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2011 - 201559
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Subject: Agronomy × Author: KAU × End date: 2015 × Start date: 2011 ×
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Standardisation of nutrient and weed management techniques for organic rice
    (Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2013) Murugesh, M S; KAU; Girija Devi, L
    The present investigation on “Standardisation of nutrient and weed management techniques for organic rice” was conducted at the Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, during 2012-2013. The objectives were to standardise the nutrient schedule, spacing and weed management techniques for organic rice and to assess the economic feasibility of the organic package. The experiment was laid out in the field in split plot design with combination of spacing, S (S1-20 cm x 15 cm and S2-15 cm x 15 cm) and weed management techniques, W (W1-stale seedbed and W2-hand weeding) as main plot treatments and nutrient schedule, N (N1-option-1 of the ad hoc recommendation of KAU: FYM 5 t + 800 kg oil cakes ha-1 (1/2 basal + 1/2 top dressing at active tillering stage), N2-option-2 of the ad hoc recommendation of KAU: FYM 1 t + green leaf manure 1t + dual culture of azolla + 2 kg Azospirillum + 2 kg P solubilizing bacteria + 1kg PGPR (mix 1) ha-1, N3-option-3 of the ad hoc recommendation of KAU: 1/3rd RDN as FYM, 1/3rd as vermicompost and 1/3rd as neem cake + 2 kg Azospirillum + 2 kg P solubilizing bacteria ha-1, N4-soil test based application–half as vermicompost and half as neem cake). The KAU Package of Practices Recommendation (FYM 5 t + 90:45:45 kg NPK ha -1) was taken as control. Closer spacing (S2-15cm x 15 cm), hand weeding (W2) and option-3 of the ad hoc recommendation of KAU (N3) significantly influenced plant height and DMP, while closer spacing (S2-15cm x 15 cm) and option-3 of the ad hoc recommendation of KAU (N3) only had significant influence on tiller production and LAI. Stale seedbed (W1) and closer spacing (S2-15 cm x 15 cm) had significant influence on most of the yield attributing characters, while, among nutrient schedule, N3 (option-3 of the ad hoc recommendation of KAU) attributed the maximum for yield contributing characters, but was on par with N4 (soil test based application) and also with N1 (option-1 of the ad hoc recommendation of KAU) for grain yield. The results on weed control revealed the superiority of closer spacing (S2-15 cm x 15 cm) and stale seedbed technique (W1) over others in controlling the weeds throughout the growth stages. However the weed control efficiency was the lowest in conventional (Control-KAU Package of Practices Recommendation) compared to the organic throughout the growth stages. The nutrient uptake was the highest in N3 (option-3 of the ad hoc recommendation of KAU) and the lowest in N2 (option-2 of the ad hoc recommendation of KAU). However, uptake study had also revealed the superiority of conventional (Control-KAU Package of Practices Recommendation) over organic in the uptake of nutrients. The net returns and B:C ratio were the highest in closely spaced plants (S2-15 cm x 15 cm) and in N3 (option-3 of the ad hoc recommendation of KAU). From the study it can be concluded that for realising higher grain yield in organic rice, a closer spacing of 15 cm x 15 cm (S2) is ideal. Any of the two weed management techniques, i.e., either stale seedbed (W1) or hand weeding (W2) can be practiced for controlling weeds. Option-3 of the ad hoc recommendation of KAU (N3-1/3rd RDN as FYM, 1/3rd as vermicompost and 1/3rd as neem cake + 2 kg Azospirillum + 2 kg P solubilizing bacteria ha-1) is the best nutrient schedule for realizing maximum yield from organic rice. The most economic package for organic rice production is the combination of closer spacing of 15 cm x 15 cm (S2), with stale seedbed technique (W1) of weed control and option-3 of the ad hoc recommendation of KAU (N3-1/3rd RDN as FYM, 1/3rd as vermicompost and1/3rd as neem cake + 2 Kg Azospirillum + 2 Kg P solubilizing bacteria ha-1) as nutrient schedule. The organic package was economically significantly superior to conventional package due to the premium price fetched by organic rice.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Nutrient Management for yield and quality improvement in Kacholam
    (Department of Agronomy, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2012) Kavitha, P R; KAU; Meera, Menon V
    Kacholam (Kaempferia galanga L.) is an important medicinal and aromatic plant of the Zingiberaceae family. In India, kacholam is cultivated throughout the plains for the rhizomes. The economic produce of kacholam is the chopped and dried rhizomes of 6-7 months maturity. Dried rhizomes are used in bulk quantities in ayurvedic medicine and in the cosmetic industry. It is used for curing inflammatory wounds, skin disorders, piles, oedema, fever, epilepsy, splenic disorders and asthma. The constituents of the rhizome oil include para methoxy ethyl cinnamate (60.24 % of the oil), ethyl cinnamate (20.66%), cineol, borneol, 3-carene, camphene, kaempferol, kaempferide and cinnamaldehyde. There is immense scope for cultivation of kacholam in Kerala, as the climatic and soil conditions are optimally suited to its growth and development. Kacholam can be grown as an intercrop in coconut gardens and it has attained the status of a cash crop of homesteads. Though there is an approved ad hoc recommendation of organic manures as well as N, P and K for kacholam, there are reports that the K dose is inadequate. Also, considering the low availability and high cost, the present organic manure recommendation of 20 tonnes ha-1 is rather unaffordable. There are also reports about the inadequacy in the availability of secondary nutrients viz., S, Ca and Mg, which may affect yield and quality of kacholam. A field experiment was conducted during 2011-2012 in the coconut garden of Water Management Research Unit, Vellanikkara to evaluate the effect of varying doses of K and secondary nutrients on yield and quality of kacholam. There were 12 treatments with 3 replications each. Treatments consisted of package of practices (POP) recommendation of 20 tonnes farmyard manure along with 50:50:50 kg N, P and K ha-1 and combinations with S, Ca, Mg and extra dose of K applied as first and second top dressing. Rhizomes were planted at a spacing of 20 x 15 cm and planting was done on 3/ 06/ 2011. Harvesting was done seven months after planting. Observations included biometric observations taken at monthly intervals, nutrient contents at 2 ½ and 5 months after planting, and at harvest. Nutrient uptakes was also worked out. Essential oil and oleoresin in rhizomes were also analysed. The soil pH and chemical parameters were analysed before and after the experiment. There were significant differences among treatments with respect to yield, essential oil, oleoresin, nutrient contents and nutrient uptake. With respect to yield, the treatment receiving S applied either at first top dressing or at second top dressing and that with S, Ca and Mg recorded highest yields as compared to other treatments. Essential oil content also showed the same trend as that of yield. But in case of oleoresin, the content was more only in the treatments receiving S as first and second top dressing. This treatment resulted in highest uptake of all nutrients except Ca at harvest. Application of the secondary nutrients thus had a direct positive effect on yield and quality. Changing the N:K ratio of present NPK recommendation resulted in reduction of yield and other quality parameters. The yield and quality parameters with the reduced organic manure dose were found similar to the present POP. Increased phosphorus content of soil observed after experimentation indicated the possibility of reducing the recommended phosphorus dose. Supplementing S, Ca and Mg with a reduced organic manure dose is also to be tested.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Standardization of organic nutrient schedule for chilli (Capsicum annuam)
    (Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2013) Akshay; KAU; Sajitha Rani, T
    The research project entitled ‘Standardization of organic nutrient schedule for chilli (Capsicum annuum)’ was conducted at Instructional Farm attached to the College of Agriculture, Vellayani during the kharif season of 2012 to standardize the organic nutrient schedule for chilli and to work out the economics. The investigation was laid out as factorial experiment in Randomized Block Design (RBD) with three replications. The treatments consisted of three levels of FYM - F1 (20 t ha-1), F2 (15 t ha-1) and F3 (10 t ha-1) and three levels of substitution of the recommended dose of nitrogen. The levels of substitution are N1 (100 % recommended dose of N- 75 kg ha-1), N2 (75 % recommended dose of N -56.25 kg ha-1) and N3 (50 % recommended dose of N - 37.5 kg ha-1). FYM along with neem cake in 1: 1 ratio is used as organic manure for N substitution. Three controls were also tested in this study. Thèse controls are C1 (KAU POP recommendation -.FYM@ 25 t ha-1 along with75:40:25 kg N:P2O5:K20 ha-1 as inorganic fertilizer), C2 ( KAU Adhoc organic POP recommendation -FYM @25 t ha-1 + Poultry manure at 5 t ha-1 + Pseudomonas + Trichoderma and PGPR mix 1, each @2.5 kg ha-1) and C3 (Farmers practice - Cow dung slurry @ 20 t ha-1) Result of the study revealed that FYM @ 20 t ha-1 recorded significantly higher plant height, no of branches & LAI. The maximum value for all growth parameters were observed at 100% level of N substitution .Combined application of FYM @ 20 t ha-1 along with 100% substitution of recommended dose of N (75 kg ha-1) in organic form registered maximum plant height, branches, LAI, and root spread .This treatment was on par with KAU POP and Adhoc organic POP Maximum yield was recorede at the highest level of FYM (20 t ha-1). Yield contributing characters were also significantly higher at this level. Among the levels of substitution 100% substitution recorded maximum productivity. Application of FYM @ 20 t ha-1 along with 100 % recommended dose of N (75 kg ha-1) as organic form gave maximum productivity which was on par with the yield realized from KAU Adhoc organic POP and KAU POP. Highest level of FYM @ 20 t ha-1 and 100 % substitution of recommended dose of N recorded maximum ascorbic acid, capsaicin content and shelf life. FYM @ 20 t ha-1 along with 100% of substitution of N as organic recorded maximum capsaicin content which was on par with KAU POP recommendation. Ad hoc organic POP recommendation of KAU recorded maximum ascorbic acid content. KAU POP recommendation registered significantly higher N and K uptake than other treatments. Adhoc organic POP recommendations of KAU recorded highest soil pH and organic carbon content. Available nitrogen status of soil was significantly higher in Adhoc organic POP recommendations of KAU but P and K status were on par to KAU POP. Highest B:C ratio and net income were realized in KAU POP. Best nutrient schedules for realising maximum yield from organic chilli is 1) FYM @20 t ha-1 along with 75kg N ha -1 applied through a combination of FYM and neem cake in 1 : 1 ratio + Pseudomonas + Trichoderma and PGPR mix 1, each @2.5 kg ha-1 and 2) Adhoc POP recommendation of KAU -FYM @ 25 t ha-1 along with poultry manure @ 5 t ha-1 + Pseudomonas+Trichoderma and PGPR mix 1, each @2.5 kg ha-1. Economic nutrient schedule for organic chilli is application of FYM @ 25 t ha-1 along with poultry manure @ 5 t ha-1 + Pseudomonas + Trichoderma and PGPR mix 1, each @2.5 k
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Production potential of cereal fodder crops under various tillage practices in rice fallows.
    (Department of Agronomy, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2011) Gintu, George; KAU; Prameela, P
    In order to test the feasibility of raising cereal fodders in rice fallows under various tillage systems an experiment entitled “Production potential of cereal fodder crops under various tillage practices in rice fallows” was conducted at the Department of Agronomy, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, Thrissur, Kerala. The experiment was laid out in split plot design with four replications during the period from November 2009 to February 2010. The main plots had tillage practices as treatments which included zero tillage with and without herbicide application (M1 and M2), minimum tillage (M3) and normal tillage (M4). The subplots had three treatments, viz., fodder cereals; maize (S1), sorghum (S2) and bajra (S3). Analysis of data on herbage yield of the three fodders under different tillage practices showed that the herbicide based zero tillage, minimum tillage and normal tillage practices resulted in comparable yields (20.72, 18.72 and 18.08 t/ha). Zero tillage without herbicide application resulted in significantly lower yield (11.69 t/ha). Growth parameters like plant height, leaf area index, leaf stem ratio, shoot root ratio etc. recorded at various growth stages also showed the favourable influence of minimum and herbicide based zero tillage on plant growth. Among the cereal fodders, maize recorded significantly higher yield of 20.19 t/ha followed by sorghum with 15.91 t/ha and bajra with 15.81 t/ha. Considering tillage practices and crops together, the highest B: C ratio of 3.31 was realized when maize was grown under herbicide based zero tillage closely followed by maize under minimum tillage with a B: C ratio of 3.24. Of the other two crops, bajra was found to be more profitable than sorghum. Like maize, herbicide based zero tillage resulted in a higher B: C ratio (3.0) for bajra than other tillage treatments. The yield reduction in zero tillage without herbicide application was mainly due to weeds. A study of weed spectrum showed that dicots were the major weed flora followed by grasses and sedges. The weed population and weed dry matter production were the highest in zero tillage without herbicide application followed by minimum and herbicide based tillage and the least was in normal tillage. Weed dry matter production in zero tilled without herbicide plot was 1545 kg/ha compared to a much lower dry matter accumulation of 193 kg/ha in normal tillage plot. The silage made from all the three cereal fodders was found to be of good quality with golden yellow colour, pleasant smell and a pH ranging from 3.8 to 4.2. In silage prepared without the addition of molasses, pH was found to be slightly higher (4.2) compared to silage prepared with molasses as additive (3.9). The study revealed that fodder maize under herbicide based zero tillage was the best with regard to yield and B: C ratio. However, for a herbicide free production system, maize grown under minimum tillage is preferred due to its equally good performance.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Relative efficiency of soil and foliar applied nutrients in irrigated rice of Palakkad
    (Department of Agronomy, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2013) Nissa, Latheef; KAU; Mercy, George
    The research programme entitled “Relative efficiency of soil and foliar applied nutrients in irrigated rice of Palakkad” was conducted in the farmer’s field, Thathamangalam, Palakkad during Mundakan season October 2011- February 2012 to compare the efficacy of soil and foliar applied nutrients especially magnesium, zinc and boron. The treatments included package of practices recommendation for rice manuring (POP NPK+FYM), NPK alone as in the package of practices recommendation (POP NPK), soil test based nutrient application +FYM, soil application of MgSO4 @ 40 & 80 kg ha-1, ZnSO4 @ 20 & 30 kg ha-1, Borax @ 10 & 20 kg ha-1; foliar spray of MgSO4 @ 0.5 & 1%, ZnSO4 @ 0.5 & 1% and Borax @ 0.25 & 0.5% and an absolute control. Soil application of Mg, Zn and B were done as basal and foliar application were given at 20 and 40 DAT of rice as per the treatments.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Influence of composting methods on compost maturity and quality
    (Department of Agronomy, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2015) Harsha, Narayanan; KAU; Anitha, S
    One of the important factors affecting the successful use of compost for agricultural purpose is compost maturity because immature compost can be detrimental to plant growth and soil environment. Compost obtained from many of the rapid methods is found to be coarser and need to be evaluated for maturity and quality prior to its agricultural use. Although the practical applicability and benefits of composting methods are widely known, there has been very limited effort towards scientific documentation and evaluation of the biodegradation process, along with quality evaluation of its end product and post application efficiency. The present study was proposed against this backdrop to study the influence of various composting methods on its end product quality, particularly in terms of its stability and maturity status and to evaluate whether the compost obtained from these methods can be directly used as manure. An investigation entitled ‘Influence of composting methods on compost maturity and quality’ was conducted at Plant Propogation and Nursery Management Unit, Vellanikkara to study the effect of composting methods on compost maturity and quality and evaluate the suitability of compost obtained from various composting methods as organic manure on the growth and yield performance of bhindi crop. The experiment consisted of eight methods of composting (T1-Aerobic composting using cowdung, T2- Aerobic composting using Bacillus subtilis (KAU culture), T3- Composting using effective microorganisms, T4- Composting with Trichoderma and worms, T5 - Vermicomposting, T6- Varanasi composting, T7- Heap and T8- Pit method of composting). The compost obtained from all the composting methods helped to attain physical, chemical and biological parameters of compost maturity at varying degree. The highest yield was recorded in varanasi composting followed by aerobic composting using cowdung. Based on the recovery percentage, the highest compost recovery was noticed in aerobic composting using cowdung. The nutrient content of compost obtained from all the composting methods was in the permissible limit. Even though the quantity of compost produced was less using microbial culture, compost produced has attained all the maturity parameters. In the absence of cowdung, composting using Bacillus subtilis (KAU culture), and Trichoderma and worms can be used as substitute for cowdung. Germination studies using compost extract and compost as potting mixture revealed that the compost produced were not phototoxic in nature and the heavy metal content was in the permissible limit. Based on the compost yield and better parameters of maturity, aerobic composting, varanasi composting and vermicomposting were found superior. The experiment to evaluate the suitability of compost as organic manure in the performance of bhindi crop consisted of nine treatments including compost obtained from eight different composting methods and farm yard manure. The organic manure requirement of the crop was substituted by compost and the quantity was decided based on nitrogen equivalent basis of farm yard manure requirement of bhindi (12t/ha). Crop performance was significantly higher with varanasi compost, vermicompost and compost using effective microorganisms. There was significant increase in available soil nutrient content after the addition of compost as compared to the initial content in all the treatments.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Nutrient management for coconut based multi-storeyed cropping system in a typical coastal sandy zone
    (Department of agronomy, College of agriculture, Padannakkad, 2015) Farsanashamin, P; KAU; Anilkumar, A S
    The investigation entitled “Nutrient management for coconut based multi-storeyed cropping system in a typical coastal sandy zone” was carried out during January 2014 – March 2015 to develop appropriate cost effective practices for enhancing nutrient use efficiency, productivity and profitability of coconut based multi-storeyed cropping system involving a combination of coconut (C), noni (IC), banana (IC) and long pepper (IC). The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design with 8 treatments and 5 control plots with two replications. The treatments were T1: 100% NPK (C) + 100% NPK (IC), T2: 100% NPK (C) + 75% NPK (IC), T3: 2/3rd NPK (C) + 100% NPK (IC), T4: 2/3rd NPK (C) + 75% NPK (IC), T5: 1/3rd NPK (C) + 100% NPK (IC), T6: 1/3rd NPK (C) + 75% NPK (IC), T7: Basin management (C) + 100% NPK (IC), T8: Basin management (C) + 75% NPK (IC). In addition, sole crops of coconut (T9), long pepper (T11), banana (T12) and noni (T13) were maintained as control plots under 100% NPK besides sole crop of coconut (T10-basin management). The results of the field experiment revealed that all the growth parameters in long pepper were significantly influenced by treatment effects. The treatment T2 at 4 MAP and T3 at 8, 10 and 12 MAP; T8 at 12 MAP; and T2 at 6 MAP, T3 at 8, 10 and 12 MAP recorded significantly higher values of total vine length, number of branches per vine and total number of leaves per vine respectively. Total spike number per plant, total fresh and dry spike yield and total alkaloid content also showed significant difference due to treatment effects and the treatment T3 recorded the highest value. Nutrient content of leaf and fruit, dry matter production per plant and physiological parameters were not significantly influenced by the treatment effects. In banana, biometric characters, yield components, yield, plant nutrient status and physiological parameters were found to be unaffected by treatment effects. However, the performance of banana in multi-storeyed cropping system was found better compared to sole cropping. The highest bunch weight was recorded in treatment T3. The treatment T3, recorded the highest number of fruits and fruit weight in noni. Nitrogen content in noni fruit was significantly influenced by the treatment effects and the highest per cent was recorded in T3. Litter fall in noni was unaffected by treatment effects but the phosphorus accumulation in soil through litter fall was found to be significant and the treatment T4 contributed the highest quantity of phosphorus to the system. Among the physiological parameters, leaf temperature showed significant influence and the treatment T13 recorded the highest leaf temperature while the treatment T8 recorded the lowest value. Studies on nutrient release pattern of noni leaf litter revealed that 53.3% N, 81.8% P and 61.9% K were released in to the system over a period of seven months. Pooled analysis of the productivity of coconut over a period of three years confirmed the significance of the treatment T8 which was on par with T7. With respect to copra content also, the treatment T7 registered the highest value. Plant analysis data showed that nutrient concentration in index leaf was unaffected by treatment effects except sulphur. The treatments significantly influenced the maximum water holding capacity of soil and T8 recorded the highest value. Available P2O5, Ca, Mg and Mn in soil were significantly influenced by the treatment effects and the highest values were recorded in T3, T8, T11 and T4 respectively. Rhizosphere microflora was enumerated and the highest number of bacteria, fungi and actinomycetes were recorded in T8, T11 and T12 respectively. Total energy output was estimated in the cropping system and the highest output was registered by the treatment T3 which was on par with T8. Economic analysis of the system revealed that gross returns, net returns and B:C ratio were significantly influenced by treatment effects and the highest values were recorded in T8. The treatment T8 ( Basin management of coconut with in situ green manuring, recycling of palm waste, FYM application @ 50 kg + 5 kg ash + 25 g Azospirillum per palm per year combined with the application of 75% of the recommended dose of NPK each for the component crops viz. noni, banana and long pepper) was found worthwhile for popularization in relation to sustainable yield index, partial nutrient balance with respect to P & K and BCR for coconut based multi-storeyed cropping systems of the coastal sandy zones.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Fertigation in sprinkler irrigated upland rice (Oryza sativa L.)
    (Department of Agronomy, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2015) Shahanila, P P; KAU; Prameela, P
    Upland rice cultivation is now being promoted by the Kerala government in the context of diminishing area and production of rice. Although traditionally raised as rainfed crop in the first crop season, upland rice can also be grown throughout the year, if irrigation is provided. Micro irrigation techniques are now gaining popularity because of scarcity of water and high water use efficiency. Irrigation through micro sprinklers is advantageous for upland rice. The present study was undertaken to standardize the irrigation and nutrient requirement of high yielding rice variety grown in upland situation. The experiment was conducted at the Instructional Farm of KAU, Vellanikkara during February to June 2014. The trial was laid out in split plot design with four main plots and three subplots and replicated thrice. The treatments consisted of four levels of irrigation; irrigation @ 75% pan evaporation (Ep) (I1), 100% pan evaporation (I2), 125% pan evaporation (I3) and life saving irrigation (I4) at 5cm depth at required stages and three fertilizer levels; 90:45:45 N, P2O5, K2O kg/ha (F1), 70:35:35 N, P2O5, K2O kg/ha (F2) and 60:30:30 N, P2O5, K2O kg/ha (F3). Biometric characters such as plant height and tiller number per hill were higher in the irrigation schedule of 125% pan evaporation at all the crop growth stages. There was no significant difference among fertilizer levels with regard to plant height and tiller number at 30 DAS and at harvest. The quantity of irrigation water significantly influenced the yield and yield attributes of rice. The highest number of panicles per hill, filled grains per panicle, total biomass production, grain and straw yield were in the highest irrigation level of 125% pan evaporation. Nitrogen and phosphorus contents in rice were not altered with irrigation levels at 30 DAS. The phosphorus content showed an increasing trend with increase in irrigation level from 75% to 125% pan evaporation. At 60 DAS, the highest nitrogen content was observed in irrigation at 75% pan evaporation and the highest phosphorus content was under 125% pan evaporation. Nitrogen and phosphorus content in grains were altered by moisture regime whereas potassium content was not influenced. In straw, phosphorus and potassium contents were altered by irrigation levels and higher contents were registered in 100% pan evaporation and life saving irrigation respectively. The uptake of all the three basic nutrients showed an increasing trend with increase in irrigation level and the highest uptake was recorded under the high irrigation level of 125% pan evaporation. Only nitrogen uptake was significantly influenced by fertilizer levels and the highest uptake was registered with a fertilizer dose of 90:45:45 N, P2O5, K2O kg/ha. Field water use efficiency showed a decreasing trend with increase in irrigation level and it was higher for crop grown under 75% pan evaporation irrigation level. The results of moisture studies indicated that rice extracted more moisture from the top 30 cm soil layer. In general, weed density was high under sprinkler irrigation. Panicum maximum (Guinea grass) was the only monocot weed found in the experimental plot. Borreria hispida, Melochia corchorifolia, Centrosema pubescens, Calopogonium mucunoides, Cleome spp. were the dicot species. Density of monocots and weed dry weight was higher in 125% pan evaporation irrigation whereas density of dicot weeds were higher in 75% pan evaporation. Throughout the crop growth stages, weed density was not significantly influenced by fertilizer levels. In the present study, the highest return from sprinkler irrigated upland rice was obtained with an irrigation regime of 125% pan evaporation and fertilizer dose of 60:30:30 N, P2O5, K2O kg/ha.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Standardization of media for tray nursery technique in rice
    (Department of Agronomy, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2015) Greeshma, V Mathew; KAU; Latha, A (Guide)
    Rice is the principal food crop of Kerala. But the cultivated area of rice in Kerala is drastically decreasing year after year. The major reason for reduction in area is the high cost of cultivation due to increased wage rate prevailing in the state. Mechanization has become imperative to sustain and make rice cultivation economically viable as well as ecologically harmonious. Manual transplanting is labour intensive and mechanical transplanting using tray nursery which is a low cost technology can be adopted in rice cultivation. The success of mechanical transplanting depends on the success of nursery. The soil media used for raising tray nursery limits the easy transportation of the nursery and substitution of the growing media with light weight, cheap and easily available materials will lead to the commercial production of paddy mat nursery for easy transportation and wider acceptance of the technology. The present study entitled “Standardization of media for tray nursery technique in rice” was conducted during 2013-2015 at Agricultural Research Station, Mannuthy with the objectives of standardizing the media for tray nursery technique in rice and to evaluate its efficiency under field condition. The study was carried out in two experiments. The variety used was Jyothi. The design of the Experiment I was CRD with 18 treatments replicated five times. The components viz. four levels of rice husk charcoal, seven levels of soil and two levels of vermi compost or coir pith compost were mixed as per the treatments. Observations on mean germination time, growth characters of seedlings, mat characteristics, physico-chemical properties of media, nutrient contents and uptake by the seedlings were recorded. Economics of nursery was also calculated. The media comprised of 80% RHC + 20% VC, 60% RHC + 20% soil + 20% VC, 80% RHC + 10% soil + 10% VC and 80% RHC + 20% CC were found to be superior with respect to biometric characters. The mats with light weight were produced by the media of 80% RHC + 20% CC and 80% RHC + 20% VC. The stronger mats were noticed in the media of 80% RHC + 20% CC and 40% RHC + 40% soil + 20% VC. Based on the growth characteristics, mat characters and nutrient uptake by the seedlings, ten high ranking media were selected among 18 media from Experiment I for evaluating under field condition. The Experiment II was designed to evaluate the ten best performing media selected from Experiment I under field condition. The design was RBD with three replications. Observations on performance of transplanter, growth characters, yield attributes and yield were recorded. The nutrient contents of the crop were determined and uptake by the crop and economics of cultivation were computed. The performance of the transplanter with respect to the number of hills per metre run and the plant population per m2 at planting were comparable in all the media except the media 60% RHC + 20% soil + 20% VC. The optimum number of seedlings per hill and less number of missing hills per m2 were noticed in the media of 80% RHC + 20% VC, 60% RHC + 30% soil + 10% VC, 80% RHC + 20% CC and 20% RHC + 60% soil + 20% VC. The variation in biometric characters, yield attributes, yield, harvest index, nutrient contents of crop and uptake of nutrients by the crop did not produce significant variation under field condition. From the study, it was revealed that the media comprised of 80% RHC + 20% VC, 60% RHC + 30% soil + 10% VC and 80% RHC + 20% CC were found to be better for cheap, good qualty and light tray nursery production in terms of seedling and mat characteristics and performance of transplanter. These media were also noticed to be performing well and produced higher grain yield under field condition also.