Journal of Scientific Research and Reports

Discussion on the Current Engineering Application Status and Development Path of Timber–concrete Composite Beams

2026-06-25T13:12:11+00:00

Timber–concrete composite beams combine timber and concrete through mechanical or bonded shear connections, enabling the two materials to work together in resisting structural actions. This review discusses the current engineering application status, structural advantages, experimental research progress and development path of timber–concrete composite beams, with particular attention to the role of shear connectors. The manuscript summarises reported applications of timber–concrete composite systems in recent building projects and describes their potential benefits, including improved stiffness, enhanced load-bearing performance, lower self-weight than conventional concrete members and more effective use of the complementary properties of timber and concrete. The review also outlines research on long-term deformation, creep, shrinkage, fire resistance and seismic performance, indicating that these factors remain important for serviceability and safety. Existing studies on dowel-type connectors, embedded steel plate connectors and tenon-screw connectors are discussed to clarify their mechanical characteristics, advantages and limitations. The review indicates that the connector system is a key factor controlling composite action, interface slip, stiffness, bearing capacity, ductility and failure mode. Although timber–concrete composite beams show promise for low-carbon and industrialised construction, their wider application remains limited by insufficient design guidance, limited quantitative comparison among connector types and incomplete understanding of long-term and multi-hazard performance. Further research should focus on reliable connector design, long-term performance prediction, life-cycle assessment and practical design methods suitable for engineering application.

Adaptation, Stress Tolerance and Climate Resilience in Gulmohar (Delonix regia): A Review

2026-06-26T11:58:33+00:00

Delonix regia (Gulmohar) is a widely cultivated ornamental and multipurpose tree in tropical and subtropical landscapes, valued for its rapid growth, broad canopy, seasonal flowering, and ability to persist under warm and seasonally dry conditions. This review synthesises information presented in the manuscript on the adaptation, stress tolerance, and climate-resilience potential of D. regia, with emphasis on drought, heat, salinity, oxidative stress, and urban environmental constraints. The species exhibits several morphological traits associated with stress avoidance and tolerance, including an extensive rooting habit, semi-deciduous leaf shedding during dry periods, bipinnate leaves, and an umbrella-shaped canopy that provides shade and moderates the surrounding microclimate. Physiological responses discussed include stomatal regulation, photosynthetic adjustment, improved water-use efficiency, and osmotic adjustment under water-deficit and saline conditions. Biochemical responses include the accumulation of compatible solutes, such as proline, soluble sugars, and amino acids, together with the activation of antioxidant enzymes, including superoxide dismutase, catalase, peroxidase, and ascorbate peroxidase, which help reduce oxidative injury caused by reactive oxygen species. The manuscript also highlights the ecological role of D. regia in urban forestry through shade provision, microclimate regulation, particulate interception, soil stabilisation, biodiversity support, and carbon storage through biomass accumulation. However, the evidence base remains fragmented, and several stress-tolerance mechanisms require stronger species-specific validation. Overall, D. regia appears to have useful traits for climate-resilient landscaping, provided its use is supported by site-specific evaluation and further physiological, biochemical, molecular, and field-based research.

Effects of Biochar, Vermicompost and FYM on Soybean Productivity and Nutrient Use Efficiency in Vertisols

2026-06-25T12:19:20+00:00

Soybean productivity in Vertisols is often constrained by poor nutrient availability and low nutrient use efficiency due to soil-related limitations. Organic amendments such as biochar, vermicompost and farmyard manure (FYM) can improve soil fertility, enhance nutrient retention and support sustainable soybean production. This study evaluated the effects of biochar, vermicompost and FYM on soybean productivity and nutrient use efficiency in Vertisols. A field experiment was conducted during Kharif 2024 at SVVV, Indore, using a randomised block design with eight treatments. These included 100% recommended dose of fertiliser (RDF) and various INM modules comprising 50% RDF combined with biochar, FYM and vermicompost. The parameters studied included yield, NPK uptake and nutrient efficiency indices. Integrated treatments significantly outperformed sole chemical fertilisation. Treatment T8 (50% RDF + 2.5 t biochar + 2.5 t VC ha⁻¹) recorded the highest grain (12.52 q ha⁻¹) and straw (18.74 q ha⁻¹) yields, representing a 100% increase over the control. T8 also exhibited the maximum nitrogen and potassium uptake in grain and superior physiological efficiency for nitrogen. While soil pH and EC remained stable, organic carbon showed slight improvement under biochar-based treatments. Higher soil NPK in the control plots compared with T8 reflected efficient nutrient utilisation and higher biomass removal in the integrated plots. Substituting 50% RDF with a biochar-vermicompost blend (T8) optimises soybean productivity and nutrient recovery through a slow-release mechanism, offering a sustainable strategy for soil health and crop performance in black soils.

Socio-economic Profile of the Edible Oil Consumers in Kalyana Karnataka, Karnataka, India

2026-06-25T13:16:10+00:00

Edible oils are an important component of household food expenditure and nutrition in India; however, despite substantial growth in oilseed production, domestic availability remains insufficient, leading to high import dependence. The present study analysed the socio-economic profile of edible oil consumers in the Kalyana Karnataka region of Karnataka, with specific reference to Kalaburagi and Ballari districts. A total of 120 respondents, comprising 60 rural and 60 urban consumers, were selected using a multi-stage random sampling technique. Primary data were collected through personal interviews using a structured schedule and analysed using descriptive statistics. The findings revealed distinct rural-urban differences in socio-economic characteristics, with urban consumers being relatively more highly educated, having higher income levels and owning more household assets than rural consumers. Nuclear families and medium-sized households were predominant in both areas, while non-vegetarian food habits were common, indicating higher edible oil consumption. The study concludes that socio-economic factors, such as education, income, occupation and family structure, influence edible oil consumption behaviour and underscore the need for region-specific awareness and policy interventions to promote informed and healthier edible oil choices.

Assessment of Woody Lignocellulosic Substrates for Mycelial Colonization and Bio Composite Development Using Pleurotus ostreatus

2026-06-26T07:41:27+00:00

The increasing demand for sustainable and biodegradable alternatives to synthetic materials has accelerated research on mycelium-based composites using lignocellulosic biomass. This study evaluated the colonisation behaviour of Pleurotus ostreatus on selected woody substrates including subabul (Leucaena leucocephala), melia (Melia dubia), bamboo (Dendrocalamus strictus), eucalyptus (Eucalyptus tereticornis), lantana (Lantana camara), and ailanthus (Ailanthus excelsa) under controlled laboratory conditions. The substrates were processed to a particle size of approximately 8 mm, sterilised, inoculated with sorghum grain spawn at a 1:1 ratio, and incubated at 25°C and 75% relative humidity for 18 days. A comparative qualitative evaluation was conducted based on surface colonisation, internal mycelial spread, hyphal density, uniformity of growth, colour changes, and contamination occurrence. Among the tested substrates, subabul and melia exhibited excellent colonisation with dense and uniform mycelial growth (++++) and extensive substrate coverage. Bamboo showed good colonisation behaviour (+++) with comparatively stable mycelial spread, whereas eucalyptus and lantana exhibited sparse and uneven growth (+) with delayed colonisation and slight contamination. Ailanthus demonstrated moderate colonisation behaviour (++). The observed differences in fungal growth behaviour were attributed to variations in substrate composition, porosity, moisture interaction, and the presence of inhibitory extractives such as phenolic compounds and essential oils. The findings indicate that substrate characteristics influence fungal establishment and colonisation efficiency. The study highlights the potential of subabul and melia as promising woody substrates for future bio-composite development. Although the present investigation was preliminary, the results provide useful insights into substrate compatibility and sustainable utilisation of woody lignocellulosic biomass for environmentally friendly biomaterial applications.

A Comparative Study of Farmer Perception towards Organic Farming Practices: Evidence from Keonjhar and Kendrapara Districts of Odisha, India

2026-06-26T07:48:21+00:00

Organic farming is promoted as a sustainable alternative to conventional agriculture, but its adoption depends strongly on farmers’ perceptions of feasibility, profitability and benefits. This study examined vegetable farmers’ perceptions of organic farming practices in Keonjhar and Kendrapara districts of Odisha, India. An ex-post facto research design was used, and data were collected from 400 respondents selected through multistage sampling. Farmers’ perceptions were measured using a structured interview schedule comprising 25 statements across five domains: production practices, environmental and health benefits, economic viability and profitability, certification and policy support, and market access and consumer demand. The instrument showed high internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.89). Results indicated strong positive perceptions of the environmental and health benefits of organic farming, particularly soil fertility improvement (overall mean = 4.45) and residue-free food production (overall mean = 4.46). However, perceptions of economic viability, certification, training and market infrastructure were comparatively moderate. Welch’s t-test showed significant inter-district differences across all domains (p < 0.001), with Kendrapara farmers reporting a more favourable overall perception (mean = 4.07) than Keonjhar farmers (mean = 3.26). The largest difference was observed in economic viability and profitability (t = 40.63). The Perception Gap Index was higher in Keonjhar (34.47%) than in Kendrapara (26.32%), with a pooled value of 30.07%. Overall, 58.50% of respondents fell in the medium perception category. The findings suggest that farmer-oriented training, simplified certification procedures and stronger organic marketing channels are needed to reduce perception gaps and support informed adoption decisions.

Effectiveness of DAMU Agro-advisory Services in Enhancing Crop Planning and Management: A Comparative Study of Beneficiary and Non-beneficiary Farmers

2026-06-26T07:56:22+00:00

Agriculture is highly vulnerable to weather variability, making timely weather-based agro-advisories essential for effective crop planning, resource management and climate-resilient farming. District Agro-Meteorological Units (DAMUs) play a crucial role in disseminating localised weather forecasts and crop-specific recommendations to farmers. The present study assessed the role of DAMUs in farm planning and management through an opinion-based evaluation of agro-advisory services in Jalore district, Rajasthan. A purposive and random sampling approach was used to select 120 respondents, comprising 60 beneficiaries and 60 non-beneficiaries. Data were collected using a structured, pre-tested interview schedule and analysed with appropriate statistical tools. The findings revealed that beneficiary farmers expressed significantly favourable opinions towards DAMU advisories, acknowledging their effectiveness in minimising harvesting losses due to abnormal weather, optimising irrigation scheduling, improving pest and disease management and enhancing crop productivity. In contrast, non-beneficiaries reported limited awareness and less favourable perceptions, citing a lack of knowledge about the DAMU scheme, inadequate technical support and dependence on external agencies for crop planning. The study concludes that DAMU agro-advisories play a significant role in improving crop planning and management by providing timely weather-based recommendations to farmers. Beneficiary farmers reported higher levels of awareness, acceptance and utilisation of advisory services than non-beneficiaries. The study highlights the need for enhanced extension efforts, ICT-enabled dissemination and capacity-building programmes to expand the reach of DAMU advisories and strengthen climate-resilient agricultural decision-making.

Survey on Thrips Incidence in Groundnut Growing Mandals of Srikakulam District, Andhra Pradesh, India

2026-06-26T09:22:39+00:00

A roving survey on thrips incidence in groundnut-growing mandals of Srikakulam district, Andhra Pradesh, was conducted during rabi 2025-2026 to assess thrips incidence and associated foliar damage in major groundnut-growing mandals of Srikakulam district, Andhra Pradesh. The survey covered three mandals, namely Tekkali, Santabommali and Kotabommali, with three villages selected from each mandal. Observations were recorded during the vegetative, flowering and pegging stages of the crop. In each village, five farmers' fields were selected, and the thrips population was assessed from the terminal growing portion of plants. Foliar damage was estimated on the basis of visible feeding symptoms and expressed as the percentage of damaged leaves. Thrips incidence and foliar damage varied among villages, mandals and crop growth stages. During the vegetative stage, Nimmada village of Kotabommali mandal recorded the highest thrips population of 3.98 thrips per top shoot per plant and the highest foliar damage of 11.60%. During the flowering stage, Tallavalasa village of Santabommali mandal recorded the highest thrips population of 12.35 thrips per top shoot per plant and the highest foliar damage of 20.30%. During the pegging stage, Tallavalasa again recorded the highest thrips population of 8.27 thrips per top shoot per plant and foliar damage of 14.36%. Pooled observations showed that thrips incidence increased from the vegetative stage to the flowering stage and declined moderately during the pegging stage. A similar pattern was observed for foliar damage. Kotabommali mandal recorded higher pooled thrips incidence and foliar damage during the vegetative and flowering stages, whereas Santabommali mandal recorded higher infestation during the pegging stage. The findings provide baseline information on thrips incidence in groundnut-growing areas of Srikakulam district and may support location-specific monitoring strategies.