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Green revolution

The father of 'Green Revolution’, India's exceptional agricultural scientist M.S. Swaminathan, passed away.

The father of 'Green Revolution’, India's exceptional agricultural scientist M.S. Swaminathan, passed away.

Father of Green Revolution in India, M.S. Swaminathan ji passed away on September 28, 2023 at 11.20 am in Chennai. Inspired by his father, he made many important contributions in the field of agriculture.


Mankombu Sambasivan Swaminathan, a well-known agricultural scientist and the founder of the country's 'Green Revolution', died on September 28, 2023, at 11.20 a.m., at his home in Chennai. Swaminathan was 98 years old when he died. He has three daughters: Soumya Swaminathan, Madhura Swaminathan, and Nitya Rao. His wife, Meena Swaminathan, had already died.


Who inspired Dr Swaminathan to step into Agriculture

For your knowledge, Swaminathan was born on August 7, 1925 in Kumbakonam to MK Sambasivan, a surgeon, and Parvati Thangammal, and received his education there itself. Swaminathan, who had an interest in agricultural science, was encouraged to seek higher study in this subject by his father, who was a participant in the liberation fight, and also inspired by  Mahatma Gandhi. However, he previously worked for a position in the police department, for which he was qualified in the late 1940s. Swaminathan held two graduate degrees, one from the Agricultural College in Coimbatore (now Tamil Nadu Agricultural University).


Also to read: The Green Revolution led India to be the second largest producer of Wheat.


Dr. Swaminathan did special work on major crops of Green Revolution

Dr. Swaminathan collaborated closely with two Union Agriculture Ministers, C. Subramaniam (1964-67) and Jagjivan Ram (1967-70 and 1974-77), to ensure the success of the 'Green Revolution', which resulted in the establishment of several agricultural companies in India. Worked to put agricultural successes into action. He worked to increase wheat and rice productivity by heavy use of chemical-biological technologies. Norman Borlaug, a well-known American agricultural scientist and Nobel Prize laureate in 1970, made significant contributions to this field.


Why should not the straw not burn? How will you know that your soil is alive or is lifeless?

Why should not the straw not burn? How will you know that your soil is alive or is lifeless?

Only the microorganisms (microbes) found in the upper surface of your soil determine that your soil is alive or lifeless, lifeless soil is called barren land. Due to burning of paddy straw, the microorganisms found in the soil die due to excessive heat, due to which the soil becomes barren. This fact needs to be promoted to reduce the problem of stubble burning. No smart and conscious farmers will make their soil barren themselves. For immediate benefits and due to lack of information, they are causing their own loss. In determining that the soil is alive or lifeless, it involves assessing its biological, chemical and physical characteristics. The soil is a complex ecosystem that is formed by combining diverse communities of organisms, from microorganisms to large organisms. This dynamic environment plays an important role in supporting the life of plants and maintaining ecological balance. We will detect various indicators and factors that help us understand the living nature of the soil.


1. Biological indicators

The soil is full of life, and a major indicator of its life is the presence of microorganisms. Bacteria, fungi, protozoa and nematodes are essential components of soil health. These organisms contribute to nutritious cycles, organic matter decomposition and disease suppression. Soil tests, such as microbial biomass and activity assay, provide insight into the abundance and diversity of these microorganisms.


Also read: The importance of natural farming and what are its benefits.


 Earthworms are another important biological indicator. Their hole digging activities increase soil composition, aeration and water infiltration. The presence and variety of earthworms indicate a healthy and biologically active soil.


2. Chemical Indicators

The chemical composition of the soil also reveals its vibrancy. The characteristic of living soil is a balanced nutrient that supports the growth of plants. PH, nutrient levels (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, etc.), and soil testing for organic matter content helps to assess soil fertility and the ability to maintain the life of plants. Organic matter derived from disintegrated plants and animal materials is a major component of living soil. It provides nutrients, improves water retention and supports microbial activity. High organic matter material is a sign of lively and biologically active soil.


3. Physical Indicator

The physical structure of the soil affects its vibrancy. The structure of a healthy soil allows proper drainage, root entry and air circulation. Soil sets formed by binding of particles contribute to a well -structured soil.


Also read: In the country of diversities, soil is also found separately, know which soil is the most fertile? 


By observing the soil texture (sand, silt, soil), information about its physical properties can be found. Living soils often have diverse textures, which promotes a balanced mixture of drainage and water retention. The narrow or poor structured soil indicates a lack of biological activity.


4. Health of plants

The health and vitality of plants growing in the soil is a direct indicator of the vibrancy of the soil. The growth of green and vigorous plants indicates rich and biologically active soil. In contrast, stagnant growth, yellow leaves, or increasing sensitivity to diseases indicate soil problems. Mycorrhiza plays an important role in taking nutrients, creating a symbiotic relationship with the roots of plants. The presence of mycorrhiza is an indicator of a living soil ecosystem that supports plant-length interactions.


Also read: Our soil growing towards better production from less fertile power


5. Soil respiration

Measuring soil respiratory rate provides direct evaluation of microbial activity. Microorganisms consume organic materials in the soil, release carbon dioxide through respiration. The high soil respiratory rate indicates an active microbial community and contributes to the cycle of nutrients.


Conclusion

In conclusion, to determine whether the soil is alive or not, it involves a comprehensive analysis of its biological, chemical and physical characteristics. Organic indicators such as microorganisms and earthworms, nutrient levels and organic matters such as chemical indicators and physical indicators such as the structure of soil collectively contribute to the evaluation. Additionally, observing the health of the plant and performing soil respiratory testing provides valuable information about the dynamic and living nature of the soil. Overall, a holistic approach that considers multiple indicators is necessary for the intensive understanding of the soil livelihood.