.5 >8.5

Social and Environmental Management Unit: SEMUs Functions:

a. Provide intellectual leadership in the field. b. Develop, disseminate, upgrade and maintain guidelines for assessment of environmental impacts. c. Communication to all stakeholders and awareness building. d. Train IPD staff, FOs, AWBs to utilize guidelines. e. Coordination with other provincial and federal departments. f. Environmental data base development and management.

Social and environmental Issues: Social Issues:

Encroachment in irrigation land. Unavailability of water due to canal closure. Loss of land and assets. Damage to utilities and infrastructures.

Deterioration aesthetic quality. Threat to health.

Environmental issues:
Cutting of tress. Dust smoke causing air pollution. Noise pollution due to vehicle and machinery. Contamination of surface and groundwater Damage to flora and fauna.

Soil and environmental issues of small dams:

Aim of small dams: Small dams are built to capture stream water or runoff in the hilly areas during monsoon to improve the irrigation system of barani areas and to increase the yield per acre.

Major proposed actions for small dams:

Land Acquisition, Embankment construction, construction of Reservoir and construction of irrigation channels.

Use of saline water for crops with some amendments: Use of water having more Ec:
If canal water is also available then use alternate irrigation of tubwell and canal irrigation. In this process the salts will leach down and crop will be good.

Use of high SAR water:

The acid is not suitable for this type of water. This water is only reclaiming with calcium source such as gypsum. Do analysis of water and determine the total amount of gypsum addition in it to make useable for irrigation.

Use of High RSC water:

This type of water is reclaiming with the help of gypsum or other calcium source. The use of acid for this water is not good and gypsum is the only best option to make suitable this water for irrigation. This was the lecture in directorate and then we did lunch at DLR. After this we went to Sozo Water Park and left the Directorate of land reclamation at 2:00 pm.

Visit to Sozo Ware Park Lahore:

After visiting of directorate of land reclamation we reached in Sozo Water Park at 3:00 pm. 1st of all we bought tickets of Rs-9900 and entered in park. We enjoyed a lot in park. We stayed there for about two hours and took bath in pool vigorously. We also ate ice cream there. After this we left for Wagha border at 5:00 pm.

Visit to Wagha border Lahore:

After visiting of Sozo Water Park we wet to Wagha Border and reached there at 5:45 pm. 1st of all we bought tickets for entry. When we entered a huge crowed was there on both sides India and Pakistan borders. People of both sides were raised slogans against each other. People were also come from other cities to see the ceremony. We also raised slogans against India. The ceremony was start at 6:30 pm. The border security of both sides takes part in the ceremony. Before ceremony both sides security persons do flag march. We saw the ceremony and did enjoy there. After this we came back at 7:00 pm to Lahore city and

said Magrib prayer. Then we went to liberty market for dinner and did dinner from 8:00 to 10:00 pm in liberty market. After dinner we went to Gaddafi Stadium where we ate ice cream and stayed there about one hour. Then we came back to hostels at 12:00 am.

Visit to Directorate Soil Fertility Institute for Research Punjab Lahore:

On Friday 27th of May 2011 we reached in soil fertility institute for research at 9:10 am. The director of the directorate gave us a lecture and told about the activities performed in the institute. He told about the analysis of soil and water that are done in the institute.

Soil analysis:
pH, Ec, organic matter, Phosphorus, Potassium, Texture, and all micronutrients are analyses here in soil samples.

Water analysis:
Ec, Cl, SAR, RSC, cations and anions are determined in water samples.

Fertilizers analysis:
All major, micro and basic nutrients are analyzed. Heavy metals and cheleated products are also analyzed.

Criterias of soil:
pH, SAR and Ec

Ec
<4 >4 <4 >4

SAR
<13 <13 >13 >13

Status
Non saline-non Sodic Saline Sodic Saline-Sodic

Phosphorus and Potassium status of soil:

Phosphorus <3.5 ppm 3.6-7 7.1-14 14-21 >21 Potassium <40 ppm 41-80 81-180 181-280 >280 Soil status Very low Low Medium Adequate High

Critical limits of micronutrients:

Micronutrients Critical limits

Zn Cu Fe Mn

<1 ppm <.2 <1.5 <1.0

Laboratories:
Laboratories are present in Lahore, Sheikhupura, kasur and Okara.

Irrigation water criteria:

Ec, SAR and RSC are the Criterias of irrigation water. Ec SAR RSC me/L Status <1000 <6 <1.25 Fit 1001-1250 6-10 1.25-2.50 Marginally fit >1250 >10 >2.50 Unfit

Research projects in districts:

Lahore, Sheikhupura, kasur, Nankana sahib and Okara.

Fertilizers analysis:
These analyses are conduct for various purposes such as, Farm advisory Fertilizers control order Research samples are analyzed

Laboratory instruments:
Fume hood Nitrogen distillation unit Spectrophotometer Flame photometer Atomic absorption spectrophotometer Inductive couple plasma (ICP) Gas chromatography (GC) High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) Field wing:

pH
7-7.50 7.51-8.50 >8.51

Status
No alkaline Alkaline Sodic

Causes of low fertilizer use efficiency:

Low organic matter Calcareousness High pH Unsurplus use of fertilizers Poor agronomic practices

Message:
Balance fertilizer should be a good tool for better production. The P efficiency in soil is only 10-25 % while the efficiency of Nitrogen is 30-40 %. Enrich soil with proper fertilizers in balance amount. Do regular test of soil and water and also fertilizers.

Utilization of crop residues should do and addition of gypsum in Sodic soils and in brackish water.

Laboratory visits:
Chemistry lab: Emission spectroscope: This instrument can determined 21 elements at a time and give reading in 40 seconds. Nitrogen and carbon gases are used in it, nitrogen is used as a carrier. 4-5 hours light supply should provide when analysis is continue. Rs-10000 per sample for registration is charged. In chemistry lab the soil and water samples are analyzed for salinity and Sodicity assessment. HPLC and GC: More accurately analyzed the samples while gas chromatography is not so much accurate in performance. Fertilizer lab: In fertilizer lab the tests of N,P and K is done. The tests are done for the following purposes. Claim test Quality monitor Registration

Visit to Auriga group of componies Lahore:

After visiting of directorate of soil fertility we reached in Auriga at 11:50 pm. The head of company Mr. Shamsher welcomed us. We take rest for few seconds and then visit the fields and saw the different projects that were under process. Mr. Rizwan a plant breeder told about the work that is done on farm. He told how they produce the varieties of different crops. The variety of a crop is produced in 6-7 years. The following process in which a verity is produce. 1st of all hybridization Emasculation Do pollination Do selection of superior traits Make crossing of different males and females plant Make again selection of superior plants Revise the process up to 7 years unless a superior variety is produced We visit the fields of maize, cotton, rice and wheat. Mr. Rizwan told about the progress of company and introduced many varieties of crops. After field visit we came back at sitting place and did lunch there. After this the Mr. Shamsher gave us lecture and told the performance of company. He told that Auriga-101 top the whole province with 36 monds/acre yield and the wheat variety of Auriga also give the maximum yield as compare to other varieties. The variety of rice also gives maximum yield. He told that Auriga-101 of wheat variety has a potentional of 90 monds/acre. And to get maximum yield apply a urea bag for 10 monds yield. He told that the company was established in 2003 and produces up to 10 varieties of different crops. This was a brief introduction of Auriga Company. We get much knowledge from Mr. Shamsher. We left the Auriga company field at 2:00 pm. This was the last visiting station of our tour. After this we were ready to come back Faisalabad.

Back from Lahore to Faisalabad:

After visiting of Auriga Company we started our journey back to Faisalabad. We choose the Murkhunda and Nankana road and reached in Bucheki at 3:00 pm and to Jaranwala at 3:30 pm. We drank water there and reached to Faisalabad at 4:00 pm and to University at 4:15 pm. This was our north Punjab visit from 25th May to 27th May 2011.

Thanks.