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1984 - 198626
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Subject: Agronomy × End date: 1986 × Start date: 1984 × Thesis Type: M.Sc ×
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Delineating the various agroclimatic zones of Kerala & identifying the cropping patterns for the different zones
    (Department of Agronomy, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 1986) Karmachandran, K M; KAU; Balakrishna Pillai, P
    An investigation was carried out for delineating the various agroclimatic zones of Kerala and for identifying the cropping patterns for the different zones. Meteorological data were collected from 100 stations in Kerala. Soil and crop data were collected for the whole state. The agroclimatic features of Kerala were studied. The water balance elements and indices of 14 representative stations in the state were computed and presented on annual basis. Six moisture availability regimes (MAR) were proposed and delineated following the guidelines of Hargreaves (1971 & 1975). Twenty agroclimatic zones were identified by superimposing the six moisture availability regimes over seven soil groups. The zones are (1) Dry-Forest loam (AF1), (2) Semi dry-Red loam (BR1) (3) Semi dry-Laterite (BLa), (4) Semi dry-Alluvium (BA1), (5) Semi dry-Black soil (BBs), (6)Semi dry-Forest loam (BF1), (7) Sub humid-Red loam (CR1), (8) Sub humid-Laterite (CLa), (9) Sub humid-Alluvium(CA1), (10)Sub humid-Saline (CSa), (11) Sub humid-Forest loam (CF1), (12) Humid-Laterite (DLa), (13) Humid-Alluvium (DA1), (14) Humid-Greyish Onattukara (DGo). (15) Humid-Saline (DSa) (16) Humid-Forest loam (DF1), (17) per humid-Laterite (ELa), (18) per humid-Forest loam (EF1), (19) Wet-Laterite (FLa) and (20) wet-Forest loam (FF1). Twelve cropping patterns of the state were also identified. Suitability of the existing cropping patterns for the agroclimatic zones were examined. It is found that the cropping patterns existing in almost all the agroclimatic zones are suitable to the zones. Coconut is not suitable for BBs zone and the eastern part of the BLa zone, while rubber is not congenial for the zone BF1. Mango and jack are not suitable for the high altitude areas of DF1zone. Coconut, tapioca and cocoa are suitable only up to 900 m above M. S. L. in the zone EF1. In FLa zone rubber grows well up to 600 m above M. S. L, while cardamom is better for higher elevations. Tapioca is not suitable for areas 800 m above M. S. L in the zone FF1. The important crops except tapioca are unsuitable for AF1 zone. It is felt that a detailed study with a denser network of meteorological stations is necessary for examining the suitability of crops to the zone CF1. Crops such as millets with low water requirement should be given more importance in the zones like BBS and AF1. Dry (A) type MAR demands great care of crops at least for six dry months. Perhumid (E) and Wet (F) types of MAR demand proper drainage for crops except rice. Proper soil conservation measures have to be taken up when tapioca is grown on the slopes, especially of the sub humid (C), Humid (D), perhumid (E) and wet (F) types of moisture availability regimes.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Influence of crop geometry on the growth and yield of rice variety jaya
    (Department of Agronomy, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 1985) Usha, K E; KAU; Balakrishnapillai, P
    Influence of crop geometry on the growth and yield of rice variety 'Jaya'. An experiment was conducted in the Regional Agricultural Research Station, Pattambi during the second crop season of 1983 to study the influence of crop geometry on the growth and yield of rice variety 'Jaya'. The experiment was laid out in split plot with three replications. The treatments consisted of six treatment combinations of two levels of spacing between plants (20 x 15 cm, 20 x 10 cm) and three levels of spacing between alleys (80 cm, 160 cm and 240 cm apart) in the main plot and four levels of crop orientation (north-South, East-West, diagonal planting North East-South West and diagonal planting North West-South East) in the sub plot. Observations on weather factors such as temperature, relative humidity, rainfall, sunshine hours, wind velocity and evaporation were recorded daily. Crop growth characters like height, number of tillers, leaf area index were recorded at different stages of development of the crop and yield components like number of productive tillers, length of panicle, and yield of girth and straw were noted during the harvest. The day time variation of albedo was also measured at frequent intervals. N-S oriented crop was significantly superior to others with regard to crop growth characters as well as yield components. Height, number of tillers, number of productive tillers, length of panicle and number of grain per panicle were influenced by the 20 x 15 cm spacing while the 20 x 10 cm spacing showed the maximum drymatter production, maximum thousand grain weight and highest value of grain and straw yields. The grain yield was not significantly influenced by the alley treatments. It was found that proper spacing and orientation had significant effect on overall growth and yield of the crop. Highest grain yield was recorded in plots with N-S orientation and with 20 x 10 cm spacing. The best performance is attributed to more effective utilisation of solar radiation with the uniform exposure of plants to sunlight. The albedo measurements were also higher over the closely spaced and N-S oriented plots indicating the better growth and performance of the crop. Results of the present investigation indicate that rice in Kerala during the second crop season can be grown most successfully if planted at a spacing of 20 x 10 cm and oriented in N-S direction.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Fertiliser management in cassava- groundnut intercropping system
    (Department of Agronomy, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 1985) Bridgit, T K; KAU; Sreedharan, C
    An experiment was conducted at Agricultural Research Station, Mannuthy, to study the effect of levels of N and time of application of N and K in a cassava- groundnut intercropping system. This 2x2x4 factorial experiment was laid out in randomized Block design with three replications under rainfed conditions. The study revealed that intercropping cassava with groundnut enhanced the growth parameters of cassava at all stages of growth. Yield attributes, yield and total drymatter production of cassava were also increased by intercropping. The quality characters like drymatter starch and crude protein content of tubers were improved by intercropping. Hundred percent recommended dose of N increased the growth, yield and quality over 75 percent of the recommended dose. Among the time of application T3 (15, 75 and 120 DAP) has given the highest tuber yield (21.92t ha-1) followed by T1 (15,60 and 90 DAP) of 21.65 t ha-1. T4 (basal, 60 and 90 DAP) which is the recommended dose recorded the lowest yield of 17.9 t ha-1. A comparatively higher utilization index was obtained with intercropping and higher level of N (75kg ha -1). T1 andT1 and T3 recorded more UI values than T2 and T4. The nutrient content as well as up take in cassava was increased by legume intercropping and higher levels of N. T1 and T3 recorded more nutrient content in different plant parts as compared to T2and T4. The fertility status of the soil was improved by intercropping and levels of N. Yield of ground nut was influenced by higher levels of N. Yield of groundnut was influenced by higher levels of N and time of application of N and K to cassava.T2 and T4 recorded more yield. Nutrient content and up take of bhusa was not influenced by levels of N and time of application of N and K. Maximum LER was seen in sole cassava plot when N and K was given at 15,75 and 120 DAP while in intercropped plot it was highest when N and K were given at 15,60 and 90DAP. Income from cassava cultivation was increased by intercropping with groundnut application of N and K at 15, 75 and 120DAP. Groundnut can be intercropped successfully with cassava under Kerala condition and a substantial quantity (25 per cent) of fertilizer nitrogen required by the main crop could be saved by this practice. For getting better fertilizer use efficiency of applied N and K fertilisers, 1st dose should be applied at 15 DAP of cassava instead of the now recommended basal Dose. Second dose can be extended up to 75 days of planting and the last dose up to 120 DAP so as to coincide with the harvest of the intercrop and the earthing up of cassava.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Screening plant materials for nitrification inhibition properties and testing the field performance of promising materials
    (Department of Agronomy, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 1986) Gracy Mathew; KAU; Vikraman Nair, R
    The present study ‘screening plant materials for nitrification inhibition properties and testing field performance of promising materials’ was conducted during May 1984 to November 1985 at the College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, Trichur. A total of 17 materials were used for screening using already proved nitrification inhibition materials like N-Serve and neem cake as reference. Nitrification rate in the soil was found to be very low and there was no appreciable conversion of NH+4 form to NO 3. Since there was no significant difference in the NH+4 content between treatments due to the naturally low rate of nitrification, selection of promising materials possessing nitrification inhibition property could not be done. Attempts were made to locate the factors that resulted in the low rate of nitrification in the soil. Organic matter content, pH, cropping history, amount of NH+4– N build up in the soil, incubation conditions and low microbial population were not indicated as responsible for the noted low degree of nitrification. In red and black soils of Coimbatore, nitrification was appreciable and there was fast disappearance of NH+4–N. Data on various growth parameters like mean, height, LAI and dry matter production of the test crop. Fodder maize, did not show any treatment difference. The yield in the treatment which received no fertiliser nitrogen was significantly lower than in other treatments. Similar were the results on nitrogen content of plant parts at various stages and those on total nitrogen uptake. The addition of materials used as nitrification inhibitors did not show any added advantage over untreated urea since the degree of nitrification in the soil was not appreciable.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Water management in relation to split application of nitrogen on bhindi Abelmoschus esculentus (L) Moench
    (Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 1986) Jaya Krishna, Kumar V; KAU; Ravindranathan Pillai, G
    A field experiment was conducted in the summer rice fallows of the Agronomic Research Station, Chalakudy during 1985 (January to March) to study the response of water management in relation to split application of nitrogen on bhindi. The soil of the experimental field was sandy loam in texture with a bulk density ranging from 1.41 to 1.47 g cm-3, slightly acidic in reaction, low in available nitrogen and potassium and medium in available phosphorus. The weather was almost normal without any appreciable amount of rainfall during the period of crop growth. The test variety was Pusa Savani. The treatments comprising combinations of five levels of irrigation (daily irrigation and irrigation at 30, 45, 60 and 75 mm CPE values) and three split applications of nitrogen (1/2 basal + 1/2 30 DAS, 1/2 basal +1/4 30 DAS + 1/4 50 DAS; 1/3 basal + 1/3 30 DAS+ 1/3 50 DAS) were laid out as a 5x3 factorial experiment in randomised block design with three replications.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Fertilizer management in rice variety cheradi
    (Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 1986) Vaijayanthi, C P; KAU; Ramachandran Nair, V
    To evolve a suitable fertilizer management schedule for rice variety Cheradi, an experiment was conducted at State Seed Farm, Kottarakka, Quilon District during the second crop season of 1984-85. The treatment consisted of four graded levels of fertilizers (40: 20: 20, 50:25:25, 60:30:30 and 70:35:35 kg NPK/ha) and four times of application of nitrogen. The experiment thrice in a Factorial Randomised Block Design. Growth characters such as plant height, number of tillers/m2, LAI, CGR and dry matter production were the highest at the level of 70: 35: 35 kg NPK/ha. Interaction between levels of fertilizers and time of application of nitrogen influenced the LAI at active tillering stage. The LAI was the highest when 70 kg nitrogen was given 50% as basal, 25% each at active tillering and panicle initiation stages.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Nitrogen management for grain cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.) in summer rice fallows
    (Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 1985) Sheela, P; KAU; Muraleedharan Nair, V
    A field experiment was conducted at the College of Agriculture, Vellayani during the summer season of 1983-84 to study the response of two varieties of cowpea to different nitrogen management conditions. Various combinations of 5,10,20 or 30 kg N/ha basal, 0,5 or 10 kg N/ha top dressing as foliar spray at flowering, immediately after fertilization of early flowers and mid pod-fill stage as major treatments and two varieties (Kanakamony and Krishnamony) as minor treatments were tried in a split plot design with three replications. The study revealed the favourable influence of higher amounts of nitrogen on growth characters lika plant height, leaf number, number of branches per plant and number of nodules at flowering. Yield components such as number of pods per penduncle, pods per plant, seeds per plant and percentage of podset increased significantly by foliar application of nitrogen at different stages of the reproductive phase. The highest grain yield of 476 kg/ha was obtained from plants receiving 20 kg N/ha basal plus 10 kg N/ha applied to foliage at mid pod-fill stage. The number of seeds per pod and 100 seed weight were not influenced by the Various nitrogen levels tried. Harvest index and protein content of grain were enhanced by application of nitrogen as basal plus foliar sprays. The nitrogen content in plant parts were increased with increasing amounts of nitrogen. Foliar application of nitrogen at flowering or mid pod-fill stage increased the leaf nitrogen concentration The total nitrogen content available P2O5 and available K2O contents of soil influenced by the treatments. The higher level of nitrogen invariably led to higher values of total nitrogen in soil, available and available K2O after the crop harvest. The greatest profit of Rs 1661.85 was obtained from plants receiving 20 kg N/ha basal plus 10 kg N/ha as foliar spray at mid pod-fill stage (T12) The study indicated that application of 20 kg N/ha basal when supplemented v/ith 10 kg N/ha as foliar spray at mid pod-fill stage of the crop could give higher grain yields and profits.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Nutritional requirement of the sesamum variety thilothama in partially shaded uplands
    (Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 1985) Girija, Devi L; KAU; Chandrasekharan, P
    An experiment was conducted in the red loom soils of the Instructional Farm, College of Agriculture , Vellayani during 1983 to study the effects of three levels of nitrogen (0, 20 and 40 kg N/ha), three levels of phosphorus (0, 15 and 30 kg P2O5/ha) and three levels of potassium (0,20 and 40 kg K2O/ha) on the growth, yield, oil and protein content and chemical composition and uptake of mineral nutrients of sesamum. The field trial was laid out as a 3 factorial experiment confounding NPK in replication - 1 and NP2K2 in replication-2.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Fertilizer management trail for the rice variety mashuri during mundakan season
    (Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 1984) Ajith Kumar, R; KAU; Muraleedharan Nair, V
    With a view to investigate the response of the rice variety Mashuri to fertilizer levels and time of nitrogen application, a field experiment was conducted at the Regional Agricultural Resaerch Station , Pattambi, during the second crop season of 1982-83 . The treatments consisted of seven nutrient levels (70:45:45, 70:35:35, 60:35:35 60:25:25, 50:35:35 and 0:0:0 KG NPK per hectare) and three times of application of nitrogen (50% as basal+ 25% 20 DAT+ 25% 40 DAT, 25% as basal + 50% 20 DAT+25% 40 DAT and 25% as basal + 25 % 20 DAT + 50% 40 DAT) and their various combinations. The experiment was laid out in split-plot design with levels of fertilizers in main plot and times of application of nitrogen in sub plot with three replication.