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Acharya N. G. Ranga Agricultural University, Guntur (AP)

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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201715
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Subject: Soil Science and Agriculture Chemistry × End date: 2017 × Start date: 2017 × Thesis Type: M.Sc ×
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    EFFECT OF LONG -TERM APPLICATION OF ORGANIC MANURES ON SOIL ORGANIC MATTER FRACTIONS AND PRODUCTIVITY OF RAINFED GROUNDNUT (Arachis hypogaea L.)
    (Acharya N.G. Ranga Agricultural University, 2017) VENKATA MADHURI, C; MUNASWAMY, V
    The present study entitled “Effect of long-term application of organic manures on soil organic matter fractions and productivity of rainfed groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.)” was taken up in long term experiment on going since 2007 at Regional Agricultural Research Station, Tirupati, Acharya N.G. Ranga Agricultural University. The present study was carried out during kharif, 2016 with a prime objective of monitoring the changes in soil organic matter fractions as influenced by long term application of organic manures. The experiment has 6 treatments each replicated four times in a randomized block design. The treatments include T1: Control (no manure and fertilizers), T2: RDF (20 Kg of N ha-1, 40 Kg of P2O5 ha-1, 50 K2O Kg ha-1), T3 : Vermicompost @ 2.5 t ha-1: T4 : Poultry manure @ 4 t ha-1 T5: Farm yard manure @ 10 t ha-1: T6 : Press mud cake @ 10 t ha-1 . Soil samples were collected from each treatment at 0-15 cm before sowing and at harvest of crop and analyzed for soil organic matter fractions physico-chemical, chemical characters, and crop yield at harvest was recorded. Among the physico-chemical properties soil EC and organic carbon was significantly influenced by organic manures but soil pH showed non significant variation. The major nutrients (N, P and K) showed significant variation among the treatments, where highest values were observed in organic manures compared to control and RDF. The secondary nutrients (Ca, Mg and S) and micronutrients (Zn, Fe, Mn and Cu) also followed similar trend of increasing contents with organic manure application. It was further observed that all soil nutrient contents increased at harvest under RDF and organic manures application but decreased in control treatment compared to status of before sowing of crop. Humic acid content in soil before sowing and harvest of the crop was significantly varied in organic manure treatments. Before sowing humic acid was ranged from 0.25 to 0.92 g kg-1 while at harvest it was ranged from 0.23 to 1.26 g kg-1. Among the treatments FYM recorded highest values followed by pressmud cake treatment. Oxygen containing functional groups (total acidity, carboxyl and phenolic groups) of humic acid were increased with application of various organic manures. Before sowing total acidity was ranged from 4.2 to 8.9 me g-1, carboxyl group ranged from 2.2 to 3.4 me g-1 and phenolic groups ranged from 2.0 to 5.7 me g-1. At harvest of crop total acidity was ranged from 3.4 to 10.1 me g-1, carboxyl groups ranged from 2.2 to 3.4 me g-1 and phenolic groups ranged from 2.0 to 5.7 me g-1. The contribution of carboxyl groups towards per cent of total acidity before sowing of crop was ranged from 33.72 to 57.41 per cent and phenolic groups ranged from 42.59 to 66.28 per cent, while at harvest carboxyl group contribution ranged from 32.22 to 52.94 per cent and phenolic groups 47.06 to 67.78 per cent. E4/E6 ratio of humic acid in soils under various organic manures treatments was significantly varied. Before sowing E4/E6 ratio was ranged from 4.5 to 5.19, while at harvest it was ranged from 3.45 to 5.63. E4/E6 ratio was decreased from +13.1 to -23.3 per cent from sowing to harvest of the crop. Potentiometric titrations curves of humic acid extracted from soils of various treatments before sowing and harvest of crop are similar and sigmoidal in nature with each other indicating the apparent monobasic and had a single break indicating weak acid polyelectolytic character of humic acid. Conductometric titration curves of humic acid extracted from soils of various organic manure treatments before sowing and at harvest of crop were similar in nature indicating weak acidic character of humic acid. UV-spectral characteristics of humic acid extracted from soils of various treatments before sowing and at harvest of crop were almost similar in nature indicating these are featureless with a decreasing optical density with increase in wavelength. These are steeper in nature which indicated more aromatic character of humic acid. The mean values of NPK content in plant at harvest were 1.53 %, 0.36 % and 1.18 % respectively. The N uptake ranged from 33.71 to 64.29 kg ha-1, P uptake ranged from to 8.92 to 20.28 kg ha-1, K uptake was ranged from 23.17 to 69.04 kg ha1 . The pod yield of groundnut crop at harvest was significantly varied with different manure treatments ranged from 1188 to 1531 with a mean value of 1417 kg ha-1. Haulm yield of groundnut was ranged from 3070 to 4315 with a mean value of 3756 kg ha-1 . The correlation studies before sowing revealed that humic acid content was significantly correlated with total acidity (0.993**), carboxyl groups (0.812*) and phenolic-OH groups (0.960**). Total acidity was positively correlated with phenolic-OH groups (0.984**), P uptake (0.842*). A positive and significant relation was observed between N uptake and pod yield (0.957**) between P uptake and phenolic-OH groups (0.887*) and K uptake showed significant relation with phenolic-OH groups (0.873*) and P uptake (0.951**). At harvest also humic acid content showed positive correlation with total acidity (0.945**), phenolic-OH groups (0.938**) and P uptake (0.823*).Total acidity showed positive significant relation with carboxyl groups (0.832*), phenolic-OH groups (0.983**), N uptake (0.843*), P uptake (0.858*) and K uptake (0.855*). N uptake was positively significantly correlated with carboxyl groups (0.846*), yield (0.957**).A positive and significant relation was also observed between P uptake and phenolic-OH groups (0.896*) and between K uptake and phenolic-OH groups (0.908*) and P uptake (0.951**).
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    CHARACTERIZATION, CLASSIFICATION AND EVALUATION OF SOILS OF MAHANANDI MANDAL OF KURNOOL DISTRICT, ANDHRA PRADESH
    (Acharya N.G. Ranga Agricultural University, 2017) SUPRIYA, K; KAVITHA, P
    luation of soils in Mahanandi mandal of Kurnool district in Andhra Pradesh. Ten representative pedons were selected in ten different locations of the study area covering all types of soils. All the ten pedons were described for their morphological features in field and horizon-wise samples were collected and analyzed in the laboratory for physical, physico-chemical and chemical properties. The study area was characterized by semi-arid monsoonic climate with distinct summer, winter and rainy seasons. The pedons selected were confined to plains and gently sloping topography. Pedons 1, 2, 6 7, 8, 9 and 10 were developed from granite – gneiss whereas pedons 3, 4, and 5 were originated from limestone. The morphological features indicated the presence of AC (Pedons 3 and 5) and ABC (Pedons 1, 2, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10) profiles. The soils were deep to very deep in depth, black to brown in colour, loamy sand to clay loam in texture and had sub-angular blocky, angular blocky and single grain structure. The clay content in pedons 2 and 4 showed an increasing trend with depth. However, no specific trend with depth was observed in the remaining pedons. Physical constants like water holding capacity and volume expansion followed the trend of clay content. Most of the pedons exhibited an irregular trend in bulk density with depth. xiv All the pedons were neutral to moderately alkaline in reaction, nonsaline and low to medium in organic carbon content. All these pedons were low to high in CaCO3 status. CEC values were low to high. The exchange complex was dominated by Ca2+ followed by Mg2+, Na+ and K+ . Regarding the fertility status, the soil samples were low to medium in available nitrogen, low to high in available phosphorus, high in potassium and deficient to sufficient in available sulphur. As far as DTPA extractable micronutrients are concerned, the available iron, zinc, copper and manganese were deficient to sufficient. Soil fertility maps were also prepared for Agricultural college farm, Mahanandi for various parameters such as pH, EC, organic carbon, available macronutrients (N, P, K and S) and micronutrients (Zn, Fe, Cu and Mn) under GIS environment using ArcGIS. Similarly soil map and land capability maps were also prepared for the above farm. Based on morphological, physical, physico-chemical, mineralogical and meteorological data the soils of Mahanandi mandal were classified as: Pedon 1 : Fine-loamy, smectitic, isohyperthermic, Fluventic Haplustept Pedon 2 : Fine-loamy, smectitic, isohyperthermic, Fluventic Haplustept Pedon 3 : Sandy, siliceous, isohyperthermic, Typic Ustorthent Pedon 4 : Fine-loamy, smectitic, isohyperthermic, Fluventic Haplustept Pedon 5 : Fine-loamy, siliceous, isohyperthermic, Typic Ustorthent Pedon 6 : Fine-loamy, smectitic, isohyperthermic, Fluventic Haplustept Pedon 7 : Fine-loamy, smectitic, isohyperthermic, Vertic Haplustept Pedon 8 : Fine-loamy, smectitic, isohyperthermic, Fluventic Haplustept Pedon 9 : Fine-loamy, smectitic, isohyperthermic, Fluventic Haplustept Pedon 10 : Fine-loamy, smectitic, isohyperthermic, Fluventic Haplustept Based on the soil properties, the soils of the Mahanandi mandal have been classified into land capability classes and sub-classes viz., IIs (Pedons 1, 4, 9 and 10), IIe (Pedons 7 and 8), IIes (Pedon 2), IIIs (Pedon 6) and IIIes (Pedons 3, 5). The soil-site suitability evaluation revealed that pedons 6, 9 and 10 were highly suitable (S1) for growing rice, groundnut, sorghum and redgram and marginally suitable (S3) for sugarcane. Pedons 5 and 7 were highly suitable (S1) for growing rice and moderately suitable (S2) for groundnut, sugarcane, sorghum and redgram. Pedon 8 is highly suitable (S1) for growing rice, sorghum and redgram and marginally suitable (S3) for growing groundnut.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    EFFECT OF VARIOUS ORGANIC MANURES ON SOIL CARBON SEQUESTRATION, SOIL HEALTH AND PRODUCTIVITY OF RAINFED GROUNDNUT (Arachis hypogaea L.)
    (Acharya N.G. Ranga Agricultural University, 2017) RISHI KUMAR REDDY, A; NAGA MADHURI, K. V.
    The present study entitled “Effect of various organic manures on soil carbon sequestration, soil health and productivity of rainfed groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.)” was undertaken during kharif, 2016 in a field experiment which was started at the Regional Agricultural Research Station, Tirupati, Acharya N.G. Ranga Agricultural University in kharif, 2007, with a prime objective of monitoring soil health. The soil of the experimental field was red sandy loam (Haplustalf). The experiment has six treatments each replicated four times in a randomized block design. The treatments include T1 : Control (no manure or fertilizers), T2 : RDF @ 20:40:50 N:P2O5:K2O kg ha-1 , T3 : Vermicompost @ 2.5 t ha-1 , T4 : Poultry manure @ 4 t ha-1 , T5 : Farm yard manure @ 10 t ha-1 , T6 : Pressmud cake @ 10 t ha-1 . Surface soil samples at a depth of 15 cm were collected at harvest in each treatment for analysing physical, physico-chemical, chemical and micro-biological properties. Soil samples were also collected from 0-30, 30-60, 60-90 and 90-120 cm depth at harvest of the crop in each treatment for estimation of total carbon, carbon stock and carbon sequestration. Significant decrease in soil bulk density (1.18 Mg m-3 ), increase in porosity (51.2 %) and water holding capacity (40.1 %) at harvest due to the application of FYM @ 10 t ha-1 (T5) was recorded and was on par with pressmud cake @10 t ha-1 (T6). The highest bulk density (1.29 Mg m-3 ), lowest porosity (45.6 %) was recorded in control (T1) and lowest water holding capacity (28.1 %) in RDF treatment (T2). The bulk density in soil at harvest increased with increase in soil depth. The mean bulk density at a depth of 0 to 30 cm was recorded as 1.25 Mg m-3 , 1.27 Mg m-3 at 30 to 60 cm, 1.30 Mg m-3 at 60 to 90 cm and 1.32 Mg m-3 at 90 to 120 cm. Soil pH and organic carbon were significantly increased and EC was not influenced by the application of organic manures at harvest. Highest pH (7.20) was recorded in poultry manure @ 4 t ha-1 applied treatment (T4) and was on par with (7.13) FYM @ 10 t ha-1 applied treatment (T5). Highest organic carbon (0.51 %) was recorded in FYM @ 10 t ha-1 applied treatment (T5) and was on par with pressmud cake @ 10 t ha-1 applied treatment (T6). The lowest pH (6.42) and OC (0.30 %) was recorded in control (T1). Total carbon content of soil was significantly increased with the application of organic manures. Highest total carbon (0.72 %) was recorded in FYM applied treatment (T5) and lowest (0.41 %) was recorded in control (T1). Total carbon content of soil decreased with increase in soil depth at harvest. The mean total carbon content at 0 to 30 cm soil depth was recorded as 0.53 %, 0.48 % at 30 to 60 cm, 0.46 % at 60 to 90 cm and 0.43 % at 90 to 120 cm soil depth. Soil available nutrients like N, P, K, Ca, Mg and S increased significantly by the application of organic manures at harvest. Highest available nitrogen (236 kg ha-1 ), phosphorus (61 kg ha-1 ) and potassium (292 kg ha-1 ) were recorded in FYM (T5), poultry manure (T4) and pressmud cake (T6) applied treatments respectively, whereas the lowest was observed in control (T1). Highest soil exchangeable calcium (6.5 cmol (P+ ) kg-1 ) and available sulphur (9.4 mg kg-1 ) were recorded in pressmud cake (T6) applied treatment. Whereas, FYM applied treatment (T5) recorded the highest exchangeable magnesium (4.0 cmol (P+ ) kg-1 ). Lowest exchangeable magnesium and available sulphur were recorded in RDF treatment (T2) and exchangeable calcium was lowest in control (T1). Soil DTPA extractable micronutrients like Fe, Zn, Cu and Mn also increased significantly with the application of organic manures at harvest. Highest Fe (7.1 mg kg-1 ), Zn 4.7 (7.1 mg kg-1 ) and Cu (0.73 mg kg-1 ) content were recorded in FYM applied treatment (T5) followed by poultry manure applied treatment (T4). The lowest Fe, Zn and Cu were recorded in control (T1). Whereas, highest Mn was observed in pressmud cake applied treatment (T6) followed by FYM applied treatment (T5) and lowest Mn was recorded in RDF treatment (T2). Total microbial population viz., bacteria, fungi and actinomycetes population at harvest was higher in all the organic manure applied treatments than RDF treatment (T2) and control (T1). The highest population viz., bacteria (124 cfu gm-1 ), fungi (12 cfu gm-1 ) and actinomycetes (42 cfu gm-1 ) were recorded in pressmud cake applied treatment (T6) and lowest was recorded in RDF treatment (T2). Soil organic carbon stock at harvest was recorded highest (1867 Mg C ha-1 ) in pressmud cake applied treatment (T6) followed by FYM applied treatment (T5) (1699 Mg C ha-1 ). Lowest was recorded in RDF treatment (T2) and control (T1). Organic carbon stock at harvest increased with increase in soil depth. The mean soil organic carbon stock at a depth of 0 to 30 cm was 1477 Mg C ha-1 , 2726 Mg C ha-1 at 30 to 60 cm, 3271 Mg C ha-1 at 60 to 90 cm and 3629 Mg C ha-1 at 90 to 120 cm. Carbon sequestration rate also showed similar trend when organic manures were applied but no regular pattern was observed with respect to depth. Significant differences were recorded in carbon sequestration potential in organic manure applied treatments. Highest carbon sequestration potential (535 Mg C ha-1 ) was recorded in treatment receiving FYM (T5) and was on par with pressmud cake applied treatment (T6). Lowest (65 Mg C ha-1 ) was recorded in RDF treatment (T2). The soil carbon sequestration potential at harvest stage increased with increase in soil depth. The mean soil carbon sequestration potential at a depth of 0 to 30 cm was 196.65 Mg C ha-1 , 287.28 Mg C ha-1 at 30 to 60 cm, 302.1 Mg C ha-1 at 60 to 90 cm and 743.47 Mg C ha-1 at 90 to 120 cm. Pod yield of groundnut was significantly influenced by the application of different organic manures. The highest pod yield (1531 kg ha-1 ) was recorded in RDF treatment (T2) and was on par with FYM (T5) (1470 kg ha-1 ), poultry manure (T4) (1454 kg ha-1 ), pressmud cake (T6) (1446 kg ha-1 ) and vermicompost applied treatments (T3) (1418 kg ha-1 ). Whereas, lowest (1188 kg ha-1 ) was recorded in control (T1). Highest nitrogen (64.29 kg ha-1 ), phosphorus (19.43 kg ha-1 ) and potassium uptake (69.04 kg ha-1 ) were recorded in pressmud cake applied treatment (T6) and the lowest was recorded in control (T1). In the present study, among various organic manures, FYM and pressmud cake application @ 10 t ha-1 were found most effective in maintaining soil health by improving soil physical properties, soil carbon stock and carbon sequestration rate and by supplying essential nutrients apart from maintaining microbial population in soil. They also helped in sustaining pod yields similar to chemical fertilizers. Depending on the availability, any of the organic sources like FYM or pressmud cake can be suggested to achieve organic farming in groundnut crop under rainfed situations.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    CHARACTERIZATION, CLASSIFICATION AND EVALUATION OF SOILS OF PUTTUR MANDAL OF CHITTOOR DISTRICT, ANDHRA PRADESH
    (Acharya N.G. Ranga Agricultural University, 2017) PURANDHAR, E; NAIDU, M.V.S.
    The present investigation involves characterization, classification and evaluation of soils in Puttur mandal of Chittoor district, Andhra Pradesh. For this, seven representative pedons were selected in seven different locations of the study area covering all types of soils. All the seven pedons were described for their morphological features in the field and horizon-wise samples were collected and analyzed in the laboratory for physical, physico-chemical and chemical properties. The study area was characterized by semi-arid monsoonic climate with distinct summer, winter and rainy seasons. The Pedons selected were located on nearly level (0-1%) very gently sloping (1-3%) and gently sloping (3-5 %) topography. All pedons were developed from granite-gneiss parent material. The morphological features indicated the presence of AC (Pedons 4 and 5), A-(Bw)-C (Pedons 1 and 7) and A-(Bt)-C (Pedons 2, 3 and 6) profiles. The soils were deep to very deep in depth, dark reddish brown to very dark grey in colour, sand to clay in texture and had single grain, sub-angular blocky and angular blocky structure. The clay content showed no specific trend with depth in all pedons. Physical constants like water holding capacity exhibited an increasing trend in pedon 2 and a decreasing trend in pedon 4 with depth. However, remaining pedons showed an irregular trend with depth. Loss on ignition showed an increasing trend in pedon 5 and remaining pedons did not show any particular xiv trend with depth. Bulk density showed an increasing trend in pedon 2 whereas remaining pedons did not show any particular trend with depth. The pedons were slightly acidic to moderately alkaline in reaction, nonsaline and low in organic carbon. All the pedons registered low CaCO3 status. CEC values were low to high and exchange complex was dominated by Ca+2 followed by Mg+2, Na+ and K+ . Chemical composition of soils revealed that all the pedons had high silica content indicating siliceous nature. Regarding nutrients status, the soils were low to medium in available nitrogen, low to high in available phosphorus, medium to high in available potassium and deficient to sufficient in available sulphur. However, the soils were deficient in DTPA- extractable zinc (except Ap horizon of pedons 1, 2, 3 and 5) and sufficient in DTPA-extractable copper, manganese and Iron (except pedon 7). Based on morphological, physical, physico-chemical, mineralogical and meteorological data, the soils of Puttur mandal were classified as: Pedon 1 : Fine-loamy, smectitic, isohyperthermic, Typic Haplustept Pedon 2 : Fine, mixed, isohyperthermic, Ultic Haplustalf Pedon 3 : Fine-loamy,mixed, isohyperthermic, Ultic Haplustalf Pedon 4 : Fine-loamy, siliceous, isohyperthermic, Typic Ustifluvent Pedon 5 : Fine-loamy, siliceous, isohyperthermic, Typic Ustifluvent Pedon 6 : Fine-loamy, mixed, isohyperthermic, Ultic Haplustalf Pedon 7 : Coarse loamy, smectitic, isohyperthermic, Typic Haplustept Based on the soil properties, the soils of the Puttur mandal have been classified into land capability classes and sub-classes viz., IIs (Pedons 2 and 7), IIIe (Pedon 1 and 4), IIIwe (Pedon 5), IVe (Pedons 3 and 6). The soil-site suitability evaluation of study area revealed that pedons 4 and 5 were marginally suitable (S3) for rice and sesame crops. Pedon 4 was moderately suitable (S2) whereas pedon 5 was marginally suitable (S3) for groundnut crop. However, pedon 4 was highly suitable (S1) and pedon 5 was moderately suitable (S2) for growing sunflower. Pedons 1 and 7 were moderately suitable (S2) for groundnut and marginally suitable (S3) for rice, sesame and sunflower. Pedons 2 and 3 were marginally suitable (S3) for growing sesame and moderately suitable (S2) for groundnut. Pedon 2 was moderately suitable (S2) and pedon 3 was marginally suitable (S3) for rice. Pedon 2 was marginally suitable (S3) and pedon 3 was moderately suitable (S2) for growing sunflower. However, pedon 6 was marginally suitable (S3) for growing rice and sunflower and moderately suitable (S2) for growing groundnut and sesame.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    CHARACTERIZATION OF SALT AFFECTED SOILS AND YIELD OF CROPS GROWN IN SRIKALAHASTHI DIVISION OF CHITTOOR DISTRICT OF ANDHRA PRADESH
    (Acharya N.G. Ranga Agricultural University, 2017) MANIMALIKA, M; PRASANTHI, A
    The present investigation was carried out to characterize the salt affected soils in Srikalahasthi division of Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh. For this purpose, 152 surface soil samples and irrigation water samples were collected from five mandals of Srikalahasthi division viz., Srikalahasthi, Yerpedu, B.N.Kandriga, Thotembedu and K.V.B.Puram. Soil samples were analyzed for physical, physico-chemical and chemical properties and irrigation water analyzed for its quality. Per cent clay, silt and sand content ranged from 6.92 to 62.57, 2.28 to 28.95 and 30.31 to 85.08, respectively. The study area was dominated by medium textured soils (71.05 per cent) followed by coarse textured (18.43 per cent) and fine textured soils(10.42 per cent). Out of 152 soil samples collected from the study area 81 (53.28 per cent) soil samples were found to be strongly alkaline, while 47 (30.92 per cent) and 24 (15.78 per cent) soil samples were found to be mildly and moderately alkaline in reaction, respectively. Out of 152 soil samples collected from the study area, 61 (40.13 per cent), 57 (37.5 per cent), 21 (13.81 per cent), 9 (5.92 per cent) and 4 (2.63 per cent) were non saline, slightly saline, moderately saline, strongly saline and very strongly saline, respectively. The organic carbon status of 78.29 per cent of soil samples was low. Majority of soils in the study area were moderately calcareous (69.73 per cent) followed by strongly calcareous (17.10 per cent) whereas 13.16 per cent soil samples were said to be non calcareous. CEC of soils varied from 30.92 to 72.52 cmol(p+ )kg-1 with a mean value of 50.53 cmol(p+ )kg-1 . Per cent base saturation of soils ranged from 59.17 to 99.36 with a mean value of 70.11. The ESP > 15 was noticed in 59.86 per cent soil samples. Soils of Srikalahasthi division were deficient in available nitrogen (87.5 per cent). Out of 152 soil samples studied for available phosphorous, 36, 54 and 62 soil samples were low, medium and high, respectively. The status of potassium in 18, 81 and 53 soil samples were high, medium and low respectively. 77.63 per cent of soil samples showed sufficient in available sulphur content while only 22.37 per cent soil samples showed deficient in available sulphur content. The exchangeable cations of soils of Srikalahasthi division were found in the order of Ca2+> Na+ > Mg 2+> K+ . But the soluble cations of the saturation extract was in the order of Na+ >Ca2+>Mg2+>K+ . In the saturation extract of the soils, chloride was the dominant anion followed by sulphates, bicarbonates and carbonates indicating chloride-sulphate type of soil salinity. Among the 152 soil samples collected from Srikalahasthi division, 65.14 per cent samples have SAR <13 and the remaining 34.86 soil samples have SAR>13. The cationic composition of irrigation water in the study area was found in the order of Na+ >Mg2+>Ca2+>K+ whereas the order of anions in irrigation water was Cl- >SO4 2- >HCO3 - >CO3 2- .The study revealed that 46.05 per cent of irrigation water samples were alkaline in reaction and most of the water samples (69.79 per cent) showed high salinity (C3) followed by very high salinity (C4-28.97 per cent) and medium salinity (C2-1.32 per cent). The SAR of water samples were found in the order of S1>S2>S3 class respectively. Based on RSC, majority of water samples were safe (67.11 per cent) followed by moderately safe (15.79 per cent) and unsafe (17.10 per cent).Based on Mg: Ca ratio, 8.55 per cent of irrigation water samples were classified as unsafe for irrigation. As per the guidelines of central soil salinity research institute, 69 samples (45.39 per cent), 17 samples (11.18 per cent), 9 samples (5.92 per cent) and one sample were found to be good, marginally saline, highly alkali and high SAR saline, respectively. Remaining 56 irrigation water samples were classified as medium to high salinity, medium to high sodium water, medium to very high alkalinity as per salinity, SAR and RSC classes established by Gupta (1979). Out of 152 soil samples 93 soil samples identified as salt affected soils based on pHs, ECe and ESP, of this 5 (3.28 per cent), 58 (31.15 per cent) and 30 (19.73 per cent) soil samples were classified as saline, sodic, saline-sodic respectively. Remaining 59 soil samples were found to be normal. The soil related constraints studied in the salt affected soils and majority of normal soils of Srikalahasthi division were alkalinity, high soluble salt content, moderately to strongly calcareous, low in status of organic carbon, low in available N, P, K and deficient in available sulphur. Paddy yield of salt affected soils viz., sodic, saline-sodic and saline ranged from 3062 to 4250 kg ha-1 with a mean value of 3544 kg ha-1 whereas yield of paddy in normal soils ranged from 5062 to 6200 kg ha-1 with a mean value of 5496 kgha-1 . Yield of salt affected soils was less as compared to normal soils in the study area. Salt affected soils and irrigation water quality can be managed by adopting effective reclamation measures by the farmers’ so as to improve the health of the soils and quality of irrigation water and ultimately the growth and yield of crops can be improved.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    NUTRIENT MAPPING OF NAGARI MANDAL IN CHITTOOR DISTRICT OF ANDHRA PRADESH USING REMOTE SENSING AND GEOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION SYSTEM (GIS)
    (Acharya N.G. Ranga Agricultural University, 2017) JAGADISH, J; VENKATA RAM MUNI REDDY, P
    A study was undertaken to assess the soil fertility status, delineate the spatial variability of soil fertility status in order to suggest fertilizer recommendations, for Nagari Mandal in Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh state using remote sensing and GIS techniques. Composite surface soil samples (0-15 cm) were collected across the Nagari mandal using Arc map software with the grid size of 10ha. The GPS data at each sample location was collected. Ground truth analysis indicated that soils of the study area are moderately to highly alkaline and with safe EC ranges. The available nitrogen content of the soils varied from 43.9 to 181.81 kg ha-1, with a mean value of 77.20 kg ha-1 and standard deviation of 31.7 with CV of 41.08 per cent, the available phosphorus status in soils was low to high range and ranged from 2.08 to 133.13 kg ha-1, with a mean value of 29.36 kg ha-1 and standard deviation of 17.7 with CV of 60.29 per cent and the available potassium content in soils of Nagari mandal ranged from 64.6 to 753.17 kg ha-1, with a mean value of 217.56 kg ha-1 with standard deviation of 119.5 and CV of 54.93 per cent The available copper, nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium content showed much variation with high coefficient of variation. Soils vary across fields and within the fields. Hence to prove this fact, studies were done at village level taking Tadaku village of Nagari Mandal where much variability was observed. The data revealed that CV was high for EC content (83.32%), all other nutrients also observed high values of CV confirming the existence of spatial variability within field. It can be inferred that when average content of micronutrients is analyzed, soils exhibit sufficient status of micronutrients but the coefficient of variation for available Fe, Cu, Zn and Mn is 52.4, 92.39, 45.23, 40.32 per cent respectively. The larger CV depicts that within a village there is much variation in the micronutrient status, proving that soil fertility is not homogeneous. Spatial variability of soil properties was studied and maps were generated using geo-statistics. In the present study the variability is observed in case of all the nutrients under study with more variation in copper followed by phosphorous, potassium, iron, nitrogen, zinc, manganese, and copper. The soil site suitability maps for rice and sugarcane delineate the areas in to suitable and not suitable which could be utilized for selecting the proper cropping pattern at local level. Suitability analysis of rice crop in study area indicated 585.6 ha is highly suitable (S1), 1156.8 ha is moderately suitable (S2) and 244.8 ha is marginally suitable (S3). the remaining area 412.8 ha is having severe limitations that preclude the growing of rice making it not suitable (N), suitability analysis of sugarcane crop in Nagari mandal indicated that about 295.2 ha is highly suitable (S1), 1188 ha is moderately suitable (S2) and 628.8 ha is marginally suitable (S3). The remaining area 288 ha comes under suitability class of not suitable (N). Site specific fertilizer recommendations for rice and sugarcane in Nagari mandal are made utilizing the thematic maps of spatial variability of N, P and K status. The recommended doses of nitrogen for rice crop is 91 and 101 kg ha-1 , recommended doses of phosphorus are 50, 61, 71, 82 and 93 kg ha-1 and the recommended doses of potassium are 5, 15, 25, 35, 45 and 55 kg ha-1. The recommended doses of nitrogen for sugarcane crop is 276, 244, 212 and 180 kg ha-1, recommended doses of phosphorus are 76, 55, 33 and 12 kg ha-1 and the recommended doses of potassium are 148, 135, 121,108, 94, 81 and 67 kg ha-1 . The application of N, P, and K as per the above recommendation in different spatial zones arrived reveals that there is a significant reduction in fertilizer application when compared to the general recommendations In conclusion, it can be summarized that new technologies of remote sensing, GIS and GPS have opened a new era in generating natural resource database to integrate and assess their potential on spatial basis. Integration of GIS with various models in the present study was highly useful in generating the soil suitability assessment, fertilizer recommendation maps, soil quality assessment and preparation of customized fertilizer formulations. These studies can be made up to village level for micro level management of crop fields which help in attaining sustainability by catering the actual requirement of soil and crop within spatially variable fields. Further, the results provide actual estimates of fertilizer requirement for the study area for the important crops grown, thereby saving budget on nutrients at both planning and farmers level.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    INFLUENCE OF RICE STRAW COMPOST AND MICROBIAL CONSORTIUM ON ZINC AVAILABILITY IN SOIL AND FORTIFICATION IN MAIZE (Zea mays L.)
    (Acharya N.G. Ranga Agricultural University, 2017) PEDDA GHOUSE PEERA, S.K.; PRASAD, P.R.K.
    The continued investigations on yield maximization of maize are much progress throughout Asian countries. Although much work has been carried out on all the macro and micronutrients based on needs for sustaining maize productivity, the work related to the biofortification of Zn utilizing rice straw compost and microbial consortium is very much limited in our country, in spite of escalating costs and adulteration of Zn mineral fertilizers. Keeping in view the scenario, incubation and field experiments were conducted for two consecutive years (2014-15 and 2015-16) on sandy loam and sandy clay loam soils of Agricultural college farm, Bapatla, India. The experimental soil and rice straw compost was analysed for available nutrients prior to imposing treatments. Initially, an incubation study was laid out in a factorial completely randomized design for determining the release rate of zinc in the sandy loam and sandy clay loam soils. The treatments consisted of six levels of ZnSO4.7H2O at 0, 6.25, 12.5, 18.8, 25 and 31.3 mg kg-1 under four factors viz., control (F1), rice straw compost (RSC) (F2), microbial consortium (MC) (F3), RSC+MC (F4) replicated thrice. Soil was incubated at 30±1°C for 90 days by maintaining moisture at field capacity level. DTPA extractable Zn was analysed at each 15 days interval up to 90 days. Field experiments were laid out in split plot design, keeping three zinc solubilizers viz. RSC, MC and their combination (RSC+MC) and control as main-plot treatments with six graded levels of ZnSO4.7H2O viz. 0, 12.5, 25.0, 37.5, 50.0 and 62.5 kg ha-1 in sub-plots and replicated thrice. Popular cultivar of maize, 30 v 92 used as test crop. The experimental soils (0-15cm) was slightly alkaline in reaction, low in organic C and available nitrogen and medium in available phosphorus and potassium. Other standard package of practices was followed uniformly for all the plots. Results showed that rice straw compost and microbial consortium in combination maximized the release of Zn at all the periods of incubation in both the soils. Maximum release of Zn was observed at 60th day of incubation in sandy loam soils and at 45th day of sandy clay loam soils when applied with Zn solubilizers. Without Zn solubilizers, Zn release increased only up to 30 days after incubation in both the soils. The performance of microbial consortium was more pronounced in sandy clay loam soils. Whereas, application of rice straw compost showed a consistent release of DTPA extractable Zn in sandy loam soils. Irrespective of Zn solubilizers the increase in Zn release was significant up to 50 kg ha-1 in sandy loam soils whereas in sandy clay loam soils it was up to 37.5 kg ZnSO4.7H2O ha-1 . Though the interaction was not significant in early stages of incubation (15 DAI), significant interactions were recorded from 30 DAI onwards in both the soils. Growth parameters, yield attributes, kernel and stover yield of maize were significantly higher with the application of ZnSO4.7H2O @ 37.5 kg ha-1 in combination with RSC+MC during both the years of study. It also ensured the availability of DTPA-extractable Zn in soil at all the crop growth stages and elevated the Zn content in kernel and stover of maize. Whereas, sole application of either microbial consortium or rice straw compost with 50.0 kg ZnSO4.7H2O ha-1 in sandy loam soils performed on par with the RSC+MC. Magnitude of increase in Zn content of kernel and stover was more distinct during second year of the study on comparison with first year. The improvement in physical, chemical and biological parameters of the soil at harvest of maize was higher in the RSC incorporated plots. Incorporation of RSC followed by inoculation of microbial consortium just before sowing not only improved concentration and uptake of macronutrients (N, P, K and S) and micronutrients (Fe, Mn, Zn and Cu) of maize but also economise use of costly fertilizer inputs. The results further showed that 37.5 kg ZnSO4.7H2O ha-1 as basal + rice straw compost with microbial consortium has been proved to be superior treatment for the best management of Zn in rabi maize under sandy loam and sandy clay loam soil conditions.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    COMPARATIVE ASSESSMENT OF CROP RESIDUES INCORPORATION AND THEIR APPLICATION AFTER COMPOSTING ON SOIL PROPERTIES AND PERFORMANCE OF MAIZE
    (Acharya N.G. Ranga Agricultural University, 2017) RUPA DEVI, BANDI; PRASUNA RANI, P
    A field experiment entitled “Comparative assessment of crop residues incorporation and their application after composting on soil properties and performance of maize" was conducted during kharif, 2016 at Agricultural College Farm, Bapatla to study the influence of crop residues and their composts on soil properties (physical, physico-chemical properties, available nutrient status and biological activity) and performance of maize (Pioneer-3396) in terms of yield, nutrient content and uptake. The experiment was laid out in RBD with nine treatments replicated thrice. The treatments comprised of T1 - 100% RDFN (120 kg N), T2 - 100% RDFN + 25% N through rice straw, T3 - 100% RDFN + 25% N through rice compost, T4 - 100% RDFN + 25% N through maize stalk, T5 - 100% RDFN + 25% N through maize compost, T6 - 75% RDFN + 25% N through rice straw, T7 - 75% RDFN + 25% N through rice compost, T8 - 75% RDFN + 25% N through maize stalk and T9 - 75% RDFN + 25% N through maize compost. The experimental soil was clay in texture, non-saline and slightly alkaline in reaction. The soil was low in available nitrogen, medium in phosphorus, high in potassium and sufficient in sulphur. The available Fe, Mn and Cu were above their respective critical limits while, Zn was deficient. Calculated quantities of crop residues and composts were applied one month and seven days, respectively before sowing the crop to supply required level of nitrogen. Recommended dose of fertilizer nitrogen was applied in three equal split doses as per the treatments. Entire quantity of phosphorus (60 kg ha-1 P2O5) was applied as basal, while potassium (60 kg ha-1 K2O) in two equal splits. Foliar spray of 0.2 per cent ZnSO4 was given twice on observation of zinc deficiency. Among the organic sources tested (rice straw, rice compost, maize stalk and maize compost), maize compost was found to be superior with respect to nutrient composition, followed by rice compost. The crop was harvested at 110 days after sowing. Soil samples collected at sowing, knee high, tasseling and harvest stages and plant samples collected at harvest stage were analyzed following standard procedures. Inorganic fertilizer along with crop residues or composts didn’t show marked difference in water holding capacity (harvest), pH and EC of the soils. All integrated treatments recorded comparable values of organic carbon and were significantly superior to the inorganic treatment. The treatment supplied with 100% RDFN + 25% N though maize compost was found to be significantly superior to control (100% RDFN) in available nutrient content (except K and Zn) and biological activity. No significant influence of treatments was recorded related to potassium and zinc. Application of 100% RDFN + 25% N though rice compost was identified as next best treatment followed by 75% RDFN + 25% N though maize compost in maintaining overall soil quality. The performance of maize in terms of kernel yield, stover yield, nutrient content and uptake was significantly influenced by the imposed treatments. The treatment supplied with 100% RDFN + 25% N through maize compost recorded maximum kernel yield, stover yield, nutrient content and uptake and it was followed by treatment supplied with 100% RDFN + 25% N through rice compost and 75% RDFN + 25% N through maize compost. From the present study, it can be concluded that application of 100% RDFN + 25% N through maize compost resulted in maximum yield, improved soil water holding capacity, nutrient status and biological activity followed by the treatments supplied with 100% RDFN + 25% N through rice compost and 75% RDFN + 25% N through maize compost. Since, maize compost with 75% RDFN exhibited comparable performance to that of best treatments, in improving yield and soil properties it can be stated that substituting nitrogen through maize compost can reduce the fertilizer nutrient requirement by 25 per cent while, improving the quality of produce.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    ASSESSMENT OF GROUNDWATER QUALITY USED FOR IRRIGATION IN WEST GODAVARI DISTRICT OF ANDHRA PRADESH
    (Acharya N.G. Ranga Agricultural University, 2017) KIRANMAI, JIRRA; MOHANA RAO, P
    Present study entitled, “Assessment of groundwater quality used for irrigation in West Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh” was under taken in West Godavari district. A total number of 860 groundwater samples from 46 mandals of West Godavari district were collected during pre and post monsoon periods. Water reaction (pH), EC, SAR and RSC in irrigation waters of study area varied from 6.5-8.6 and 6.5-8.8, EC ranged from 0.2-26.0 dS m-1 and 0.2-26.0 dS m-1 , SAR ranged from 0.1-63.1 and 0.1-29.2, RSC ranged from -74.6 to 20.5 me L-1 and -68.1 to 20.8 me L-1 during pre and post-monsoon seasons respectively. Dominant cation was sodium followed by calcium, magnesium and potassium, the trend was Na+ >Ca2+ >Mg2+ >K+ . Likewise, in case of anions, chloride was the dominant anion followed by bicarbonate, sulphate and boron. The trend was Cl- >HCO3 - >SO4 2- >B during premonsoon. Similarly, during the post-monsoon water was Na+ >Ca2+ >Mg2+ >K+ type waters and Cl- > HCO3 - > SO4 2- > CO3 2- type water in respect of anions. In both pre and post monsoon seasons in all mandals of West Godavari district majority of the underground water samples had pH between 6.5 to 7.5 and majority of the samples recorded under neutral class. Based on EC, maximum number of underground water samples had EC between 0.75 to 2.25 dS m-1 (C3) i.e. high salinity. Based on SAR classification, during the pre-monsoon season 89.8, 8.8, 1.2 and 0.2 per cent samples recorded under S1, S2, S3, and S4 class, whereas, in post-monsoon season 90, 8.8, 0.9 and 0.2 per cent samples recorded under S1, S2, S3, and S4 class respectively. In both pre and post monsoon seasons majority of the samples were found under S1 class i.e. low sodium hazard. Based on RSC classification, during the pre-monsoon season 65.1, 10.7 and 24.2 per cent samples recorded under A1, A2 and A3 classes, whereas in post-monsoon season 66.7, 13.0 and 20.2 per cent samples recorded under A1, A2 and A3 classes, respectively. In both pre and post monsoon seasons majority of the samples found under A1 class i.e. RSC<1.25 me L-1 . As per CSSRI classification 60.7, 8.8, 2.3, 5.3, 9.1, 8.4 and 5.3 per cent of water samples in west Godavari district during pre-monsoon season were classified under good, marginally saline, saline, high SAR saline, marginally alkali, alkali and high alkali categories, respectively. Likewise during the post-monsoon 64.2, 9.8, 2.3, 4.7, 6.5, 7.2 and 5.3 per cent of waters were classified under good, marginally saline, saline, high SAR saline, marginally alkali, alkali and high alkali categories, respectively. In both pre and post monsoon seasons majority of the samples were recorded under good category. As per USSL (1954) classification 22.6, 40.9, 12.1, 12.3, 5.9 and 6.5 per cent of waters in West Godavari district during pre-monsoon season were classified under C2-S1, C3-S1, C3-S2, C4-S2, C4-S3 and C4-S4 categories, respectively. Likewise during the post-monsoon 25.3, 45.1, 11.2, 10.0, 3.7 and 4.7 per cent of water samples were classified under C2-S1, C3-S1, C3-S2, C4-S2, C4-S3 and C4-S4 categories, respectively. In both pre and post monsoon seasons majority of the samples recorded under C3-S1 category i.e. high salinity-low sodium hazard class. The yield of rice crop was negatively correlated with pH, K+ , HCO3 - and SO4 -2 but not at significant level whereas, it was negatively correlated with EC, Na+ , Ca2+ , Cland Boron at one per cent level of significance.
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