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ThesisItem Open Access Carbon pools in Lateritic soil amended with coirpith-vermicompost and its effect on Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.)(Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2019) Aiswarya, R; KAU; Jayasree Sankar, SSoil organic carbon (SOC) is considered as the key indicator of soil quality and agricultural sustainability. Among the different management practices that are being followed, application of chemical fertilizers and manures has been recognized as the most systematic and effective means to either enhance soil organic carbon accumulation or reduce the rate of SOC loss. Hence, for studying the effect of coirpith based vermicompost on dynamics of carbon in a lateritic soil, a field experiment was laid out during October 2018 – February 2019, in RBD with 12 treatments replicated thrice, with tomato, variety Manulakshmi, as the test crop. The plot size was 3 x 3 m and plant spacing was 60 x 60 cm. The treatments consisted of an absolute control (T1), coirpith compost at 10 t ha-1 (T2), coirpith based vermicompost at 10 t ha-1 (T3), Coirpith based vermicompost at 10 t ha-1 + soil test based KAU POP (T4), , FYM at 20 t ha-1 + soil test based KAU POP(T5), T3 + 25 % of soil test based KAU POP (T6), T3 + 50 % of soil test based KAU POP (T7), T3 + 75 % of soil test based KAU POP (T8), FYM at 20 t ha1 + 25 % of soil test based KAU POP (T9), FYM at 20 t ha-1 + 50 % of soil test based KAU POP (T10), FYM at 20 t ha-1 + 75 % of soil test based KAU POP (T11), Adhoc KAU organic POP (T12). Raw coirpith was converted into compost using vermitechnology employing the compost worm Eisenia foetida .The composting process got completed within 64 days time span. Coirpith in the raw stage and after composting was characterized for physical, electro-chemical and chemical properties. Advantages of vermicomposting coirpith included a reduction in the content of lignin (32 to 16.7 %), cellulose (25.2 to 10.2 %), C: N ratio (113:1 to 20.5:1) and EC (0.98 to 0.51 dS m-1) and an increase in pH and total nutrients. Soil analysis after the experiment revealed the significance of treatments on electro-chemical and chemical properties as against the control. Significantly higher available K (281.0 kg ha-1) and Mn (75.33 mg kg-1) was obtained in coirpith based vermicompost at 10 t ha-1 + soil test based KAU POP (T4). In case of N, P, Ca and Fe the effect of the treatments T4, T5 (FYM + soil test based POP) and T8 (Coirpith vermicompost + 75 % soil test based POP) were comparable. The labile C fractions viz. water soluble carbon (WSC), hot water soluble carbon (HWSC), permanganate oxidizable carbon (POXC) and microbial biomass carbon (MBC) were also significantly influenced by the treatments and it followed the order POXC > HWSC > MBC = WSC. Further analysis revealed that the treatments T4, T5, T6 (Coirpith vermicompost + 25 % soil test based POP), T8 and T11 (FYM + 75 % soil test based POP) were comparable in influencing WSC, whereas T4 and T5 were similar in deciding HWSC and T4 and T8 in case of MBC. Significantly higher total C was registered by coirpith vermicompost + 75 per cent soil test based KAU POP. Dehydrogenase activity which is considered as an index of microbial activity in soil was significantly higher (146.3 µg TPF g-1soil 24hr-1) in coirpith based vermicompost at 10 t ha-1 + soil test based KAU POP. Integration of chemical fertilizers at different levels with organics, either coir pith vermicompost or FYM, increased microbial population which followed the order bacteria > fungi > actinomycetes. However, the impact of treatments was more pronounced in enhancing bacterial population due to the shift in pH towards neutral value. On considering biometric observations, it was seen that the plant height (104.7 cm), number of fruits per plant and fruit yield (1.84 kg/plant) were significantly higher for the treatment coirpith based vermicompost at 10 t ha-1 + soil test based KAU POP. The effect of coirpith based vermicompost and FYM along with fertilizers at different levels were comparable in determining fruit quality parameters like total soluble solids, ascorbic acid, lycopene and titrable acidity. Applying coirpith based vermicompost at 10 t ha-1 + soil test based KAU POP registered a higher B: C ratio of 2.43 in contrast to 1.57 recorded in the absolute control.ThesisItem Open Access Assessment of soil degradation and water quality in areas of small scale brick production and management of the degraded soil(Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2019) Sophia, Baby; KAU; Betty, BastinThe utilization of clay for construction of habitations and buildings dates back to the period of ancient civilizations. Even though centuries had passed and civilizations changed, the basic raw material for brick production remained the same. Brick production requires fine clayey loam soil with plenty of water supply. With the increasing demand for construction material, clay mining had shifted from river banks to fertile agricultural lands. This change in land use had resulted in the deterioration of soil health and decrease in crop production. The entry of large number of small scale brick production units is causing irreversible damages to the soil, hydrology and ecosystem. Hence, this study was taken up to characterise the desurfaced (mined) soils and water resources and to identify suitable management methods of these soils. A comprehensive survey was conducted at Alathur Taluk of Palakkad District to identify locations with resurfaced soils. Soil and water samples were collected from 11 locations including a control location without mining activities during August to September, 2017. A total of 88 soil samples (eight samples per location) and 11 water samples (one sample per location) were collected for the study. Both soil and water samples were analysed for various physico- chemical properties. Biological properties of soil samples were also analysed. The physical properties of soil such as temperature and bulk density were found to be higher in desurfaced soils when compared to control. The water holding capacity, porosity and moisture content were found to be reduced in desurfaced soils. The texture of the soil changed from clay loam to sandy loam. The organic carbon content of desurfaced soils were in the range of 0.08 – 0.46 per cent with a reduction of 61 per cent when compared with control soil. The content of available nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium were also reduced to the extent of 43.70, 74.50 and 43.36 per cent respectively. The available magnesium content was found to be lower in desurfaced soils (55.6 per cent reduction). The content of plant available micronutrients (Fe, Mn, Cu and Zn) and heavy metals (Ni, Cr and Pb) were high in desurfaced soils. The presence of earthworms (13 nos. per m2) and termite mound were observed only in the xi control soil. The microbial biomass carbon and dehydrogenase enzyme activity were highly reduced in desurfaced soils. Water samples were also affected by small scale topsoil mining activity. The pH, electrical conductivity and TDS were in the safer limits for all water samples. The concentrations of sodium (W1 andW10) and calcium (W1 andW5) in certain water samples collected from mined areas were high and they were above safe limits to be used for irrigation purposes. Similarly the higher levels of nitrate, phosphate, bicarbonate and chloride in water samples from mined areas denote the possibility of the water bodies being polluted by mining activities. Based on the status of organic carbon and major nutrients, the soil with the lowest nutrient status (S5) was selected for pot culture study. The pot culture study was conducted with chilli (var. Anugraha) as the test crop. The effect of various organic and inorganic amendments on the properties of desurfaced soils were evaluated in this experiment. The treatment T2 (soil test based NPK + poultry manure) recorded the highest plant height (50.42 cm), number of leaves (221.78) and number of branches (6.11) at 60 days after transplanting. The yield attributes such as total number of flowers (95.33), total number of fruits (31.33) and per cent fruit set (32.95 per cent) were found to be higher for the same. The highest yield was obtained for the treatment T2 (soil test based NPK + poultry manure). The soils were also analysed after the harvest of the crop. The bulk density of soil after harvest was the lowest in treatment T3 (soil test based NPK + vermicompost) and was on par with T4 (soil test based NPK + coirpith compost). The content of organic carbon, available nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium recorded higher values in treatment T2 (soil test based NPK + poultry manure) than the other treatments. The biological properties such as microbial biomass carbon (374.133 μg g-1 soil) and dehydrogenase activity (3.630 μg TPF g-1 day-1) were the highest in treatment T2 (soil test based NPK + poultry manure) and T4 (soil test based NPK + coirpith compost) respectively. The study revealed that top soil mining for brick production predominantly affected bulk density, soil temperature and water holding capacity of the soils. The content of organic carbon and available nutrients such as N, P and K were also reduced. The biological properties like dehydrogenase enzyme activity and microbial biomass xii carbon reduced to a greater extent. Water samples from mined areas were polluted by cations like sodium and calcium and anions like nitrate, phosphate, bicarbonate and chloride to limited extent. Poultry manure application as an integrated nutrient management technique, followed by vermicompost application were found to be beneficial for the management of such desurfaced soils.ThesisItem Open Access Recycling of cashew (Anacardium occidentale L.) leaf litter and cashew apple through vermitechnology(Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2016) Indu, V K; KAU; Jayasree Sankar, SThe present study entitled “Recycling of cashew (Anacardium occidentale L.) leaf litter and cashew apple through vermitechnology was undertaken in the Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry and at Cashew Research Station,Madakkathara during 2012-2014.The objectives were to study the efficacy of different enrichners on the manorial value of vermicompost prepared from cashew leaf litter and cashew apple using compost worm Eisenia foetida, to identify the role of introduced microbes in decreasing compost maturity time and to evaluate enriched vermicompost as a manurial source in the potting mixture for raising cashew grafts. The objectives were achieved through two experiments viz., (1) preparation of enriched vermicompost and (2) adjudging suitability of enriched vermicompost as a component in potting mixture for cashew grafts. Ferro cement tanks of 1m3 dimension, 300 Kg capacity and lined with jute bags were used for producing vermicompost. All the tanks were initially added with basic feed mixture (cashew leaf litter, cashew apple, sawdust and cowdung in 3:3:2:6 ratio on weight basis. Along with the basic feed mixture, different substrates were added according to the treatments. The experiment was carried out in a Completely Randomized Design with three replications with five tanks per replication. Nutrient status of substrates and that of matured compost was recorded initially and after compost maturity. In addition, pH was also recorded before and after composting, pH ranged from 4.5 in cashew leaf litter to 7.6 in cow dungand poultry manure respectively. Organic carbon content varied from 23% in poultry manure to 49% in coconut leaf. C:N ratio was found between 402.5 in sawdust to 22.62 in poultry manure. The biochemical constituents viz, cellulose, phenol, tannin and lignin were highest in cashew leaf litter (45.9, 1.62, 0.62 and 13.4 mg/100 g respectively) as compared to cashew apple. The compost obtained from T9(T1+ glyricidia leaf+ coconut leaf+ poultry manure+ Trichoderma viride + Pleurotus sajarcaju@ 500 mg kg-1 each of substrate+ Bacillus sp @ 2 kg m-3of substrate) on maturity (120 days), recorded a pH of 7.4, OC (28.6%), N (2.9%), C:N ratio (11), P (0.90%), K (2.0%), total Ca and Mg (1834 & 1185 mg kg-1 respectively) which was highest among other treatments. Earthworm population increased from the initial 200 numbers to1935 numbers in T9 as against 972 in T2which contained Eudrilus euginiaeas the facilitating worms. Xv Daily observations on temperature, weekly observations on pH, total microbial count (initial and final stages), days for compost maturity and earth worm count at maturitywere theother important observations studied in the first experiment. Different treatments was found to have significant effect on temperature. It increased in all the treatments with the composting process, reached a peak and then decreased coinciding with maturity or cooling phase. Highest peak was attained for T9 with 32.5OC. pH of compost mixture were also influenced by the treatments. pH value increased in all the treatments with progress in composting and shifted towards a neutral condition. Maximum pH was associated with T9 (7.3). Number of days required for compost maturity was minimum in T9(120Days) whereas it was maximum in T1(135Days) and the count of earthwormpopulation was nearly nine fold in T9whereas it was only six fold in T1. The lowest multiplication level was observed with T2 which contained Eudrilus eugineae as the compost worms. Based on manurial value assessed by high content of major nutrients (2.4%,0.90% and 2.06% NPKrespectively), compost from T9 of experiment I was selected as the best and designated as enriched vermicompost. Its suitability as a component in potting mixture of cashew grafts was assessed in another experiment. The study consisted of four treatments in four replication with five poly bags (25 x 15cm and 300 gauge) per replication in a CRD Design. The scion for grafting was collected from variety ‘Dhana’. Performance of the grafted seedlings was evaluated for a period of three months. Observations included chemical analysis with and without applying vermicompost for OC, available N, P, K,Ca, Mg, Fe, Mn, Zn and Cu.In addition pH was also recorded. Among the four treatments studied,T4 (sand, soil and enriched vermicompost in 1:1:3 ratio) recorded highest nutrient status (2.75, 0.34 and 0.72 g kg-1 of NPK respectively).The number of days for seed germination was minimum in T4 (15) as against 20 days recorded for seed germination for T1. Other biometric observations like plant height (40.37cm), number of leaves (35) and collar girth (5.3cm) were observed maximum in plants grown in T4. Phytotoxicity was not seen in any of the treatments during the three months of evaluation. By employing the epigeic earthworms Eisenia foetida, the enormously available but untreated lignocellulotic solid organic resource, cashew leaf litter and cashew apple, could be effectively converted to nutrient rich vermifertilizer by suitably admering with various organic enrichners. The vermifertilizer thus produced could be efficiently used as a component in the potting mixture for raising cashew plants. Crop performance was the best when the vermifertilizer was mixed at three parts on volume basis with one part each of xvi sand and soil. Based on results vermicomposting could be established as a ecofriendly and ecologically sound method for manure from cashew leaf litter and cashew appleThesisItem Open Access Site specific nutrient management for chilli (Capsicum annum.L) in kalliyoor panchayath of kerala(Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry,College of Agriculture,Vellayani, 2011) Priya, U K; KAU; Sudharmai Devi C RSite Specific Nutrient management is a technology in precision fanning that offers chance for farmers to achieve the targeted yield taking into consideration the potential yield of the crop by application of apt amount of fertilizers. The technology is farmers' friendly, eco-friendly and also consumer friendly. In Indian scenario wherein farmers are suffering from yield losses up to 40% due to micronutrient deficiency of soils mainly zinc and boron deficiencies are the yield limiting factors of production. Kerala the soils are low in basic ions that are posing serious threat to crop production. The Judicious application of chemical fertilizers along with micronutrients is necessary for sustainable crop production. The present study "Site Specific Nutrient Management in" Chilli (Capsicum annuum.L.) in Kalliyoor Panchayath Of .Kerala" was carried out to satisfy the objectives viz. study the spatial variability of area, to find outtheindigenous nutrient supply via omission trials, fix a target yield based on the potential yield of the crop and formulate a site specific nutrient recommendation to obtain the targeted yield. In order to understand the spatial variability survey was conducted at 25 sites of Kalliyoor panchayath. The results of survey showed that the soils showed wide variation in terms of soil physical and chemical properties. Soil phosphorus status , was high in all cases other nutrient concentration ranged from low to high. The spatial variability necessitated carrying out the omission trials at four different sites that were ranked according to the nutrient status into high, medium first level, medium second level and low fertility soils. From the omission trials the recovery fraction and, indigenous nutrient supply were calculated. Utilising all these parameters in QUEFT model SSNJ\:1.--tre tments were fixed. /' / / - :l.33- The high yield target was fixed at 16 t ha that was 50% of the potential yield. The nutrient recommendation generated for HYT was 104.8: 13.6: 201 kg N, P205 and K20 ha-I. Medium yield target was fixed at 168:51: 230 kg N, P205 and K20 ha- I. Taking into account micronutrient and secondary nutrient deficiencies in the soil. In high yield target soil application of micro nutrients and secondary nutrients along with application of 1 % foliar spray of boron was recommended. Micronutrients for soil application were boron @ 5 kg ha-I in form of borax, zinc @ 20 kg ha-I in form of zinc sulphate. Secondary nutrients applied were calcium @ 30 kg ha-I in form of CaS04, magnesium @ 7.5 kg ha-I in form of MgS04. The requirement of sulphur was met from soil applied zinc sulphate, calcium sulphate and magnesium sulphate. In medium yield target only soil application of micro and secondary nutrients along with the application of QUEFT generated recommendations for the crop; POP + micronutrient recommendations were evaluated. Simultaneously an absolute control was also carried out. Soil analysis was carried out for all the physical and chemical properties of the soil initially before the crop was raised, and after each harvest. So that change in soil properties as a result of application of treatments could be evaluated, since the application of fertilizer coincided with each harvest. The results derived from the experiment proved the superiority of SSNM over other treatments with respect to the yield major nutrient and micronutrient uptake. , Where high yield target registered a cumulative yield of 17. 32 tons, medium yield target registered a cumulative yield of 11.75 tons this was _much superior to POP+SNMN that registered an yield of 9.83 tons, or the package of practice recommendation that registered an yield of only 8.3 tons . Farmers practice registered inferior yield data of only 5.2 tons. The study revealed that the site specific nutrient management is an efficient technology to increase the yield of crops and hence provide additional income to the farmers; this technique also provides a -134 - scope of increasing the yield without over application of fertilizers that would result in deterioration of the soil physical and chemical properties in long run.ThesisItem Open Access Nitrogen and sulphur interaction on their release pattern and use efficiency in ferralitic soils.(Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry,College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2011) Mariya Dainy, M S; KAU; Usha, P BAn experiment was carried out at College of Agriculture, Vellayani to investigate the interactive effect of nitrogen and sulphur on their release pattern and use efficiency in ferralitic soils with bhindi as the test crop. The experiment consisted of an incubation study and a field experiment. The incubation study was carried out to understand the release pattern of N and S from their sources viz. urea and gypsum in the soil at different sampling stages (30 and 100 days of incubation) using ferralitic soil kept at field capacity. The treatments consisted of M1N1S1, MINIS2 , M1N1S3 , M1N2S1 , M1N2S2 ,M1N2S3 ,M1N3S1 , M1N3S2 , M1N3S3 , M2N1S1 , M2N1S2 , M2N1S3 , M2N2S1 , M2N2S2 , M2N2S3 , M2N3S1 , M2N3S2 and M2N3S3 and M0N0S0 . Levels of N include N1 (50 kg ha-1), N2 (80 kg ha-1) and N3 (110 kg ha-1). M1 include P2O5 @ 8 kg ha-1+ K2O @ 25kg ha-1 (current POP) and M2 include P2O5 @ 35 kgha-1 + K2O @ 70 kg ha-1(modified POP). Different levels of S are S1 (10 kg ha-1), S2 (15 kg ha-1) and S3 (20 kg ha-1). Soil samples were collected and analyzed for pH, available N and available S content. There was increase in pH value to the neutral range at fifty per cent flowering stage (30 Days of Incubation) and all the treatments showed a decreasing trend in the pH value at 100 Days of Incubation. Available N and available S content increased to some extent at fifty per cent flowering and decreased at the final harvest stage. Application of N up to 110 kg ha-1 significantly increased the available N status of soil and S application up to 20 kg ha-1 increased the soil S status during incubation. The field experiment was laid out in 2×3×3+1 factorial RBD having three replications using bhindi variety Varsha Uphar as the test crop. The treatments were similar to that of the incubation study. S application @15 kg ha-1 significantly reduced the internodal length. N and S interaction N @ 80 kg ha-1 and S @ 15 kg ha-1 showed significant influence on fruit length. The maximum number of fruits and highest yield was obtained when the nutrients were applied @ 80 kg N ha-1 + 8 kg P2O5 ha-1 + 25 kg K2O ha-1 + 15 kg S ha-1. Considering the N and S interaction effects, combined application of N @ 80 kg ha-1 and S @ 20 kg ha-1 increased the number of fruits and yield. Application of N up to 80 kg ha-1 increased the crop yield and above this level, there was reduction in yield. The increase in number of fruits per plant by the application of N and S may be due to the highest uptake and efficient utilization of nutrients. N @ 110 kg ha-1 and S @ 20 kg ha-1 recorded the highest dry matter content. S application @ 15 kg ha-1 showed significant influence on N Use Efficiency (NUE) in bhindi. Application of 80 kg N ha-1 + 8 kg P2O5 ha-1 + 25 kg K2O ha-1 + 15 kg S ha-1 resulted in highest NUE. By the application of urea and gypsum, there was slight increase in the soil pH. After N and S application, there was increase in organic carbon content of the soil. At fifty per cent flowering all the nutrients showed an increase in availability and there was a decrease at the final harvest stage because of crop uptake and various losses. N application @ 110 kg ha-1 significantly increased the available N status in the soil. S application up to 20 kg ha-1 significantly increased the available P K and S content in soil. As the levels S increased, there was increase in the exchangeable calcium in soil. Higher levels of application of N recorded higher N content in both plant and fruit. Application of P and K at M2 (35 kg P2O5 ha-1 + 70 kg K2O ha-1) level significantly increased the content of P, K and Ca in plant and fruit. Increased S application increased the Ca content in plant since gypsum was used as the source of S. S application up to 20 kg ha-1 had significant influence on the fruit Ca and Mg concentration. The interactive effect of N and S was not significant in the case of S content in plant. But, N2S3 (N @ 80 kg ha-1 and S @ 20 kg ha-1) recorded the superior value. N application had got positive influence on the content of P, K, Ca, Mg and S in plant and fruit. By progressive increase in S application up to 20 kg ha-1and N application up to 80 kg ha-1, there was significant reduction in N: S ratio. N and S fertilization had significant influence on leaf chlorophyll content and application of 80 kg N ha-1, 35 kg P2O5 ha-1, 70 kg K2O ha-1 and 15 kg S ha-1 showed the superior value for chlorophyll content. An increasing trend was noticed with higher levels of N up to 80 kg ha-1 and S up to 20 kg ha-1. N and S application significantly enhanced the uptake of nutrients. Uptake of phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium and S were highest when N, P, K and S were applied @ 80 kg N ha-1+ 35 kg P2O5 ha-1+ 70 kg K2O ha-1+ 20 kg S ha-1. N application @ 80 kg ha-1 significantly influenced the B: C ratio. Among the treatments M1N2S2 (80 kg N ha-1 + 8 kg P2O5 ha-1 + 25 kg K2O ha-1 + 15 kg S ha-1) which gave the highest yield showed the highest B: C ratio. Maximum B: C ratio was obtained when N and S were applied @ 80 kg ha-1 and 15 kg ha-1 respectively. As the levels of S increased, B: C ratio also increased. Fertilization of N, P, K and S @ 80 kg ha-1, 35 kg ha-1, 70 kg ha-1 and 15 kg ha-1 respectively recorded the minimum Percentage Disease Incidence (yellow vein mosaic). Among the treatments, yield, number of fruits per plant, N Use Efficiency and B: C ratio were highest for M1N2S2 (80 kg N ha-1 + 8 kg P2O5 ha-1 + 25 kg K2O ha-1 + 15 kg S ha-1) and it can be considered as the best treatment combination. Application of N significantly increased the yield and the yield was highest at N2 level (80 kg N ha-1). There was reduction in yield if we apply N @ 110 kg ha-1. By the application of S along with N increased the NUE and we can reduce the dose of N to 80 kg ha-1 instead of 110 kg N ha-1 for bhindi.ThesisItem Open Access Physico-chemical properties of rain water harvested under different situations in lateritic(Department of soil science and agricultural chemistry, College of horticulture,Vellanikara, 2014) Ibrahim Hassen, Abdu; KAU; Betty BastinRain water harvesting is universally accepted as an important measure of water conservation throughout the world. The quality of irrigation water has become a more serious problem than quantity in different parts of the world. The characterization of quality of water is crucial for assessing the suitability for i rrigation. Hence a study was taken up on “Physico-chemical properties of rain water harvested under different situations in lateritic soil’’ in the main campus of Kerala Agricultural University, Vellanikkara during September, 2012 to August 2013. The objective of the study was to compare the physico-chemical properties of rain water from different water sources in lateritic soil. Water was collected from five sources viz, rainfall (RF), rain water harvesting pond (RWH) , Kotteppadom pond (KP), well water (W) and surface runoff (SR). The experiment for surface runoff study was laid out in an area with a gentle slope between 5 – 10 per cent . Four rain pits were dug in this area with dimensions of 0.5 m x 0.5 m x 0.5 m and lined by polyethene sheet. Water samples were taken from these water sources for one year at monthly intervals and they were analyzed for various physicochemical parameters such as colour, turbidity, pH, EC, TDS, COD, BOD, SAR, RSC, NO 3 - , Cl - and Fe. The amount and distribution of rainfall received as well as the inflow to the rain water harvesting pond were also studied. Soil samples were collected from around rain-pits before and after rains and analyzed for the content of nutrients. The total quantity of rainfall during the study period was 2872.0 mm. The maximum amount of rainfall was observed in June and the minimum in January, 2013. The amount of rain water harvested in pond during the study period was 625.48 m which comes to 63 per cent of its storage capacity. The quality of water from different sources was compared based on the results of physico-chemical analysis. It was found that pH was highest (6.69) for water from Kotteppadom pond during summer and lowest (5.54) for water from rainfall during post monsoon season. The EC and TDS values were maximum for well water during pre- monsoon season and there was significant difference among the different sources. There was no significant difference among the sources of water as regards the content of Cl and NO 3 - over the different seasons. The values for BOD and COD varied significantly over the different sources as also the seasons. Significant difference was observed for SAR and RSC values among the different sources and seasons. Loss of nutrients from soil via surface runoff from a sloppy area was studied. Soil samples were analyzed for various physico-chemical parameters such as pH, EC, OC, 3 available N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, BD, PD and WHC. The different parameters were estimated both before and after receipt of rainfall. The mean values of these parameters and percent changes along with t-value were found out. During summer, after the rains, there were significant changes for the parameters like pH, OC, as well as available nutrients like K, Ca, Mg, Fe, and the percentages of decrease were 1.67, 0.67, 37.94, 25.46, 5.62 and 8.85 respectively. The water holding capacity was also decreased by 4.80 per cent. During monsoon, available nutrients like N, P, K, and WHC decreased to the extent of 23.68, 26.24, 49.32 and 7.29 per cent respectively. In general, it was found that the rainfall and rain water harvested in the water harvesting pond were superior to well water, KP pond water and surface run off water. Salinity was low for water from all the sources. Surface run off in an area with moderate slope (5-10 %) resulted in loss of nutrients like K, P, Mg and Ca. -ThesisItem Open Access Long term effect of field management on soil quality in ultisol(Department of soil science and agricultural chemistry, College of Horticulture,Vellanikkara, 2013) Nithya, A M; KAU; Betty BastinSoil quality is directly related to agricultural sustainability. Assessment of soil quality is essential for determining the sustainability of land management systems. It is generally accepted that intensive agricultural production leads to a decline in soil quality. For this reason, it is highly essential to monitor soil quality to avoid soil degradation and in doing so, preserve the production capabilities of the land and protect environment. The response of soils to management and input depends on soil quality. It is therefore important to identify the soil characteristics responsible for changes in soil quality, which may eventually be considered as soil quality indicators for assessing agricultural sustainability. The present investigation has been undertaken to study the “Long term effect of field management on soil quality in Ultisol”. It was conducted in the main campus of Kerala Agricultural University, Vellanikkara during December, 2012 to June, 2013. The objective of the study was to evaluate the soil quality under different long term field management conditions in an Ultisol (Vellanikkara series) based on physical, chemical and biological indicators. Here, an attempt has been made to evaluate the physical, chemical and biological properties of soil using available soil quality indicators. Five different fields were selected namely, natural forest, rubber plantation, cocoa garden, STCR experimental field and tapioca fields. Soil samples were collected from three depths namely 0-15 cm, 15-30 cm and 30-60 cm. The different sampling sites within each field were selected based on slope percentage. The samples were characterized for soil texture, aggregate size distribution, soil temperature, water holding capacity, single value constants, pH, EC CEC, AEC, SiO2/R2O3, organic carbon , lime requirement, available macronutrients, secondary nutrients, micronutrients, counts of bacteria, fungi and actinomycetes and enzyme activity. The sampling areas were also surveyed and documented for the presence of earthworms and termites. The physical characteristics like water holding capacity, soil aggregate stability and soil temperature showed a decreasing trend with depth in the different fields. Forest ecosystem showed the most conducive physical characteristics followed by cocoa and rubber. The contents of available nutrients, secondary nutrients and micronutrients were found to be the highest in surface samples. The forest ecosystem showed relatively high values for organic carbon, and available nutrients like nitrogen, sulphur, boron, iron, manganese, zinc and copper. Microbial activity was found to be the highest in surface soils in almost all fields. The highest counts of bacteria and actinomycetes were reported in forest ecosystem and lowest in tapioca field. Fungal activity was found to be the highest in cocoa field followed by forest ecosystem. Enzyme activity was also found to be the highest in surface soils in the different fields. Soil quality was evaluated using available soil quality indicators. Based on scoring with the soil quality parameters, the highest scoring was observed for natural forest followed by cocoa field. Correlations between various soil quality parameters of different fields were also worked out. .ThesisItem Open Access Performance of Non-Conventional soil Ameliorants in Banana (Musa spp) var. Nendran(Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, College of Agriculture,Padannakkad, 2019) Amalendu, M V; KAU; Jayaraj, PAn investigation entitled “Performance of non-conventional soil ameliorants in banana (Musa spp) var. Nendran” was carried out at College of Agriculture Padannakad and Regional Agricultural Research Station (RARS) farm Nileshwar from 2017 to 2019. The objective was to study the performance of banana (Musa spp) var. Nendran in initial period with respect to the different non-conventional ameliorants and a subsequent field trial to confirm the importance of these ameliorants throughout the growing period in improving plant health and yield Pot culture study was carried out to evaluate the efficiency of different soil ameliorants in improving soil health as well as crop health with respect to availability of nutrients upto 4 months. The experiment was conducted in Completely Randomized Design (CRD) consisting of 5 treatments and 4 replications with the following treatments; T1 (basal application of Calcium silicate), T2 (Basal application of lime+ silica), T3 (Basal application of dolomite + silica), T4 (Basal application of Gypsum+ silica), control T5 (Basal application of lime as per KAU POP 2016). The biometric observations like the plant height, number of leaves, root length, root diameter and root CEC were periodically recorded. Considering the plant height, pseudostem girth and number of leaves T4 showed superior results. The root characters like root length, root thickness and root CEC were found superior in T4. The field experiment was carried out at Regional Agricultural Research Station (RARS) farm Nileshwar to study the effect of ameliorants on yield and quality of tissue culture banana var. Nendran. It was conducted in randomized block design comprising of 11 treatments and 3 replications. The treatments used in pot culture experiment were used in split doses to manage the soil acidity throughout the growing period of crop. Treatments were T1( Basal application of Calcium silicate), T2 (Basal application of lime + silica), T3 (Basal application of dolomite +silica), T4 (Basal application of Gypsum + silica), T5 (Lime+ silica in 2 splits at 1st and 2nd month after planting), T6 (Dolomite + silica in 2 splits at 1st and 2nd month 140 after planting), T7 (Gypsum + silica in 2 splits at 1st and 2nd month after planting, T8 (Lime+ silica in 3 split doses at 1st month, 2nd month and 4th month after planting),T9 (Dolomite + silica in 3 split doses at 1st month, 2nd month and 4th month after planting), T10 (Gypsum + silica in 3 split doses at 1st month, 2nd month and 4th month after planting), T11 (Application of lime as per KAU POP 2016) as the control. Biometric observations were recorded periodically. Soil and leaf analysis were also carried out at specific intervals of the experiment. The results of the field experiment revealed that among the vegetative characters, plant height, pseudostem girth at 90 cm height, number of leaves, number of functional leaves and number of suckers were superior for T10. Considering the yield attributes like number of hands per bunch (6.33) and number of fingers per hand (8.66) T10 recorded superior results. Treatment T10 recorded the highest bunch weight of 11.24 kg. Among the finger characteristics, average finger breadth (16.00 cm) and average weight of the fingers (225.00 g) is superior in T9 and the finger length (21.30 cm) is superior in T10. Among the treatments T10 recorded minimum days for bunch emergence (186 days), days to harvest (277 days) and days to ripening (4.33 days). Fruit characters like total soluble solids (29.90 0 brix), titrable acidity (0.27 %), reducing sugar (19.00 %), non reducing sugar (4.89 %), shelf life (4.40 days) were found superior in T10. Studies on the soil nutrient status was conducted at 3 months after planting, 6 month after planting and at harvest of the crop. It was revealed that T10 recorded superior results for soil pH and electrical conductivity. Considering the organic carbon content and cation exchange capacity T10 recorded superior results. Available nitrogen, potassium, phosphorus, calcium and sulphur, copper, zinc and silicon was found superior in T10 whereas highest available magnesium content was recorded in T9. In case of available Iron, manganese and exchangeable aluminium T10 gave superior results. Leaf analysis was carried out at bunching and at harvest of the crop and the following results were obtained. Nitrogen, potassium, phosphorus content in the leaf was found superior for T10. The calcium and sulphur content in the leaf was 141 superior for T10 while treatment T9 recorded the highest magnesium uptake. Uptake of micronutrients like zinc, copper and silicon were found superior in T10. Lowest concentration of iron and manganese were recorded in T10. The results from the investigation revealed that the application of non-conventional soil ameliorants increased the nutrient availability in soil thereby increasing the yield and quality of banana. Among them application of gypsum + silica in 3 splits dosses performed well and produced superior results in northern lateritic soils.ThesisItem Open Access Bio fortification of rice (Oryza sativa) with zinc under organic and integrated nutrient management practices(Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, College of Agriculture, Padannakkad, 2019) Wayoolang Talang; KAU; Suresh, P RAn investigation entitled “Biofortification of rice (Oryza sativa) with zinc under organic and integrated nutrient management practices” was carried out in Regional Agricultural Research Station (RARS), Pilicode during June to October 2018. The study was conducted in rice variety Uma (MO 16). The main objective of this research was to check the zinc nutrient content under organic and integrated nutrient management practices (INM). The field experiment was laid out under Randomized Block Design (RBD) with nine treatments and one control each replicated three times. The treatments consisted of soil application of Zn and combined soil and foliar application of Zn under organic (Organic Package Of Practice) and INM practices (Package Of Practice Kerala Agricultural University). Zn was applied as zinc sulphate (ZnSO4) at the rate of 1 per cent and 20 kg ha-1 as foliar application and soil application respectively. Foliar application of ZnSO4 was done at three growth stages of rice viz tillering, panicle initiation and flowering stage. Single foliar application of Zn was done at only tillering stage. Double foliar application of Zn was done at tillering and panicle initiation stages and triple foliar application of Zn was done at all the three growth stages. The effect of different treatments significantly influenced plant growth attributes like plant height, number of tillers per hill and panicles per hill. At harvest stage, the highest plant height (99.9 cm) was recorded in T8 (POP KAU + soil application of Zn + triple foliar spray of Zn) which was on par with T7. The minimum plant height was recorded in control (92.3 cm). Similarly, the maximum number of tillers per hill (15.5) and maximum number of panicles per hill (15.5) was recorded in T8 at harvest stage. Soil and foliar application of Zn along with soil application of NPK fertilizers as per POP KAU significantly improved the grain yield and other crop yield attributes. The treatment that recorded the highest grain yield was T8 (6.7 t ha-1) which was superior as compared to other treatments. The treatments that recorded the highest straw yield (6.5 t ha-1) and highest 1000 grain weight (27.1g) was with treatment T7. 127 The nutrient content in the plant samples (shoot and straw) analyzed at different growth stages of paddy was studied. The results revealed that nutrient content of N, K and Zn was highly improved in treatments under INM practices. At the harvest stage, treatments T7 recorded the highest N (0.62 %) and K (1.9 %) whereas Zn (85.7 mg kg-1) content in straw was highest with treatment T8. However, the nutrient content of P in plant samples declined with the increase in the number of foliar application of Zn. The treatment that recorded the lowest P content (0.19 %) in the straw at harvest was T5 (Organic POP + soil application of Zn + triple foliar application of Zn). The effect of treatments on Zn and P content in rice grains were also studied. Grain analysis results revealed that the treatment that recorded the highest Zn content (55.8 mg kg-1) was in T8 and the lowest Zn content (18.2 mg kg-1) was recorded in T10 (control). Similarly, P content was also analyzed in rice grains to study the interaction between Zn and P. The treatment that recorded the highest P content (0.61 %) in the grain was T2 and lowest P content (0.44%) was recorded in T5.