Three genotypes of spring onion (Allium fistulosum) were evaluated across a range of growth and quality criteria to ascertain their relative yield, quality performance and adaptability in Sylhet region. Results revealed that the tallest plant was BARI Pata Piyaz-1 with 56.78 cm, followed by JAF-2 (46.1 cm) and minimum value was recorded for JAF-1 (42.1 cm). The number of leaves per plant was the highest in JAF-2 (16.32) followed by BARI pata piaz-1 (11.56) and JAF-1 (7.32). The BARI pata piaz-1 had the highest pseudo stem diameter (1.43 cm), weight (5.81 g/pseudo stem), and dry matter (DW) content (13.19%), whereas the JAF-1 had 1.09, 4.32cm, 13.12%, and the JAF-2 had 1.11, 3.88 cm, 11.06%, respectively. Notably, JAF-2 produced the highest yield with a value of 11.34 ton/ha, which was considerably greater than BARI Pata Piyaz-1 (10.71 ton/ha) and JAF-1 (7.11 ton/ha). In terms of quality metrics, BARI Pata Piyaz-1 and JAF-2 had the identical total phenolic content ranging from 3.23-3.34 mg GAE/g DW, while JAF-1 had significantly less phenolics at 2.93 mg GAE/g DW. Significant amounts of flavonoids were detected in each genotype, ranging from 3.11 to 3.19 mg QE/g DW. The Vitamin C content of BARI Pata Piyaz-1 was significantly higher than that of other two genotypes. The current findings indicated that spring onion more specifically JAF-2 has successfully adapted in the Sylhet region with remarkable yield indicating tremendous scope in popularize this spice in future.

Keywords: Spring onion, Growth, Yield, Quality parameters, Adaptation

This experiment was set up to defend the critical situation of pregnant too early lactating cows concerned with hypocalcemia induced by rapid loss of Ca from blood to milk and negative energy balance. Three nutri-tonic mixtures comprised of eggshell, oyster shell, molasses, and ghee residue were well mixed and autoclaved before feeding lactating cows at the farmer’s level. The minerals were quantified by atomic absorption spectroscopy and flame photometry according to the EDTA titration and QPG methods. The concentration of Ca and P were found to be 5:1, 1.5:1, and 3.5:1 in nutri-tonic I, II and III supplements, in which nutri-tonic-I possessed 115% and 62% higher Ca than nutri-tonic-II and III. Conversely, nutri-tonic-II exhibited elevated P, Zn, Mg, and Ca concentrations compared to both nutri-tonic-I and III. Meanwhile, nutri-tonic-III demonstrated higher levels of Fe. Nutri-tonic I supplementation influenced the cows by causing a 22% higher DM intake (8.12 kg d^-1cow^-1). Unlike the CP intake, 84% higher ME was consumed by nutri-tonic-III fed cows than others. Nutri-tonic supplementation nourished and boosted the cows’ higher (p<0.001) milk production (16 – 30% Ld^-1) with more fat content (23-68%). The emitted equation for Ca (y = -1.5047x + 115.72; R² = 0.006) and P (y = 0.6028x + 81.238; R² = 0.008) accounted 116g Ca and 81g P in ration for 12-15L milch cow. In particular, mineral deficiency leads to the suppressed immunity of early lactating cows. To recap, energy and mineral supplementation might mobilize Ca for the functioning of parathyroid and enhance innate immunity in late pregnant to early lactating cows to prevent milk fever.

Keywords: Bypass nutrients, hypocalcaemia, pre and postpartum cow

The present study was conducted to evaluate the groundwater quality at different locations in Sylhet district. The selected locations were Sylhet Agricultural University (SAU), Chowkideki, Tilagor, Golapgonj, South Surma and BADC pump at Daudpure. Temperature, pH, turbidity, total alkalinity, dissolved oxygen (DO), carbondioxide (CO2) and iron (Fe) were tested in the water quality laboratory of Sylhet Agricultural University and Leading University, Sylhet. Further water concentration data in the form of pH, turbidity, temperature, total alkalinity, carbon di oxide (CO2), iron (Fe), phosphate (PO4), nitrate (NO3), total hardness and total dissolved solids were collected from Bangladesh Agricultural Development Corporation (BADC). All the parameters were compared with laboratory tested samples and evaluated with Bangladesh water quality standard whether it is suitable or not. The tested quality parameters were found within the acceptable limit for irrigation and domestic purposes. At Golapgonj, the value of iron (2.01 mg l-1) was beyond the acceptable limit. Total alkalinity was found beyond permissible limit for both domestic and irrigation purpose at Daudpure (124 mg l-1) and Golapgonj (432 mg l-1), respectively. From quality point of view, groundwater is suitable for domestic and irrigation purposes except excessive iron presence in the well. A correlation matrix was done to find out the interrelationship among different water quality parameters. It is found that significant positive correlation holds among the water quality parameters. Therefore, it is suggested that the geologic stratification of this region should be thoroughly investigated before installing a tubewell for both domestic and irrigation purposes.

Keywords: Groundwater, quality parameters, iron, irrigation, Sylhet

An investigation was carried out to assess drinking water quality parameters like pH, total dissolved solids, iron (Fe), arsenic (As) and chloride at Sylhet Agricultural University (SAU) Campus. As this university is expanding its academic activities and establishments, it is necessary to ensure the quality of drinking water for the dwellers to continue their academic and research activities smoothly. Groundwater is the main source of drinking water in this university. The water samples were collected from the tube well and reserved tank at 5 different locations in April, 2016 covering student hall and academic establishment. The concentration of pH, TDS, Fe and Cl varied 6.8 – 7.04, 100 – 440 mg l-1, 0.5 – 1.2 mg l-1 and 15 – 20 mg l-1, respectively. The concentration of as was 0 mg l-1 for all water samples. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) standard and Bangladesh Standard (BD) of drinking water pH, TS, TDS, as and Cl toxicity were not detected. Iron concentration of main pump water sample exceeded Bangladesh standard and WHO standard and for this an aeration tank was recommended for the treatment of water before supply. Analysis of arsenic revealed that there is no arsenic contamination in groundwater at this campus.

Keywords: Drinking water, quality parameters, assessment