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
Customized fertilizer and nutrient scheduling for okra (abelmoschus esculentus (L.) moench)
(Department of Agronomy, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2016) Yansin, Luikham; KAU; Anitha, S
Multinutrient deficiencies in soil are common nowadays due to imbalanced use and extensive mining of nutrients, which have also led to the decline of soil and crop productivity over time. Customized fertilizers (CF), which are multinutrient carriers facilitating the supply of complete range of nutrients in right proportion for the crop grown in a particular soil, have come up as an alternative to tide over these problems. Scheduling of nutrients by split application promotes efficient utilization of nutrients in a need based manner and helps to reduce nutrient losses from the soil. An investigation entitled “customized fertilizer and nutrient scheduling for okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench)” was carried out at the Water Management Research Unit, Vellanikkara, Thrissur from May to September, 2015 with the objective of developing a customized fertilizer and studying its techno- economic feasibility and nutrient scheduling in okra. The investigation consisted of 12 treatments viz., FYM + 75% CF (2 splits at 30 days interval), FYM + 75% CF (4 splits at 15 days interval), FYM + 100% CF (2 splits at 30 days interval), FYM + 100% CF (4 splits at 15 days interval), FYM + 125% CF (2 splits at 30 days interval), FYM + 125% CF (4 splits at 15 days interval), FYM + soil test based NPK application (N & K as 2 splits at 30 days interval), FYM + soil test based NPK application (N & K as 4 splits at 15 days interval), FYM + NPK as per POP (N & K as 2 splits at 30 days interval), FYM + NPK as per POP (N & K as 4 splits at 15 days interval), FYM alone based on N recommendation of POP (2 splits at 30 days interval) and absolute control. Biometric observations were recorded and nutrient contents and uptake were estimated at 30 DAS, 60 DAS and 90 DAS. A customized fertilizer grade was developed based on the initial analysis of macro and micronutrient contents of soil and nutrient requirement of okra. Water soluble fertilizers and straight fertilizers were used for the preparation of CF. Based on the soil fertility rating and nutrient recommendation for okra, the actual nutrients needed for the experimental site was worked out in kg ha-1 as 59N: 9P: 34K: 16Mg: 1B. Based on this, CF grade 22.01N: 3.35 P: 12.68K: 5.97Mg: 0.37B was developed. The study revealed that application of 125 per cent CF either as two or four splits was equally effective and recorded the highest yield compared to lower doses of CF and other nutrient management practices. Application of 125 per cent CF resulted in a yield increase of 32.11 per cent, 35.16 per cent and 49.84 per cent compared to soil test based application, application of nutrients at recommended dose and application of FYM alone respectively. Application of 100 per cent CF recorded higher yield compared to nutrient application based on soil test based NPK and NPK as per POP. The yield increase in 125 per cent CF was due to the better development of growth and yield parameters and higher nutrient uptake including that of Mg and B in customized fertilizer doses. The lower doses of CF (75%) performed equally well as soil test based NPK and NPK as per POP with respect to yield. The combined application of fertilizers along with FYM gave better yield than application of FYM alone as a source of nutrients. Faster delivery of nutrients could be achieved through fertilizers since FYM alone could not meet the huge requirement of nutrients by okra. In this study, application of CF and other fertilizers in more splits did not show significant increase in yield of okra. Application of CF showed a positive effect on the soil fertility status except for nitrogen. The improvement in nutrient status could be attributed to application of optimum dose of CF along with FYM to maintain adequate supply of nutrients. The application of higher levels of CF was cost effective and economically beneficial due to higher yield despite increased cost of cultivation owing to higher cost of inputs. Nutrient application in lower splits was more economical due to reduced labour. The study indicated that application of multinutrient carriers such as customized fertilizers are a technologically and economically viable practice for increasing soil and crop productivity. The quantities of NPK required as CF are much lower than the POP recommendations, and therefore fertilizer doses can be reduced substantially.
Open Access
Fertigation and mulching in oriental pickling melon (Cucumis melo var. conomon (L.) Makino) under high density planting
(Department of Agronomy,Vellanikkara, 2016) Ashly, P; KAU; Joseph, P A
A field experiment was conducted to study the eficcts of 'Fertigation and mulching in oriental pickling melon {Cucumis melo vor.conomon (L.) Makino ) under high density planting and LDPF mulching in the summer rice fallow at the Agricultural Research Station (ARS) , Mannuthy from December 2014 to February 2015. High density planting of short duration less spreading high yielding variety of op melon at 33,333 plants per hectare was found to increase the yield of op melon more than double the yield at the recommended population of 10,000 plants per hectare. Under high density planting there is a proportionate increase in the demand of water and nutrients, which are crucial for the balanced growth, development and yield of the crop. The purpose of this experiment was to find out an optimum level of irrigation, fertilizer which will be supplied as drip fertigation for the highest yield and quality of fruits under polythene mulched condition. There were nine drip fertigation combinations with three levels of irrigation (75, 100 and 125 per cent Ep ) and 3 levels of fertilizers (200, 250 and 300 per cent of RDF), and one control which were laid out in Randomized Block Design with three replications. There was a significant increase in the characters like length of vine, number of leaves per vine, number of secondary branches per vine, leaf area index and shoot dry matter production at harvest with increase in irrigation levels from 75 per cent Ep to 125 percent Ep. At the same lime, other growth attributes such as number of primary branches per vine and days to fust male and female flower appearance didn't show any significant effect with various drip irrigation levels. Similarly, under high density planting and polythene mulching, the length of vine, number of leaves per vine, number of secondary branches per vine, LAI and shoot dry matter production at harvest increased linearly with increase in fertilizer levels from 200 per cent to 300 per cent of recommended dose. But increase in fertilizer level did not make any significant effect on the number of primary branches of OP melon. It remained constant around 2 in all levels of irrigation and fertilizer. The interaction between irrigation and fertilizer levels was not significant in any of the characters viz., length of vine, number of leaves per vine, number of primary and secondary branches per vine and LAI and shoot dry matter production at harvest. Per hectare yield of crc^ as well as various yield attributes like number of fruits per plant, average fruit weight, average volume of fruit and fruit yield per plant were not affected significantly by various irrigation levels. However, the average weight and volume of fruits increased slightly and non significantly with increase in irrigation levels from 75 per cent Ep to 125 per cent Ep. All other parameters like number of fruits per plant, yield of fruits per plant and fruit yield per ha recorded maximum value at 100 per cent Ep and the value declined gradually when irrigation level was increased to 125 percent Ep. Even though the weight and volume of individual fruits were maximum at 125 per cent Ep, the number of fruits per plant was less in this treatment, which ultimately resulted in a raluction in per ha yield of the crop. Number of fruits per plant, fruit yield per plajit and per hectare yield of fruit showed significant increase with increase in fertilizer level from 200 per cent to 250 per cent of recommended dose of fertilizer. But a further increase in fertilizer level affected the above characters negalively.So also, among the fertilizer levels, the average weight and volume of fruits were highest at 250 per cent RDF even though the effect was non- significant. The interaction between irrigation and fertilizer levels was not significant on the weight of fruits per plant and average weight and volume of fruits. But, there was significant elTect of interaction between irrigation and fertilizer levels on characters like ftuit yield per plant and per ha. Highest fruit yield per plant and highest per ha fruit yield were recorded at IiFi which was significantly superior to all the other combinations except I3F2,. So, there was positive interaction up to 100 per cent Ep and 250 per cent of recommended dose of fertilizer level when applied together as drip fertigation with LDPE mulching. Number of days taken for the appearance of flowers and the number of days taken for harvest did not show significant variation under various levels of drip fertigation. The interaction between irrigation and fertilizer levels was also non- significant on these characters. In general, days to first male flowering and female flowering were 21 and 26 respectively in drip fertigation treatments, while they were 25 and 29 respectively in control. Fruits were harvested 63 and 68 days after planting in drip fertigation treatments and control plots respectively. There was an increase in fruit dry weight with increase in irrigation levels from 75 per cent Ep to 100 per cent Ep and then it declined with further increase in irrigation level to 125 per cent Ep and the highest fruit dry matter production was recorded with 250 per cent of RDF compared to both 200 and 300 per cent of RDF. The interaction between irrigation and fertilizer levels also significantly influenced the fruit dry matter production. The maximum was observed at a combination of irrigation with 100 per cent EP and fertilizer with 250 per cent RDF. Both nitrogen and phosphorus content of leaves at 45 DAS increased significantly with increase in irrigation levels from 75 per cent to 125 per cent Ep under drip irrigation. But the increase in potassium content with increase in irrigation levels was non- significant. But the concentration of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium in leaves of op melon increased significantly with increase in fertilizer levels from 200 per cent RDF to 300 per cent RDF. This shows the tendency of op melon to absorb and accumulate more and more NPK in their leaves with an increase in their availability in the root zone. The interaction between the tested irrigation and fertilizer levels did not show any significant effect on the content of primary nutrients in leaves of op melon at 45 DAS. Nitrogen content of shoot at harvest increased significantly with irrigation levels from 75 per cent Ep to 125 per cent Ep and fertilizer level from 200 per cent to 300 per cent of RDF. The fruit nitrogen level at harvest remained constant with slight variation, with the different levels of irrigation and fertilizers. At the same time, the interaction between any of the tested irrigation and fertilizer levels did not make any significant effect on shoot and fruit nitrogen content at harvest. Levels of irrigation significantly influenced the total N uptake by the crop at harvest. With increase in irrigation levels, N uptake increased significantly up to band then decreased, b and b were at par. The total nitrogen uptake by the crop at harvest increased with increase in fertilizer levels upto F2 and then decreased. F2 was significantly superior to F| and F3. The interaction between irrigation and fertilizer levels didn't make an\ significant effect on the character. Phosphorus content of shoot at harvest of op melon was found increasing significantly with increase in drip irrigation levels from 75 per cent Ep to 125 per cent Ep and fertilizer from Fi to F3 levels. At the same time, the fruit phosphorus content at harvest was not significantly affected by an increased application of phosphorus in soil.Fruit P content at harvest was not influenced by levels of irrigation and fertilizers. None of the combinations between irrigation and fertilizer levels showed significant superiority in increasing either shoot or fruit phosphorus content in OP melon. Levels of irrigation significantly influenced the P uptake by the crop. With increase in irrigation levels, P uptake increased up to b- But b and b were at par and significantly superior to b- With increase in fertilizer levels, the P uptake by the crop also increased up to F3. But F2 and F3 were at par and significantly superior to Fi. The Interaction between irrigation and fertilizer levels could not make any significant effect on P uptake by the crop. Irrigation and fertilizer levels significantly influenced the potassium content of shoot at harvest, but not the content of fruit. Significantly the highest potassium content in shoot was recorded at irrigation level of 125 per cent Ep and fertilizer level of 300 % RDFfFj). The fruit potassium content remained constant with different irrigation and fertilizer levels. Levels of irrigation significantly influenced the total K uptake by the crop. With increase in irrigation levels, K uptake increased significantly up to b (100 per cent Ep) and then decreased. Similarly, total K uptake also increased significantly upto 250 per cent RDF and then decreased. The interaction between irrigation ai^d fertilizer levels didn't show any significant influence on total K up lake. With increase in drip irrigation from 75 to 125 per cent Ep field water use efficiency decreased from 215.6 ( kg ha-mm ') to 145.8 ( kg ha-mm'') . Among the fertilizer levels, highest field water use efficiency was reported by 200 per cent RBF (181.9 kg ha-mm"') . However, the variation in FWUE among the fertilizer levels was not as significant as that observed in irrigation treatments. High level of irrigation in the control practice reduced FWUE in a significant way and was the lowest at 42.7 kg ha-mm"'. Soil chemical properties such as pH and Electrical Conductivity didn't show appreciable variation due to the various levels of irrigation and fertilizer. This indicates that chemical properties of soil are not likely to be influenced by short term management practices like irrigation and fertilizer application. In all the treatments and control, soil moisture content was the highest in the surface layer of 0-15 cm and the lowest in the bottom most layer of 30-45 cm. The decrease in soil moisture content from surface to the bottom most layer was gradual. In each layer, moisture content increased with increase in drip irrigation level from 75 % Ep to 125 % Ep. The moisture content in each layer was more in the control plot as it received more moisture through flood irrigation. In each layer the variation in moisture content was negligible within every level of drip irrigation due to the influence of varying levels of fertilizers. Keeping quality of the fruits was not affected by irrigation or fertilizer levels up to 45 days after harvest under high density planting with LDPE mulching. All the drip fertigation treatments were far superior to control on increasing the net profit per hectare and also the net income per rupee invested. In all the irrigation treatments F2 fertilizer level increased the net profit per hectare as well as net income per rupee invested in a significant way as the increase in fertilizer level above Ft had negative effect on crop yield. Among the treatment combinations I2F2 recorded the highest net return of Rs. 531581 per hectare followed by I3F2 of Rs 513651. Among the treatment combinations also I2F2 recorded the highest net income of Rs 2.06 per rupee invested followed by 1.95 by both I3F2 and I}F2. The study may be concluded by stating that for the most profitable production of op melon in the summer rice fallows of Kerala, high yielding less spreading varieties like Saunhagya should be planted at a high density of 33,333 plants per hectare and managed by drip fertigation at 1 GO per cent Ep and 250 per cent RDF with LDPE mulching. This has produced the highest net profit per hectare and net income per rupee invested.
Open Access
Characterization and management of weedy rice (Oryza sativa f spontanea)
(Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, vellayani, 2016) Anjali, K; KAU; Ameena, M
The study entitled ‘Characterization and management of weedy rice (Oryza sativa f spontanea)’ was carried out as four separate experiments conducted at COA, Vellayani and farmers’ fields of Nemom block during 2014-16. The main objectives of the study were morpho-physiological and agronomic characterization of weedy rice morphotypes of Kerala; formulation of a management strategy and assessment of crop weed interference under elevated carbon dioxide concentration. Experiment I. ‘Morpho-physiological and agronomic characterization of weedy rice morphotypes’ was conducted as pot culture laid out in completely randomized design with eight weedy rice morphotypes collected from major rice tracts of Kerala (Trivandrum, Kuttanad, Kole lands, Palakkad, Kozhikode and Ezhome). Morphological characterization of weedy rice morphotypes using morphometric descriptors and its comparison with cultivated varieties revealed that during initial stages most of the weedy rice morphotype possess similar morphological characteristics as the cultivated varieties. Physiological characterization of weedy rice morphotypes revealed no significant variation in chlorophyll content, total soluble protein and stomatal characteristics with cultivated rice varieties. However, root growth in terms of volume and dry weight was significantly higher for most of the morphotypes collected from Trivandrum, Kuttanad, Palakkad, and Ezhome. Earliness in 50% flowering was observed in all the weedy rice morphotypes compared to cultivated rice. Sterility of weedy rice morphotypes were significantly higher (17.77 to 32.79%) compared to cultivated rice varieties (9.23 to 12.85%). All the weedy rice morphotypes collected showed a prominence in awn length ranging from 2.37 to 9.23 cm. An average grain and straw yield of 4.89 and 16.14 g plant-1 and 1000 grain weight of 20.42 g was recorded by weedy rice morphotypes. Shattering percentage expressed as grain threshebility was significantly high for weedy rice morphotypes ranging from 29.73 to 46.32%. The seeds of weedy rice recorded wide variation in longevity ranging from 4.96 to 15 months which is an indication of variable seed dormancy. Experiment II. ‘Management of weedy rice by enhancing rice competitiveness’ was undertaken as micro plot study by raising cultivated rice and most common weedy rice morphotype and maintaining a standard weedy rice population of 7 plants m-2. To enhance rice competitiveness, three levels of seed rates viz., 100,120 and 140 kg ha-1 in combination with three types of priming techniques, i.e., without priming, hydropriming and hardening (2.5 % KCl) were included.Among the treatments, seed rate of 100 kg ha-1 along with hydropriming(T2) recorded significantly higher number of grains per panicle (120.02), grain yield (4.44 t ha-1) and straw yield (6.71 t ha-1) which was on par with T5 (120 kg ha-1 + hydropriming). Confirmatory trial at farmers’ field revealed that seed rates of 100 kg ha-1 or 120 kg ha-1 along with hydropriming (T2& T5) resulted in superior yield attributes inrice viz., number of grains per panicle, grain and straw yield ha-1.Weedy rice count m-2 and dry weight were significantly lower under these treatments. T2 (100 kg+ hydropriming) along with T5 (120 kg+ hydropriming) turned out to be the most economic treatment with a B:C ratio of 1.68 and 1.64 respectively. Experiment III. ‘Effect of elevated CO2 concentration on growth of rice and weedy rice’, was undertaken as pot study under elevated CO2 concentration of 500 ppm in Open Top Chamber (Chamber A) and in ambient conditions (Chamber B and open field). The most common morphotype of weedy rice and two cultivated rice varieties (Jyothi and Uma) were selected for the study. Significant variations in vegetative (no of tillers, leaf area index and leaf area duration) as well as yield attributes and yield (no. of grain panicle-1, grain yield plant-1) were observed under elevated CO2 levels in all these three systems. Higher grain yield per plant was recorded by weedy rice in Chamber A with an elevated CO2 level (1.73 times higher than open condition), followed by Chamber B (recorded 1.19 times more than open condition). However, the extent of response varied among the cultivars under varying atmospheric situations with Uma showing a greater percentage increase in grain yield (51.4% in Chamber A and 40% in Chamber B) followed by weedy rice (42.3% in Chamber A and 16% in Chamber B). The study revealed significant variation among the weedy rice morphotypes. Cultivated rice and weedy rice exhibited morphological similarity during initial stages of growth. Seed rate of 100 kg ha-1 with hydropriming can be recommended as the most effective and economic management strategy for weedy rice. The response of weedy rice to elevated CO2 was more compared to cultivated rice varieties.
Open Access
Fertigation for precision farming in tomato (Solanum Iycopersicum L.)
(Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, vellayani, 2016) Amala, J; KAU; Elizabeth, K Syriac
The investigation entitled “Fertigation for precision farming in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.)” was carried out at College of Agriculture, Vellayani during the period 2015-2016 to standardize a fertigation schedule for precision farming in tomato and to assess the impact of precision farming practices on growth and yield and also to work out the economics. The field experiment was conducted during the summer season of 2015 (February to June) in farmer’s field at Pirappancode, Thiruvananthapuram district. The experiment was laid out in split plot design with eight treatment combinations and two controls, with four replications. Four levels of nutrients (l1- 75 per cent RD of N and K, l2- 100 per cent RD of N and K, l3- 125 per cent RD of N and K, l4- 150 per cent RD of N and K) constituted the main plot treatments and two fertigation intervals (i1- fertigation once in four days, i2- fertigation once in eight days) constituted the sub plot treatments. The two control treatments were, control 1 (KAU ad hoc POP for precision farming) and Control 2 (KAU POP for conventional farming). The hybrid tomato Lakshmi grafted on wild brinjal was used for the study. Among different nutrient levels, l3 (125 per cent RD of N and K) recorded the highest DMP (219.42 g plant-1), number of fruits plant-1(33.67), fruit set percentage (62.77) , fruit yield (1.54 kg plant-1 and 42.36 t ha-1) and was significantly superior to other nutrient levels tested. Fertigation at four days interval (i1) recorded the highest LAI, DMP (224.21 g plant-1), number of fruits plant-1 (35.53), fruit set percentage (60.74) and fruit yield (1.61 kg plant-1 and 44.25 t ha-1) and was significantly superior to i2 (fertigation at eight days interval). Moisture studies indicated that both WUE and water productivity significantly varied with nutrient levels and fertigation intervals. The highest WUE (40.62 kg ha mm-1) and water productivity (5.26 kg ha mm-1) were observed at 125 per cent RD of N and K. Fertigation at four days interval (i1) registered significantly higher WUE and water productivity than i2. Application of 125 per cent RD of N and K (l3) recorded the highest root weight of 10.27 g and the highest root volume of 26.58 cm3 and was statistically on par with 150 and 100 per cent RD of N and K. The treatment i1 was significantly superior to i2 for all root characteristics. Uptake of N, P and K varied significantly with nutrient levels and fertigation intervals. The treatment l3 recorded the highest N, P and K uptake and it was statistically on par with l4. Fertigation at four days interval (i1) was significantly superior to i2, in nutrient uptake. Among different interactions, 125 per cent RD of N and K at 4 days interval (l3i1) registered the highest DMP (245.28 g plant-1) and was statistically on par with 150 per cent RD of N and K at four days interval (l4i1). Also, l3i1 recorded the highest fruit yield (1.92 kg plant-1 and 52.70 t ha-1) and number of pickings (7.33) and was significantly superior to other interactions studied. Economics of the study showed that l3i1 (125 per cent RD of N and K at four days interval) registered the highest net income of ₹ 6,61,515 ha-1 and B:C ratio of 2.69 and it was significantly superior to all other interactions. KAU ad hoc POP for precision farming (Control 1) was significantly superior to KAU POP for conventional farming (Control 2), for all growth attributes, yield attributes and yield. The treatment combination 125 per cent RD of N and K given as fertigation at four days interval (l3i1) was superior to control 1 and control 2 with respect to yield attributes, yield and economics. Based on the results of the present field investigation, it can be concluded that application of 125 per cent RD of N and K (93.75 kg N and 31.25 kg K ha-1) as urea and muriate of potash respectively, in 30 splits through fertigation at four days interval along with basal application of FYM @ 25 t ha-1 and P @ 40 kg ha-1 as rock phosphate is the best schedule for hybrid tomato under precision farming.
Open Access
Varietal suitability and crop geometry of baby corn (Zea mays L.) in coconut garden
(Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, vellayani, 2016) Dona Scaria; KAU; Rajasree, G
The experiment entitled “Varietal suitability and crop geometry of baby corn (Zea mays L.) in coconut garden” was undertaken at the Coconut Research Station, Balaramapuram, Thiruvananthapuram, during the summer season (March to May) and the Kharif season (August to October) of 2015. The main objectives of the study were to understand the feasibility of introducing baby corn as intercrop in coconut garden, to assess the effect of varieties and spacings on its growth and productivity and to work out the economics of cultivation. The field experiment was laid out in Randomised Block Design with 9 treatments replicated thrice. The treatments comprised of combinations of three varieties and three spacings. The three varieties were Rasi 4212 (V1), G 5414 (V2) and CO-6 (V3) and the three spacings were 30 cm x 20 cm (S1), 45 cm x 20 cm (S2) and 60 cm x 20 cm (S3). The variety G 5414 recorded significantly higher baby cob weight with husk of 47.01 g cob-1 and 35.74 g cob-1, cob yield with husk of 10.97 t ha-1 and 9.98 t ha-1 and marketable baby cob yield of 3.67 t ha-1 and 3.36 t ha-1 in summer and Kharif respectively. This variety took less number of days from tasseling to harvest (2.11) and recorded the highest net income of RS. 133698 ha-1 and RS. 116629 ha-1 and B:C ratio of 2.70 and 2.49 in summer and Kharif seasons respectively. The variety G 5414 was followed by CO-6 in producing higher baby cob yield with husk and marketable baby cob yield. The growth attributes viz., plant height, number of leaves and leaf area index (LAI) at 15, 30 and 45 days after emergence (DAE), dry matter content and light interception were significantly higher for the variety CO-6. Green Stover yield was significantly higher for CO-6 (19.39 t ha-1 and 17.86 t ha-1 in summer and Kharif respectively) followed by G 5414 (16.08 t ha-1 and 14.35 t ha-1 in summer and Kharif respectively). The study revealed that spacing significantly influenced the growth attributes viz., plant height, number of leaves and LAI. The row spacing of 45 cm x 20 cm recorded the highest baby cob yield with husk of 10.90 t ha-1 and 9.63 t ha-1, marketable baby cob yield of 3.49 t ha-1 and 3.24 t ha-1 along with the highest net income of RS. 125839 ha-1 and RS. 114287 ha-1 and B:C ratio of 2.69 and 2.55 in summer and Kharif respectively. Baby cob weight with husk was significantly higher at 45 cm x 20 cm and baby cob-baby com ratio was the most desirable at 30 cm x 20 cm in summer. In summer, the interaction of CO-6 at 45 cm x 20 cm recorded the highest baby cob weight with husk (56.25 g cob-1), marketable baby cob yield (4.21 t ha-1) and B:C ratio (3.16). Net income was the highest with G 5414 at 45 cm x 20 cm and was on a par with CO-6 at 45 cm x 20 cm. In Kharif, CO-6 at 45 cm x 20 cm resulted in the highest baby cob yield with husk (11.16 t ha-1), marketable baby cob yield (3.68 t ha-1), net income (RS.145237 ha-1) and B:C ratio (3.03). The variety G 5414 at 45 cm x 20 cm was on a par with the variety CO-6 at 45 cm x 20 cm with respect to baby cob yield with husk (9.91 t ha-1) and marketable baby cob yield (3.49 t ha-1). The study revealed that, among the varieties tested, the variety G 5414 was superior and among the spacings, 45 cm x 20 cm was significantly superior in both summer and Kharif seasons. The interaction effects revealed that the variety G 5414 at 45 cm x 20 cm and the variety CO-6 at 45 cm x 20 cm were equally superior in terms of yield and economics. In baby com cultivation, detasseling is an important operation which is labour intensive. The variety G 5414 exhibited 50 per cent silking prior to tasseling and hence the detasseling before first harvesting could be avoided. This variety had a better appearance and uniformity compared to CO-6. In general, the baby com yield was higher in summer season compared to Kharif season. To conclude, the result of the study indicated that baby corn can be profitably intercropped in coconut gardens in summer and Kharif seasons. The baby corn hybrid G 5414 at 45 cm x 20 cm spacing resulted in higher baby cob yield with husk, marketable baby cob yield, net income and B:C ratio during both seasons in southern Kerala. The maize variety CO-6 also performed well in coconut garden during both summer and Kharif seasons.
Open Access
Customized fertilizer and nutrient scheduling for okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench)
(Department of Agronomy, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2016) Yansing Luikham; KAU; Anitha, S
Multinutrient deficiencies in soil are common nowadays due to imbalanced use and extensive mining of nutrients, which have also led to die decline of soil and crop productivity over time. Customized fertilizers (CF), which are multinutrient carriers facilitating the supply of complete range of nutrients in right proportion for the crop grown in a particular soil, have come up as an alternative to tide over these problems. Scheduling of nutrients by split application promotes efficient utilization of nutrients in a need based manner and helps to reduce nutrient losses from the soil. An investigation entitled “customized fertilizer and nutrient scheduling for okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench)” was carried out at the Water Management Research Unit, Vellanikkara, Thrissur from May to September, 2015 with the objective of developing a customized fertilizer and studying its techno- economic feasibility and nutrient scheduling in okra. The investigation consisted of 12 treatments viz., FYM + 75% CF (2 splits at 30 days interval), FYM + 75% CF (4 splits at 15 days interval), FYM + 100% CF (2 splits at 30 days interval), FYM + 100% CF (4 splits at 15 days interval), FYM + 125% CF (2 splits at 30 days interval), FYM + 125% CF (4 splits at 15 days interval), FYM + soil test based NPK application (N & K as 2 splits at 30 days interval), FYM + soil test based NPK application (N & K as 4 splits at 15 days interval), FYM + NPK as per POP (N & K as 2 splits at 30 days interval), FYM + NPK as per POP (N & K as 4 splits at 15 days interval), FYM alone based on N recommendation of POP (2 splits at 30 days interval) and absolute control. Biometric observations were recorded and nutrient contents and uptake were estimated at 30 DAS, 60 DAS and 90 DAS. A customized fertilizer grade was developed based on the initial analysis of macro and micronutrient contents of soil and nutrient requirement of okra. Water soluble fertilizers and straight fertilizers were used for the preparation of CF. Based on the soil fertility rating and nutrient recommendation for okra, the actual nutrients needed for the experimental site was worked out in kg ha'1 as 59N: 9P: 34K: 16Mg: IB. Based on this, CF grade 22.01N: 3.35 P: 12.68K: 5.97Mg: 0.37B was developed. The study revealed that application of 125 per cent CF either as two or four splits was equally effective and recorded the highest yield compared to lower doses of CF and other nutrient management practices. Application of 125 per cent CF resulted in a yield increase of 32.11 per cent, 35.16 per cent and 49.84 per cent compared to soil test based application, application of nutrients at recommended dose and application of FYM alone respectively. Application of 100 per cent CF recorded higher yield compared to nutrient application based on soil test based NPK and NPK as per POP. The yield increase in 125 per cent CF was due to the better development of growth and yield parameters and higher nutrient uptake including that of Mg and B in customized fertilizer doses. The lower doses of CF (75%) performed equally well as soil test based NPK and NPK as per POP with respect to yield. The combined application of fertilizers along with FYM gave better yield than application of FYM alone as a source of nutrients. Faster delivery of nutrients could be achieved through fertilizers since FYM alone could not meet the huge requirement of nutrients by okra. In this study, application of CF and other fertilizers in more splits did not show significant increase in yield of okra. Application of CF showed a positive effect on the soil fertility status except for nitrogen. The improvement in nutrient status could be attributed to application of optimum dose of CF along with FYM to maintain adequate supply of nutrients. The application of higher levels of CF was cost effective and economically beneficial due to higher yield despite increased cost of cultivation owing to higher cost of inputs. Nutrient application in lower splits was more economical due to reduced labour. The study indicated that application of multinutrient carriers such as customized fertilizers are a technologically and economically viable practice for increasing soil and crop productivity. The quantities of NPK required as CF are much lower than the POP recommendations, and therefore fertilizer doses can be reduced substantially.
Open Access
Production package of palisade grass (brachiaria brizantha (Hochst.ex a. Rich.) stapf.)
(Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2016) Sharu, S R; KAU; Sajitha Rani, T
The experiment entitled “Production package of palisade grass (Brachiaria brizantha (Hochst. ex A. Rich) Stapf.)” was conducted at the Instructional farm, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Kerala for a period of two years from 2014-16. The main objectives were to standardise the nutrient requirement, spacing and cutting pattern of palisade grass under open and partial shaded condition and to work out the economics of cultivation. The investigation was conducted as two separate experiments, one in open condition and another under partial shaded condition in coconut garden. Both the experiments were laid out in randomized block design with three replications. The treatments consisted of two cutting patterns, C1 (cutting at ground level) and C2 (cutting at 10 cm from the ground level) three nutrient levels, N1 (200: 50: 50 kg N, P2O5 and K2O ha-1), N2 (250: 62.5: 62.5 kg N, P2O5 and K2O ha-1) and N3 (300: 75: 75 kg N, P2O5 and K2O ha-1) and three spacings, S1 (60 cm x 30 cm), S2 (60 cm x 40 cm) and S3 (60 cm x 60 cm) in open condition. Under the partial shaded condition the treatments consisted of two cutting patterns, C1 (cutting at ground level) and C2 (cutting at 10 cm from the ground level), three nutrient levels, N1 (150: 32.5: 32.5 kg N, P2O5 and K2O ha-1, N2 (200: 50: 50 kg N, P2O5 and K2O ha-1) and N3 (250: 62.5: 62.5 kg N, P2O5 and K2O ha-1) and three spacings, S1 (60 cm x 20 cm), S2 (60 cm x 30 cm) and S3 (60 cm x 40 cm). Farmyard manure @ 10 t ha-1 was uniformly applied to all plots. Entire dose of phosphorus and potassium were applied as basal, nitrogen was top dressed in equal splits after each harvest. The results indicated that the cutting pattern, nutrient levels and spacing had significant effect on the growth, yield, physiological and quality parameters, uptake of nutrients, available nutrient status and economics of cultivation of palisade grass both under open and shaded conditions. Among the cutting pattern, C2 (cutting at 10 cm height from the ground level) recorded the highest plant height and C1 (cutting at ground level) recorded the highest number of tillers plant-1 and leaf area index during first and second year under both open and shaded conditions. Under open condition the highest RGR was recorded by C2 in first year and C1 in second year. CGR and NAR was the highest in ground level cutting in second year while under partial shaded condition the regeneration percentage and RGR were the highest when 10 cm cutting height was followed in the first year and in the second year ground level cutting registered highest RGR and cutting at 10 cm cutting height recorded highest CGR. The total green and dry fodder yield, net returns and B: C ratio were the highest for C2 in first and second years, under both the situations. The crude fibre content was the lowest in C2 in first and second years under both the situations. The uptake of nutrients were the highest in C2 in first year under both open and shade conditions whereas, only nitrogen uptake was significant in C2 in second year under both conditions. Among the nutrient levels, N3 recorded the highest growth and yield attributes, crude protein content, uptake of nutrients, net returns and B: C ratio in first and second years both under open and partial shaded condition. Among the tested spacings, S1 recorded the highest plant height, leaf area index, total green fodder and dry fodder yield and uptake of nutrients whereas, S3 registered the highest number of tillers plant-1 in both the years under open as well as partial shaded conditions. The net returns and B: C ratio were the highest in S1 in second year under open condition whereas, these were the highest in S3 in first year under shade condition. The highest crude protein content was recorded in S1 (fifth harvest) and S3 (second harvest) in first year under shade condition. The lowest crude fibre content was recorded in S1 in second year under open condition. Pooled analysis of two years data indicated that palisade grass cultivated at a spacing of 60 cm x 30 cm, with a nutrient recommendation of 300: 75: 75 kg N, P2O5 and K2O ha-1 and harvesting at a height of 10 cm from ground level was the best method for obtaining maximum fodder yield and profit under open condition. Under partial shaded condition a narrow spacing of 60 cm x 20 cm with a nutrient recommendation of 250: 62.5: 62.5 kg N, P2O5 and K2O ha-1 and harvesting at 10 cm height from the ground level can be recommended for realising higher fodder yield, fodder cultivation. quality and profit from palisade grass cultivation.
Open Access
Effect of different types of fertilizers as influenced by adjuvants on fue and yield of upland rice
(Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2016) Sheeba, S S; KAU; Sajitha, Rani T
The experiment entitled “Effect of different types of fertilizers as influenced by adjuvants on FUE and yield of upland rice” was undertaken in the Instructional Farm, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Thiruvananthapuram, during May 2015 to September 2015. The main objectives of the study were to assess the possibility of enhancing nutrient use efficiency of rice by using water soluble fertilizers and adjuvants, to study the impact of foliar fertilizers and adjuvants on growth and productivity of upland rice and to work out the economics. The field experiment was laid out in randomised block design with 10 treatments and three replications. The treatments consisted of four foliar nutrients viz., (F1) 19:19:19 (1%), (F2) 13:0:46 (1%), (F3) urea 5% + SOP 1.5% and (F4) urea 1.5% + SOP 1.5% and two adjuvants, adjuvant category I (A1) and adjuvant category II (A2) with KAU POP (soil application of FYM @ 5 t ha-1 + 60:30:30 kg N P2O5 and K2O ha-1 (Control 1) and soil application of FYM @ 5 t ha-1 (Control 2) as two control treatments. Foliar fertilizers were given in 3 stages viz., at maximum tillering, panicle emergence and flowering. The results revealed that growth attributes like plant height, tillers m-2, leaf area index (LAI) and dry matter production (DMP) were significantly influenced by foliar nutrients. Among the foliar nutrients, F4 (urea 5% + SOP 1.5 %) recorded the highest plant height at harvest stage only while tillers m-2 and DMP were significantly higher with F4 at all growth stages. LAI recorded was the highest with F4 and was on a par with F3 at all growth stages. Adjuvant category-I recorded the highest LAI at panicle emergence and harvest stages. All growth attributes were superior for Kerala Agricultural University package of practices recommendations (KAU POP) i.e, Control 1, compared to the application of 5 t of FYM alone (Control 2). Foliar nutrition with urea 5% + SOP 1.5% along with adjuvant 1 (f4a1) recorded the highest LAI at panicle emergence and harvest stages. All the yield attributing characters viz., productive tillers m-2 (482.50), panicle length (26.66 cm), spikelets panicle-1 (137.22), number of filled grains panicle-1 (131.22) and thousand grain weight (25.98 g) were significantly superior with foliar nutrition of urea 5% + SOP 1.5% ( F4 ). KAU POP produced more filled grains panicle -1 compared to treatments. Foliar nutrition with F4 registered lesser number of days to attain 50 per cent flowering. Dry matter partitioning towards shoot portion and panicles were significantly influenced by foliar nutrients. Among the foliar nutrients, significantly higher shoot weight percentage and panicle weight percentage were noticed with F4 and it was on a par with F3. Among the foliar nutrients, F4 (urea 5% + SOP 1.5%) recorded significantly higher grain (5.76 t ha-1) and straw yield (6.99 t ha-1). The grain yield (5.02 t ha-1) registered by adjuvant I was higher than adjuvant II (4.54 t ha-1). Foliar application of urea 5% + SOP 1.5 % (F4) recorded significantly higher uptake of N (145.35 kg ha-1), P (10.49 kg ha-1) and K (145.05 kg ha-1). Significantly higher crude protein content (8.31 per cent) in grain was also registered by F4. The disease and pest incidences never reached the threshold level and hence uniform score was given to all plots. Economic analysis revealed that gross income ( 121494 ha-1), net income ( 51036 ha-1), per day returns ( 464) and B:C ratio (1.72) were significantly higher for F4. Adjuvant I recorded significantly higher net income ( 37100 ha-1), B:C ratio (1.52) and per day returns ( 337) compared to adjuvant II. Based on the present study, basal application of farm yard manure (5 t ha-1), full dose of P, half dose of N and K (30 :30:15 kg ha-1) along with foliar application of urea 5% + SOP 1.5 % with an adjuvant having translocation character at three different growth stages viz., maximum tillering, panicle emergence and flowering can be recommended for realising maximum yield and profit in upland rice.
Open Access
Source efficacy of nutrients and fertigation in long pepper (Piper longum L.)
(Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, Padannakkad, 2016) Abhimannue, T R; KAU; Anilkumar, A S
Long pepper (Piper longum L.) is an economically important medicinal crop widely recommended for commercial mediculture among the progressive farmers of the state. It requires specific habitats for satisfactory growth and production. The microclimatic requirements of long pepper match very well with the agro climatic conditions prevailing in the interspaces of middle-aged coconut palms of the humid tropics. Hence, it is ideally suited for intercropping in irrigated coconut gardens. The experiment entitled ‘Source efficacy of nutrients and fertigation in long pepper (Piper longum L.)’ was carried out with the objective to study the effect of micro irrigation and fertigation with water soluble fertilizers, liquid organic manures and plant growth promoting rhizobacteria on the growth, productivity, quality and economics of intercropped long pepper under poly cum shade house in coconut garden. The trial carried out in factorial RBD with two replication for a period of two years consisted of combinations of two methods of irrigation viz, M1: microsprinkler and M2: drip and six levels of fertigation viz, F1: Water soluble NPK fertilizer, F2: Liquid organic manures, F3: Water soluble NPK fertilizer + PGPR Mix– I + Fluorescent pseudomonas, F4: Liquid organic manures + PGPR Mix – I + Fluorescent pseudomonas, F5: Water soluble NPK fertilizer + PGPR Mix– I + Fluorescent pseudomonas + Mg + B, and F6: Liquid organic manures + PGPR Mix– I + Fluorescent pseudomonas + Mg + B; besides two control treatments namely CF: Intercropping in coconut garden (foliar application) and CS: Intercropping in coconut garden (soil application). Methods of irrigation significantly influenced the vine length at all stages of growth and drip irrigation recorded the highest values throughout the period of experimentation. Significant influence of different treatment combinations including control was evident in leaf number at all stages of growth and in general M2F1 recorded the highest leaf number. Interaction effects didn’t significantly influence number of branches at any of the growth stages of long pepper. Microsprinkler irrigation recorded the highest total number of spikes (43.41/plant) which was 71.90 per cent higher compared to drip irrigation. Except at 7 MAP, interaction effects significantly improved spike number and total number of spikes. Spectacular improvement in fresh spike yield per plant at various growth stages and total fresh spike yield per plant was evident with microsprinkler irrigation. Levels of fertigation also significantly influenced both fresh spike yield per plant and total fresh spike yield per plant. Interaction effects also indicated its significance on fresh spike yield per plant at all stages of growth except 7 MAP. The treatment combinations, M1F3 at 9 MAP, M1F3 on par with M1F6, M1F5 and M1F2 at 11 MAP, M1F3 on par with M1F6 and M1F2 at 13 MAP; and M1F3 on par with M1F6 at 15 MAP gave higher fresh spike yield per plant. Similar to total fresh spike yield per plant and fresh spike yield per plant at various harvests, total fresh spike yield per hectare and dry spike yield per hectare at various harvests were found to be significantly influenced by the main and interaction effects of treatments including control. Between the two methods of irrigation, microsprinkler recorded significantly higher CWUE which was 69.50 per cent higher over drip system. The trend was also similar with respect to FWUE as well. Levels of fertigation also remarkably influenced the CWUE and F3 recorded the highest CWUE of 65.97 g m-3. A similar trend was observed in case of FWUE also. Among the interaction effects M1F3 recorded the highest CWUE which was significantly different from all other treatment combinations. The same treatment combination recorded the highest FWUE of 36.32 g m-3 (M1F3) which was on par with M1F6. Water productivity was also found to be significantly influenced by methods of irrigation. It is concluded that foliar application water soluble NPK fertilizer + PGPR Mix– I + Fluorescent pseudomonas through microsprinkler irrigation is found beneficial for significant improvement of yield, productivity and profitability.

Kerala Agricultural University, Thrissur

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