Enhancing wheat production and quality in alkaline soil: a study on the effectiveness of foliar and soil applied zinc.

Cultivation of high-yield varieties and unbalanced fertilization have induced micronutrient deficiency in soils worldwide. Zinc (Zn) is an essential nutrient for plant growth and its deficiency is most common in alkaline and calcareous soils. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of Zn applied either alone or in combination with foliar application on the quality and production of wheat grown in alkaline soils. Zn was applied in the form of zinc sulfate (ZnSo4) to the soil and as a foliar spray during the sowing and tillering stages, respectively. Results showed that Zn fertilization of wheat, irrespective of modes of application, significantly increased grain and biological yield, grain per spike, and 1,000 grains weight over control; however, its effect was more noticeable when applied as 7.5 kg ha-1 of soil Zn combined with foliar Zn at 2.5 kg ha-1. Zn application significantly increased the grain protein content from 9.40% in the control to a maximum of 11.83% at soil Zn of 10 kg ha-1. Similarly, Zn application improved Zn, phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) concentrations in wheat grains. Moreover, correlation analysis showed that the grain Zn concentration was positively correlated with the grain P concentration. The correlation between P concentration in wheat grains and 1,000 grain weight was not significant. A total of 1,000 grains weight was positively correlated with tillers per plant, grain yield, and biological yield. There were positive correlations between protein content, biological yield, grain yield, and tillers per plant. Therefore, soil-applied Zn + foliar application in alkaline soils with limited Zn availability is crucial for improving wheat yield and grain quality.

Cash transfer program and willingness to pay for environmental services among the ultra-poor in Pakistan.

This study examines the impact of cash support from the Benazir Income Support Program (BISP) on willingness to pay for environmental services (WTPfES) among the ultra-poor in Pakistan using a quasi-experimental approach. We conduct empirical analysis using cross-sectional data of 1200 households by applying the regression discontinuity design (RDD) approach. The RDD-based empirical results show that BISP cash support positively impacts the willingness to pay for environmental services such as drinking water, sanitation, and waste disposal management services. The empirical analysis further depicts that cash assistance has a positive and significant impact on the willingness to participate in environmental services at the household and community levels. In addition, the additional income from the BISP helps families achieve better living standards and improve environmental services. The use of environmental services ultimately leads to better health among the target groups. The government may expand unconditional cash support to increase the use of quality environmental services.

Study of depression in university students in Pakistan.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the prevalence of depression among university students in Pakistan. METHODS: The descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from October 1, 2017, to February25, 2018, at Agriculture University, Faisalabad, Gomal University, Dera Ismail Khan, PirMehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi, University of Peshawar and Qurtuba University, Dera Ismail Khan, Pakistan. Data was collected using a pre-tested, structured questionnaire, and was analysed using SPSS 19. RESULTS: Of the 1159 subjects, 367(31.6%) were males and 792(68.3%) were females. The overall age range was 19-45 years. Of all the subjects, 986(85%) had some degree of depression, while 173(15%) were normal. Depression in females was significantly higher than males (p<0.05). Depression also had a significant association with academic grades (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Depression was found to be common among university students in Pakistani.