Kerala Agricultural University, Thrissur

The history of agricultural education in Kerala can be traced back to the year 1896 when a scheme was evolved in the erstwhile Travancore State to train a few young men in scientific agriculture at the Demonstration Farm, Karamana, Thiruvananthapuram, presently, the Cropping Systems Research Centre under Kerala Agricultural University. Agriculture was introduced as an optional subject in the middle school classes in the State in 1922 when an Agricultural Middle School was started at Aluva, Ernakulam District. The popularity and usefulness of this school led to the starting of similar institutions at Kottarakkara and Konni in 1928 and 1931 respectively. Agriculture was later introduced as an optional subject for Intermediate Course in 1953. In 1955, the erstwhile Government of Travancore-Cochin started the Agricultural College and Research Institute at Vellayani, Thiruvananthapuram and the College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences at Mannuthy, Thrissur for imparting higher education in agricultural and veterinary sciences, respectively. These institutions were brought under the direct administrative control of the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Animal Husbandry, respectively. With the formation of Kerala State in 1956, these two colleges were affiliated to the University of Kerala. The post-graduate programmes leading to M.Sc. (Ag), M.V.Sc. and Ph.D. degrees were started in 1961, 1962 and 1965 respectively. On the recommendation of the Second National Education Commission (1964-66) headed by Dr. D.S. Kothari, the then Chairman of the University Grants Commission, one Agricultural University in each State was established. The State Agricultural Universities (SAUs) were established in India as an integral part of the National Agricultural Research System to give the much needed impetus to Agriculture Education and Research in the Country. As a result the Kerala Agricultural University (KAU) was established on 24th February 1971 by virtue of the Act 33 of 1971 and started functioning on 1st February 1972. The Kerala Agricultural University is the 15th in the series of the SAUs. In accordance with the provisions of KAU Act of 1971, the Agricultural College and Research Institute at Vellayani, and the College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, were brought under the Kerala Agricultural University. In addition, twenty one agricultural and animal husbandry research stations were also transferred to the KAU for taking up research and extension programmes on various crops, animals, birds, etc. During 2011, Kerala Agricultural University was trifurcated into Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (KVASU), Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies (KUFOS) and Kerala Agricultural University (KAU). Now the University has seven colleges (four Agriculture, one Agricultural Engineering, one Forestry, one Co-operation Banking & Management), six RARSs, seven KVKs, 15 Research Stations and 16 Research and Extension Units under the faculties of Agriculture, Agricultural Engineering and Forestry. In addition, one Academy on Climate Change Adaptation and one Institute of Agricultural Technology offering M.Sc. (Integrated) Climate Change Adaptation and Diploma in Agricultural Sciences respectively are also functioning in Kerala Agricultural University.

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Now showing 1 - 9 of 11

Open Access
Development of automated drip fertigation system using GSM based controller
(Kelappaji college of Agricultural Engineering and Technology, Tavanur, 2019) Akhila Shiney, P; KAU; Sajeena, S
Lack of sufficient water to grow enough crops for meeting the food demand of the increasing population is the major threat to Indian agriculture. The surface irrigation techniques cause seepage losses, erosion and water logging problems, deep percolation, salinization and runoff. To get satisfactory growth, application of right quantity of water at right time and at right place is very important and this can be accomplished only through micro irrigation techniques. Through automated drip fertigation, we can easily attain the agriculture intensification. The present study was focused on the development of GSM based automated drip fertigation system. In this study, calibration of capacitance type soil moisture sensors were carried out in laboratory for different soil types viz. laterite soil, black soil and costal alluvium soil. Field study was carried out with an Ujwala (KAU) variety of chilli crop under three treatments such as 100 percent irrigation and 100 percent fertigation with automation (T1), 100 percent irrigation and 100 percent fertigation without automation (T2) and 100 percent irrigation and 70 percent fertigation with automation (T3). The automated drip fertigation system consists of four capacitor type sensors, electronic fertilizer injection pump and fertilizer mixing device. Total yield and crop growth parameters showed better performance under 100 percent irrigation and 100 percent fertigation with automation (T1). Combination of 100 percent irrigation and 70 percent fertigation with automation (T3) also gave the good result which was on par with T1. Therefore, it could be concluded that with 30 percent less fertilizer, better performance of crop was obtained with automated drip fertigation system. It could also be shown that the right quantity of water at right time at right place is giving better performance of crop. The developed automated drip fertigation system is cost effective, portable, can perform better in field.
Open Access
Development and evaluation of an automated pulse irrigation system
(Department of Irrigation and Drainage Engineering, Kelappaji College of Agricultural Engineering and Technology, Tavanur, 2019) Prasang H Rank; KAU; Vishnu, B
Irrigation sector consumes more than 80% of the fresh water resources in India. The irrigation efficiencies of the major irrigation systems in India are around 40%, increasing of which could save large amounts of water. The irrigation efficiencies could be increased through the adoption of cost-effective and efficient irrigation technologies, which will reduce water demands, increase agricultural production, minimize soil and water pollution and reduce the cost of agricultural production. Drip/Trickle irrigation is a highly efficient irrigation method which could save tremendous amounts of water when adopted in the place of the wild flooding irrigation. Pulse drip irrigation technology enables lower application rates - that will permit sufficient aeration in the root zone and alleviate plant stress due to inadequate root respiration– from an emitter with a higher application rate by intermittent water applications. This study attempted to develop and evaluate a sensor based automated pulse drip irrigation system which is affordable to the lowincome farmers of the nation. The soil properties of the experimental field were used to estimate the parameters of several soil water characteristics curve (SWCC) models. Among the models; van Genuchten (1980) model of SWCC, was found to be the best in representing the soil moisture retention characteristics of the soil used in the study. An open-source electronics platform, the Arduino was used for the development of the automation system using moisture content sensors and solenoid irrigation valves controlled through relays, by writing program coding in the Arduino programming language. The sensors were calibrated to read the moisture content, which was compared to the management allowed deficit (MAD) and field capacity (FC) soil moisture content values to control the start and stop of irrigation water application. Pulse irrigation design methodology was used to derive the ON and OFF time periods for the pulse cycle. The system was programmed to start the water application as per the designed pulse cycle at a moisture content defined by the MAD moisture content and to stop the water application at the field capacity (FC) moisture content sensed by the moisture sensor. The wetting front movements and the soil moisture contents in the root zone were measured at different time 182 intervals of 1 hour, 2 hours and 3 hours after the start of water application using both continuous irrigation and pulse drip irrigation under 2 LPH, 4 LPH and 8 LPH online drip emitters. The soil aeration was also determined for these treatments and was found to be better during the pulse irrigation as compared to the continuous drip irrigation. The pulse irrigation application was also found to be decreasing the deep percolation loss of water. The developed automated pulse drip irrigation system is found to provide the required aeration in the root zone with reduction in deep percolation loss of water.
Open Access
Swat model evaluation using generated data and assessing the impact of land use changes
(Department of Irrigation and Drainage Engineering, Kelappaji College of Agricultural Engineering and Technology, Tavanur, 2018) Nethi Naga, Hari Sairam; KAU; Anu Varughese
Land and water are the primary natural resources which are useful for all the living beings on earth surface. Degradation of the land surface and lack of water availability are the two major important problems mankind is facing in this century. In order to overcome these problems, there is a need of effective management of these resources. Watershed models are the tools which are not only useful for the effective management of these natural resources, but also useful for the proper understanding of the hydrological behavior of the watershed. These models play a vital role in simulating the hydrology of the watershed. Among the different categories of the model, a physically based, semi distributed hydrologic model SWAT was used for the assessment of the calibration and validation of the hydrologic model SWAT adapted to the study area. The data scarcity is one of the major problems in the ungauged watersheds. In order to overcome this problem, CFSR (Climate Forecast System Reanalysis) data which is a global, high resolutions, coupled atmoshphere ocean land surface sea ice system is available as an alternative option for solving the data deficiency in the watershed. The land use change also plays a vital role in altering the hydrologic system and has a large impact on the stream flow. This is mainly due to the rapid socio economic development. So, based on the above mentioned problems, SWAT output comparison using CFSR & observed meteorological data as inputs was take up. The impact of land use change on the hydrology of watershed was also studied. The platform used for the study was ArcGIS 10.3 with the Arc SWAT interface. The SWAT model set up was done for the Kunthipuzha river basin and the calibration and validation of the model was also done to make the model suitable for use in the area. This model was later used to understand the hydrologic behaviour of the watershed. The model was simulated for the period 1991 to 2013 for calibration and validation of the model was done using the data for the period 2014 to 2016. Before the model calibration and validation, sensitive parameters were evaluated using SWAT CUP (Calibration and Uncertainty Program). CN2 (Initial SCS runoff curve number for moisture condition II) and ALPHS_BF (Base flow alpha factor) were found to be the most sensitive parameters for the study area. The NSE and R2 before and after calibration were 0.81 & 0.83 and 0.82 & 0.85 respectively. The NSE and R2 for the validation were 0.70 & 0.87 respectively. Based on the statistical measures and the criteria used, the model performance is "very good" in the calibration period and "Good" in validation period. To analyse the possibility of using CFSR data instead on observed meteorological data, the developed model was run with observed meteorological data and predicted meteorological data (CFSR)was done separately without changing any other inputs for the period 1991 to 2013. The NSE, R2 and RMSE for the observed meteorological data were 0.82, 0.85 and 29.25 respectively where ad for the predicted meteorological data (CFSR) the values were 0.70, 0.72 and 37.18 respectively. Based on the statistical measures, the performance of the observed meteorological data is better than the predicted meteorological data. From the graphical analysis, it was clear that the values of predicted meteorological data were highly correlated with the observed meteorological data except at peaks. Hence, CFSR data can be used as a reliable data source in data scarce areas. The land use change impact play a major role in alternating the stream flow because of the rapid socio-economic development. The land use map for the year 2000 and 2017 were prepared. While comparing the land use for the year 200 and 2017 , it is found that the urban areas drastically increased from 3.01 to 20.01 % because of the rapid socio economic development. The forest land reduced from 22.24 to 21.31%. The percentage area under paddy decreased from 17.57 to 6.12 %. The model was simulated for the period from 1989 to 2016 with the two years of warm up period. Then the comparison of simulated discharge for the year 2000 and 2016 were evaluated. The results showed that there is no significant change in stream flow when the land use alone is changed keeping all other factors same.
Open Access
Runoff estimation of KCAET campus by curve number methods adopting remote sensing and GIS techniques
(Department of Soil and Water Conservation Engineering , college of Agricultural Engineering and Technology, Tavanur, 2019) Anjana, S R; KAU; Jinu, A
This study mainly focused to estimate the runoff of KCAET Campus using the curve number method. The study was carried out in GIS enviromuent using remote sensing data. Also the curve number method was validated for selected storm events in the study area. The analysis was done for tlie year 2004 to 2007, 2018 and 2019 upto June. The land use map was digitized from Google eartli of year 2006 and 2018. ArcGIS 10.2 was used for the analysis. About 28.5% of the total area belongs to high runoff potential class, 33.7% have medium mnoff potential and 37.7% of the area has low runoff potential. The runoff percentage from the annual rainfall varied from 16% to 23% for tlie study period. The runoff percentage in 2007 and 2018 were almost similar but the rainfall depths of both years were 3971.8 mm and 2919.8 mm respectively. The rainfall amount in the study area is showing a decreasing trend and runoff is showing increasing trend. Seasonal analysis showed that maximum rainfall deptli was observed in south west monsoon and thereby runoff yield. The runoff percentage was lower in the pre monsoon season as the major part of the rainfall will infiltrates into the soil. Also the runoff depth was highly influenced by antecedent moisture condition and potential maximum retention capacity. The curve number values for noimal conditions were 57.77 and 58.95 for the year 2006 and 2018 respectively. The cuiwe number value tends to increase as antecedent moisture condition increases. The simulated runoff was compared with observed runoff for selected storm events in the study area. The correlation coefficient was found to be 0.928. The integration of remote sensing and GIS along with NRCS curve number method was found to be a powerful tool in estimating runoff.
Open Access
Estimation of soil moisture indices using diffuse reflectance spectroscopy
(Kelappaji college of Agricultural Engineering and Technology, Tavanur, 2019) Sarathjith, M C; KAU; Anu Varughese
Rapid and reliable estimation of soil moisture constants namely, field capacity (FC) and wilting point (WP) is significant for scientific irrigation scheduling. The conventional methods for their estimation are cumbersome, time consuming and not suitable for their estimation at different space and time domains. An alternative would be the use of diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS) for which the development of calibration functions that link the soil attributes with spectral signature is a major pre-requisite. In this study, the utility of spectral index, feature projection of full-spectrum and variable selection approaches namely, normalized difference reflectance index (NDRI), partial least squares regression (PLSR) and ordered predictor, selection (OPS), respectively to build accurate and less complex calibration functions was evaluated. The performance of calibration functions were judged in terms residual prediction deviation (RPD) criteria. The NDRI based calibration functions developed in this study do not comply witli the minimum accuracy level (RPD<1.4) expected from DRS analysis. In contrast, both full-spectrum based PLSR and OPS approaches yielded calibration functions which were capable for accurate (RPD>2.0) and moderate (1.42.0) estimation of FC and WP, respectively. Specifically, the full-spectrum based calibration function developed using second derivative of reflectance was found to be the best for both FC (RPD=2.01) and WP (RPD=1.74). The OPS approach in conjunction with variable indicators namely, combination of regression & correlation coefficient (/?- r) and combination of adjacency values of mutual information & signal-to-noise vector (AMl-StN) yielded best calibration functions in case of FC and WP, respectively. The calibration functions so developed consisted of only 19.09% (FC) and 34.39% (WP) of total number of spectral vaiiables as that in full-spectrum. Thus, the result of the study advocate the use of OPS approach to develop simple and parsimonious calibration functions to estimate FC and WP from spectral signature of soil.
Open Access
Investigation on design parameters for the development of a pineapple harvester
(Department of Farm Machinery and Power Engineering Kelappaji College of Agricultural Engineering and Technology, Tavanur, 2018) Athira Prasad; KAU; Shivaji, K P
The pineapple (Ananas comosus) is a tropical fruit with significant economical importance. The mechanisation in the field of pineapple harvesting has become inevitable. Basic information on its cultivation practices and physical and mechanical properties is essential for the design and development of suitable machinery. Cutting energy and cutting force requirement are some of the vital information in the design aspects of mechanical harvester. As brush cutters have bcome very common machinerry used by farmers and different attachments on brush cutter suitable for harvesting paddy, sugarcane and pineapple have already been developed and are used. Hence this study is focused on investigation on desigh parameters for the development of a pineapple harvesting attachment to brush cutter and evaluation of different designs of fruit holders. The curring energy requirement was determined using an impact test rig apparatus. The maximum cutting force was then calculated from the cutting energy. For the mechanical harvesting of pineapple, three fruit holders were designed and fabricated. The holder-A supports the fruit and the distance between the cutting edge and holder is fixed. Holder-1 supports the fruit and it can move with respect to the cutting edge. Holder -2 can grip the fruit but the distance and between the cutting edge and holder is fixed. Holder-3 can grip the fruit and it can move with respect to the cutting edge. The field tests of the holders were then conducted to evaluate their performance in comparison with the existing fruit holder. The average height of a pineapple plant was obtained as 94.57 cm with a standard deviation of 20.62 cm. The average number of leaves was obtainded as 47 with a standard deviation 13.2. The average height of fruit from ground and angle of inclination was observed as 33.2 cm and 38.2 respectively. The eaverage diameter of stem was 26.69 mm with a standard deviation of 8.57 mm. The maxixmum cutting energy and force of pineapple stem was obtained as 18.10 J and 842.70 N respevtively, during the first harvest. In case of pineapple leaves, older leaves require maximum cutting energy of 9.60 J. The field evaluation of fruit holders was conducted and it ws found that the holder-1 with 150 mm diameter blade requires minimum time for harvesting, 132 fruits/h, minimum damages of leaves, 5 nos. and more comfortable in handlilng and operating.
Open Access
Regional groundwater resource modelling using modflow - a case study
(Department of Irrigation and Drainage Engineering, Kelappaji College of Agricultural Engineering and Technology, Tavanur, 2018) Uday Bhanu Prakash; KAU; Sasikala, D
Water is the basic need for all living organisms and is essential for sustainable development. World is facing a growing demand for high quality water resources while the water availability remains constant. Quantifying the water resources is necessary for efficient use of water resources. Groundwater modelling is a tool used to study the groundwater behavior and quantify the groundwater resource. In this study, Visual MODFLOW was used to study the groundwater behavior and predict groundwater heads at different scenarios in West Godavari district. Andhra Pradesh is known as ‘Rice bowl of India’. East Godavari and West Godavari districts contribute to the maximum production of paddy in Andhra Pradesh. Around 3000TMC of Godavari river is draining into bay of Bengal, whereas flow in Krishna River is in a critical condition. So, Government of Andhra Pradesh planned to divert surplus water in Godavari river to Krishna river using ‘Pattiseema lift irrigation project’. Pattiseema lift irrigation project will pumping around 100 -125 TMC using 24 motors to Godavari river. The main objective of the study is to analyse the spatial and temporal variation of groundwater, identifying the potential groundwater zones to collect the lithology and developing the groundwater flow model for the study area were the different objectives of the study. Spatial and temporal variation of the groundwater heads was studied using a plot between groundwater heads at different locations with respect to time and observed that groundwater vary with respect to topography, climate and soil properties. Potential groundwater zones were identified by developing map using groundwater heads. Different locations were selected and well log was collected from Groundwater and Water audit Department, Government of Andhra Pradesh. From lithology data, it is observed that major portion of the West Godavari district was occupied by sandstone followed by clay, sand, clayey sandstone, granite gneissis and shales. Model is developed using data from 53 head observation wells from 2003 to 2017. 117 A model was developed by assigning all boundaries, aquifer properties and head observation levels. Calibration and validation of the model was done. The model has been used for prediction with different scenarios and also used to study the groundwater behavior at different scenarios. Model was also used to study the effect of ‘Pattiseema lift irrigation project’ on groundwater recharge. After assigning all inputs, the model was calibrated with 2003 to 2005 year data in steady state condition with and 2006 to 2011 data was added for transient state condition. Calibrated model was validated using groundwater heads up to 2017. In validation a new recharge layer is added considering the effect of lift irrigation canal. Validated model was used for prediction. In prediction the effect of decreasing recharge by 5 per cent in every five year for the next fifteen years was studied. The effect of increasing the pumping rate by 5 per cent in every five year for the next fifteen years was also studied. The effect of ‘Pattiseema lift irrigation project was also studied and we observed that considering the lift irrigation project there was an increase in the net recharge from 50 mm/year to 100 mm/year. There was also a 3 m rise in groundwater level nearer to the canal From this study, it was observed that West Godavari district is safe with increase in pumping rate and decrease in recharge up to 2032. This is due to the recharge from rivers and lift irrigation canal. Considering the predicted heads and surface water availability, proper cropping pattern can be adopted to increase productivity. Conjunctive use of surface and groundwater can also be adopted in the study area to solve the water shortage problem. A better understanding of the behavior of the groundwater resources of the area can help in making efficient managerial decisions in future
Open Access
Development of a bund strengthening implement for paddy wetland based on soil - machine parameters
(Department of Farm Machinery and Power Engineering Kelappaji College of Agricultural Engineering and Technology, Tavanur, 2018) Suma Nair; KAU; Ramachandran, V R
Three models (BF1, BF2 and BF3) of a low cost, tractor drawn bund strengthening implement were developed and their performance was evaluated at three test locations, viz., Pullazhi kolepadavu in Thrissur kole lands, Kolothumpadam kolepadavu in Ponnani kole lands and Athalur, Tavanur (non-kole). The forming board type design was chosen. The major dimensions of the developed models, viz., top width, bottom width and rear height are 150, 250 and 150 mm for BF1, 200, 350 and 150 mm for BF2 and 250, 400 and 250 mm respectively. The main parts of the implement were the MS angle bar tool frame and hitch assembly of size 1150 mm x 500 mm, implement frame made of MS angle bars to connect the forming board assembly to the tool frame, modified forming boards with gathering boards attached in the front, and a 400 mm long, three sided forming case at the rear which provided a plastered finish to the formed bund. All the elements, including the forming boards and the forming case, acted like a single unit. Analyses of the various soil properties at the three test sites were also performed. The soils at Pullazhi kolepadavu and Kolothumpadam kolepadavu were silty clay while the soil at Tavanur was sandy loam in texture. The dimensions of the bunds drawn by the implements were suited to the prevalent farmers’ practice at Pullazhi and Ponnani. At Tavanur, new bunds could be drawn using the implements. At Pullazhi kole fields, models BF1 and BF2 showed a better performance in terms of strength measured as cone index. The performance of BF3 and BF4 gave the best results at Ponnani. BF2 or BF4, operated by NH 3230, were suitable to the Tavanur fields, in terms of strength of bund as assessed by cone index. Shear strength values exhibited by the manual bunds were always lesser than that by mechanically formed bunds at Pullazhi. Bunds formed by BF2 showed the highest value of 46.02 kPa at 0.2 m depth which went upto 40.81 kPa on the seventh day. The same trend was seen in Ponnani also but the bunds formed by BF3 and BF4 had the highest shear strength values.The average speed of operation ranged from minimum of 1.24 km h -1 when BF1 was operated by KTT at Tavanur, in sandy loam soils to 2.98 km h -1 when BF2 was operated by JD 5042 at Ponnani. Draft was least for BF1 operated by KTT and highest for BF3 and BF4 operated in Ponnani silt-clay. The minimum fuel consumption was noted as 2.53 L h -1 for BF1-NH 3230 combination at Tavanur while the maximum was 3.76 L h -1 for BF3-JD 5042 at Ponnani. The BF4 trials had higher consumption of 7.71 L h -1 in silty clay at Ponnani and 5.62 L h -1 in sandy loam at Tavanur. The maximum capacity of 2984.24 m h -1 was observed for BF2 operated by JD 5042 at Ponnani kole. BF4 had lower capacities as two passes of the tractor were required to complete the operation. The minimum capacity of mechanical bund strengthening implement is 906.86 m h -1 . The manual operation has a capacity of 62.5 m h -1 . Thus there is a 14 times increase in capacity of bund formation by mechanical implements. Wheel slip is within the acceptable range of 5 to 15 per cent. The cost of mechanical formation of bunds ranges from Rs. 18/- to Rs. 30/- per 100 m. while it ranges from Rs. 178/- to Rs. 227/- for manual operation. The developed implement had a FOS of 2.17. Hence, taking all observations into account, it can be summarised that the bund strengthening implement model BF2 was found suitable to Pullazhi kolepadavu in terms of size, strength, lower moisture content and higher bulk density. At Ponnani, the models BF3 and BF4 performed well. However, as BF4 operation involved a higher fuel consumption and lower capacity of bund formation, the model BF3 can be recommended. At Tavanur fields, the prevalent manual bunds showed better performance parameters. However, new bunds can be formed in the fields using the developed implements. Trial BF4 and BF3 gave better performance in these soils.
Open Access
Influence of geomorphology on runoff characteristics of a catchment
(Department of Irrigation and Drainage Engineering, Kelappaji College of Agricultural Engineering and Technology, Tavanur, 2018) Chethan, B J; KAU; Vishnu, B

Kerala Agricultural University, Thrissur

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