Youth Voices: Experiments, Homemade Food & Royal History

I started the week by devoting all of my attention to my waterlogging project. I took great care to measure and water the plants in the control group so that they received the exact amount each day. Initially, the experimental waterlogging plants did not exhibit any symptoms because Hyderabad's climate is suitable (monsoon season) for mungbean and urdbean. This resistance was further improved by an extended period of not being in sunlight, which is not ideal for this experiment but helps the plants resist too much water. Eventually, the plants slowly began to exhibit symptoms, which is positive for the purposes of the experiment. Some waterlogging symptoms would include yellowing of leaves, wilting, and stunted growth. These collectively put stress on mungbean and urdbean plants, which is how their productivity declines. On the other hand, I particularly enjoy watering the plants in the glasshouse because it provides a serene environment, and observing the plants' progress up close is rewarding.

Later in the week, I ventured out to the fields to witness my intern friend Ankita's harvesting process. Her experiment was more extensive and required a lot more precision because she is doing her PhD in ICRISAT. It was eye-opening to see the real-world application of agricultural practices because since my experiment is primarily in the glasshouse, I don't usually have the opportunity to work in the fields...[CONTINUE READING]