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Open Access
Effect of secondary nutrients on yield and quality of turmeric (Curcuma longa L.)
(Department of Agronomy, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2014) Sanghamithre, V K; KAU; Meera, V Menon (Guide)
Primary nutrients viz. nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium are generally regarded to be instrumental in maintaining growth, yield and quality of crops. The secondary nutrients, sulphur, calcium and magnesium, though reported to play key roles in the growth and development of crops, seldom get the recognition they deserve. There are no recommendations for these nutrients for most crops. At the same time, there are reports of increasing deficiency of sulphur, calcium and magnesium in the laterite soils of Kerala. Turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) is a vital spice crop of the Zingiberaceae family. The rhizome, which is the economic produce, contains an essential oil, curcumin and related compounds as major constituents. There is immense scope for cultivation of turmeric in Kerala due to favourable climatic and soil condition. Turmeric is a crop requiring heavy fertilization for increasing yield and quality. This research programme was taken up to study the effect of secondary nutrients on the yield and quality of turmeric. The field experiment was conducted during 2013-2014 in the farm of the Department of Agronomy, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara. There were 10 treatments with 3 replications each. Treatments consisted of package of practices recommendations (POPR) of 40 tonnes farmyard manure along with 30:30:60 kg N, P and K/ha and its combinations with S, Ca and Mg applied one and two months after planting. Rhizomes were planted at a spacing of 25 × 25 cm and planting was done on 05 June 2013. Harvesting was done after seven months. Biometric observations were taken at monthly intervals and nutrient contents were analyzed at three and six months after planting and at harvest. Nutrient uptake was also worked out. Curcumin and oleoresin content in rhizomes were also analyzed. The soil pH and chemical parameters were determined before and after the experiment. There were significant differences among the treatments with respect to leaf area index, yield, nutrient content and nutrient uptake. In the case of leaf area index, the treatment receiving Ca as second top dressing (viz. two months after planting) recorded the highest LAI compared to other treatments. Fresh and dry yields of turmeric and benefit: cost ratio was also high in the same treatment. This treatment resulted in the highest uptake of all nutrients except S at harvest. Earlier application of sulphur, calcium and magnesium (viz. one month after planting) also led to higher yield and benefit: cost ratio, confirming the direct positive effect on yield. Absolute control recorded the lowest values for all parameters including yield and quality components. Future research should be focused on altering and testing the dose and schedule of application of S, Ca and Mg, and analysis of their interaction effect to maximize productivity, Application of micronutrients and optimizing their dose and schedule for higher yield and quality should also be attempted.
Open Access
Production technology of chilli (Capsicum annum L.) under protected cultivation
(Department of agronomy, College of agriculture, Vellayani, 2014) Pintu Roy, Vattakunnel; KAU; Sajitha Rani, T
The field experiment entitled “Production technology of chilli (Capsicum annuum L.) under protected cultivation” was conducted at Instructional Farm, College of Agriculture, Vellayani during March 2013 to September 2013 to study the performance of chilli varieties and the effect of fertigation on productivity of chilli (Capsicum annuum L.) under protected cultivation. The main plot treatments were a combination of growing conditions (poly house and open field) and fertigation (with fertigation and without fertigation) and the subplot treatments consisted of three varieties (Vellayani Athulya, Anugraha and Jwalamukhi). The study revealed that plants grown under poly house situation recorded significantly higher fruit length (11.77cm), number of fruits plant-1 (110.67), fruit yield plant-1 (604.08 g) and total fruit yield (29.54 t ha-1). Plants grown with fertigation registered higher number of fruits plant-1 (113.49), length of fruit (11.55 cm), fruit yield plant-1 (591.92 g) and total fruit yield (26.27 t ha-1). Maximum length of fruits (12.82 cm), fruit yield plant-1 (665.18 g) and total fruit yield (28.41 t ha-1) were obtained from Vellayani Athulya while, highest number of fruits plant-1 (154.21) was from Anugraha. Maximum length of fruits was observed in Vellayani Athulya grown under both poly house (12.91 cm) and open field situation (12.72 cm). Vellayani Athulya grown with fertigation also recorded maximum fruit length (13.67 cm). Vellayani Athulya recorded maximum shelf life (10.19 days) and ascorbic acid content (98.71 mg 100 g-1) where as maximum capsaicin content (1.38 per cent) was recorded by Jwalamukhi. Vellayani Athulya grown under poly house registered maximum shelf life (10.88 days) and ascorbic acid content (102.78 mg 100 g-1). Vellayani Athulya with fertigation recorded maximum ascorbic acid content (101.69 mg 100 g-1) while, Jwalamukhi grown with fertigation recorded maximum capsaicin content (1.40 per cent). Vellayani Athulya grown under poly house with fertigation recorded higher shelf life (12.00 days). Vellayani Athulya grown under poly house with fertigation recorded maximum ascorbic acid (108.74 mg 100 g-1). Maximum capsaicin was also recorded by Jwalamukhi grown under poly house with fertigation (1.43 per cent). Among growing conditions, maximum net return (Rs 5.22 lakhs ha-1) and B: C ratio (2.42) was obtained from poly house. On comparing with and without fertigation treatments, with fertigation treatments recorded maximum net return of Rs 4.46 lakhs ha-1 and among varieties, Vellayani Athulya (V1) recorded maximum net return of Rs 4.95 lakhs ha-1 and B: C ratio of 2.30.
Open Access
Fodder production technology under light and moisture stress situations
(Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2014) Anita, M R; KAU; Lakshmi, S
The field experiment of the project entitled “Fodder production technology under light and moisture stress situations” was undertaken at the Instructional Farm, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Thiruvananthapuram, during January 2012 to March 2014. The main objectives of the project were to identify drought tolerant varieties of fodder cowpea and their performance evaluation in varying proportions of grass legume mixtures under open and shaded conditions. The project comprised of two investigations. The Investigation-I entitled “Drought tolerance studies in fodder cowpea under open and shaded situations” was conducted during the summer season (January to March) of 2012. The Investigation-II on “Evaluation of grass-fodder cowpea mixtures under open and shaded situations” was conducted for two years from March 2012 to 2013 and from March 2013 to March 2014. In Investigation-I, five fodder cowpea varieties (V1-UPC-618, V2-UPC-622, V3-Bundel Lobia-1, V4-COFC-8 and V5-CO-5) were evaluated for their drought tolerance under four soil moisture stress levels (M1 - pre sowing irrigation + life saving irrigation; M2 - pre sowing irrigation + irrigation at IW/CPE ratio of 0.4; M3 - pre sowing irrigation + irrigation at IW/CPE ratio of 0.6 and M4 - pre sowing irrigation + irrigation at IW/CPE ratio of 0.8). The investigation was conducted as two separate experiments one in open and other in shade. Both the experiments were laid out in split plot design with four replication. Based on the results of this investigation, two drought tolerant fodder cowpea varieties were selected each under open and shaded situation, for conducting Investigation-II. The fodder cowpea varieties COFC-8 (V4) and UPC-622 (V2) which recorded significantly higher green fodder yield (24.21 t ha-1 & 21.36 t ha-1, respectively), crude protein yield (0.79 t ha-1 & 0.66 t ha-1, respectively) and net returns of Rs 44880 ha-1 and Rs 36011 ha-1, respectively were selected for open condition. The fodder cowpea varieties COFC-8 (V4) and UPC-618 (V1) which recorded significantly higher green fodder yield (11.50 t ha-1 and 11.00 t ha-1 respectively), crude protein yield of 0.41 t ha-1 & 0.34 t ha-1 respectively and net returns of Rs 13498 ha-1 and Rs 11873 ha-1 respectively were selected for shaded situation. Investigation-II on the evaluation of grass-fodder cowpea mixtures were also conducted as two separate experiments, one in open and the other in shade. The experiments were laid out in RBD with three replications, comprising of two grasses [G1-Hybrid napier (Suguna), G2-Guinea grass (Harithasree), two best fodder cowpea varieties from the first investigation (V1-COFC-8(open and shade), V2-UPC-622 (open), UPC-618 (shade) and three grass legume row ratios (R1-1:1, R2 -1:2, R3 -1:3). The results indicated the superiority of the grass legume mixture of hybrid napier cv. Suguna and with both the fodder cowpea varieties in the grass legume row ratio of 1:2 with respect to green fodder yield, crude protein yield and net returns. Based on the results, it can be concluded that hybrid napier cv. Suguna intercropped with fodder cowpea varieties COFC-8 and UPC-622 in open condition and with COFC-8 and UPC-618 in partial shade (30 per cent) in the row ratio of 1:2 is the best for obtaining maximum yield, quality and net returns.
Open Access
Productivity analysis of aerobic rice (Oryza sativa L.) and its impact on green house gas emission
(Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2014) Jinsy, V S; KAU; Shalini Pillai, P
The experiment entitled "Productivity analysis of aerobic rice (Oryza sativa L.) and its impact on green house gas emission" was undertaken at the Cropping Systems Research Centre, Karamana, Thiruvananthapuram, during January to May, 2011 and 2012. The main objectives of the-study were to standardise the production techniques for aerobic rice, to study its water productivity as against flooded rice and to assess the variation in green house gas emission under aerobic and flooded situations. The entire study comprised two field experiments. The first experiment (Part - I), entitled "Productivity analysis of aerobic rice against conventional rice" was conducted during the summer season (January to May) of 2010- '11 and 2011-' 12. The second experiment (Part - 11) on "Agro techniques for aerobic rice" was conducted during the summer season of 2011-' 12, to standardize the agro techniques for the aerobic rice variety from Part - I. Four rice varieties [VI: Aiswarya, V2: Uma, V3: MAS 946 - 1, V4: PMK (R) 3] were evaluated for their adaptabilityand performance both under flooded (W I) and aerobic (W2) conditions, asPart ~ 1o,'Ihe experiment was laid out in RBD with five replications (two separate layouts '(o~'flooded rice and aerobic rice). The agro techniques study for aerobic rice, comprised two spacings (S I: 20 cm x 10 cm, S2: 15 cm x 10 cm), two nutrient levels (NI: 90:45:45 kg NPK ha", N2: 90:45:67.5 kg NPK ha") and two methods of fertiliser application (AI: soil application, A2: soil application + foliar application of K), laid out in RBD, replicated thrice. The results of the study are as follows. The variety, MAS 946 - 1 (V3) proved significant with respect to growth and physiological parameters. The grain yield was maximum for MAS 946 - 1 (3.13 t ha-I under flooded, 2.85 t ha" under aerobic) accounting for about 10 per cent increase over the next best varieties, Aiswarya and Uma. Flooded rice, in general yielded more than aerobic rice. However, the results were significant only during the second year of experimentation, where the yield variation between flooded rice and aerobic rice was 15.63 per cent. The average water productivity of aerobic rice (0.75 kg m-3) was 70.4 per cent greater than that of flooded rice (0.44 kg m'), MAS 946 - 1 recorded the maximum water productivity of 0.48 kg m-3 and 0.80 kg m", under flooded and aerobic cultures respectively. The superiority of aerobic rice in mitigating green house gas (GHG) emission from rice fields was revealed from the significantly lower efflux of methane under aerobic (3.03 mg m-2 hr-I) compared to flooded rice (6.16 mg m-2 hr'). Though methane emission did not vary significantly among the varieties under flooded culture, MAS 946 - 1 recorded significantly the least methane efflux (14.08 mg m-2 hr') under aerobic system. The benefit cost ratio (BCR) of flooded rice was 1.39 and that of aerobic rice was 1.13 over the two years. MAS 946 - 1 recorded the highest BCR (1.40) and was on a par with Uma (1.33) during the second year. MAS 946 - 1 was selected as the best variety for Part - II of the study based on its growth, physiology, yield and methane emission. , The results of Part - II of the study revealed that wider spacing (S I: 20 cm x 10 cm), higher nutrient level (N2: 90:45:67.5 kg NPK ha-I) and combined method of nutrient application (A2: soil application + foliar application of K) significantly increased productive tiller count (545.32 m"), grain weight per panicle (2.83 g) and grain yield (3.28 t ha-I) ofMAS 946 - 1. Aerobic nee culture is a prormsmg technology under water scarce situations. Compared to flooded rice, the water productivity of aerobic rice was 70.4 per cent higher, methane emission was 50.8 per cent lower with a slight yield reduction of 15.63 per cent. Among the four varieties tested, MAS 946 - 1, the first aerobic rice variety released from VAS, Bengaluru and Aiswarya and Uma, KAV rice varieties, proved superior for aerobic conditions under Kerala situations. It can be concluded that the performance of the variety, Uma is as good as MAS 946 - 1 for cultivation under aerobic condition in the lowlands of Kerala. A recommended spacing of 20 cm x 10 cm with a nutrient schedule of 90 kg N, 45 kg P20S and 60 kg K20 as soil application along with 7.5 kg K20 per hectare as foliar application was found as the best agronomic package for rice under aerobic situation.
Open Access
Need based nitrogen management in rice (Oryza sativa L.) using diagnostic tools
(Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2014) Palle Pavan Kumar, Reddy; KAU; Meerabai, M
An investigation entitled “Need based nitrogen management in rice (Oryza sativa L.) using diagnostic tools” was carried during the Virippu season (first crop season), 2013 at farmer’s field, Kalliyoor Panchayath, Thiruvananthapuram district, Kerala state. The main objectives of the experiment were to study the technical and economic feasibility of using chlorophyll meter (SPAD meter), leaf colour chart (LCC) and soil testing kit for assessing the crop nitrogen status, to schedule N application in rice based on crop need and to work out the economics. The field experiment was laid out in Randomised Block Design (RBD) with three replications. The treatments were N application at LCC value 3.0, 4.0 and 5.0, N application at SPAD value 32, 34 and 36, N application based on soil test value using soil testing kit, KAU POP and absolute control. N application at LCC value 5.0 and N application based on soil test value recorded significantly superior values for plant height, LAI, number of tillers per hill, dry matter production, number of productive tillers/m2, higher straw yield, higher uptake of N, P and K and total chlorophyll of leaves. N application based on soil test value recorded higher gross income. N application at LCC value 4.0 and SPAD value 36 recorded higher values for grain weight/panicle, filled grains/panicle, thousand grain weight, net income and B:C ratio. Sterility percentage was also minimum for N application at LCC value 4.0, SPAD value 36 and KAU package of practices. N application at SPAD value 36 and LCC value 4.0 recorded significantly higher grain yield, harvest index, agronomic efficiency, physiological efficiency and apparent recovery efficiency. The grain yield with SPAD- 36 and LCC- 4 which received 70 kg N/ha were on par with KAU POP which received 90 kg N/ha in 3 splits. Hence a saving of 20 kg N/ha was achieved with a higher yield compared to POP. The nutrient status of the soil after the experiment did not show any significant difference except in organic carbon content. The organic carbon recorded was significantly higher under KAU package of practices. The partial factor productivity and internal utilization efficiency decreased with increase in the total amount of N applied due to higher input cost on fertilizer or less grain yield. The relationship between SPAD values and LCC scores was found to be linear. It can be concluded from the present study that the rice variety Uma performed best with application of 20 kg N/ha as basal and 25 kg N/ha each applied as top dressing at 40 and 60 DAT (based on LCC-4 or SPAD-36). P and K were applied as per KAU POP. Thus the use of LCC or SPAD meter are efficient tools which helped in reducing the recommended dose of N from 90 kg/ha to 70 kg/ha. Since, the high cost of chlorophyll meter keeps it out of reach of many farmers, the leaf colour chart (LCC) is an inexpensive alternative to the chlorophyll meter. Hence, the LCC based N management is the better option than SPAD based N management practices in farmer’s point of view.
Open Access
Strategies for off season production of Coleus in the Southern zone of Kerala
(Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2014) Anju, V S; KAU; Kumari Swadija, O
A field experiment entitled “Strategies for off season production of coleus in the southern zone of Kerala” was undertaken at Instructional Farm, College of Agriculture, Vellayani from November 2013 to May 2014. The objectives of the study were to fix the ideal time of planting and nutrient management for off season production of coleus var. Suphala and to work out the economics of cultivation. The treatments consisted of four dates of planting (d1-November 15; d2-December 1; d3-December 15 and d4-January 1) and three nutrient management practices (n1-Recommended dose - 60:60:100 kg NPK ha -1 through fertilizers; n2-RD through organic manures -6 t farmyard manure + 3 t coir pith compost + 3 t wood ash per ha+ PGPR mix1 and n3-Modified nutrient dose -60:30:120 kg NPK ha -1 through fertilizers). The experiment was laid out in split plot design assigning dates of planting in main plots and nutrient management practices in sub plots with four replications. A uniform dose of FYM @ 10 t ha-1 of and of neem cake @ 1 t ha-1 was applied to all plots. Among four dates of planting tried, planting on November 15 (d1) recorded taller plants, higher number of branches and leaves per plant and higher leaf area index. Yield components like number and weight of tubers per plant were maximum when planted on November 15 (d1) followed by planting on December 1 (d2). Number and weight of marketable tubers per plant showed a decreasing trend when planting was delayed beyond November. The tuber yield also exhibited a similar trend recording the highest tuber yield of 14.89 t ha-1 for November 15 planting and the lowest tuber yield of 10.71 t ha -1 for January 1 planting. The tuber yield was significantly and positively correlated with the total rainfall received during the cropping period. Planting on November 15 recorded the highest utilization index. Total dry matter production and uptake of N, P and K were maximum when the crop was planted on November 15 and it showed a declining trend due to late planting. But quality attributes of tuber were not significantly influenced by date of planting. The highest net income (Rs.167525 ha -1) and BCR (1.84) were obtained by planting on November 15, which decreased with delay in planting. Modified nutrient dose of 60:30:120 kg NPK ha-1 through fertilizers (n3) significantly promoted all the growth characters. Higher number and weight of tubers as well as marketable tubers per plant were recorded by the same treatment which resulted in the highest tuber yield of 14.36 t ha -1. The same trend was noticed in the case of total dry matter production, utilization index, uptake of nutrients and starch content of the tuber. Significantly higher net income (Rs.163900 ha -1) and BCR (1.84) were recorded by the modified nutrient dose (n3) followed by recommended dose of nutrients through fertilizers (n1). Regarding interaction effects, November 15 planting with modified nutrient dose recorded significantly taller plants with higher leaf area index during later stages of crop growth. Similarly, the same interaction produced the highest number of marketable tubers per plant and tuber yield. November 15 planted crop with modified nutrient dose registered the highest net income and benefit cost ratio. Soil analysis after the experiment indicated higher pH and organic carbon contents and lower available N, P and K contents in organically manured plots than fertilizer applied plots. The study revealed that for off season production of coleus var. Suphala in the southern zone of Kerala, the ideal time of planting is November 15 which recorded higher tuber yield, net income and benefit cost ratio. Modified nutrient dose of 60:30:120 kg NPK ha-1 through fertilizers + FYM @ 10 t ha-1 + neem cake @ 1 t ha-1 can be recommended for the crop for getting higher tuber yield, net income and benefit cost ratio.
Open Access
Productivity enhancement in medicinal rice (Oryza sativa L.) cv. njavara
(College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2014) Jyolsna, Bhaskaran; KAU; Pushpakumar, R
The present investigation on “Productivity enhancement in medicinal rice (Oryza sativa L.) cv. Njavara” was conducted at College of Agriculture, Vellayani for assessing the impact of silicon, modified NK ratios and reduced seed rate on the growth, lodging and yield and the economics of production of Njavara rice. The treatments consisted of three rates of silicon, viz, (S1)-0 kg, (S2)-50 kg and (S3) -100 kg Si02 ha-1.,three seed rates as (R1)-50 kg, (R2)-75 kg and R3- 100 kg ha-1 and three levels of K(modified N:K ratios) as K1- 40 kg(1:1),K2- 80 kg(1:2) and K3-120 kg(1:3) K20 ha-1.The experiment was laid out in split plot design with three replications. It includes 9 main plot treatments as combinations of silicon and seed rate (SR) and 3 sub plot treatments as the levels of K (modified N: K ratios). The results of the investigation are summarised below. Application of silicon influenced the growth attributes like plant height at 40DAS and at harvest, LAI at panicle initiation stage and culm strength at harvest stage. The other growth attributes like rooting depth, tillers m-2 and total biomass were not significantly influenced by silicon. Yield contributing characters like productive tillers m-2; spikelets panicle-1 and thousand grain weight were significantly influenced by silicon application. While silicon @100 kg ha-1 recorded significantly higher number of productive tillers m-2 and thousand grain weight, silicon @50 kg ha-1registered the highest number of spikelets panicle-1. The other yield contributing characters like grain weight panicle-1, filled grains panicle-1, sterility percentage, straw yield, grain yield and harvest index were not significantly influenced by silicon. Seed rate produced significant influence on growth attributes like plant height, LAI, total biomass and rooting depth. Seed @ 50 kg ha-1 produced the highest rooting depth and total biomass and seed @75 kg ha-1 produced highest plant height. Tillers m-2 and culm strength were not significantly influenced by seed rate. Yield attributes like number of productive tillers m-2, thousand grain weight, grain yield, straw yield and harvest index were significantly influenced by seed rate. While seed @100 kg ha-1produced significantly highest number of productive tillers m-2, thousand grain weight, grain yield, straw yield and harvest index were highest at seed @ 50 kg ha-1. Potassium (NK ratio) could not exert any significant influence on growth characters except plant height and number of tillers m-2, registering the superiority at K2 (N:K: 1:2). Number of productive tillers m-2 was the only yield contributing parameter significantly influenced by NK ratio ( K levels ) and the highest value was recorded by K3 (N:K: 1:3). Yield attributes like number of productive tillers m-2, grain yield, net income and B: C ratio varied significantly by interaction of treatments and s2 r3 k2 (S-50 kg ha-1, R-100 kg ha-1, NK 1:2 -80 kg ha-1) registered the highest grain yield. The highest net income and the highest B: C ratio of Rs 93120/- and 1.97 respectively were for s1r2k1. (S-0, R-75 , K-40 kg ha-1). Considering the general performance of the crop with regard to all the growth and yield parameters, the treatment receiving silicon @ 50 kg ha-1, seed @ 100 kg ha-1 and potassium @ 80 kg K2O ha-1(NK ratio 1:2) was found beneficial for Njavara rice.
Open Access
Evaluation of the new generation herbicide penoxsulam in transplanted rice(Oryza sativa L.)
(College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2014) Sasna, S; KAU; Elizabeth, K Syriac
The study entitled “Evaluation of the new generation herbicide penoxsulam in transplanted rice (Oryza sativa L.)” was conducted during the period, December 2012 to April 2013 at farmer’s field in Nemom block, Thiruvananthapuram district. The objective of the study was to assess the bio-efficacy of the post emergence micro herbicide penoxsulam in transplanted rice and to work out the economics. The experiment was laid out in randomised block design with eight treatments and three replications. Four doses of penoxsulam i.e. 17.5, 20.0, 22.5 and 25.0 g a.i ha-1 (T1 - T4 ), bispyribac sodium @ 30.0 g a.i ha-1 (T5 ), 2, 4 –D sodium salt @ 1 kg a.i ha-1 (T6), hand weeding twice (T7) and weedy check (T8) constituted the treatments. Study of the weed flora dynamics of experimental field indicated the dominance of broad leaved weeds (7 sp.), followed by sedges (3 sp.) and grasses (2 sp.) All the herbicide treatments reduced the population and biomass of weeds substantially over weedy check. The lowest density and dry weight of weeds and highest weed control efficiency was recorded with penoxsulam @ 25.0 g a.i ha-1 (T4) at all the stages of observation, viz., 20 DAT, 40 DAT and 60 DAT. With respect to density of weeds, T4 was found to be on par with T3 at 20, 40 and 60 DAT. Regarding dry weight of weeds, at 20 DAT, T4 was on par with T3 ; however, at 40 DAT, all other herbicide treatments were on par with T4. None of the herbicides produced any phytotoxic symptom on rice plant. Critical analysis of the growth factors indicated the favourable effect of weed control treatments especially penoxsulam @ 25.0 and 22.5 g a.i ha-1 on plant height at harvest, number of tillers at 40 and 60 DAT and dry matter production at harvest. All the weed control treatments significantly improved the yield attributes viz., number of productive tillers m-2, grain weight panicle-1 and significantly lowered the sterility percentage as compared to weedy check. Penoxsulam @ 22.5 g a.i ha-1(T3) registered highest grain yield (5404 kg ha-1), net income (Rs 49065 /- ha-1) and B:C ratio (1.67) which was on par with other doses of penoxsulam(T4 , T2 and T1) as well as bispyribac sodium @ 30.0 g a.i ha-1 (T5) and 2,4 - D sodium salt (T6). Even though hand weeding twice registered grain yield comparable to herbicide treatments, due to very high labour cost involved, net income and B:C ratio were significantly low for this treatment. The weedy check recorded significantly lower values for grain yield, net income and B:C ratio compared to herbicide treatments and the yield loss due to weeds in this treatment was 22.13 per cent. Enumeration of soil microbial population 6 days after herbicide spraying revealed that the herbicides caused an initial reduction in the population of bacteria; but, there was no significant variation in the population of fungi and actinomycets , compared to weedy check where the rhizosphere was undisturbed. Considering weed control efficiency, grain yield, net income and B:C ratio, the new generation herbicide penoxsulam @ 22.5 g a.i ha-1 at 10 DAT can be adjudged as the best treatment for weed management in transplanted rice.
Open Access
Input management for precision farming in banana
(College of Agricultute, Vellayani, 2014) Shimi, G J; KAU; Sheela, K R
The investigation entitled “Input management for precision farming in banana” was carried out for two years (2012-2014) in Instructional Farm, College of Agriculture, Vellayani. The objectives were to study the impact of precision land management, fertigation and foliar nutrition on the growth and yield of tissue culture banana (Musa AAB cv. Nendran), to standardize the nutrient concentration and nutrient sources for fertigation and to work out the economics. The experiment was undertaken in two parts. In part I, standardization of nutrient sources for fertigation was carried out in factorial CRD with six nutrient sources [urea, Muriate of Potash (MOP), 10-10-10, 13-0-45, SOP (Sulphate of Potash), and Diammonium Phosphate (DAP)] and four concentrations (0.25, 0.50, 0.75 and 1.00 per cent), replicated thrice. In part II, nutrient scheduling was standardized in split plot design with six main plots and three sub plots in three replications. Main plot treatments were n1-POP (Package of Practices) with basin irrigation, n2-POP with drip irrigation, n3-drip irrigation alone without fertilizer, n4-soil application of rock phosphate and fertigation using urea and MOP, n5- fertigation using 10-10-10, urea and Sulphate of Potash (SOP) and n6- fertigation using 13-0-45, 0-0-50 and DAP. The sub-plot treatments were water spray (s1), foliar application of 19-19-19 @ 0.50 per cent [2, 4 and 6 MAP (Months After Planting)] (s2) and bunch spray with 2 per cent SOP (after complete bunch emergence and three weeks after first application) (s3). The general practices such as deep ploughing (50 cm), taking raised beds (30 cm height, 3 m width) and organic manure application (15 kg plant-1) were uniformly followed. Daily water requirement for drip irrigation was calculated using the formula suggested by FAO (1998). Separate sub mains were laid out for irrigating each treatment and fertigation was done using ventury. The concentrations tested revealed no phytotoxic effect on plants. Nutrient sources had significant influence on growth, yield and quality of banana. Growth parameters showed varying effect due to nutrient sources. During both the years, n1, n2, n4 and n5 registered higher yield which were on par and significantly superior to other sources. But in pooled analysis, n1, n2 and n4 recorded significantly higher yield of 32.55, 31.69, 31.58 t ha-1, respectively which were on par. Quality parameters also responded differently to nutrient sources and irrigation. The effect of foliar application on growth, yield and quality was also significant. Bunch spray with 2 per cent SOP significantly improved growth, yield and quality aspects. Input use efficiency also showed significant variation due to treatments. Among the nutrient sources and irrigation, the highest nutrient use efficiency (NUE) was registered by n4. Whereas in water productivity (WP), n2 was found superior and was on par with n4 in second year. Water use efficiency (WUE) was enhanced in n2 which was on par with n4 and n5 in first year. In second year, n4 was on par with n2, n5 and n6. NUE, WUE and WP were also significantly enhanced by s3. Compared to basin irrigation, fertigation resulted in a saving of 73 per cent in irrigation water and 40 per cent in nutrients. Significantly higher B : C ratio of 5.07 and 3.99 were registered by n4 and s3. The nutrient schedule standardized for precision farming in banana can be summarized as:- basal application of organic manure @ 15 kg plant-1, soil application of rock phosphate @ 325 g plant-1 (1 MAP) and @ 250 g plant-1 (3 MAP), weekly fertigation using urea @ 16.30 g plant-1 from 1 to 7 MAP (except 6 MAP) and MOP @ 16.25 g plant-1 from 1 to 5 MAP and @ 31.25 g plant-1 (7 MAP) along with bunch spray of 2 per cent SOP (after complete bunch emergence and three weeks after first application) or foliar spray of 0.50 per cent 19-19-19 (2, 4 and 6 MAP). This schedule along with improved land management practices of deep ploughing (50 cm deep) and taking raised beds (30 cm height) is beneficial for productivity enhancement in banana.

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