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Contents & Foreword, Characterizing And ... - IRRI books

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Conclusionsclearly that they are different in the two systems. Therefore, without understandingbiotic stresses, technology development may be addressing lessrelevant problems or may require modifications.Characterization of rainfed rice environments for specific objectives is very usefulbecause it enhances research prioritization and technology development, delivery,and impact. Characterization for the sake of characterizing has limited value. Characterizationwithout linkages to its higher or lower hierarchies also has limited value.Agronomic interpretations and developing relationships tremendously increase thevalue of characterization and mapping.Characterization can be efficiently accomplished by first determining an objectivebased on requirements, inventorying what is available and making use of it, andthen embarking on fresh data collection on new items when necessary. Adding informationon the critical parameters that have been missing, such as hydrology, will addvalue to the already accomplished characterizations. Similarly, there is a need to establishlinkages over scales, disciplines, and institutions. Functional collaborationamong agencies seems to be an essential prerequisite. However, different institutionalinterests and sensitivities may be involved in data sharing, which one needs to beaware of in the collaborative efforts. A discussion on this among the partners from thebeginning may be quite useful and a clear outline of the responsibilities of and benefitsto all involved is expected to enhance collaboration to serve the respective interests.Several mechanisms exist, such as the Rainfed Lowland Rice Research Consortiumand other consortia, and network projects, for exploring these opportunities tofurther enhance characterization and use it for productivity gains.ReferencesAhmed NU, Magor NP, Islam S, Khan AH, Naseem SB. 1992. Extrapolation and testing oftechnologies in Bangladesh. In: Proceedings of the 1990 Planning Workshop on EcosystemsAnalysis for Extrapolation of Agricultural Technologies. Los Baños (Philippines):International Rice Research Institute. p 26-59.Bolton F, Zandstra HG. 1981. A soil moisture based yield model of wetland rainfed rice. <strong>IRRI</strong>Research Paper Series 62. Los Baños (Philippines): International Rice Research Institute.Buol SW, Cuoto W. 1981. Soil-fertility-capability assessment for use in the humid tropics. In:Greenland DJ, editor. Characterization of soils. Oxford (UK): Clarendon Press. p 254-261.Conway G. 1986. Agroecosystem analysis for research development. Bangkok (Thailand):Winrock International.FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations). 1977. FAO-UNESCO soilmap of the world. Vol. VII. South Asia. Paris (France): UNESCO.FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations). 1979. FAO-UNESCO soilmap of the world. Vol IX. Southeast Asia. Paris (France): UNESCO.28 Singh et al

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