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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Open Access
Investigation on allelopathic influence and control of purple nuts edge
(Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 1999) Ameena, M; KAU; Sansamma, George
Lab and field experiments were conducted at the Instructional farm, College of Agriculture, Vellayani to study the allelopathic influence of Purple nutsedge (Cyperus rotund us L) on important field crops; to investigate the effectiveness of systemic herbicides for control of nutsedge and also to assess the effect of chemical weed control on growth and yield of subsequent field crops. In Ex. no. I, allelopathic influence of purple nutsedge on important field crops like rice, ragi, cowpea, green gram, bitter gourd and bhindi were studied. The treatments comprised of aqueous extracts and blended extracts of fresh and dry plant parts of nutsedge. The results revealed that aqueous extracts of nutsedge inhibited germination of rice, ragi, bitter gourd and bhindi while it had some stimulatory effect on germination of cowpea and green gram. The early growth characters of the field crops were found suppressed by the aqueous extract treatment while the blended extract showed no effect. In general, the dry plant parts showed greater effect than the fresh material. Under Ex.no.Il, field studies were made to investigate the effectiveness of systemic herbicides viz. Glyphosate and 2,4-D for control of nutsedge. The treatments included different doses of the herbicides with and without adjuvants and Glyphosate combined with sublethal dose of 2,4-D. The results revealed that lowest dose of the herbicides were sufficient for complete kill of the purple nutsedge plants in the experimental area and there was no regrowth upto 6 weeks. There was significant reduction in viability of tubers collected one month after herbicide application, but the tubers tested 45 days after spraying showed an increase in germinability over the record on 30th day. Tubers from treatments involving Glyphosate with sublethal dose of 2,4-D recorded the lowest sprouting percentage indicating the possibility for weed control for a longer period. In Ex. no. In, the persistence of the herbicides in soil were monitored and it was observed that early growth of cucumber sown on the same day of herbicide application was affected while that sown on soils collected 10 days after spraying recorded growth characters comparable to that of control. From Ex.no.IV, it could be inferred that chemical weed control did not show any deleterious effect on growth and yield characteristics of ragi and cucumber sown 15 days after the treatments. Application of 2,4-D for nutsedge control was found superior to other treatments in terms of net income and B:C ratio and the lower unit cost of the chemical was precisely the reason for its superiority.
Open Access
Bio farming in vegetables : effect of bio fertilizers in amaranth
(Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 1998) Niranjana, N S; KAU; Meerabai, M
An experiment was conducted at the Instruction farm attached to the College of Agriculture, Vellayani, during April - Sept 1996 with objectives of finding out the impact of biofertilizers Arospirillum , AMF and dual inoculation under varying and varied levels of fertilizer on amaranthus. Study also aimed to note the economics of the integrated approach and to identify the best economic combinations which improve yield and quality of amaranth varieties Arun and Kannara local. The study had three controls and two number of replications. The results of the study revealed that yield attributing characters like no: of harvests, yield harvest", marketable yield and dry weight were highest in plots applied with dual inoculation of Azospirillum and AMF with 75 per cent dose of p.op. Azospirillum with 50 per cent POP also gave good results. Both these treatments were on par and was better than our state recommendation. Growth characters viz: Seedling growth rate, plant height, number of leaves per plant, number of branches per plant, LAI were highest. for Azospirillum inoculation at early stages. While AMF inoculation gave notable results at later stages. Physiological parameters namely Biomass, NAR, Root dry weight were significantly improved with dual inoculation and higher dose of chemical fertilizer. Leaf dry weight, RGR and CGR responded most to inoculation with Azospirillum at early stages, while at later stage AMF performed well. Kannara local was superior to 148 Arun at early stages. But Arun performed superior to Kannara local with the progress of time. Stem dry weight was significantly influenced by application of AMF. Vermicompost gave high biomass till 45 DAT. Quality of amaranth improved when biofertilizer was given with higher dose of chemical fertilizer in almost all parameters discussed. Dual inoculation with 75 per cent POP gave maximum content of total mineral and moisture. Ascorbic acid content was highest for the treatment dual inoculation with 25 per cent POP. AMF with 75 per cent POP recorded high protein content, the same bioagent with 50 per cent POP gave lowest content of oxalates. Less fiber flush of amaranth w.as got from plots given Azospirillum + 75 per cent POP. Uptake of major nutrients namely Nand P was influenced by inoculation of Azospirillum along with higher dose of chemical and AMF with lower inorganics respectively. Major nutrient status in the soil after the experiment was more in case N,P,K for dual inoculation, Arospirillum and AMF respectively. Irrespective of biofertilizer higher dose of inorganic gave greater residual amount of nutrients. Dual inoculation with 75 per cent dose and Azospirillum along with 50 per cent dose gave maximum l?:C ratio and net returns. Vermicompost recorded minimum disease score. Lower levels of chemical fertilizers recorded less infection.
Open Access
Nutrient Status of the soil and plant as influenced by spacing and continued manuring in Coconut
(Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 1998) Pratheep, M S; KAU; Purushothaman Nair, N
A study was conducted during 1995-96 at Coconut Research Station, Balaramapuram of Kerala Agricultural University to asses the nutrient status of . the soil and plant in West Coast Tall coconuts planted at three different spacings and manured with three levels of macro nutrients. The treatments were three spacings (5 m x 5 m, 7.5 m x 7.5 m and 10 m x 10 m) and three fertilizer levels (control i.e., zero NPK, the lower level i.e., 340 g N + 225 g P205 + 450 g K20 per palm per year and the higher level i.e., 680 g N + 450 g P205 + 900 g K20 per palm per year). The basic experiment was started in 1964 and being continued. The data collected during the study (1995-96) was statistically analysed and the results are presented here under. Closer spacing increased height of palms. The spacings of7.5 m x 7.5 m was statistically superior since it gave the highest nut yield per palm per year. Manuring increased height of palms, girth and leaf production. At the highest level of NPK closer spacing of 5 m x 5 m could give the highest yield per unit area. Female flower production was higher under 7.5 m x 7.5 m spacing. Fertilizer application also increased flower production. Fruit setting was not influenced by palm density and fertilizer application significantly increased fruit setting. Number of nuts per bunch was higher at the spacing of 7.5 m x 7.5 m and progressively increased with manuring. The weight and volume of unhusked nut was the lowest at the closest spacing and in unfertilized palms. There was increase in weight of husk with increase in spacing. Similarly there was an increase in the ratio of weight of husk to unhusked nut with increasing spacing. Maximum thickness and weight of kernal was recorded at the spacing of 7.5 m x 7.5 m. Copra out turn was more at the spacing of 7.5 m x 7.5 m. In manured palms there was a higher copra out turn per hectare contributed by the higher yield. The oil content of copra was negatively correlated with per palm yield. Available NPK of soil decrease with wider spacing. The soil nutrient status increased with application of macronutrients and the accumulation of fertilizer was more in the upper layer of 0 to 25 cm. There was decline in NPK status with increase in depth. The Ca and Mg content of soil decreased with increase in spacing up to 7.5 m x 7.5 m. Both Ca and Mg content of soil decreased with increase in macro nutrient application. Ca content of soil decreased with increase in depth. However, the decrease of Mg content was seen only up to 50 cm depth. Available micro nutrients (Fe, Cu, Mn and Zn) decreased with increase in spacing and application of fertilizers. Available Fe, Cu and Mn content of soil decreased with increase in depth. Nand P content of leaf of coconut increased with wider spacing. However K content decreased with spacing. All the three macro nutrients increased with increase in fertilizer application. Ca and Mg content of leaf also increased with increase in spacing and fertilizer application. By fertilizer application Fe, Mn and Cu content of leaf increased whereas Zn and Na decreased.
Open Access
Yield maximisation of banana through organic and inorganic manuring
(Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 1998) Baiju, B R; KAU; Shahul Hameed, S M
. An experiment was conducted at the Instructional farm attached to College of Agriculture, Vellayani during January 1995 to November 1995 with the objective of finding out the different sources of organic and inorganic nutrients for increasing the productivity of Nendran banana, the effect of post shooting application of urea and growth regulators on the bunch weight and to work out the benefit cost ratio by the integrated use of organic and inorganic fertilizers. Four levels of manures and three levels of post shooting treatments were tried in RBD with 3 replications. The results of the study revealed that application of poultry manure at the rate of five kg plant-1 increased total crop duration. Farm yard manure at the rate of 10 kg plant-1 and 2,4-D 10 ppm spray recorded maximum height at all stages. Bunch yield was maximum of (11.39 kg) with poultry manure at 5 kg plant-1, Highest bunch weight was recorded by 2,4-D 10 ppm spray and total number of fingers with urea 1 per cent spray. Among the ripe fruit characters, highest pulp / peel ratio was with poultry manure at the rate of five kg plant-1 even though higher finger weight, pulp weight and lower peel weight were recorded with poultry manure at the rate of five kg plant-1. Application of urea one per cent spray increased weight of finger. Among the quality attributes, higher values for TSS were noticed with level M1. Lowest value for acidity was observed for five kg poultry manure and tying urea 15 g. Total sugar was high with 10 kg farm yard manure and 2,4-D 10 ppm spray and non reducing sugar was high with level farm yard manure at 10 kg plant-1. Sugar-acid ratio was low for vermicompost at the rate of five kg plant-1. Sensory evaluation revealed that all treatments produced fruits with similar taste, flavour and colour. N content of index leaf showed significant variation at harvest with maximum value recorded with neem cake at the rate of five kg plant-1. P content of leaf was maximum with level neem cake five kg plant-1 and minimum with level farm yard manure 10 kg plant-1. The K content of leaf was maximum with neem cake level five kg plant-1 among manurial treatment. When the economics of production was worked out, it was observed that a combination of farm yard manure at 10 kg plant-1 and 2,4-D 10 ppm spray (M1P1) recorded the highest benefit cost ratio. The highest net profit of Rs. 1,49,045 was realised per hectare in farm yard manure at 10 kg plant-1 and 2,4-D 10 ppm spray. The present study revealed that application of poultry manure at five kg plant-1 and 2,4-D 10 ppm spray was beneficial for better growth, yield and quality of fruit in 'Nendran' banana.
Open Access
Nutrient management for yield improvement of transplanted rice in the southern region of Kerala
(Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 1999) Sudha, B; KAU; Chandini S
An experiment entitled "Nutrient management for yield improvement of transplanted rice (Oryza sativa L.) in the southern region of Kerala" was conducted at Cropping Systems Research Centre (CSRC) Karamana, during the kharif season of 1998 to study the efficacy of organic manures in conjunction with varying levels of NPK nutrients and sulphur in enhancing rice yield using the variety Kanchana. The experiment was laid out in 33 partially confounded factorial RBD with two replications. Combinations of three levels each of organic manures (M), inorganic NPK fertilizers (F) and sulphur (S) constituted the treatments. FYM @ 5 and lOt ha-l as well as vermicompost @ 5 t ha-l included the different manure levels. The normal NPK rates of 70 : 35 : 35 kg ha-l and enhanced rates of 87.5 : 43.75 : 43.75 and 105 : 52.5 : 52.5 kg ha-l were the three fertilizer levels. The different S levels were no sulphur, S @ 12.5 and 25 kg ha-1 Higher order interactions of MFS and M2FS were confounded in Rep I and Rep 11 respectively. Results of the field experiment revealed that the main effects of organic manures, chemical fertilizers and sulphur as well as their combinations exerted significant positive influence on most of the growth and yield attributing characters of rice. The higher NPK levels upto 105 : 52.5 : 52.5 kg ha-l and S levels of 25 kg ha-l were found significantly superior to lower levels. Organic manuring with FYM @ 10 t ha-1 and vermicompost @ 5 t ha-1 were found to be equally good in influencing growth and yield of rice. The available NPK status of soil after the experiment was maintained well above the initial status. The available sulphur status of soil was found to be considerably reduced in treatments which didn't receive sulphur addition. FYM levels recorded better benefit : cost ratio over verrnicompost addition. Increase in NPK levels upto 105 : 52.5 52.5 kg ha-l and sulphur addition @ 12.5 kg ha-l was found profitable. The combination of 5 t ha-l FYM along with the highest NPK level of 105 : 52.5 : 52.5 kg ha-I and S @ 25 kg ha-I recorded the highest B : C ratio, but this was comparable to that obtained with the combined effect of 5 t ha-l FYM, NPK @ 87.5 : 43.75 : 43.75 and S @ 12.5 kg ha-I.
Open Access
Phosphorus use efficiency and productivity as influenced by microbial inoculants in vegetable Cowpea
(Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 1999) Meena Mary, Mathew; KAU; Shahul Hameed, S M
An experiment was conducted at the Instructional Farm attached to the College of Agriculture, Vellayani during December 1998 - April 1999 with the objectives of finding out the role of bioinoculants viz. arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and phosphate solubilising microorganisms (PSM) in improving the phosphorus use efficiency and productivity in vegetable cowpea var. Sharika. The experiment was laid out in 3 x 4 + 2 factorial randomised block design with three replications. The treatments included three levels of microbial inoculants and four levels of phosphorus along with two control treatments. The study revealed that crop failed to show a significant response to the use of bioinoculants and phosphorus levels in a soil with low available nitrogen and medium phosphorus status. Biometric characters except length of vine at vegetative stage was influenced by phosphate solubilising microorganisms as well as dual application of PSM and AMF. Phosphorus application as well as interaction effect did not show a positive response on growth parameters except LAI at harvest stage where in interaction effect was significant. Bioinoculants and phosphorus application exerted a profound influence on root length and volume. Dual inoculation of AMF and PSM significantly improved root length and volume. Phosphorus application at all levels improved root mass where as maximum root length and volume were reco;ded at P2 level. Interaction effects were significant only with respect to root volume and root mass. Mycorrhizal colonisation percent was highest with M3P2 (AMP + PSM + 15 kg P20S ha-I) and showed a decreasing trend with higher doses of phosphorus. Microbial inoculants showed only limited role in improving yield and yield attributes. In general, crop responded positively to phosphorus application only up to 30 kg P20S ha-I but it was on par with 15 kg P20S ha-I. Among the interaction effects, dual application of AMP + PSM along with 30 kg P20S ha-1 gave the highest yield. The effect of microbial inoculants in promoting growth and yield of crop was found to decline in the presence of higher doses of applied phosphorus. Quality characters of pod viz. protein and fibre content were significantly improved by bioinoculants and graded doses of phosphorus. Dual inoculation of AMP and PSM significantly increased protein content as well as reduced fibre- content of pod . . Available nitrogen content in soil after harvest did not show any significant variation among treatments but bioinoculants significantly improved residual K20 content in soil. Available P20S content at vegetative, flowering and harvest stages recorded higher values compared to initial status. Treatments M3 and P2 recorded the maximum available P20S content at vegetative and flowering stages. But at harvest stage, lowest residual P20S content was recorded at P3 level indicating higher uptake by the crop at later stages. Interaction effects were significant with respect to P20S content only at vegetative stage. The results of economic analysis revealed that the net income and benefit-cost ratio was maximum by dual inoculation of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and phosphate solubilising microorganisms along with a phosphorus level of30 kg P20S ha-I.
Open Access
Emergence and competition of polla in semi-dry rice
(Department of Agronomy, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 1999) Renu, S; KAU; George Thomas, C
Sacciolepis interrupta (Willd.) Stapf. is a serious weed opthe semi dry rice in Kerala. An investigation focussing on the emergence pattern and growth characteristics of Sacciolepis and its management were undertaken at the Agricultural Research Station, Mannuthy during the early Kharif of 1999. Sacciolepis interrupta was found to emerge during the first few weeks after the initial ploughing followed by pre-monsoon showers. Majority of the weed seedlings (87%) emerged during the first two weeks. The emergence pattern supports the possibility of practicing a stale seed bed. in the management of the weed. Seeds collected during July 1998 remained dormant for initial six to seven months. The seed germination commenced by the month of March and attained a peak during June and July. The study on the competitiveness of Sacciolepis interrupta modified by stale seed bed technique was conducted during the first crop season using split plot arrangement in randomised block design (early Kharif) of 1999. The study revealed that competition from Sacciolepis alone could reduce the rice grain yield by 50.1 per cent. The Sacciolepis compete with the crop and reduced the height, LAI, tiller production and biomass production of the crop. Adoption of stale seed bed method reduced the competition from all weeds including Sacciolepis. Stale seed bed with paraquat application was found to be better than stale seed with hoeing. Application of oxyfluorfen @ 0.15 kg ai ha-1 as preemergence spray though reduced the problem of Sacciolepis in the semi-dry rice, could not prevent germination of other weeds beyond 15 DAS. However, as preemergence application of oxyflourfen prevented germination of all type of weeds in the beginning, it could save one hand weeding. From the study, it could be concluded that the practice of stale seed bed technique is an efficient tool for the management of Sacciolepis interrupta in semi-diy rice. The practice was found to be economically viable also.
Open Access
Integrated nutrient management in a Rice-Rice cropping system
(Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 1998) Deepa, S; KAU; Balachandran Nair, G K
An experiment entitled "Integrated nutrient management in a rice- rice cropping system" was condcuted at Cropping Systems Research Centre, Karamana during the second crop season of 1995-96, to study the effect of long term application of manures and fertilizers on the availability and uptake of nutrients and changes in the physico-chemical properties of the soil for sustained productivity. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with twelve sets of treatments and four replications. The twelve sets of treatments incldued four treatments of different levels of recommended fertilizers, treatments of integration of chemical fertilizers with organic sources like farm yard manure, crop residues (rice straw) and green manure, along with one each of unfertilized control and farmers practice of manuring. Organic manure addition in different forms was found to have pronounced effect on various growth and yield attributing characters of rice when applied in combination with chemical fertilizers. When compared to other treatments, application of 25 or 50 per cent of recommended N through farm yard manure in kharif followed by 75 or 100 per cent of recommended NPK through chemical fertilizers in rabi, gave higher tiller number, root production, productive tiller number, thousand grain weight, grain yield, and straw yield. Integration of organic manures with inorganic fertilizers improved the N, P and K uptake by the plant at all growth stages and at harvest. Highest Nand K uptake were recorded when 50 per cent N, supplied through farm yard manure in kharif season. Highest P uptake was recorded when 25 per cent of N supplied through crop residue in kharif. In general the available N,P,K and organic carbon contents of the soil were slightly improved due to combined application of organic and inorganic sources of fertilizers. Application of farm yard manure to meet 50 per cent of N along with 100 per cent recommended dose of fertilizers recorded maximum available NPK and organic carbon Bulk density was lowest under treatment receiving 50 per cent recommended N through farm yard manure in kharif. Incorporation of paddy straw, to meet 25 per cent N along with chemical fertilizers enhanced water holding capacity and cation exchange capacity of the soil.
Open Access
Intensive fodder production under irrigated condition in partial shade
(Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 1999) Romy, Jacob; KAU; Lakshmi, S
A field experiment was conducted in the upland coconut gardens of Instructional Farm, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, to study the potential of intensive fodder cultivation under shaded condition. The influence of irrigation, FYM and fertilizers on the yield and quality of fodder and the effect of grass cultivation on the physico-chemical properties of soil were studied. 'The economics of irrigated fodder production was also worked out. The investigation was conducted for a period of one year from July 1998 to June 1999. The results revealed that irrigation at 30 and 45 mm CPE improved the growth parameters like plant height, tiller number uu', Leaf: Stem ratio and Leaf Area Index of congosignal and gave higher green fodder as well as dry fodder yields. Application of 7.5 t ha" of FYM increased the plant height,tiller number hiWl and Leaf Area Index. The uptake of plant nutrients viz., N, P, K, Ca and Mg by congosignal was favoured by irrigation. Application of FYM was not found to enhance the nutrient uptake, but, chemical fertilizers improved the uptake of nutrients by congo signal. Soil physical properties like bulk density, water holding capacity and porosity were improved by grass cultivation. Irrigation and application of FYM and fertilizers improved the soil physical properties. Irrigation and FYM application increased the soil organic carbon content. Available P and K status of the soil was improved by irrigation, while available N status remained almost unchanged. FYM or fertilizer application did not change the available N, P and K content of soil upto 7.5 t ha-I ofFYM and 150 : 50 : 50 kg NPK ha-I. Irrigation improved the fodder quality in terms of crude protein content. There was no improvement in the quality of fodder by FYM or fertilizer application at the recommended doses. Irrigated congosignal crop depleted more moisture from the top 0 - 30 cm layer of soil. The rainfed crop extracted more water from deeper layers than the irrigated crop. Root growth of congosignal was favoured by irrigation. While considering the economics of fodder cultivation, 45 mm CPE irrigation treatment was found to be the best, when compared to treatments involving 30 and 60 mm CPE irrigation and the rainfed control. Highest benefit : cost ratio was recorded for the treatment combination : irrigation at 45 mm CPE and recommended doses of manures and fertilizers (FYM @ 5.0 t ha-I and NPK @ 150 : 50 50 kg ha-I) when congo signal was grown as an intercrop in coconut garden.

Kerala Agricultural University, Thrissur

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