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Open Access
Irrigation scheduling and moisture conservation in water melon
(Department of Agronomy, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2000) Ajith, C B; KAU; Joseph, P A
An experiment was conducted at the Agricultural Research Station, Mannuthy, Thrissur during the period from December 1998 to March 1999 to study the influence of levels of irrigation and moisture conservation methods on the growth and yield of water melon (Citrullus fanatus) grown in rice fallows. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with three replications. The treatments consisted of combinations of four moisture conservation methods (control, application of paddy waste as surface mulch, uniform incorporation and bottom layer application @ 1/3 pit volume) and four levels of irrigation (IW /CPE ratio of 0.6, 1, 1.4 and farmer's practice of daily irrigation @ 20 lit pit"), The study revealed that incorporation of moisture conservation materials increased the growth attributes like length of vine, number of leaves per vine, leaf area and dry matter production and yield attributes like weight of fruits and number of fruits per plant. Among moisture conservation methods surface mulch and uniform incorporation of paddy waste were found to be superior in most of the cases. Watermelon responded very well to irrigation. Biometric characters (length of vine, number of leaves per vine, leaf area and dry matter production) and yield attributing characters (weight of fruits and number of fruits per plant) were favourably influenced by frequent irrigations. The fruit yield increased with increase in frequency of irrigation and was maximum at IW /CPE ratio of 1.4. Results of soil moisture studies revealed that incorporation of moisture conservation material' increased the soil moisture content, consumptive use and water use efficiency. The consumptive use increased with the frequency of irrigation. The top 15 cm of the soil layer accounted for the highest soil moisture depletion. The depletion was more from the deeper layers in the drier regimes. Field and crop-water use efficiencies were higher in less frequently irrigated treatments. Higher levels of irrigation increased N, P and K content of leaves. No convincing change in leaf N, P, K content could be brought about by the incorporation of paddy waste. Economic analysis showed that incorporation of paddy waste could increase the net profit. Net profit as well as net return per rupee invested were the highest with scheduling irrigation at IW/CPE ratio of 1.4. Among the treatment combinations, the best combination was surface application of paddy waste with irrigation at IW/CPE ratio of 1.4 followed by the combination of surface mulching and fanner's practice of daily irrigation.
Open Access
Organic nutrition in amarantus
(Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2000) Arun Kumar, K R; KAU; Purushothaman Nair, N
An experiment was conducted 'at the Instructional Farm attached to the College of Agriculture, Vellayani, during November 1998 to February 1999 with objectives to find out the effect of different sources and levels of organic manures on the yield and quality of amaranthus and to assess the optimum quantity of these sources in sustaining the productivity of amaranthus. The experiment consisted of twenty six treatments and three replications laid out in RBD. The organic manures used were coir pith compost, FYM, neem cake, poultry manure and vermicompost. Five levels of these organic manures (50, 75, 100, 125 and 150 per cent of POP) were tried on nitrogen equivalent basis. The results of the study revealed that the growth characters as well as yield were significantly influenced by different levels and sources of organic manures. Regarding growth characters vermicompost, FYM and poultry manure performed well throughout the growth period. Highest level of FYM and vermicompost (150 per cent POP) maintained their superiority at all growth stages regarding plant height, number of leaves, number of branches and LAI. Maximum plant height of 67.22 cm was recorded at 45 DAP by highest level of FYM. Vermicompost @, 25 t ha" (150 per cent of POP) recorded maximum number of leaves (100.78) at 45 DAP but it was on par with highest dose ofFYM. Maximum LA! was noted in the highest dose of FYM and no other treatment was on par with it. High yield was obtained from 100, 125 and 150 per cent levels of FYM, vermicompost, poultry manure and neem cake. All the coir pith compost treatments recorded lower yield than POP. The lowest yield was recorded by lowest dose of coirpith compost. The same trend was obtained in the case of marketable yield also. Higher levels gave better yield in general. Total dry matter production showed an increasing trend with increasing dose of manure. Highest dose of FYM recorded maximum DMP of 11.41, 25.7 and 28.27 g respectively at 15, 30 and 45 DAP. Variation among different organic manures was significant in the case of biomass production also. Through out the growth stages 125 and 150 per cent levels of all manures except coir pith compost recorded superior biomass compared to POP. Vermicompost at highest level (25 t ha-I) recorded maximum biomass during three harvests. Variation was less in the case of NAR and dry matter partitioning at different stages. Quality of amaranthus improved with varIOUS organic manures. Maximum vitamin C content was recorded by highest level of vermicompost. Maximum fibre content was registered by neemcake at 100 per cent level of POP (4.8 t ha-I). Highest dose of poultry manure (25 t ha") gave highest protein content. Vitamin C and protein contents increased with increasing doses of manure. Highest moisture content was noted by highest dose of FYM. In the case of residual nutrients high soil NPK values were registered by higher levels of organic manures irrespective of source. No treatment was inferior to POP with respect to nitrogen content. Uptake of nutrient was poor from all coir pith compost treatments. Uptake of N increased with increasing levels of manures. P uptake was more for FYM treatments. Vermicompost at highest dose (17 5 I ha-I) gave maximum n C ratio
Open Access
Response of seed priming nutrient management and irrigation on upland rice
(Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture,Vellayani, 2000) UshaThomas, C; KAU; Kuruvilla, Varughese
A field experiment was conducted at the Instructional Farm attached to the College of Agriculture, Vellayani during the late first crop season of 1999 to study the effect of nutrient management and seed priming on upland rice under varying levels of irrigation. The experiment was laid out ill split split plot design with three replications. The treatments included three levels of irrigation (IW /CPE ratio of 1.5, 1.0 and no irrigation) in the main plots, three levels of NPK (20 : 10 : 15, 40 : 20 : 30 and 60 : 30 : 45 kg ha-I) in the sub plots and two levels of seed priming (1 per cent KCI and 2.5 per cent KCl immersed for 15 hours) in the sub sub plots. Results of the experiment revealed that effect of both irrigation and nutrients and their combinations had significant influence on most of the biometric and yield attributing characters of upland rice. Irrigation at an IW/CPE ratio of 1.5 and fertilizer dose 'of 60 : 30 : 45 kg ha" NPK were found significantly superior to lower levels. Eventhough, the effect of seed priming was significant on almost all the growth characters, the effect was not visible on the yield attributing characters and yield of the crop. Irrigation and fertilizer treatments exerted a remarkable influence on the proline content of leaves and grain protein content while irrigation alone exerted significant influence on RL WC and partitioning of biomass. The uptake of nutrients was profoundly influenced by the treatments. N and P uptake was influenced by irrigation and NPK levels whereas that of K was influenced by nutrient and seed priming levels. . The root morphology was substantially altered by irrigation treatments and I I recorded the highest value for all the characters studied. Though WUE was highest at the no irrigation treatment (13) it was very inferior and uneconomic III grain and straw yields. Hence, h level of irrigation is considered as the best treatment for attaining higher WUE. Among the fertilizer levels, F 3 (60 : 30 : 45 kg ha-I NPK) registered the highest WUE. Impact of seed priming also was significant and S I recorded the highest WUE. The results of economic analysis revealed that BC ratio was maximum when the irrigation was scheduled at an IW /CPE ratio of 1.5. The nutrient dose at F3 (60 : 30 : 45 kg NPK ha-I) and seed priming at SI (1 per cent KCI) was also found to be profitable.
Open Access
Effect of harvesting and growth regulator on seed yield qulaity and vigour in cucumber (cucumis sativus L.)
(Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture,vellayani, 2000) Sindhu, B; KAU; Annamma, George
A field experiment was conducted at the College of Agriculture, Vellayani to study the influence of harvest and growth regulator on seed yield, quality and vigour and also to standardise the physiological stage of maturity in cucumber. Growth characters such as length of vine, number of branches and leaf area index were significantly influenced by vegetable harvests and these characters increased with increase in number of vegetable harvests. The bearing capacity of the plant is improved by frequent picking of green fruits, but the mature fruit yield and seed yield were significantly reduced. Highest seed yield was obtained when the plants were left for seed collection without green fruit picking. Seed quality is not influenced by number of harvests. But when the economics is considered highest net return and B : C ratio were obtained for two vegetable harvest. So to obtain maximum returns we can combine seed production along with two vegetable harvests which gives some vegetable yield and reasonably good yield of quality seeds. Growth regulator caused reduction in vine length. Number of branches was not influenced by growth regulator. But LA! showed a significant Increase. Growth regulator caused significant increase in green and mature fruit yields and seed yield. Fruit yield, seed yield and net return were highest at 200 ppm of ethephon. Seed quality was not affected by the application of growth regulator except for] 000 seed weight. Seed quality is significantly influenced by stages of harvest. Weight of seeds per fruit and quality were highest for seeds when fruits were harvested 45 days after flowering which was on par with that at 30 days after flowering. Storage of fruits intact before seed extraction also had significant effect on increasing seed quality. Seed quality was highest when the seeds were extracted after storing the fruits for nine days. Even when the fruits were harvested at immature stage (15 days after flowering) the seed weight per fruit and seed quality parameters can be increased by storing the fruits intact before seed extraction for nine days. But when the fruits were harvested at 30 and 45 days after flowering there was not much variation in seed quality by post harvest storage of fruit before seed extraction.
Open Access
Suitability of upland rice cultivars (Oryza sativa L.) for shaded situations
(Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2000) Sunilkumar, B; KAU; Geethakumari, V. L
A field experiment was conducted at College of Agriculture, Vellayani) to assess the effect of varying levels of solar radiation and silica on the performance of upland rice cultivars. This study also aimed at computing the economics of upland rice cultivation and silica application. The treatments included three shade levels (0, 20 and 40 per cent), two levels of silica (no silica and 100 kg ha-' silica) and four varieties (Swarnaprabha, A4-4-2, A4-1- 3 and Matta Triveni). Shade was imposed by using shade nets of appropriate shade levels and silica was applied as sodium silicate. The experiment was laid out in split-split plot design. The results of the investigation are summarised below. Solar radiation influenced growth attributes significantly. A significant reduction was observed in tillering, LAD, proline content, SL W, LAI, culm strength, root weight, root length and root-shoot ratio as the shade advanced to 20 and 40 per cent levels. Among the growth attributes only plant height and chlorophyll content increased significantly with increase in shade level. Yield contributing characters were also significantly influenced by solar radiation. Maximum number of productive tillers, spikelets per panicle, thousand grain weight, length and weight of panicle was observed in the open situation. A significant reduction in grain yield was observed with increase in shade level. Maximum productivity was registered at 0 per cent shade level which was 68 and 387 per cent higher than 20 and 40 per cent shade levels. Same trend was observed in DMP. Maximum straw yield was recorded at 20 per cent shade which was on par with zero per cent shade. Application of silica increased total chlorophyll content, chlorophyll a/b ratio, root length and root weight significantly. Grain and straw yield increased significantly by 22 and 18 per cent with the application of silica. In the open situation A4-4-2 recorded maximum grain yield. At 20 per cent shade level A4-4-2 and Matta Triveni top seeded other cultivars. Swarnaprabha recorded maximum straw yield In the open situation. Compared to open situation at 20 per cent shade level straw yield increased significantly in A4-4-2 and Matta Triveni. Sodium silicate was found as an un-economical source of Si for upland nee. Silica nutrition can be made economical by substituting sodium silicate with a cheaper source of silica. B : C ratio reduced significantly with increase in shade level. The treatment LoS I V I registered maximum B : C ratio of 1.35.
Open Access
Efficacy of silicon and potassium in the amelioration of iron in rice culture
(Department of Agronomy, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2000) Lakshmikanthan K; KAU; Jose Mathew
The study entitled "Efficacy of silicon and potassium In the amelioration of iron in rice culture" was carried out during virippu and mundakan seasons of 1999-2000 at Agricultural Research Station, Mannuthy, with the objective to evaluate the efficacy of silicon and potassium in ameliorating the stress influences of excess iron on rice productivity in laterite soils as well as to characterise their influences on growth and yield of rice. Combined application of sources and levels of silica with levels of K increased the grain yield by 1000 kg ha" over control. Among the three sources of silica sodium silicate recorded the highest grain yield of 6644 kg ha" followed by fine silica (6282 kg ha') and rice husk (6113 kg ha'). Increasing the level of K application to 52.5 and 70 kg ha", as against the package of practices recommendation of 35 kg K ha', increased the grain yield by 951 and 1125 kg ha', respectively. The yield of straw significantly varied among the sources and levels of silica and levels of K and sodium silicate recorded the highest yield of 4128 kg ha". Content and uptake of Fe showed a decreasing trend from panicle initiation to flowering stage where as an increasing trend was noted in respect of Si02 due to the general treatment effect. Three factor interaction effect showed that the treatment receivmg 500 kg Si ha" as sodium silicate in combination with 70 kg K ha" recorded the highest yield 0[7306 kg ha" and it also recorded reduced contents of Fe and Mn at panicle initiation and Fe at flowering. During rabi season the residual effect of general treatments increased the grain yield by 571 and 358 kg ha' in the absence and presence of applied potash. Iron and Manganese content was reduced at different growth stages by the residual effect of sodium silicate during rabi season. The residual effect of 500 kg Si ha" was found to enhance the content of Si02 throughout the growth period but it failed to improve the yield. From the study it could be concluded that the increased yield was generally associated with reduced contents of Fe and Mn which suggest that these nutrients limit the produ,ctivity of rice in laterite soils and application of silica and higher levels of potash was found to ameliorate the limiting influences of Fe and Mn, enabling increased rice productivity.
Open Access
Integrated nutrient management for arrow root (Maranta arundinacea L.) under partial shade
(Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2000) Veena Vidyadharan; KAU; Kumari Swadija, O
A field experiment was conducted in the Instructional Farm, College of Agriculture, Vellayani from June 1999 to March 2000 to study the efficacy of conjoint use of varying levels of organic manure and fertilizers for yield improvement of arrow root under partial shade. The treatments included three levels each of FYM (10, 15 and 20 t ha"), Nand K (40,80 and 120 kg each of Nand K20 ha-I). A uniform dose of 50 kg P20S ha-I was applied to all the plots. The experiment was laid out in a 33 partially confounded RBD confounding MNKin replication I and M2NK in replication 11. Application of FYM had profound influence on growth characters like plant height, sucker number, leaf number and dry matter production. Nitrogen also exerted significant influence on growth characters like plant height, sucker number, leaf area index and dry matter production. The effect of K was significant on dry matter production at the harvest stage and 80 kg K20 ha-I was found sufficient for higher dry matter production. Number of rhizomes per plant at harvest showed an increasing trend with increasing levels of FYM. Girth of rhizome and weight of rhizome per plant were influenced by the combined application of FYM and fertilizers. Higher rhizome yields were realised at the medium levels of FYM (15 t ha-I), N (80 kg ha") and K (80 kg K20 ha-I). The combined application of 20 t FYM, 40 kg Nand 120 kg K20 ha-I or 20 t FYM and 80 kg each of Nand K20 ha-I produced higher yields closely followed by lOt FYM + 120 kg N + 80 kg K20 ha"l. FYM @ 15 t ha', N @ 80 kg ha"1 and K @ 80 kg K20 ha"1 produced higher utilization index. The highest starch content and the lowest crude fibre content of the rhizome were recorded by the highest level of K (120 kg K20 ha ") tried while the highest protein content was recorded by the highest level of FYM (20 t ha') and N (120 kg ha ") applied. Application of FYM @ .20 t ha"1 enhanced the uptake of N, P and K as well as the post-harvest soil nutrient status. For higher N uptake, application of 80 kg N ha"1 was found sufficient. Uptake of K as well as available K in the soil after the experiment showed an increasing trend with increasing levels of K application. The study indicated that combined application of lOt FYM, 120 kg N and 80 kg K20 hal along with 50 kg P205 ha"1 is most advantageous for arrow root intercropped in coconut garden which resulted in the highest net income and benefit-cost ratio in the laterite soils of Vellayani.
Open Access
Integrated weed management in brinjal (Solanum melongena L.)
(Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2000) Mandira Chakrabarti; KAU; Sansamma George
A field experiment was conducted at the Instructional Farm, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Thiruvanantbapuram to study the technical and economic feasibility of different weed management practices for brinjal. The study was carried out during the period from August to November, 1999. The experiment was laid out in Randornised Block Design with fourteen treatments and three replications. The treatments consisted of physical, cultural and chemical methods of weed control alone or in combination. Unweeded check and completely weed free check were included as control treatments. 'Swetha' was the variety of brinjal used for the study. Results of the study revealed that grasses, broadleaved weeds and sedges competed with the brinjal crop. The weed intensity and distribution was found significantly influenced by the weed management practices included in the study. It was evident that weeds failed to emerge under the black polythene mulching and the few weeds recorded were those emerging from the planting hole. There was no distinguishable weed growth even from the planting hole beyond 30 days after transplanting (OAT). The farmers practice of giving two manual weeding at 15 and 30 OAT allowed unchecked weed growth upto 15 OAT, but had comparatively high weed control efficiency at later stages. Application of fluchloralin as pre-plant incorporation (PPI) was found to inhibit early emergence of grasses and broadleaved weeds, but gave poor control of sedges. Fluchloralin + one hand weeding at 20 OAT was found to give season long control of weeds and was a better option than fluchloralin alone and fluchloralin + smother cropping. The cultural practices of stale seed bed technique and smother cropping gave early season weed control but allowed weed emergence later and gave improved weed control efficiency when integrated with one hand weeding. The effect of glyphosate application also was found to respond in similar lines. The weed management practices were found to exert considerable influence on growth and yield characters of the crop. Under weed free situation the plant produced the highest number of branches and leaves and had the maximum number of flowers and fruit also. The crop yield was found to bear a direct positive correlation with the weed control efficiency of the management practices. Weedy check recorded the lowest yield and the yield losses worked out was 58.43 per cent. Excluding the weed free check, the yield loss was minimum under black polythene mulching followed by fluchloralin + one hand weeding. The most remunerative treatment was found to be fluchloralin + one hand weeding (T9) followed by two manual weeding (T3). The herbicides were found non persistent leaving little toxic residue in the soil after the experiment.
Open Access
Integrated nutrient management in chilli (Capsicum annuum L.)
(Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2000) Sharu, S R; KAU; Meera Bai, M
A field experiment was conducted at the Instructional Farm attached to the College of Agriculture, Vellayani during 1999-2000 to study the combined effect of chemical fertilizers and organic manures on the productivity and quality of chilli, to assess the possibility of substitution of fertilizers by organic manures and also to work out the economics of production. The treatments consisted of combined application of chemical fertilizers and organic manures viz. poultry manure, vermicompost and neemcake in various ratios of 3: 1, 1: 1, 1:3 and 0:2. The control treatment was POP recommendation of KAU (20 t ha! of FYM + 75:40:25 kg N, P205 and K20). The experiment was laid out in randomised block design. An abstract of the result is given below. Plant height, number of branches, shoot-root ratio and dry matter content differed significantly with various treatments. All these parameters were found to be increasing with increased level of chemical nitrogen. Shoot-root ratio was highest for vermicompost applied plots whereas the maximum value for all other growth parameters was produced by poultry manure treatments. All the yield parameters were significantly influenced by various treatments. Higher fruiting phase and fruit set was observed with increasing chemical nitrogen level and maximum value was obtained for poultry manure treatment (3: 1). Poultry manure treatment (1: 1) gave good performance with respect to number of fruits per plant, harvesting interval and total yield. Higher levels of poultry manure along with chemical fertilizers also performed well. Length of fruit was highest for vermicompost treated plots along with chemical fertilizers (1: 1). Highest level of chemical fertilizer along with poultry manure gave good results with respect to LAI and dry matter production. RGR, CGR and NAR was highest for vermicompost applied plots. Keeping quality and ascorbic acid content was higher for poultry manure treatments. Regarding residual nutrients high soil K was registered by higher level of neemcake along with chemical fertilizer. Highest soil N was noted by highest dose of poultry manure (0:2). Poultry manure and chemical fertilizer in equal proportion obtained highest value for soil P. Highest dose of poultry manure together with chemical nitrogen gave good result for NPK content of plants. NPK uptake was also higher for poultry manure treatments. Incidence of bacterial wilt was least in dual application of chemical fertilizer and neemcake in the ratio 3: 1. The economics of cultivation revealed that poultry manure and chemical fertilizer application in equal proportion (1: 1) gave maximum net returns and benefit-cost ratio.

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