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Open Access
Sulphur and boron nutrition and their foliar diagnosis in sesame
(Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry,College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2010) Jeena, Mathew; KAU; Sumam, George
A laboratory cum field experiment was conducted to study the effect of S and B on the growth, yield and quality of sesame var. Thilarani and to standardize the foliar diagnosis of these elements in Onattukara sandy loam soil. The study included an incubation study and two field experiments. The treatments comprising the different levels of S and B laid out in 42factorial RBD. The treatments were T1(S0B0), T2(S0B1), T3(S0B2), T4(S0B3), T5(S1B0), T6(S1B1), T7(S1B2), T8(S1B3), T9(S2B0), T10(S2B1), T11(S2B2), T12(S2B3), T13(S3B0), T14(S3B1), T15(S3B2), T16(S3B3). The different levels of S were S0 (0 kg ha-1), S1 (7.5 kg ha-1), S2, (15 kg ha-1) and S3 (30 kg ha-1) and B0 (0 kg ha-1), B1(2.5 kg ha- 1), B2 (5 kg ha-1) and B3 (7.5 kg ha-1). The incubation study was conducted at College of Agriculture, Vellayani to understand the dissolution and release pattern of S and B from their sources gypsum and borax respectively in Onattukara sandy soil. The results revealed that the release of S and B was maximum at the 30th DOI. Increasing levels of S and B has a positive influence on the S content of the soil. T16 (S3B3) recorded the highest value at all the sampling stages for S whereas in the case of B, the treatment combinations which received B at the highest levels in combination with S3 or S2 showed the highest value. The field experiments were laid out at ORARS, Kayamkulam in 42 factorial RBD having two replications using Thilarani as the test crop. It was observed that application of S and B favourably influenced the yield and yield attributes of sesame. T16 was found to be the treatment which gave the highest grain yield and oil yield in both the years and was found to be on par with T14 (S3B1). S3 was the superior S level. As for the different levels of B, B1 can be inferred as the best level. The content of saturated fatty acids such as palmatic and stearic acid showed a decreasing trend with increasing levels of S and B whereas the content of the unsaturated fatty acids showed an increasing trend. The quality attributes of oil such as acid value, iodine value and saponification value was also studied and it was found that there is a decreasing trend with regard to acid and saponification value and an increasing trend for iodine number. The grain protein content also showed an increasing trend with the increase in rate of application of S and B. Regarding the content and uptake of N, P, K, S, B, Fe, Mn, Cu and Zn, a favourable influence for the different levels of S and B was recorded. Results regarding the S and B use efficiency and their apparent recovery showed that with increase in levels of S, an increasing trend was observed for S. In the case of B, increase was noticed up to B1 (2.5 kg ha-1) and there after showed a decreasing trend. This positive influence was also reflected on the available nutrient status of the soil such as organic carbon content, available N, P, K, S, B and DTPA extractable micronutrients. Correlation studies conducted to standardize the part and stage of sampling for the foliar diagnosis of sesame showed petiole at 30 DAS and 20 DAS in the case of S and B respectively. The same stages were found for the soil sampling also for both the nutrients. The critical nutrient level in the part standardised for these two nutrients were standardized using the graphical method proposed by Cate and Nelson (1965). In the case of S, it had been standardized as 0.088 per cent and for B, it had been found to be 28 mg kg-1. The critical nutrient level in soil was also estimated using the scatter diagram technique and was found to be 23 kg ha-1 at 30 DAS for S and 1.4 ppm at 20 DAS for B. Hence the application of S @ 30 kg ha-1 and B @ 2.5 kg ha-1 could faourably enhance growth of sesame with regard to the growth characters, yield and yield attributes and the quality aspects. Moreover, analysis of the plant and soil samples at the critical stages fixed for the respective nutrients will provide the necessary data for the sustainable management of the crop in Onattukara sandy loam soil.
Open Access
Geographic information system for micro-level decision making in the agricultural sector of Central Midlands of Kerala
(Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2005) Anup Balakrishnan; KAU; Saifudeen, N
The present study was carried out in the Centre for Land Resources Research and Management, Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, College of Horticulture, Kerala Agricultural University, Thrissur during the period 2001 to 2004 with the broad objective of integrating available data on the land and agricultural resources of Madakkathara Panchayat into a Geographic Information System (GIS) and to demonstrate the capability of GIS as a decision support system to design projects for integrated resource management. Cadastral maps (1:3960 scale) of the Panchayat and the land use and assets map of the Panchayat were used as base maps for the study. These maps were processed , traced, scanned, joined and digitised. Various features were digitised as separate themes. The digitised maps were then projected and converted to shape files using PC ARC/INFO resulting in the spatial data. Primary and secondary information on watershed and panchayat were collected and tabulated using MS Access and MS excel to form the attribute data of the respective themes. Then spatial and attribute data were integrated to prepare the GIS of Madakkathara Panchayat.
Open Access
Nutrient interactions in soil test crop response studies on cucumber ( Cucumis sativus L) in the laterite soils of Kerala.
(Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry,College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2011) Sajnanath, K; KAU; Hassan, M A
A comprehensive approach has to be adopted for efficient fertilizer use, incorporating soil test, field research and economic evaluation of the results for providing a scientific basis for the process of enhancing and sustaining food production as well as soil productivity with minimum environmental degradation, it needs more. Soil testing is one of the best scientific means for quick and reliable determination of soil fertility status. Soil test crop response study in the field provides soil test calibration between the level of soil nutrients as determined in the laboratory and the crop response to fertilizers as observed in the field for predicting the fertilizer requirements of the crop. In Kerala, many studies have been conducted to get a fertilizer prescription equation for targeted yield in various crops like rice, banana etc. A programme was formulated to investigate the nutrient interaction in soil test crop response studies on cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) in the laterite soils of Kerala. In this, the field works were conducted as per the pattern of soil test crop response correlation studies. A gradient crop experiment was conducted in the experimental field of AICRP on STCR using maize. The purpose is to create a fertility gradient in the field by applying different doses of fertilizers. The area was divided into three strips and the doses of nutrients were applied as per STCR pattern of fertilization for maize. The crop was harvested and the plant samples were taken for analysis. The pre and post experimental soil samples were analysed. It was found that fertility gradients were developed in the field. Using the data on dry matter production in various strips, the nutrient uptake was also determined. A test crop experiment was designed in the same field where the gradient crop was raised. There were 24 treatments with three control plots. The treatments included four levels of nutrients and three levels of farm yard manure. The crop, cucumber (Var.: AAUC-2), popularly known as salad cucumber, was raised and managed as per package of practices of KAU. The soil samples were collected before, at flowering and harvest stages during the experiment. The plant samples were collected at flowering and harvesting stages. The total dry matter production and yield were taken treatment wise at the harvest. The soil samples were analysed for various chemical parameters. The data on yield, uptake of nutrients, nutrient status, nutrient requirement, quantity of farm yard manure applied were used for formulating the fertilizer prescription equations for cucumber. Using these equations, the quantity of fertilizers to be used to get a target of yield can be calculated if the available nutrient status is known. The equations thus developed were verified in farmers' field at four locations; Pallikandam, Maraikkal, Ayiloor and Vithanassery. The fields were laid out with five treatments and four replications. The treatments were (i) farmers' practice (ii) KAU package, (iii) soil testing laboratory method, (iv) STCR method with a target of 30 t ha-I and (v) STCR method with a target of 35 t ha-I. The soil samples were analysed before raising the crop and the quantities of fertilizers to be applied were computed for various treatments. The plant and soil samples at flowering and harvest stages were analysed for pH, EC, CEC, Organic Carbon, available N, P, K, Ca, Mg, and micronutrients such as Fe, Mn, Cu and Zn. The total dry matter production and yield were taken treatment wise at the harvest. The data were used for- statistical analysis for assessmg direct and indirect effect of nutrients on yield and nutrient interactions. A positive correlation was observed between organic carbon' and soil parameters at flowering stage. At the harvesting stage, there was a positive correlation was found between yield and major nutrients. The interaction between available P in the soil and Nand K in the plant was observed. The availability ofP in plant was negatively correlated with Fe in the soil. The targeted yield equations for cucumber could produce the yields of 30 and 35 t ha-I from the verification experiments conducted at the different locations. The B:C ratio also was higher in the STCR methods over the farmers' practices, blanket recommendations and STL recommendations. The information generated in the project will help in making the soil testing programme scientifically sound in terms of achieving predicted yields, maintaining soil fertility and helping the extension agencies in ensuring balanced fertilizer use according to the soil fertility status and crop requirement.
Open Access
Calcium dynamics in substrate - wormcast - mushroom - plant continuum
(Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry,College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2010) Bindhu, C J; KAU; Sushama, P K
The study on Calcium dynamics in substrate-wormcast-mushroom-plant continuum was conducted at College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara during October 2006 to May, 2010 with the objectives, to select a suitable organic enrichner for calcium rich wormcast production, to standardize the protocol for calcium rich wormcast production, to test the suitability of wormcast as a casing material and substrate for milky mushroom production, to evaluate the spent mushroom as source of nutrition in tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) and to explore the contributions of different calcium rich nourishing media to soil health in a sustainable way. In order to attain the objectives, the different experiments were done in a phased manner. In experiment 1, the different animal and bird manures such as those of cow, pig, rabbit, goat, poultry and quail were characterized for their physico-chemical properties especially the calcium. The screening process was carried out as a rapid exploratory trial. Based on calcium content, cowdung and goat manure were selected as the promising organic enrichners for calcium rich wormcast production. In order to standardize the protocol for calcium rich wormcast production, an incubation experiment was carried out with banana pseudostem as the substrate. Along with different levels of organic enrichners, the inorganic materials such as phosphate rock and lime were tried. The biotic agent, Eudrilus euginiae was introduced after 10 days of incubation. The temperature of the compost pile was monitored daily. The samples were drawn at fortnightly intervals and examined for various properties like pH, microbial count and earthworm biomass. Along with the determination of physico-chemical properties of compost material, the wormcast was also fractionated into humic and fulvic acids of organic matter. Based on the calcium content, the wormcast produced in the treatment that received 50 per cent level of cow dung was selected for the succeeded experiment. In order to evaluate the best casing material, a study was undertaken in a suitably designed mushroom shed, using the mushroom strain, Calocybe indica. The trial was carried out with different casing materials, wormcast, coirpith compost, termite mud dune and soil, viz., 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 per cent of the substrate, paddy straw. Samples were drawn at harvest for recording the morphological characters, growth attributes, yield, keeping quality, biochemical constituents and physico-chemical properties. Based on calcium content, the spent mushroom produced by the treatments with 20, 40 and 50 per cent wormcast was selected as the nutritional source for tomato. A pot experiment was done with tomato variety, Anagha. The spent mushrooms were mixed with potting mixture at levels, 25, 50, 75 and 100 per cent of the recommended dose of vermicompost for tomato (4.5 kg pot-1). From the pot culture, it was inferred that spent mushroom at levels, 50 and 75 per cent were superior to others in terms of nutrient uptake and yield in tomato. The calcium use efficiency in terms of physiological efficiency, agronomic efficiency, recovery efficiency and factor productivity was also computed for the treatments that yielded comparatively better. The important salient findings are as follows: 1. Cow dung is the best substrate for the production of calcium rich wormcast 2. The wormcast, coirpith compost and termite mud dune are not suitable as substrate For milky mushroom but are suitable as casing materials. 3. Wormcast at a level of 20 per cent of substrate is the best casing material for milky Mushroom as compared to coirpith compost, termite mud dune and soil. 4. Spent mushroom at a level of 50 per cent of recommended dose of vermicompost is sufficient for a mean yield of 0.770 kg pot -1 in tomato. 5. There is very promising complimentality among the different calcium rich nourishing media such as substrate, wormcast, spent mushroom and soil. 6. There is much addition of calcium from the different sources both to the exchangeable and non-exchangeable pool of soil calcium. Effective management of animal manures for enriched compost production, use of spent mushroom as organic manure and the utilization of wormcast for milky mushroom culture are some of the practical utilities of the study. Moreover, the vermiculture may be extended to further agripreneurship programmes.
Open Access
Development of protocol for quality control of commercial organic manures and their evaluation
(Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2008) Gowri Priya; KAU; Harikrishnan Nair, K
The research project entitled “Development of protocol for quality control of commercial organic manures and their evaluation” was conducted at College of Agriculture, Vellayani during 2006-2008, with the objectives of quality evaluation of the major commercial organic manures in Kerala, development of a quality protocol for assessing quality and detecting adulteration in commercial organic manures, studying the mineralization pattern of major nutrients in selected manures and their comparative effect on crop performance. Forty four commercial organic manure products and their raw materials were collected from the manufacturers allover Kerala and their physical, chemical and biochemical characters were analysed. Standard compost manures viz., standard vermicompost, standard coirpith compost and standard city waste compost were prepared at the Instructional Farm, College of Agriculture, Vellayani and their physical, chemical and biochemical characters were analysed. The raw materials viz. bone meal, leather meal and neem cake were mixed in different proportions and the characters of the resulting organic meal mixtures were estimated. Based on these data, a protocol was developed to predict the nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium contents of the organic manures prepared by mixing bone meal, leather meal and neem cake in any ratio. A storage experiment was conducted to study the changes in quality aspects of organic manures during a period of one year. The quality parameters of market samples and the corresponding factory samples of COMs were compared. An incubation experiment was conducted to study the nutrient mineralization pattern of organic manures. A field experiment was carried out to evaluate the performance of selected organic manures using amaranthus variety Arun as test crop. The results of the investigation revealed that none among the forty four commercial organic manures conformed completely to the quality standards specified by the Fertilizer (Control) Amendment Order, 2006, of the Government of India. The colour of COMs varied depending on their raw materials (ingredients) and the odour of COMs varied depending on raw materials and the state of decomposition. The total nitrogen contents of COMs varied from 0.7 per cent to 7.87 per cent. Majority of the COMs had total nitrogen contents between 2.8 per cent and 5.85 per cent. The C/N ratio of COMs varied from 2.86 to 43.18 and only one product viz. SN 4 (Neem cake marketed by TIFFCO Fertilizers & Chemicals) had a ratio more than 20:1. All the COMs contained satisfactory level of total organic carbon. The total phosphorus content varied from 0.12 per cent to 4.57 per cent and the total potassium content in COMs varied from 0.12 per cent to 7.87 per cent. Only eighteen of the COMs had pH in the neutral range and with respect to EC, only three COMs were good for use having EC values less than 4 dS m-1. Based on heavy metal contents, the COMs P.L.meal (PL Agro Technologies Ltd.), Skymeal (Vembanad Chemicals & Fertilizers) and Haritha Super (The Gramakarshaka Fertilizer Company Pvt Ltd.) were found unsuitable for long term application to soil. The standard compost manures did not conform to the specifications of moisture content and bulk density as per Fertilizer (Control) Amendment Order, 2006. The total nitrogen content of SVC was 1.4 per cent, SCC 0.7 per cent and SCWC 2.1 per cent. All the three SCMs recorded C/N ratios below 20. SVC and SCWC had satisfactory levels of total P while SCC was poor in total P. The three SCMs did not contain enough total K to conform to the minimum limit prescribed by the Fertilizer (Control) Amendment Order, 2006. The pH of SVC and SCWC were within the neutral range of 6.5- 7.5, while SCC was more acidic with pH of 3.93. The electrical conductivity of the SCMs ranged from 0.33 to 3.4dS m-1. The total organic carbon contents of SCMs were above 30 per cent. SCMs had heavy metal contents below the maximum limits prescribed by the Fertilizer (Control) Amendment Order, 2006. The analysis of raw materials revealed that leather meal was a good source of nitrogen, bone meal and pressmud were good sources of phosphorus and pressmud was the best source for potassium. The mathematical models developed for predicting the N, P and K contents of any mixture of bone meal, leather meal and neem cake were: N estimated= 3.62088 BM+ 6.58962 LM+ 1.74407 NC+ 4.74391 (BM)x(LM) + 7.8398 (BM) x (NC) – 9.87862 (LM)x(NC), where BM is the proportion of bone meal in the mixture, LM is the proportion of leather meal in the manure and NC is the proportion of neem cake in the mixture. P estimated= 8.41214 BM+ 0.37157 LM+ 0.41953 NC- 2.73548 (BM) x (LM) + 10.15749 (BM) x (NC) – 8.72905 (LM) x (NC) K estimated= 0.38543 BM+ 0.01872 LM+ 1.19747 NC+ -0.04393 (BM) x (LM) + 2.98573 (BM) x (NC) – 5.64704 (LM) x (NC) The model could be used for finding out adulteration of organic manures with inorganic fertilizers to boost their nutrient contents. Different ratios of bone meal, leather meal and neem cake were worked out to prepare organic manures with different levels of N, P and K. The results of the storage study showed that the organic carbon content of organic manures decreased from the initial value during the storage period of one year. The changes in nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and sodium contents of organic manures showed varying patterns during storage. Comparison of quality of market and factory samples of COMs revealed that the organic carbon and nitrogen content of all the market samples were significantly less than their corresponding factory samples while P and K contents showed varying patterns. The mineralization patterns of major nutrients from the organic manures in incubation experiment indicated that in general, the available nitrogen and phosphorus contents in soils treated with organic manures increased upto 30-45days after incubation and decreased thereafter. The mineralization pattern of potassium from organic manures in soil showed pronounced variation. The treatment with Karshaka Agromeal Grade I (SN 26) recorded higher contents of N, P and K. In the field experiment the highest yield in the first crop was in the treatment with NPK fertilizers + Karshaka Agromeal Grade I. The control treatment with no fertilizers and manures recorded the lowest yield. The application of organic manures was found to improve the quality aspects of the crop. The highest content of available N in soil after harvest of first crop was recorded in T10 (NPK fertilizers + SVC) and lowest available N content was observed in T4. The available phosphorus content after harvest of first crop was highest in T7 (NPK fertilizers + Golden meal) and the lowest value of available P2O5 was observed in T6 (NPK fertilizers +Skymeal). The available potassium content after harvest of first crop was highest in T10 and the lowest content of available potassium was obtained from T14. Application of organic manures was found to raise the pH of the soil in treatment plots. The electrical conductivity of soil was significantly influenced by the different treatments. The highest yield, total dry matter production, total marketable yield and total yield per plant of the second crop was recorded in T7 (NPK fertilizers +Golden meal) and the lowest was in T14. The highest B: C ratio of 1.31 was recorded in T4 and the lowest value was recorded in T14 (absolute control) which had a B:C ratio of 0.90.
Open Access
Nutrient interactions in soil test crop response studies on cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) in the laterite soils of Kerala.
(College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2011) Sajnanath, K; KAU; Hassan, M A
A comprehensive approach has to be adopted for efficient fertilizer use, incorporating soil test, field research and economic evaluation of the results for providing a scientific basis for the process of enhancing and sustaining food production as well as soil productivity with minimum environmental degradation, it needs more. Soil testing is one of the best scientific means for quick and reliable determination of soil fertility status. Soil test crop response study in the field provides soil test calibration between the level of soil nutrients as determined in the laboratory and the crop response to fertilizers as observed in the field for predicting the fertilizer requirements of the crop. In Kerala, many studies have been conducted to get a fertilizer prescription equation for targeted yield in various crops like rice, banana etc. A programme was formulated to investigate the nutrient interaction in soil test crop response studies on cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) in the laterite soils of Kerala. In this, the field works were conducted as per the pattern of soil test crop response correlation studies. A gradient crop experiment was conducted in the experimental field of AICRP on STCR using maize. The purpose is to create a fertility gradient in the field by applying different doses of fertilizers. The area was divided into three strips and the doses of nutrients were applied as per STCR pattern of fertilization for maize. The crop was harvested and the plant samples were taken for analysis. The pre and post experimental soil samples were analysed. It was found that fertility gradients were developed in the field. Using the data on dry matter production in various strips, the nutrient uptake was also determined. A test crop experiment was designed in the same field where the gradient crop was raised. There were 24 treatments with three control plots. The treatments included four levels of nutrients and three levels of farm yard manure. The crop, cucumber (Var.: AAUC-2), popularly known as salad cucumber, was raised and managed as per package of practices of KAU. The soil samples were collected before, at flowering and harvest stages during the experiment. The plant samples were collected at flowering and harvesting stages. The total dry matter production and yield were taken treatment wise at the harvest. The soil samples were analysed for various chemical parameters. The data on yield, uptake of nutrients, nutrient status, nutrient requirement, quantity of farm yard manure applied were used for formulating the fertilizer prescription equations for cucumber. Using these equations, the quantity of fertilizers to be used to get a target of yield can be calculated if the available nutrient status is known. The equations thus developed were verified in farmers' field at four locations; Pallikandam, Maraikkal, Ayiloor and Vithanassery. The fields were laid out with five treatments and four replications. The treatments were (i) farmers' practice, (ii) KAU package, (iii) soil testing laboratory method, (iv) STCR method with a target of 30 t ha-I and (v) STCR method with a target of 35 t ha-I. The soil samples were analysed before raising the crop and the quantities of fertilizers to be applied were computed for various treatments. The plant and soil samples at flowering and harvest stages were analysed for pH, EC, CEC, Organic Carbon, available N, P, K, Ca, Mg, and micronutrients such as Fe, Mn, Cu and Zn. The total dry matter production and yield were taken treatment wise at the harvest. The data were used for- statistical analysis for assessmg direct and indirect effect of nutrients on yield and nutrient interactions. A positive correlation was observed between organic carbon' and soil parameters at flowering stage. At the harvesting stage, there was a positive correlation was found between yield and major nutrients. The interaction between available P in the soil and Nand K in the plant was observed. The availability ofP in plant was negatively correlated with Fe in the soil. The targeted yield equations for cucumber could produce the yields of 30 and 35 t ha-I from the verification experiments conducted at the different locations. The B:C ratio also was higher in the STCR methods over the farmers' practices, blanket recommendations and STL recommendations. The information generated in the project will help in making the soil testing programme scientifically sound in terms of achieving predicted yields, maintaining soil fertility and helping the extension agencies in ensuring balanced fertilizer use according to the soil fertility status and crop requirement.
Open Access
Assessment of 2, 4 - D residues in the major rice soils of Kerala
(Kerala Agricultural University;Thrissur, 2002) Durga Devi, K.M.; KAU; Chinnamma, N.P.
Open Access
Impact of soil compaction on the productivity of Onattukara soils
(Kerala Agricultural University;Thiruvananthapuram, 2001) Sreelatha, A.K.; KAU; Pushkala, S.
Open Access
Yield maximization in cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) through hunter`s systematic approach in fertilizer use
(Kerala Agricultural University;Thiruvananthapuram, 2003) Susan John, K.; KAU; Venugopal, V.K.

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