BAU Part III: Field trials and hamlet

Lentils coming into flower

BAU campus is split into two, bisected by a road and train lines: opposite the academic campus is the large walled area inside which are many field trials, accommodation for staff and students, a small hamlet, the guesthouse and canteen.

BAU boundary wall and 'running track'

Wheat field trials at BAU

There are many field trials - for cropping systems such as rice-wheat, rice-maize, rice-mustard, rice-pulse and other options (rice is the wet (kharif) season crop, grown on rainwater in June-October; the other crops are dry (rabi) season crops, grown over winter).  Additionally, the efficacy of different establishment methods and soil conditions (eg traditional transplanting, unpuddled transplanting, direct seeding, zero till, raised beds, mulched) are being tested.  All field trials are well tended and look promising!

Mixed rabi season cropping trials

Additionally, there are (presumably longer term) field trials on fruit trees such as mangos and lychees, and intercropping such as one where the rows between mature coconuts were planted with mustard, while bananas were planted down the coconut rows, between the palms.  

Mature coconuts interspersed with young bananas; inter-rows are planted with mustard

I would like to work on a mango project...

There is also an integrated farming system trial which involves a worm farm, pond, small cropping area and livestock shed.  The pond supports fish and ducks, and provides supplementary irrigation to the animals and cropping area , which is fertilised from the worm farm and livestock.  Fruit (papaya) trees line the bunds between crops.

Integrated farming system field trial

The area where the field trials is large enough for me to easily get in a run (or a walk!) in the mornings.  Mostly the technical staff look at me like I'm crazy for getting up early, but I have met a few academics out there too, so I'm not alone.  Apparently the VC takes a walk, with a retinue, at 0430.  That's much too early for me!

Approaching the hamlet inside the BAU grounds

Also inside the BAU walls is a small hamlet: I think the people living there work either in the fields or in domestic roles in the residences and canteen.  It is a very small settlement and people there live very modestly.