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ThesisItem Open Access Customized nutrient management for rice (Oryza sativa L.) in the Southern Laterites (AEU8)(Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture,Vellayani, 2019) Sheeba, S S; KAU; Shalini Pillai, PThe study entitled “Customized nutrient management for rice (Oryza sativa L.) in the Southern Laterites (AEU 8)” was undertaken at College of Agriculture, Vellayani during 2016 to 2019. The main objectives were to assess and rate the available nutrient status of rice soil in the Southern Laterites (AEU 8), to develop a Zn – B mix for rice and to evaluate the effect of the mix on rice, at different N/K ratios. The study was carried out in three parts. The first part was on assessment and rating of available nutrient status of rice soil in Southern Laterites (AEU 8). Southern Laterites is spread over five blocks (Athiyannoor, Parassala, Nemom, Perumkadavila and Vellanad). Parassala, Nemom and Perumkadavila were selected for the study since paddy cultivation was observed in comparatively larger area in these blocks. One hundred and fifty, geo-referenced soil samples were collected from the rice fields during April to May 2017, at random from the 11 panchayats spread over these three blocks. The soil samples were analysed and rated for 14 soil fertility parameters and block wise digital maps were prepared with ArcGIS 10.1. Based on the nutrient index, it was observed that organic carbon, available Ca, Mg, S, Cu, Zn and B recorded low nutrient indices (< 1.5) in all the three blocks. While available N was low in Nemom and Perumkadavila, it was medium (1.5 – 2.5) in Parassala block. Available P showed high index (> 2.5) in Parassala and Perumkadavila and medium index in Nemom. While Parassala and Nemom blocks could be rated as medium with respect to available K, Perumkadavila exhibited high index for K. Available Fe and Mn were high in all the blocks. The rice soils of Southern Laterites were observed to be strongly acidic with a mean pH of 5.27 ± 0.58, normal in electrical conductivity (0.77 ± 0.31) dS m-1, low in organic carbon (0.52 ± 0.23) % and available N (263.70 ± 49.32) kg ha-1, high in available P (90.40 ± 59.78) kg ha-1 and medium in available K (228.94 ± 87.84) kg ha-1. The soils were low in available Ca (15.78 ± 4.96) mg kg-1, available Mg (5.87 ± 1.85) mg kg-1 and available S (1.34 ± 0.83) mg kg-1. Among the micronutrients tested, the rice soils exhibited deficiency of available Cu (0.44 ± 0.22) mg kg-1, Zn (0.77 ± 0.19) mg kg-1 and B (0.315 ± 0.002) mg kg-1. The second part of the study comprised development of a Zn – B mix for rice. The Zn and B requirement was calculated based on the difference between the crop requirement and Zn and B status of the soil. Crop requirement of Zn and B was computed as the product of the potential yield and whole plant nutrient composition. Accordingly, the Zn and B requirement could be calculated as 4.088 kg ha-1 and 0.738 kg ha-1 respectively. The Zn – B mix for rice was formulated by mixing zinc sulphate heptahydrate (ZnSO4.7H2O) and boric acid (H3BO3) in the ratio 4 : 1. The third part of the study was a field experiment to assess the effect of the Zn – B mix on rice, at different N/K ratios. The experiment was conducted during the second crop season (September to January) of 2017 and 2018. The experiment was located in the Chenkal panchayat of Parassala block, in a farmer’s field where Zn and B deficiency was identified from the first part of the study. The experiment was laid out in randomised block design with 13 treatments (12 + 1), replicated thrice. The treatments T1 to T4 were combinations of N/K (1.0 : 0.5) + foliar application of 0.5 % and 1.0 % Zn – B mix at maximum tillering (MT) and panicle initiation (PI) stages, T5 to T8 were N/K (1.0 : 1.0) + foliar application of 0.5 % and 1.0 % Zn – B mix at MT and PI stages, T9 to T12 were N/K (1.0 : 1.5) + foliar application of 0.5 % and 1.0 % Zn – B mix at MT and PI stages and T13 was control (KAU POP for rice). The variety used for the study was Uma (MO 16). The soil of the experimental site was sandy clay loam, strongly acidic in reaction, low in organic carbon, medium in available N and K, high in available P and deficient in available Ca, Mg, Zn and B. In all treatments except control, nutrients were applied on soil test basis. The results revealed that growth attributes were significantly influenced by N/K ratio and foliar application of Zn- B mix and the treatments were observed to be superior to control (KAU POP). Mean tiller count and leaf area index were significantly higher with N/K (1.0 : 1.5) + foliar application of 0.5 % Zn – B mix at PI stage (T10) at MT and PI stages. It was on a par with T9, T11 and T12. However, the mean total dry matter production (12356 kg ha-1) was significantly higher with T12 (N/K (1.0 : 1.5) + foliar application of 1.0 % Zn – B mix at PI stage) and was comparable with T10. Among the yield attributing characters, mean number of productive tillers m-2 (488.35) and grain weight per panicle (2.78 g) were significantly higher with T12 and were at par with T10. The treatments T10 and T12 were comparable with respect to the number of spikelets per panicle, filled grains per panicle and sterility percentage. The treatment T12 resulted in significantly higher mean grain yield (5.67 t ha-1) and was comparable with T10 (5.61 t ha-1). Straw yield was higher with T12 (6.89 t ha-1) and was on a par with T10 (6.83t ha-1). The treatments were superior to control (KAU POP), with T10 recording 43.9 per cent improvement in grain yield. Crude protein content of grain and uptake of major nutrients, Ca, Zn and B were significantly higher with T12 and was comparable with T10. Incidence of rice bug (at the milk stage) and false smut disease (at harvest) was observed during both the years. Mean benefit cost ratio was higher (1.72) with T10 and was comparable with T12 (1.69) as against a BCR of 1.16 for the KAU POP. The present study revealed that the fertility status of rice soils of the Southern Laterites (AEU 8) need to be addressed in terms of soil acidity, low organic carbon status, build-up of phosphorus and deficiency of secondary nutrients and micronutrients like Zn, B and Cu, on soil test basis. Based on the crop requirement and nutrient status of the soil, a Zn – B mix was formulated, as a mixture of zinc sulphate heptahydrate and boric acid in the ratio 4 : 1. Application of nitrogen and potassium in the ratio 1.0 : 1.5 along with foliar application of 0.5% Zn – B mix at panicle initiation stage was observed to be effective in enhancing the growth and yield attributes, yield and economics of rice in the Southern Laterites (AEU 8) of KeralaThesisItem Open Access Effect of different types of fertilizers as influenced by adjuvants on fue and yield of upland rice(Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2016) Sheeba, S S; KAU; Sajitha, Rani TThe experiment entitled “Effect of different types of fertilizers as influenced by adjuvants on FUE and yield of upland rice” was undertaken in the Instructional Farm, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Thiruvananthapuram, during May 2015 to September 2015. The main objectives of the study were to assess the possibility of enhancing nutrient use efficiency of rice by using water soluble fertilizers and adjuvants, to study the impact of foliar fertilizers and adjuvants on growth and productivity of upland rice and to work out the economics. The field experiment was laid out in randomised block design with 10 treatments and three replications. The treatments consisted of four foliar nutrients viz., (F1) 19:19:19 (1%), (F2) 13:0:46 (1%), (F3) urea 5% + SOP 1.5% and (F4) urea 1.5% + SOP 1.5% and two adjuvants, adjuvant category I (A1) and adjuvant category II (A2) with KAU POP (soil application of FYM @ 5 t ha-1 + 60:30:30 kg N P2O5 and K2O ha-1 (Control 1) and soil application of FYM @ 5 t ha-1 (Control 2) as two control treatments. Foliar fertilizers were given in 3 stages viz., at maximum tillering, panicle emergence and flowering. The results revealed that growth attributes like plant height, tillers m-2, leaf area index (LAI) and dry matter production (DMP) were significantly influenced by foliar nutrients. Among the foliar nutrients, F4 (urea 5% + SOP 1.5 %) recorded the highest plant height at harvest stage only while tillers m-2 and DMP were significantly higher with F4 at all growth stages. LAI recorded was the highest with F4 and was on a par with F3 at all growth stages. Adjuvant category-I recorded the highest LAI at panicle emergence and harvest stages. All growth attributes were superior for Kerala Agricultural University package of practices recommendations (KAU POP) i.e, Control 1, compared to the application of 5 t of FYM alone (Control 2). Foliar nutrition with urea 5% + SOP 1.5% along with adjuvant 1 (f4a1) recorded the highest LAI at panicle emergence and harvest stages. All the yield attributing characters viz., productive tillers m-2 (482.50), panicle length (26.66 cm), spikelets panicle-1 (137.22), number of filled grains panicle-1 (131.22) and thousand grain weight (25.98 g) were significantly superior with foliar nutrition of urea 5% + SOP 1.5% ( F4 ). KAU POP produced more filled grains panicle -1 compared to treatments. Foliar nutrition with F4 registered lesser number of days to attain 50 per cent flowering. Dry matter partitioning towards shoot portion and panicles were significantly influenced by foliar nutrients. Among the foliar nutrients, significantly higher shoot weight percentage and panicle weight percentage were noticed with F4 and it was on a par with F3. Among the foliar nutrients, F4 (urea 5% + SOP 1.5%) recorded significantly higher grain (5.76 t ha-1) and straw yield (6.99 t ha-1). The grain yield (5.02 t ha-1) registered by adjuvant I was higher than adjuvant II (4.54 t ha-1). Foliar application of urea 5% + SOP 1.5 % (F4) recorded significantly higher uptake of N (145.35 kg ha-1), P (10.49 kg ha-1) and K (145.05 kg ha-1). Significantly higher crude protein content (8.31 per cent) in grain was also registered by F4. The disease and pest incidences never reached the threshold level and hence uniform score was given to all plots. Economic analysis revealed that gross income ( 121494 ha-1), net income ( 51036 ha-1), per day returns ( 464) and B:C ratio (1.72) were significantly higher for F4. Adjuvant I recorded significantly higher net income ( 37100 ha-1), B:C ratio (1.52) and per day returns ( 337) compared to adjuvant II. Based on the present study, basal application of farm yard manure (5 t ha-1), full dose of P, half dose of N and K (30 :30:15 kg ha-1) along with foliar application of urea 5% + SOP 1.5 % with an adjuvant having translocation character at three different growth stages viz., maximum tillering, panicle emergence and flowering can be recommended for realising maximum yield and profit in upland rice.ThesisItem Open Access Effect of different types of fertilizers as influenced by adjuvants on fue and yield of upland rice(College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2016) Sheeba, S S; KAU; Sajitha, Rani TThe experiment entitled “Effect of different types of fertilizers as influenced by adjuvants on FUE and yield of upland rice” was undertaken in the Instructional Farm, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Thiruvananthapuram, during May 2015 to September 2015. The main objectives of the study were to assess the possibility of enhancing nutrient use efficiency of rice by using water soluble fertilizers and adjuvants, to study the impact of foliar fertilizers and adjuvants on growth and productivity of upland rice and to work out the economics. The field experiment was laid out in randomised block design with 10 treatments and three replications. The treatments consisted of four foliar nutrients viz., (F1) 19:19:19 (1%), (F2) 13:0:46 (1%), (F3) urea 5% + SOP 1.5% and (F4) urea 1.5% + SOP 1.5% and two adjuvants, adjuvant category I (A1) and adjuvant category II (A2) with KAU POP (soil application of FYM @ 5 t ha-1 + 60:30:30 kg N P2O5 and K2O ha-1 (Control 1) and soil application of FYM @ 5 t ha-1 (Control 2) as two control treatments. Foliar fertilizers were given in 3 stages viz., at maximum tillering, panicle emergence and flowering. The results revealed that growth attributes like plant height, tillers m-2, leaf area index (LAI) and dry matter production (DMP) were significantly influenced by foliar nutrients. Among the foliar nutrients, F4 (urea 5% + SOP 1.5 %) recorded the highest plant height at harvest stage only while tillers m-2 and DMP were significantly higher with F4 at all growth stages. LAI recorded was the highest with F4 and was on a par with F3 at all growth stages. Adjuvant category-I recorded the highest LAI at panicle emergence and harvest stages. All growth attributes were superior for Kerala Agricultural University package of practices recommendations (KAU POP) i.e, Control 1, compared to the application of 5 t of FYM alone (Control 2). Foliar nutrition with urea 5% + SOP 1.5% along with adjuvant 1 (f4a1) recorded the highest LAI at panicle emergence and harvest stages. All the yield attributing characters viz., productive tillers m-2 (482.50), panicle length (26.66 cm), spikelets panicle-1 (137.22), number of filled grains panicle-1 (131.22) and thousand grain weight (25.98 g) were significantly superior with foliar nutrition of urea 5% + SOP 1.5% ( F4 ). KAU POP produced more filled grains panicle -1 compared to treatments. Foliar nutrition with F4 registered lesser number of days to attain 50 per cent flowering. Dry matter partitioning towards shoot portion and panicles were significantly influenced by foliar nutrients. Among the foliar nutrients, significantly higher shoot weight percentage and panicle weight percentage were noticed with F4 and it was on a par with F3. Among the foliar nutrients, F4 (urea 5% + SOP 1.5%) recorded significantly higher grain (5.76 t ha-1) and straw yield (6.99 t ha-1). The grain yield (5.02 t ha-1) registered by adjuvant I was higher than adjuvant II (4.54 t ha-1). Foliar application of urea 5% + SOP 1.5 % (F4) recorded significantly higher uptake of N (145.35 kg ha-1), P (10.49 kg ha-1) and K (145.05 kg ha-1). Significantly higher crude protein content (8.31 per cent) in grain was also registered by F4. The disease and pest incidences never reached the threshold level and hence uniform score was given to all plots. Economic analysis revealed that gross income ( 121494 ha-1), net income ( 51036 ha-1), per day returns ( 464) and B:C ratio (1.72) were significantly higher for F4. Adjuvant I recorded significantly higher net income ( 37100 ha-1), B:C ratio (1.52) and per day returns ( 337) compared to adjuvant II. Based on the present study, basal application of farm yard manure (5 t ha-1), full dose of P, half dose of N and K (30 :30:15 kg ha-1) along with foliar application of urea 5% + SOP 1.5 % with an adjuvant having translocation character at three different growth stages viz., maximum tillering, panicle emergence and flowering can be recommended for realising maximum yield and profit in upland rice.