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Acharya N G Ranga Agricultural University, Guntur

The Andhra Pradesh Agricultural University (APAU) was established on 12th June 1964 at Hyderabad. The University was formally inaugurated on 20th March 1965 by Late Shri. Lal Bahadur Shastri, the then Hon`ble Prime Minister of India. Another significant milestone was the inauguration of the building programme of the university by Late Smt. Indira Gandhi,the then Hon`ble Prime Minister of India on 23rd June 1966. The University was renamed as Acharya N. G. Ranga Agricultural University on 7th November 1996 in honour and memory of an outstanding parliamentarian Acharya Nayukulu Gogineni Ranga, who rendered remarkable selfless service for the cause of farmers and is regarded as an outstanding educationist, kisan leader and freedom fighter. HISTORICAL MILESTONE Acharya N. G. Ranga Agricultural University (ANGRAU) was established under the name of Andhra Pradesh Agricultural University (APAU) on the 12th of June 1964 through the APAU Act 1963. Later, it was renamed as Acharya N. G. Ranga Agricultural University on the 7th of November, 1996 in honour and memory of the noted Parliamentarian and Kisan Leader, Acharya N. G. Ranga. At the verge of completion of Golden Jubilee Year of the ANGRAU, it has given birth to a new State Agricultural University namely Prof. Jayashankar Telangana State Agricultural University with the bifurcation of the state of Andhra Pradesh as per the Andhra Pradesh Reorganization Act 2014. The ANGRAU at LAM, Guntur is serving the students and the farmers of 13 districts of new State of Andhra Pradesh with renewed interest and dedication. Genesis of ANGRAU in service of the farmers 1926: The Royal Commission emphasized the need for a strong research base for agricultural development in the country... 1949: The Radhakrishnan Commission (1949) on University Education led to the establishment of Rural Universities for the overall development of agriculture and rural life in the country... 1955: First Joint Indo-American Team studied the status and future needs of agricultural education in the country... 1960: Second Joint Indo-American Team (1960) headed by Dr. M. S. Randhawa, the then Vice-President of Indian Council of Agricultural Research recommended specifically the establishment of Farm Universities and spelt out the basic objectives of these Universities as Institutional Autonomy, inclusion of Agriculture, Veterinary / Animal Husbandry and Home Science, Integration of Teaching, Research and Extension... 1963: The Andhra Pradesh Agricultural University (APAU) Act enacted... June 12th 1964: Andhra Pradesh Agricultural University (APAU) was established at Hyderabad with Shri. O. Pulla Reddi, I.C.S. (Retired) was the first founder Vice-Chancellor of the University... June 1964: Re-affilitation of Colleges of Agriculture and Veterinary Science, Hyderabad (estt. in 1961, affiliated to Osmania University), Agricultural College, Bapatla (estt. in 1945, affiliated to Andhra University), Sri Venkateswara Agricultural College, Tirupati and Andhra Veterinary College, Tirupati (estt. in 1961, affiliated to Sri Venkateswara University)... 20th March 1965: Formal inauguration of APAU by Late Shri. Lal Bahadur Shastri, the then Hon`ble Prime Minister of India... 1964-66: The report of the Second National Education Commission headed by Dr. D.S. Kothari, Chairman of the University Grants Commission stressed the need for establishing at least one Agricultural University in each Indian State... 23, June 1966: Inauguration of the Administrative building of the university by Late Smt. Indira Gandhi, the then Hon`ble Prime Minister of India... July, 1966: Transfer of 41 Agricultural Research Stations, functioning under the Department of Agriculture... May, 1967: Transfer of Four Research Stations of the Animal Husbandry Department... 7th November 1996: Renaming of University as Acharya N. G. Ranga Agricultural University in honour and memory of an outstanding parliamentarian Acharya Nayukulu Gogineni Ranga... 15th July 2005: Establishment of Sri Venkateswara Veterinary University (SVVU) bifurcating ANGRAU by Act 18 of 2005... 26th June 2007: Establishment of Andhra Pradesh Horticultural University (APHU) bifurcating ANGRAU by the Act 30 of 2007... 2nd June 2014 As per the Andhra Pradesh Reorganization Act 2014, ANGRAU is now... serving the students and the farmers of 13 districts of new State of Andhra Pradesh with renewed interest and dedication...

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Subject: Soil Science and Agriculture Chemistry × End date: 2016 × Start date: 2015 ×
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    STUDIES ON AVAILABLE POTASSIUM IN SOILS OF DIFFERENT CROPPING SYSTEMS IN KURNOOL DISTRICT
    (Acharya N.G. Ranga Agricultural University, 2016) RAJEEVANA, I; Dr. P. KAVITHA
    The present investigation entitled “Studies on available potassium in soils of different cropping systems in Kurnool district” was conducted with 30 black and red soils belonging to major cropping systems ( rice-rice, maizemaize, rice-maize/mustard, fallow-bengal gram and groundnut-groundnut) to study the salient characteristics, different forms of K, potassium release parameters by 1N HNO3 and Q/I parameters of K. A pot culture experiment was conducted with above 30 soil samples to know the response of maize crop to different levels of potassium and to evaluate the relative efficiency of extractants with reference to dry matter yield and uptake of potassium. Incubation studies were also carried out to know the potassium release pattern under laboratory conditions. The texture of the soils ranged from sandy loam to clay. The pH of the soils ranged from 6.9 (neutral) to 8.4 (slightly alkaline). The EC ranged from 0.10 to 0.69 dS m-1 indicating that soils were non saline. The organic carbon content was low (0.21 percent) to medium (0.59 percent). The soils were low to xvi medium in available N with the range of 159 to 307 kg ha-1, whereas available P was high in all villages which were in the range of 68 to 169 kg P2O5 ha-1 and medium to high in available K with a range of 154 to 2088 kg K2O ha-1.The Cation Exchange Capacity of the soils varied between 13.03 c mol (p+) kg-1 and 29.91 c mol (p+) kg-1. Base saturation of the soils varied from 62.73 to 88.13 per cent indicating that most of soils were medium fertile in nature. Mean values of all forms of K in investigated soils were highest in maizemaize cropping system and lowest in groundnut-groundnut cropping system. Black soils recorded higher values of all forms of potassium than red soils. The forms of potassium in the investigated soils was in the order of fixed K > nonexchangeable K > available K> exchangeable K > water soluble K. Among the different soil properties pH , organic carbon, CEC , silt and clay percent showed positive correlation with all forms of potassium indicating that these soil properties are more influenced by the existence of different forms of potassium. Extraction of available K by various extractants followed the trend: 1N HNO3> Mehilich-3 > 1 N NH4OAc > 0.01M CaCl2 > Distilled water. 1N HNO3 extracted the exchangeable, non-exchangeable and also the lattice K to some extent. All these potassium extractants were positively correlated with each other, though these extractants removed different quantities of potassium which indicates that these methods can be used for assessment of availability of potassium in present investigated soils and also amount of potassium extracted were comparable. In this study, potassium release parameters such as step-K and cumulative-K were the highest in maize-maize cropping system and lowest in groundnut-groundnut cropping system. However, constant rate K was high in rice-rice cropping system. The black soils recorded higher cumulative, step and constant rate K than red soils. All investigated soils recorded less cumulative-K except two soils under present investigation. Lower cumulative K and continuous cropping would lead to depletion of soil K reserves and result in K deficiency. xvii The K release parameters were positively correlated with the clay fraction of soil indicating that potassium was mainly extracted from the clay fraction in soil. Mean ARe K values were highest in groundnut-groundnut cropping system and lowest in fallow-bengal gram cropping system. Mean labile potassium of the investigated soils was higher in maize-maize cropping system whereas mean value of PBCK was higher in fallow-bengal gram cropping system. Lower mean values of labile potassium and PBCK were recorded in groundnut-groundnut cropping system. Mean ARe K values were higher in red soils than black soils where as labile potassium and PBCK were higher in black soils than red soils. PBCK and constant rate of-K were low in all investigated soils indicating low K power supply hence, judicious and frequent application of potassic fertilizers is required to prevent leaching losses for better crop production. Dry matter, K content and K uptake were significantly increased with increase in each level of potassium from 0 to 90 kg K2O ha-1. There was abundant increase in above parameters from no K fertilizer application to 30 kg K2O ha-1 and the increase was gradual with increase in each level of fertilizer from 30 to 90 kg K2O ha-1. All the above parameters showed significant difference with soil K status, K levels and their interaction. Percent increase in K content at 90 kg K2O ha-1 over control in Srinagaram soils was 21 percent where as in Balapalapalli soils was 59 percent. It indicates that soils having high initial K status show less response than soils having low initial K status. These results clearly indicated that even though, soils are having high initial K status, external application is needed, especially in high K requirement crops. In incubation studies, irrespective of varying initial soil-K status, water soluble, available and fixed potassium consistently increased with increase in level of potassium application over control. Water soluble potassium and available potassium content increased initially with increasing levels of xviii potassium application, later on decreased gradually up to 120 DAI. Unlike water soluble and available form, fixed potassium gradually increased up to 120 DAI in fertilizer treatments whereas mean fixed form of K in control decreased gradually from 0 to 120 DAI, indicating the existence of dynamic equilibrium among themselves so that non exchangeable form decreases and it becomes available for plant. Among the 5 extractants tried, 1N HNO3 showed maximum positive and significant correlation with yield (0.913**) content (0.872**) and uptake (0.957**) of potassium of maize crop followed by N.N. NH4OAc and Mehilich- 3. Maximum and positive correlation of plant parameters was found with fixed K. Minimum correlation coefficient with water soluble K and plant parameters. Thus, it could be concluded that fixed K should be taken into consideration while giving fertilizer recommendation. K availability indices i.e. different forms of K, potassium releasing parameters, step-K, cumulative-K and labile potassium were the highest in maize-maize cropping system than fallow-bengal gram cropping system even though fallow-bengal cropping system was grown in black soils which might be due to lack of K fertilization which results in K depletion over period of time. These K availability indices were the lowest in groundnut-groundnut cropping system. Hence, these soils require judicious and frequent application of potassic fertilizers to prevent leaching losses for better crop production.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    RESPONSE OF RICE (Oryza sativa L.) TO DIFFERENT LEVELS OF POTASSIUM AND GREEN MANURE
    (Acharya N.G. Ranga Agricultural University, 2016) SUJATHA, D.V.; Dr. P.KAVITHA
    A field experiment entitled “RESPONSE OF RICE (Oryza sativa L.) TO DIFFERENT LEVELS OF POTASSIUM AND GREENMANURE|” was conducted during kharif 2015 at Agricultural college farm, Mahanandi of Acharya N.G. Ranga Agricultural University. The soils of experimental field was sandy loam with soil pH 7.97, EC 0.33 dSm-1, organic carbon 0.55%, low in available N (239 kg ha-1), high in P2O5 (82 kg ha-1) and K2O (1075 kg ha-1) respectively. The eight treatments consisted of four levels of potassium (0, 40, 80 and 120 kg K2O ha-1), green manure in situ (dhaincha) either alone or in combination with different levels of K which were laid out in randomized block design and replicated thrice. Green manure in combination with K fertilizers treatments recorded higher growth parameters i.e plant height and dry matter production than when applied alone at all the stages of crop growth. The highest plant height and dry matter production observed in T8 (incorporation of green manure as dhaincha (GM) + 120 kg K2O ha-1) but which was on par with GM+80 kg K2O ha-1(T7) and GM + 40 kg K2O ha-1(T6). Grain and straw yields also increased with increasing levels of potassium up to 120 kg K2O ha-1 but 80 and 120 kg K2O ha-1 significantly increased the yield as compared with control. Among all treatments, the highest grain and xvi straw yields was observed with G.M +120 kg K2O ha-1(T8) followed by GM+80 kg K2O ha-1(T6) and GM + 40 kg K2O ha-1(T7). Yield attributes also increased with increasing levels of potassium fertilizer application and also green manure incorporation. Highest yield attributes were observed with G.M + 120 kg K2O ha-1 (T8) followed by GM+80 kg K2O ha-1(T6) and GM + 40 kg K2O ha-1(T7). Application of potassic fertilizers gradually increased the concentration and uptake of N and P in both grain and straw up to 120 kg K2O ha-1. Green manure either alone or in combination with K fertilizer showed higher values of concentration and uptake of N and P in grain and straw than K fertilizer alone. The highest concentration and uptake of N and P in grain and straw was observed with G.M + 120 kg K2O ha-1 (T8) which was on par with G.M + 80 kg K2O ha-1 (T7). The K concentration and uptake also increased with increasing levels of K up to 120 kg K2O ha-1 at all the stages of crop growth. Green manure either alone or in combination with K fertilizer showed higher values of concentration and uptake than K fertilizer alone. The highest concentration and up take of K was observed in G.M + 120 kg K2O ha-1(T8). The results further showed that concentration of K in rice was highest at tillering and gradually decreased there after mainly due to dilution. At harvest stage, the concentration of N was the highest followed by K while the concentration of P was lowest. N and P concentration higher in grain than in straw while K concentration was higher in straw than in grain Increasing the level of K fertilizer from 0 to 120 kg K2O ha-1 increased the water soluble, available and exchangeable form of K at all the stages of crop growth. Green manure in combination with K fertilizer recorded higher values of water soluble, available and exchangeable form of K at all the stages of crop growth. The higher water soluble, available and exchangeable form of K was observed with T8 (G.M+ 120 kg K2O ha-1) but it was on par with T6 (G.M + 40 kg K2O ha-1) and T7 (G.M+ 80 kg K2O ha-1). At tillering stage, the highest non-exchangeable and fixed form was observed in control except T8 (G.M +120 kg K2O ha-1). Later stages i.e., panicle initiation and harvest stage, the highest non-exchangeable and fixed form was observed at T4 (120 kg K2O ha-1). The physico-chemical properties of soil such as pH and EC after harvest of crop were not significantly influenced by various treatments. The organic carbon slightly increased in green manure treatments as compared with control and initial soil. Higher build up of available N, P2O5 and K2O was observed in green xvii manure treatments either alone or combination with K fertilizer when compared with fertilizer alone. Among all treatments the highest available N, P2O5 and K2O was observed with G.M +120 kg K2O ha-1 (T8) which was on par with T6(G.M+40 kg K2O ha-1) and T7 (G.M +80 kg K2O ha-1). In incubation study, the maximum release of available K was observed in green manure incorporation @1% on dry weight basis +80 kg K2O ha-1 at all the days after incubation (DAI). Application of green manure either alone or in combination showed higher values of available K than K fertilizer alone. Physiology parameters (Absolute growth rate, Crop growth rate and Relative growth rate) did not differ significantly due to different treatments. The higher absolute growth rate, crop growth rate and relative growth rate were observed with T8 (G.M+ 120 kg K2O ha-1). Green manure either alone or combination with potassic fertilizer showed higher gross returns, net returns and B:C ratio were observed with G.M +120 kg K2O ha-1(T8). Green manure in combination with K fertilizer showed higher potassium use efficiency (KUE). Among all the treatments the highest KUE was observed with T6 (GM +40 kg K2O ha-1) followed by T7 (GM + 80 kg K2O ha-1) and T8 (GM +120 kg K2O ha-1). The growth parameters, yield attributes, yield, concentration and uptake of major nutrients, major nutrient status of soil and B:C ratio increased with increasing levels of K up to 120 kg K2O ha-1 but significant difference was observed at 80 and 120 kg K2O ha-1. However, the highest potassium use efficiency was recorded at 80 kg K2O ha-1. Hence, a fertilizer K level of 80 kg K2O ha-1 was required for better production of rice crop. Green manure in situ only was also found advantageous in producing in growth parameters, yield, yield attributes, soil properties and B:C ratio than K fertilizer treatments alone. Among all treatments the treatment T8 (GM+120 kg K2O ha-1) recorded the highest above mentioned parameters but which was on par with T7 (GM+80 kg K2O ha-1) and T6 (GM + 40 kg K2O ha-1). However, the highest potassium use efficiency was recorded at GM + 40 kg K2O ha-1. Hence, the incorporation of green manure (dhaincha) at flowering stage before transplanting along with 40 kg K2O ha-1 may be recommended for rice crop. However, the results will have to be confirmed by conducting extensive field trails in farmers fields on long term basis.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    POTASSIUM RELEASE CHARACTERSTICS AND RESPONSE TO POTASSIUM APPLICATION IN RICE (Oryza sativa L.) GROWING SOILS OF KURNOOL DISTRICT
    (Acharya N.G. Ranga Agricultural University, Guntur, 2015) SWAMANNA, J; KAVITHA, P
    The present investigation entitled “Potassium release characteristics and response to potassium application in rice (Oryza sativa L.) growing soils of Kurnool district” was conducted with 30 soil samples (black and red) to study the different forms of potassium, release pattern of potassium with incubation studies. A pot culture experiment was also conducted to study the response of rice crop to different levels of potassium and uptake. Non exchangeable potassium release pattern was studied using 1N HNO3 and data presented cumulative K, step K and constant K. The soils under study are moderately coarse to fine in texture, neutral to slightly alkaline with a mean pH value of 7.99 and EC ranging from 0.14 to 1.52 dS m-1. The Cation Exchange Capacity of the soils was ranged as 11.21 to 26.91 C mol (p+) kg-1. The organic carbon content of the soils was in the range of 0.26 to 0.94%. The soils were low to medium in available N with the range of 186 to 327 kg ha-1, except one village all villages are high in available P which were in the range of 38 to 115 kg P2O5 ha-1 and medium to high in available K with the range of 185 to 1158 kg K2O ha-1 and the exchangeable cations were in the order of Ca+2 > Mg+2 > Na+ > K+. xiv Among the five extractants, the mean extracting efficiency of potassium was found to be in the order of 1 N HNO3 > Mehilich-3 > 1 N NH4OAc > 0.01M CaCl2 > Distilled water. The mean values of water soluble K, available K, exchangeable K, non-exchangeable K and fixed K were 20.42, 189.60, 169.18, 329.63 and 519.23 mg kg-1 soil. Positive correlation was observed among the forms of potassium. Non-exchangeable K had significant positive relationship with other K fractions indicating that equilibrium exists between different forms of potassium in the soil. In incubation study, the NH4OAc extractable K of most of soils at K applied (80 kg K2O ha-1) were increased from 0 DAI to 35 DAI, which indicates that solubilisation of added K and increase in the intensity factor. Later there was a gradual decrease from 60 DAI to 110 DAI indicating the conversion of available K in to non-exchangeable form. Whereas in case of control soils (0 kg K2O ha-1) K was released even though fertilizer K was not applied up to 110 days of incubation. It is supporting fact that the K will be released from the non-exchangeable sites when external K application was not there. In the study of potassium release parameters, the black soils released higher amounts of mean cumulative K (864.11 mg kg-1) and step K (773.32 mg kg-1) than red soils. Whereas mean constant K release was high in red soils than black soils. Lower amounts of cumulative K was observed in all soils except in Midthuru soil under present investigation. Lower cumulative K and continuous cropping would leads to depletion of soil K reserves and result in K deficiency. In pot culture studies a fertilizer K level of 80 kg K2O ha-1 was required for better yield of rice; significant difference was observed with soil K status, K levels and their interaction on different plant parameters. The response to the applied K in terms of yield and uptake was observed in Midthuru soils having high initial available K status indicating that even though soils are higher available K may not match with crop uptake, this need its external application particularly for high K requirement of crops. Among the 5 extractants tried, 1N HNO3 showed highly significant and positive correlation with grain yield (r = 0.744**) and uptake of K (shoot (r = 0.445*), grain (r = 0.780*) and whole plant (0.588**)) rice crop followed by Mehilich-3 and 1 N NH4OAc (pH 7.0) in rice growing soils of Kurnool district. The maximum positive correlation of plant parameters was found with fixed K and non-exchangeable K. The correlation coefficient with xv water soluble K and plant parameters was estimated to be lowest. Thus, it could be concluded that non exchangeable K and fixed K should be taken into consideration while giving fertilizer recommendation.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    STUDIES ON AVAILABLE POTASSIUM IN RICE (Oryza Sativa L.) GROWING SOILS OF CANAL AYACUT IN KURNOOL DISTRICT
    (Acharya N.G. Ranga Agricultural University, Guntur, 2016) SIVA PRASAD, P.N.; KAVITHA, P
    The present investigation entitled “Studies on available potassium in rice (Oryza sativa L.) growing soils of canal ayacut in Kurnool district” was aimed to study different forms of potassium, indices of potassium availability, Q/I parameters and K uptake studies by Neubauer’s rapid seedling technique. Thirty representative soils were selected for the investigation belonging to different types of soils viz., black, red and mixed red. The soils under study are moderately coarse to fine in texture, neutral to slightly alkaline with a mean pH value of 7.83 and EC ranging from 0.06 to 1.71 dS m-1. The Cation Exchange Capacity of the soils was recorded as 14.43 to 31.65 C mol (p+) kg-1. The organic carbon content of the soils was in the range of 0.32 to 0.87%. The soils were low to medium in available N with the range of 188 to 327 kg ha-1, medium to high in available P which were in the range of 67 to 226 kg P2O5 ha-1 and medium to high in available K with the range of 158 to 2343 kg K2O ha-1 and the exchangeable cations were in the order of Ca+2 > Mg+2 > Na+ > K+. The mean values of water soluble K, available K, exchangeable K, non-exchangeable K and fixed K were 34, 274, 240, 254 and 528 mg kg-1 soil. Positive correlation was observed among the forms of potassium. Non-exchangeable K had significant positive relationship with other K fractions indicating that an equilibrium exists between different forms of potassium in the soil. Of the eight extractants tried, the mean extracting efficiency of potassium was found to be in the order of 1 N HNO3 > Mehilich-3 > 0.2 M NaBPh4 > 1 N NH4OAc > AB-DTPA > 0.02M citric acid > 0.01M CaCl2 > Distilled water. Higher AReK values were found in red soils than black and mixed red where as the buffering capacity was in the order of Black > Mixed red > Red. Buffering capacity showed significant positive correlation with clay, silt, CaCO3, EC, pH. The K supplying power of the soils is low as indicated by PBCK. Hence, judicious and frequent application of potassic fertilizers is required for better crop production. Among eight extractants tried, PBCK showed positive correlation with 1 N HNO3 and 1 N NH4OAc (pH 7.0). In K uptake studies by Neubauer’s rapid seedling technique black soils recorded higher mean dry matter yield followed by mixed red and red soils. The highest mean potassium uptake was observed in black soils followed by mixed red and red soils. Among the various extractants tried, 1 N HNO3 served as a better index of available K as it is highly positively correlated with uptake and dry matter yield of shoot and whole plant and has also shown significant positive correlation with the shoot K content (r=0.353*). Mehilich-3 and 1 N NH4OAc also serve as good index for the available potassium of the investigated soils.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    STUDIES ON THE LONG-TERM EFFECT OF MANURE AND FERTILIZERS APPLICATION ON POTASSIUM DYNAMICS IN RAINFED GROUNDNUT GROWING ALFISOLS
    (Acharya N.G. Ranga Agricultural University, Guntur, 2016) SHIVASHANKAR, CHOWDAM; PRASANTHI, A
    The present study entitled “Studies on the long-term effect of manure and fertilizers application on potassium dynamics in rainfed groundnut growing alfisols” was undertaken during kharif-2015.The long-term field experiment was started at the Regional Agricultural Research Station, Tirupati, Acharya N.G. Ranga Agricultural University during kharif-1981 with a prime objective of monitoring the status of soil potassium fractions. The soil of the experimental field was red sandy loam (Haplustalf). The experiment has eleven treatments each replicated four times in a randomized block design. The treatments include T1 : Control (no manure or fertilizers), T2 : Farm yard manure @ 5 t ha-1 (once in 3 years), T3 : 20 kg Nitrogen (N) ha-1, T4 : 10 kg Phosphorus (P) ha-1, T5 : 25 kg Potassium (K) ha-1, T6 : 250 kg gypsum ha-1, T7 : 20 kg N + 10 kg P ha-1, T8 : 20 kg N + 10 kg P + 25 kg K ha-1, T9 : 20 kg N + 10 kg P + 25 kg K + 250 kg gypsum ha-1, T10 : 20 kg N + 10 kg P + 25 kg K + 100 kg lime ha-1, T11 : 20 kg N + 10 kg P + 25 kg K + 250 kg gypsum ha-1 + 25 kg zinc sulphate ha-1 (as basal, once in 3 years). Soil samples were collected from each plot at two depths i.e. 0-15 and 15-30 cm at sowing, pod formation and at harvest stages of groundnut crop during kharif-2015 and analyzed for physico-chemical, chemical and K fractions viz., water soluble-K, available-K, fixed-K, exchangeable-K and non-exchangeable-K. Soil samples collected at sowing were analyzed for their physico-chemical, chemical properties and potassium fractions. Soil xiv samples collected from two depths (0-15 and 15-30 cm) at pod formation and at harvest stages of groundnut crop were analyzed for different K fractions (0-15 and 15-30 cm). Similarly, haulm yield, K concentration and K uptake in the plant were analyzed at two stages of crop growth viz., pod formation and harvest and crop yields were recorded. The soils of the experimental plots were slightly acidic to strongly acidic with pH ranging from 5.22 to 5.61, non-saline, low in organic carbon, free CaCO3 contents and available nitrogen, higher in available phosphorus and medium to high in available K whereas exchangeable Ca and Mg were present in sufficient amounts in the experimental plots irrespective of the treatments studied. At sowing, the water soluble-K was high in K alone treated plot (T5) both in surface (47.77) and sub surface (46.54) soil whereas P alone treated plot (T4) recorded lowest in surface soil (18.82) and gypsum alone treated plot (T6) recorded lowest in sub surface soil (12.88). The available-K in both the surface (312.43) and sub surface (253.54) soil was highest in K alone treated plot (T5) whereas gypsum alone treated plot (T6) recorded lowest value (135.35) in surface soil and NP treated plot (T7) (86.21) recorded lowest in sub surface soil. The fixed-K content in both the surface (1193.39) and sub surface (655.34) soil was highest in K alone treated plot (T5) whereas N alone treated plot (T3) recorded lowest (608.02) in surface soil and NP treated plot (T7) recorded lowest (436.21) in the sub surface soil. The exchangeable-K in both the surface (264.66) and sub surface (207.00) soil was highest in K alone treated plot (T5) whereas gypsum alone treated plot (T6) recorded lowest (111.16) in the surface soil and NP (T7) recorded lowest (64.43) in the sub surface soil. The non-exchangeable-K both in surface (954.19) and sub surface (544.60) soil was highest in NPK+gypsum+ZnSO4 (T11) and lowest was recorded in N alone treated plot (T3) both in surface (426.30) and sub surface (321.55) soil. At pod formation stage, the water soluble-K in both surface (18.56) and sub surface (13.41) soil was highest in K alone treated plot (T5) whereas NPK + gypsum (T9) recorded lowest (9.21) in the surface soil and P alone treated plot (T4) recorded lowest (7.14) in the sub surface soil. The availableK in both the surface (219.83) and sub surface (214.26) was highest in K alone treated plot (T5) and lowest in NP treated plot (T7) both in surface (98.85) and sub surface (90.08) soil. The fixed-K in both the surface (989.73) and sub surface (603.06) soil was highest in K alone treated plot (T5) whereas N alone treated plot (T3) recorded lowest (516.49) in surface soil and NP treated plot (T7) recorded lowest (359.73) in the sub surface soil. The exchangeable-K in both the surface (201.27) and sub surface (200.85) soil was highest in K alone treated plot (T5) and lowest in NP treated plot (T7) both in the surface (89.41) and sub surface (82.46) soil. The non xv exchangeable-K in both the surface (822.56) and sub surface (461.39) soil was highest in NPK+gypsum+ZnSO4 (T11) and lowest in N alone treated plot (T3) both in surface (375.42) and sub surface (256.44) soil. At harvest of groundnut the water soluble-K in both the surface (39.72) and sub surface (32.12) soil was highest in K alone treated plot (T5) whereas P alone treated plot (T4) recorded lowest (14.68) in the surface soil and gypsum alone treated plot (T6) recorded lowest (9.15) in sub surface soil. The available-K in both the surface (225.35) and sub surface (177.83) was highest in K alone treated plot (T5) and lowest was recorded in P alone treated plot (T4) both in surface (83.36) and sub surface (77.81) soil. The fixed-K in both the surface (742.36) and sub surface (479.32) soil was highest in K alone treated plot (T5) whereas N alone treated plot (T3) recorded lowest (389.14) in the surface soil and NP treated plot (T7) recorded lowest (296.14) in the sub surface soil. The exchangeable-K in both the surface (185.63) and sub surface (145.71) was highest in K alone treated plot (T5) and lowest was recorded in P alone treated plot (T4) both in the surface (68.68) and sub surface (62.86) soil. The non-exchangeable-K in the surface soil was highest in gypsum alone treated plot (T6) (556.71) and lowest in control plot (T1) (250.18) whereas in case of sub surface soil the non-exchangeable-K was highest in P alone treated plot (T4) (359.28) and lowest in NP treated plot (T7) (172.52). All these fractions were significantly influenced by different treatments studied and all the fractions recorded higher values in the surface soil than sub surface soil. All the fractions followed decreasing trend from sowing to pod formation stage whereas in case of harvesting stage except water solubleK all K fractions followed decreasing trend. At harvest higher amount of water soluble-K was noticed as compared to that of pod formation stage. The correlation studies with values of potassium fractions at harvest at 0-15cm depth revealed that pod yield was significantly and positively correlated with only non-exchangeable-K (0.300*). The K uptake at harvest was significantly and positively correlated with only water soluble-K (0.387**) whereas at 15-30 cm depth no fraction was significantly correlated with yield of groundnut crop. In the present study it is conferred that complete omission of K fertilizer continuously for longer duration results in depletion of K reserves and the equilibrium between different K fractions is adversely affected which reduces K availability to plant. Hence balanced supply of nutrients with the treatments viz., NPK + G + ZnSO4, NPK + L, NPK + G would enable in buildup of K in the soil and maintained equilibrium between different K fractions as all fractions are important for crop growth.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    LONG-TERM EFFECT OF MANURE AND FERTILIZERS ON SOIL PHYSICAL PROPERTIES AND YIELD OF GROUNDNUT (Arachis hypogaea L.) UNDER RAINFED MONO CROPPING SYSTEM
    (Acharya N.G. Ranga Agricultural University, Guntur, 2016) SALMA BANU, D; KEERTHI VENKAIAH
    The present study entitled “Long-term effect of manure and fertilizers on soil physical properties and yield of Groundnut (Arachis hypogea L.) rainfed mono cropping system” was undertaken during kharif2015. The long-term field experiment which was started at the Regional Agricultural Research Station, Tirupati, Acharya N.G. Ranga Agricultural University during kharif-1981 was started with a prime objective of monitoring the status of soil physical properties. The soil of the experimental field was red sandy loam (Typic Haplustalf). The experiment has eleven treatments each replicated four times in a randomized block design. The treatments include T1 : Control (no manure or fertilizers), T2 : Farm yard manure @ 5 t ha-1 (once in 3 years), T3 : 20 kg Nitrogen (N) ha-1, T4 : 10 kg Phosphorus (P) ha-1, T5 : 25 kg Potassium (K) ha-1, T6 : 250 kg gypsum ha-1, T7 : 20 kg N + 10 kg P ha-1, T8 : 20 kg N + 10 kg P + 25 kg K ha-1, T9 : 20 kg N + 10 kg P + 25 kg K + 250 kg gypsum ha-1, T10 : 20 kg N + 10 kg P + 25 kg K + 100 kg lime ha-1, T11 : 20 kg N + 10 kg P + 25 kg K + 250 kg gypsum ha-1 + 25 kg zinc sulphate ha-1 (as basal, once in 3 years). Pod yield and yield attributing factors were studied along with available soil major nutrients and soil physical changes during kharif 2015. Soil samples were collected from each plot at surface (0-15 cm) and subsurface (15-30 cm) before sowing of crop. Soils were analysed for different parameters. The physical properties viz., bulk density, porosity, maximum water holding capacity and structural indices viz., mean weight diameter, geometric mean diameter and per cent water stable aggregates (>0.25 mm) were improved due to the application of 5 t ha-1 of FYM once in three years for the last 34 years. The hydraulic conductivity and infiltration rate of FYM treated plots were reduced due to improvement of the physical environment of the soil. The treatmental combinations viz., NPK+gypsum+ZnSO4, NPK+lime, NPK+gypsum and NPK were also improved the physical environment of the soil viz., bulk density, porosity, water holding capacity and structural indices as compared to the control. Long term application of single nutrient fertilizers also slightly improved the physical environment of the soil as compared to the control. The application of FYM, single nutrient inorganic fertilizers and with different fertilizer combinations to groundnut crop over a period of 34 years did not change the soil pH, EC and organic carbon significantly but changed the available nutrient status of the soil. In general, the accumulation of available N and P was more with FYM and treatmental combinations as compared to the control. The available N and P were gradually depleted in the control due to continuous growing of the crop for the past 34 years with out application of the fertilizers. Pod and haulm yields were significantly influenced by the treatments. The higher pod and haulm yields were relatively registered with NPK+lime which received all the major nutrients along with secondary nutrients. The treatmental combinations viz., NPK+gypsum+ZnSO4, NPK +gypsum, NPK and FYM alone were also recorded comparable pod and haulm yield. The plots which received single nutrients i.e., N or P or K alone were inferior as compared to the combined application of nutrients. This shows the requirement of all the nutrients for better crop growth and yield. The study clearly indicated that FYM and treatmental combinations viz., NPK+lime, NPK+gypsum+ZnSO4, NPK+gypsum would be better for the improvement of health of the soil and yield of the groundnut crop on sustainable basis.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    LAND SUITABILITY ASSESSMENT FOR MAIZE IN KRISHNA DELTA REGION OF ANDHRA PRADESH USING REMOTE SENSING AND GIS
    (Acharya N.G. Ranga Agricultural University, 2016) SIVA JYOTHI, V; PRASUNA RANI, P
    The present investigation entitled “Land suitability assessment for maize in Krishna delta region of Andhra Pradesh using remote sensing and GIS” was carried out to characterize and classify the soils of Krishna delta and to assess the suitability for maize. The maps depicting the changes in cropping pattern were prepared using remote sensing data and GIS. Soil samples for characterization, classification of study area were collected from representative pedons selected using remote sensing data (LANDSAT-8) and ground truth information. The samples were analyzed for physico-chemical, physical and chemical properties using standard procedures and were classified following USDA soil taxonomy classification (Soil Survey Staff, 2014). Suitability and capability classification of the study area was carried out as outlined by FAO (1976) and Sehgal (2008), respectively. The soil map including suitability classes was prepared using ARC GIS. The yield gap analysis was done using AquaCrop model. The study on temporal changes in cropping pattern during 1996-97 to 2015-16 revealed considerable reduction in rice-pulse system with corresponding increase in rice-maize system. The study area was characterized by semi-arid monsoonic climate with distinct summer, winter and rainy seasons. The soils were developed from fluvial sediments and coastal sediments. The soils were deep to very deep, very dark grayish brown to very dark gray in colour, clay to sandy in texture and single grain to angular blocky in structure. The bulk density values of the soils were low at surface compared to subsurface layers. Pore space, water holding capacity, volume expansion and sticky point values varied according to clay content. The soils were near neutral to slightly alkaline in reaction, non-saline to slightly saline, low to high in organic carbon and low to medium in CaCO3. The CEC values were varied from 3.37 to 66.20 cmol (p+) kg-1 and the exchange complex was dominated by calcium followed by magnesium, sodium and potassium. The analytical data of nutrient status of Krishna delta indicated that the soils were low to medium in available nitrogen, low to high in available phosphrous and potassium and deficient to sufficient in available sulphur, sufficient in manganese however remaining micronutrients (Fe, Zn and Cu) were deficient to sufficient. Chemical composition of soils revealed silica and sesquioxides were the dominant fractions followed by calcium and magnesium oxides. The coarse textured pedons registered high silica content revealed that siliceous nature. Based on morphological, physical, physico-chemical properties of the soils and climate of the region the maize growing soils of Krishna delta region were classified as: Pedon 1 : Fine, smectitic, isohyperthermic, Typic Haplustepts. Pedons 5 and 10 : Fine, smectitic, isohyperthermic (calcareous), Typic Haplustepts. Pedon 2 : Very-fine, smectitic, isohyperthermic, Udic Haplusterts. Pedons 3 and 6 : Fine, smectitic, isohyperthermic, Typic Haplusterts. Pedons 7 and 14 : Fine, smectitic, isohyperthermic (calcareous), Typic Haplusterts. Pedon 4 : Very-fine, smectitic, isohyperthermic, Typic Haplusterts. Pedon 13 : Very-fine, smectitic, isohyperthermic (calcareous), Typic Haplusterts. Pedon 8 : Fine, smectitic, isohyperthermic (calcareous), Vertic Haplustepts. Pedon 9 : Loamy, smectitic, isohyperthermic, Udic Ustorthents. Pedon 11 : Siliceous, isohyperthermic, Typic Ustipsamments. Pedon 12 : Siliceous, isohyperthermic, Oxyaquic Ustipsamments. The soils represented by pedons 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 10 and 14 are moderately suitable (S2) due to moderate limitations of wetness, soil physical characteristics, fertility, soil salinity and alkalinity while, pedons 6, 9 and 13 are marginally suitable (S3f) with severe limitations of soil fertility (f) while, pedons 11 and 12 exhibited severe limitations of wetness (w) to maize, soil physical characteristics (s) and soil fertility (f). Based on the soil properties, the maize growing soils of Krishna delta were classified into land capability classes and sub-classes viz., IIIswf (pedons 1, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 and 13), IIIws (pedons 2, 3, 5 and 14), IVf (pedon 11) and IVsf (pedon 12). Yield gap of 28 to 58 per cent of observed yield and 21 to 39 per cent of simulated yield with potential yield was observed in the study area. The yield gap between potential yield and simulated/observed maize yield was wide in biomass than kernel. The mean yield gap was found to be lowest in clay textured soils followed by loamy sand and sand.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    STUDIES ON FERTILITY STATUS OF SOILS OF NARASARAOPET REVENUE DIVISION OF GUNTUR DISTRICT WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO SULPHUR
    (Acharya N.G. Ranga Agricultural University, 2016) LAKSHMI PRASANNA, K; MADHU VANI, P
    The present study was conducted to evaluate fertility status of soils of Narasaraopet revenue division, Guntur district, Andhra Pradesh with special reference to sulphur. One hundred and two representative surface soil samples were collected from twenty mandals of the study area by following random sampling technique. The soil samples were analysed for various physical, physico-chemical, electro-chemical and chemical properties to evaluate the fertility status of soils and for assessing the ability of chemical extractants viz., 0.15% CaCl2, 1N CH3COONH4, 0.01M Ca(H2PO4)2 and Morgan’s reagent in extracting soil available sulphur. The suitability of these extractants were evaluated in comparison with 0.15% CaCl2 (conventional method) and the amount of sulphur taken up by greengram. The red and black soils of study area were classified into five different textural classes viz., loamy sand, sandy laom, sandy clay loam, sandy clay and clay. Out of which, sandy clay loam was the dominant texture followed by clay. The soils were neutral to moderately alkaline in reaction, non saline, non sodic and non calcareous to moderately calcareous in nature. The exchangeable bases on the exchange complex of black soils were found to be in the order of Ca2+ > Mg2+ > Na+ > K+ whereas in red soils was Ca2+ > Mg2+ > K+ >Na+.The soils were high in base saturation and cation exchange capacity in fine textured soils than the coarse textured soils. The fertility status of soils in respect of organic carbon and nitrogen was low and high with respect to phosphorus and potassium based on the overall nutrient index values of the soils. The clay and organic carbon content of the soils were positively and significantly related with the available N, P and K. The soils were deficient in DTPA extractable zinc (89%) and iron (28%). Manganese and copper were sufficient in all soils. Soil organic carbon content of the soils significantly and positively correlated while, pH and calcium carbonate content negatively correlated with all the micronutrients (Zn, Fe, Mn and Cu) in soils. Among the chemical extractants tested for sulphur availability, the efficiency in extracting available sulphur content of soils was in the order of, 0.01M Ca(H2PO4)2 > 0.15% CaCl2 > 1N CH3COONH4 > Morgan’s reagent based on the amount of available sulphur extracted. Highest positive and significant correlation was observed between sulphur uptake by greengram and 0.01M Ca(H2PO4)2 (r = 0.261**) followed by 1N CH3COONH4 (r = 0.221*), 0.15% CaCl2 (r = 0.214*) and such relation was not significant with Morgan’s reagent (r = 0.057). Organic carbon, clay and CEC showed significantly positive relation with sulphate sulphur extracted with different extractants. The suitability of AB-DTPA as a multi nutrient extractant for P, K, Zn, Fe, Mn and Cu content of soils was also studied and were extracted with ABDTPA. It was observed that the content of potassium extracted by AB-DTPA were comparatively lower whereas the amounts of phosphorus, Zn, Fe, Mn and Cu were higher when compared to their respective conventional method of extraction. Though there was a variation in extracted amounts of nutrients it showed significant and positive correlation with the conventional methods of extraction of P, K, Zn, Fe, Mn and Cu. This indicated the feasibility of using ABDTPA as multi nutrient extractant for the soils of Narasaraopet revenue division. Irrespective of the soil texture, increased level of sulphur application increased the dry matter yield, sulphur content, and sulphur uptake by greengram. The highest values of biological indices were observed in clayey soils with highest level of sulphur application (15 mg kg-1) while, the lowest were observed in loamy sand soils with no sulphur application. The soil properties viz., pH, OC, clay and CEC were the major determinants of available macro and micronutrient and sulphur status of soils. In the present study monocalcium phosphate was proved to be the best method for sulphur estimation and it is an alternative chemical extractant to 0.15 per cent calcium chloride for available sulphur.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    PERFORMANCE AND OSMOTIC REGULATION OF SORGHUM CULTIVARS IN SALINE SOILS
    (Acharya N.G. Ranga Agricultural University, 2016) ADI LAKSHMI, KOTA; PRASUNA RANI, P
    The present study entitled “Performance and osmotic regulation of sorghum cultivars in saline soils” was carried out in green house at Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, Agricultural College, Bapatla during rabi 2015-2016 by using four saline soils of similar texture (collected from Uppugunduru) having different ECe levels (1.5, 5, 8 and 12 dS m-1) and three sorghum cultivars viz., Hytech, Laxmi and Mahalaxmi by following completely randomized design with factorial concept with three replications. During the experiment, soil samples were collected at 30 DAS, flowering and harvest and were analyzed for physic-chemical properties, nutrient status, microbial population and enzyme activity following prescribed procedures. Per cent germination, plant height, days to flowering and maturity and yield were estimated. Biochemical analysis of plants related to chlorophyll content, relative water content (RWC), membrane injury (MI), proline, total sugars and ionic ratios were estimated at 30 DAS, flowering and maturity following standard procedures. The levels of salinity, cultivars or their interaction did not influence the pH of soil at all growth stages. The variation in EC (1:2.5 soil water system) was maintained throughout the experiment with slight decrease in EC values. Higher organic carbon, phosphorus, micronutrients and biological activity were observed at lower salinity level of 1.5 dS m-1 compared to12 dS m-1. A significant effect was not observed related to available nitrogen at any stage of plant growth, whereas potassium was not influenced by cultivars and their interaction at harvest. In general the cultivar, Hytech resulted in higher soil available nutrient content and biological activity compared to Laxmi and Mahalaxmi. The salinity levels, cultivars and their interaction significantly influenced the per cent germination, plant height, number of days to flowering and maturity, drymatter at flowering, yield attributes and yield (grain and stover). Considerable reduction in germination per cent, plant height, yield attributes and yield was observed at the maximum EC tested (12 dS m-1). The flowering and maturity were delayed at maximum salinity in all the cultivars compared to the lowest salinity of 1.5 dS m-1. The maximum grain (21.93 g pot-1) and stover (48.23 g pot-1) yield was observed in treatment combination 1.5 dS m-1 x Hytech. A significant influence of salinity levels, cultivars and their interaction was observed on chlorophyll content, relative water content and membrane injury. The cultivar Hytech recorded maximum values of total chlorophyll and RWC at lower salinity and at flowering stage. The membrane injury was minimum in Hytech cultivar at all stages and the extent of injury was more at highest salinity of 12 dS m-1 in all the cultivars. Similar significant influence of salinity levels, cultivars and their interaction was observed on all the osmolytes (proline, sugars and ionic composition), which followed an increasing trend with salinity at all stages of plant growth. The cultivar Hytech recorded maximum proline at all stages of plant growth while, it contained maximum sugars at flowering and intermediate values at other two stages. The Ca+2/Mg+2 ratio was high at flowering and harvest, while the Na+/K+ was intermediate in Hytech.