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Water stress induces some physiological changes in plants and has cumulative effects on crop growth and yield. Field experiments were conducted to study the effect of deficit irrigation (DI) on yield and some physiological parameters in cotton and maize in a sequential cropping system. Creation of soil moisture gradient is indispensable to explore the beneficial effects of partial root zone drying (PRD) irrigation and it could be possible only through alternate deficit irrigation (ADI) practice in paired row system of drip layout that is commonly practiced in India. In the present study, PRD and DI concepts (creation of soil moisture gradient) were implemented through ADI at two levels of irrigation using drip system. Maize was sown after cotton under no till condition without disturbing the raised bed and drip layout. Relative leaf water content (RLWC) and chlorophyll stability index (CSI) of cotton and maize were reduced under water stress. A higher level of leaf proline content was observed under severe water-stressed treatments in cotton and maize. RLWC and CSI were highest and leaf proline content was lowest in mild water deficit (ADI at 100% crop evapotranspiration once in three days) irrigation in cotton and maize. The same treatments registered higher values for crop yields, net income and benefit cost ratio for both the crops.

Investigations on utilization of fats have been carried out at altitudes of 3,500, 3,800, and 4,700 m, respectively, on 27, 7, and 12 soldiers staying at these altitudes for over 4 months in tentage accommodation. At 3,500 m the fat utilization was 95.9, 96.2, and 96.6% on intakes of 128, 168, and 198 g fat/day. At 3,800 m on maximum fat intake of 364 g/day, the fecal fat content was 11.48 g and percentage digestibility 96.9. At 4,700 m the digestibility was 97.5% on a fat intake of 232 g/day. Urine examination did not reveal ketone bodies on any of these fat intakes. Neither was there any incidence of constipation nor diarrhea. While 364 g of fat/day could not be fully consumed, digestibilty was not affected up to an intake of 324 g/day though, at this intake there was feeling of thirst at night. Thus, digestibility and utilization of dietary fats up to 324 g at 3,800 m and 232 g at 4,700 m are not distrubed.

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