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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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ThesisItem Open Access Standardisation of spacing and nutrient levels for fodder rice bean [Vigna umbellata (Thunb.)].(Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2018) Ajmal Fayique, C; KAU; Usha C, ThomasThe study entitled “Standardization of spacing and nutrient levels for fodder rice bean [Vigna umbellata (Thunb.)]” was conducted at College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Kerala during Kharif 2017 to standardize the spacing and nutrient requirement of fodder rice bean and to study its impact on growth, yield and quality of the crop. The experiment was laid out in Randomised Block Design (33 confounded factorial) with three replications.The treatments consisted of three spacings (s1 - 30 cm x 10 cm, s2 - 30 cm x 20 cm and s3 - 30 cm x 30 cm), three levels of nitrogen (n0 - 0 kg ha-1, n1 - 20 kg ha-1 and n2 - 30 kg ha-1) and three levels of phosphorous (p0 - 0 kg P2O5 ha-1, p1 - 20 kg P2O5 ha-1 and p2 - 40 kg P2O5 ha-1) . FYM @ 5 t ha-1 and K2O @ 30 kg ha-1 were applied uniformly to all treatments as basal. The treatment s1 resulted in the highest plant height at 30 DAS and leaf: stem ratio at harvest. Application of N @ 20 kg ha-1 registered the highest plant height and was on par with 30 kg N (n2) while leaf stem ratio was the highest at n2. Levels of P had no significant impact on growth characters. The treatment combination s2n2p1 produced the tallest plants (173.17 cm) at harvest and treatments s1n0p1 and s1n2p2 recorded the highest leaf: stem ratio (0.82) but were on par with s1n0p0, s2n0p0, s n0p2, s1n1p0, s2n0p2 and s3n0p1. At 30 DAS, s1 produced the highest LAI (2.27) while at harvest, s2 was found superior. The highest NAR was observed at s1 and was on par with s3. Closer spacing (s1) enhanced the CGR at 30 DAS and harvest. Application of 30 kg N ha-1 (n2) enhanced LAI at both stages. At 30 DAS and at harvest, higher NAR were observed at n1 and n2. At 30 DAS, n2 and p1 registered the highest chlorophyll contents. The treatment s1 n2 p1 (30 cm x 10 cm spacing + 30 kg N ha-1 + 20 kg P2O5 ha-1) resulted in the highest LAI, CGR and chlorophyll content at 30 DAS. Spacing and N levels had significant impact on green fodder yield (GFY) and dry fodder yield (DFY). The highest GFY (12.95 t ha-1) and DFY (2.59 t ha-1) were produced at s1 (30 cm x 10 cm) and was on par with s2. The highest GFY (13.66 t ha-1) and DFY (2.73 t ha-1) were produced at n2 (30 kg N ha-1) and was on par with n1. The S x N x P interaction s1 n2 p1 (30 cm x 10 cm + 30 kg N ha-1 + 20 kg P2O5 ha-1) recorded highest GFY (17.29 t ha-1) and DFY (3.46 t ha-1). The different spacing had no impact on crude protein (CP) but the lowest crude fibre (CF) was observed at s1. Application of 30 kg N ha-1 (n2) resulted in the highest CP content and the lowest CF content was estimated at 0 kg N ha-1. Among P levels, p2 recorded the highest CP (17.69%) and was on par with p1. The lowest CF (16.43 %) was observed at s2n0p1 (30 cm x 20 cm spacing + 20 kg P205 ha-1) and was on par with s1n0p0, s1n0p1, s1n2p0, s2n0p0, s2n0p2, s3n0p0 and s3n0p1. No variation in N uptake was observed due to treatments. Uptake of P varied with N levels only and n1 and n2 recorded the highest P uptake. Spacing and P levels influenced K uptake by the crop and the highest uptake was observed at s1 and p2 but p2 was on par with p1. The three factor interaction s1n2p1 registered the highest P and K uptake. However, it was on par with s1n1p2, s1n1p0, s2n1p1 and s3n0p2 in P uptake and with s1n2p2 in K uptake. Increasing N levels increased pH and EC of soil after the experiment. Soil available N after the experiment was the highest at s3 (on par with s2) and n2 (on par with n1). At wider spacing, application of N enhanced the availability of N in the soil after the experiment. Available P in the soil varied with S x P interaction but all treatment combinations were on par except s2p0 and s3p2. The highest soil available K was observed at n0 among N levels and at p1 among P levels. The interactions S x N, S x P and N x P significantly influenced available K in the soil. Economic analysis revealed the highest net income (₹ 35762) and BC ratio (3.22) at s1n2p1 (30 cm x 10 cm spacing + 30 kg N ha-1 + 20 kg P2O5 ha-1). From the study, it can be concluded that fodder rice bean can be profitably cultivated at a spacing of 30 cm x 10 cm with application of 30 kg N ha -1 in two splits at 15 and 30 DAS and basal application of 20 kg P2O5 ha-1, 5 t ha-1 of FYM and 30 kg K2O ha-1.ThesisItem 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, SMultinutrient 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.ThesisItem Open Access High density planting and seed tuber size on productivity enhancement of Lesser Yam[Dioscorea esculenta (Lour.) Burkill)(Department of Agronomy, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2019) Anasooya, Sebastian; KAU; Prameela, PThe experiment was conducted during the period from May 2018 to December 2018 at Agronomy Farm, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, Thrissur to study the effect of planting density and seed tuber size on productivity of lesser yam. Seed tubers of 50 g, 100 g, and 150 g were planted at spacings of 50 x 50 cm (high density planting), 75 x 50 cm (medium density planting) and 75 x 75 cm (low density planting- recommended spacing), adopting factorial RBD. The treatments consisted of nine combinations of seed tuber size and spacing. Growth characteristics like emergence percentage, number of sprouts per tuber, length of vine, number of tuber forming roots, number of leaves, leaf area, and total drymatter accumulation per plant were significantly influenced by seed tuber size. Large sized seed tubers (150 g) showed higher values for these parameters compared to that of medium or small sized tubers. In the initial growth stage of 45 days after planting (DAP), length of vine was significantly higher for large seed tubers. However by 90 DAP, all vines exhibited comparable length irrespective of seed size or spacing. Spacing significantly influenced the leaf area index (LAI) as well as number of leaves per vine, and at peak vegetative growth (135 DAP), the highest leaf count of 591 leaves per vine was noticed in 150 g tubers planted at wider spacing of 75 x 75 cm. Total dry matter accumulation per plant was not significantly influenced by spacing. Tuber forming roots could be observed even at 45 days after planting indicating early tuber initiation in lesser yam. The number of tuber forming roots increased upto 180 DAP, after which tuber bulking was noticed. Plants that emerged from large seed tubers produced more number of tuberous roots in the initial growth stage of upto 90 DAP. However at 135 DAP, plants from both 100 g and 150 g tubers were on par with respect to number of tuber forming roots. Plants at closer spacing of 50 x 50 cm produced higher number of tuber forming roots compared to wider spacing at 180 DAP. The crop growth rate (CGR), relative growth rate (RGR) as well as net assimilation rate (NAR) were influenced by seed tuber size and spacing. Plants from larger seed tubers and closer spacing had higher CGR, RGR and NAR. Higher RGR was observed during the period from 135 to 180 DAP. Spacing had no influence on NAR at initial growth phase. However at later stages of observations, high density planting resulted in higher NAR. The highest NAR was observed at 45-90 DAP, after which a declining trend was observed. The highest tuber yield was recorded from larger seed tubers of 150 g size (1270 g/vine), followed by 100 g (1053 g/ vine) and 50g seed tubers (929 g/vine), which differed significantly from each other. Spacing also had influence on tuber yield per plant and wider spacing resulted in significantly higher yield (1217 g), compared to 75 x 50 cm (1062 g) and 50 x 50 cm (972 g) spacings. Interaction effect also could be observed and performance of 150 g seed tuber at 75 x 75 cm was superior to others. It was also clear that neither the seed tuber size nor the spacing had influence on the number of small, medium or large sized tubers per plant or the length and girth of individual tubers. The trend in tuber yield per hectare was different as the yield is a function of number of plants per unit area. The highest productivity of 44.20 t/ha was realized when 150 g seed tubers were planted at a closer spacing of 50 x 50 cm. The combination of small seed tuber and wider spacing led to lower productivity in lesser yam (17.66 t/ha).Closer spacing resulted in higher cost of cultivation, but correspondingly yield per hectare was also high. The highest net profit of 5.31 lakhs per ha was realized when 150 g seed tubers were planted at 50 x 50 cm spacing, compared to 4.70 lakhs in the case of 50 g seed tubers and 4.34 lakhs from 100 g seed tubers at 50 x 50 cm. Considering the easy availability of small seed tubers and higher net profit and B:C ratio, for realizing maximum productivity per unit area, it is advisable to go for high density planting in lesser yam with seed tubers of about 50 g or 100 g weight. This is especially important in a state like Kerala where availability of land is a major constraint in crop production.ThesisItem Open Access Regulation of plant na/k ratio for productivity enhancement in pokkali rice(Department of Agronomy, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2019) Emily, Alias; KAU; Deepa, ThomasPokkali is a sustainable and unique rice farming system in coastal saline soils of Kerala. Salinity, submergence and high inherent acidity are the major issues underlying this special system of rice cultivation. In saline soils, higher Na content and the resultant high ratio between Na and other cations like K, Ca and Mg within the plant becomes detrimental for crop. Maintaining a low ratio of Na with other cations especially with K, is considered to be an yield determining and salt tolerance criterion in crops. Ameliorants containing sufficient amount of calcium inhibits the effect of soil acidity as well as soil salinity. As no response to soil application of nutrients is observed in Pokkali rice, foliar nutrition of K is expected to maintain nutritional balance within the plant. Hence the study was conducted with the objective to study the effect of the narrowing down of Na/K ratio in Pokkali rice by liming and foliar application of K. The study entitled “Regulation of plant Na/K ratio for productivity enhancement in Pokkali rice” was conducted at Rice Research Station, Vyttila. VTL8 was the variety used for the field experiment. Treatments included soil application of different levels of lime (500, 1000 kg ha-1) or dolomite (800, 1600 kg ha-1) alone and these treatments followed by foliar spray of sulphate of potash (2% SOP at 20 and 40 DAT). These treatments were compared with foliar spray of SOP alone and a control (no amelioration, no foliar spray). Various biometric observations, soil chemical characteristics and plant nutrient content were assessed during and after the field experiment. Crop duration was 137 days. Both growth and yield parameters exhibited significant variation among treatments. Number of tillers per sq. m, number of panicles per sq. m, percentage of filled grains and grain yield (2975 kg ha-1) were found to be higher for soil application of lime along with foliar spray of SOP at 20 and 40 DAT. Effect of dolomite @1600 kg ha-1 on yield was higher than the effect of lime @ 500 or 1000 kg ha-1. Foliar spray of K resulted in comparable yield to that of lime @ 1000 kg ha-1. Amelioration with dolomite @1600 kg ha-1 with or without foliar spray could significantly enhance the dry matter production and leaf area index and could result in a yield next to the best treatment. Liming influenced the plant nutrient content in Pokkali rice at various stages. Higher potassium, phosphorus and magnesium content were observed when applied with lime @1000 kg ha-1+ K (2% spray) at 20 and 40 DAT. Higher calcium content was observed in plots treated with dolomite @ 1600 kg ha-1. In acid saline soils, higher Na/K ratio is considered as the major yield limiting factor. Treatments significantly influenced the plant Na/K ratio at different stages of crop growth. Control treatment recorded highest Na/K ratio at all the stages. This indicated that amelioration and foliar spray of SOP had significant influence in reducing the plant Na/ K ratio. Correlation analysis also showed that grain yield had significant negative correlation with Na/K ratio at 90 days after transplanting. This indicates that Na/K ratio at flowering stage is most critical. Application of lime @1000 kg ha-1 or dolomite @ 1600 kg ha-1 along with SOP (2% spray) at 20 and 40 DAT could narrow down the Na/K ratio at flowering stage and thereby increase the yield significantly. A reduction in soil pH was observed in these treatments at flowering stage. In addition to the correction of soil acidity, application of lime and dolomite could improve the availability of calcium and magnesium content in soil as well as enhance their uptake by the crop. Economic returns were also found to be higher on application of lime @1000 kg ha-1 and 2% foliar spray of SOP. Hence application of lime @1000kg ha-1 and 2% foliar spray of SOP at 20 and 40 DAT can be recommended to increase the yield of Pokkali rice.ThesisItem Open Access Crop-weather relations on yield and quality of iruveli [Plectranthus vettiveroides (K.C.Jacob) N.P. Singh and B D Sharma](Department of Agronomy, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2019) Sabika, K P; KAU; Sindhu, P VIn India, about 7500 species of medicinal plants are being used in different traditional systems of medicines like Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani, Homeopathy, folklore etc. In medicinal plant cultivation, both yield and quality are equally important, and therefore, it is necessary to identify optimum growth factors that can ensure high yield and quality. Plectranthus vettiveroides (K. C. Jacob) N. P. Singh and B. D. Sharma (Syn. Coleus vettiveroides) is an important herbaceous medicinal plant belonging to the family Lamiaceae, where the root is the major economic part. The present study was conducted in the Department of Agronomy, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara to assess the effect of variations in intensity of light, time of planting and mulching on yield and quality of Plectranthus vettiveroides known as Iruveli in Malayalam. The trial was laid out in randomized block design, replicated thrice. The treatments consisted of two growing conditions viz., open and 50 per cent shade, four dates of planting viz., May 15, June 15, July 15, and August 15 and three mulching treatments, viz., black polythene mulching, organic mulching, and no mulching. Growing condition, date of planting and mulching had significant influence on plant characters such as height, number of branches, total biomass yield and total root yield. The highest biomass yield and root yield were obtained from open condition (10382 kg/ha biomass and 1216 kg/ha root), May planting (15694 kg/ha biomass and 2508 kg/ha root) and black polythene mulching (16235 kg/ha biomass and 1786 kg/ha root). Interaction between growing conditions, date of planting and mulching was also significant with the highest biomass yield in the treatment combination of May planting under open condition with black polythene mulching (34715 kg/ha). The management methods also influenced the soil chemical properties. Available N and P were higher in 50 per cent shaded condition. Among mulching, available N and K were higher under organic mulching. Higher available N was found in July planting, whereas available P and K were higher in August planting. Among different micro climatic factors studied, soil temperature and soil moisture were significantly influenced by growing condition and mulching. Higher soil temperature was observed under open condition and black polythene mulching. However, higher soil moisture was under shaded condition and black polythene mulching Physiological, chemical and biochemical parameters were significantly influenced by growing condition, date of planting and mulching. Higher CGR and RGR values were observed under May planting, open condition and with black polythene mulching. Total chlorophyll content at the time of harvest was higher under shade (2.26 mg/g) and May planting (2.16mg/g). Higher essential oil content was recorded from open condition (1.77%), May planting (1.73%) and with black polythene mulch (1.81%). Combination of May planting, black polythene mulching and open condition resulted in the higher essential oil content of 2.35 %. Weed count and weed dry weights were significantly influenced by the treatments. Lower weed count and weed dry weight were observed under shade and black polythene mulching whereas higher growth was observed in open condition and no mulching. Correlation studies showed a positive correlation of total biomass, root yield and essential oil content with maximum temperature, relative humidity, rainfall and soil temperature. Essential oil content had significant positive correlation with light intensity, soil temperature, and soil moisture at initial stages of growth. There was also a positive correlation between biomass yield, total root yield and essential oil content. A higher B: C ratio was obtained from May planting with black polythene mulching under open condition. Planting in August with organic mulch under shaded condition recorded lowest B: C ratio. From the experiment it can be concluded that planting on 15th May in open condition under black polythene mulch as the optimum requirement for Iruveli.ThesisItem Open Access Standardisation of nutrient and weed management techniques for organic rice(Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2013) Murugesh, M S; KAU; Girija Devi, LThe present investigation on “Standardisation of nutrient and weed management techniques for organic rice” was conducted at the Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, during 2012-2013. The objectives were to standardise the nutrient schedule, spacing and weed management techniques for organic rice and to assess the economic feasibility of the organic package. The experiment was laid out in the field in split plot design with combination of spacing, S (S1-20 cm x 15 cm and S2-15 cm x 15 cm) and weed management techniques, W (W1-stale seedbed and W2-hand weeding) as main plot treatments and nutrient schedule, N (N1-option-1 of the ad hoc recommendation of KAU: FYM 5 t + 800 kg oil cakes ha-1 (1/2 basal + 1/2 top dressing at active tillering stage), N2-option-2 of the ad hoc recommendation of KAU: FYM 1 t + green leaf manure 1t + dual culture of azolla + 2 kg Azospirillum + 2 kg P solubilizing bacteria + 1kg PGPR (mix 1) ha-1, N3-option-3 of the ad hoc recommendation of KAU: 1/3rd RDN as FYM, 1/3rd as vermicompost and 1/3rd as neem cake + 2 kg Azospirillum + 2 kg P solubilizing bacteria ha-1, N4-soil test based application–half as vermicompost and half as neem cake). The KAU Package of Practices Recommendation (FYM 5 t + 90:45:45 kg NPK ha -1) was taken as control. Closer spacing (S2-15cm x 15 cm), hand weeding (W2) and option-3 of the ad hoc recommendation of KAU (N3) significantly influenced plant height and DMP, while closer spacing (S2-15cm x 15 cm) and option-3 of the ad hoc recommendation of KAU (N3) only had significant influence on tiller production and LAI. Stale seedbed (W1) and closer spacing (S2-15 cm x 15 cm) had significant influence on most of the yield attributing characters, while, among nutrient schedule, N3 (option-3 of the ad hoc recommendation of KAU) attributed the maximum for yield contributing characters, but was on par with N4 (soil test based application) and also with N1 (option-1 of the ad hoc recommendation of KAU) for grain yield. The results on weed control revealed the superiority of closer spacing (S2-15 cm x 15 cm) and stale seedbed technique (W1) over others in controlling the weeds throughout the growth stages. However the weed control efficiency was the lowest in conventional (Control-KAU Package of Practices Recommendation) compared to the organic throughout the growth stages. The nutrient uptake was the highest in N3 (option-3 of the ad hoc recommendation of KAU) and the lowest in N2 (option-2 of the ad hoc recommendation of KAU). However, uptake study had also revealed the superiority of conventional (Control-KAU Package of Practices Recommendation) over organic in the uptake of nutrients. The net returns and B:C ratio were the highest in closely spaced plants (S2-15 cm x 15 cm) and in N3 (option-3 of the ad hoc recommendation of KAU). From the study it can be concluded that for realising higher grain yield in organic rice, a closer spacing of 15 cm x 15 cm (S2) is ideal. Any of the two weed management techniques, i.e., either stale seedbed (W1) or hand weeding (W2) can be practiced for controlling weeds. Option-3 of the ad hoc recommendation of KAU (N3-1/3rd RDN as FYM, 1/3rd as vermicompost and 1/3rd as neem cake + 2 kg Azospirillum + 2 kg P solubilizing bacteria ha-1) is the best nutrient schedule for realizing maximum yield from organic rice. The most economic package for organic rice production is the combination of closer spacing of 15 cm x 15 cm (S2), with stale seedbed technique (W1) of weed control and option-3 of the ad hoc recommendation of KAU (N3-1/3rd RDN as FYM, 1/3rd as vermicompost and1/3rd as neem cake + 2 Kg Azospirillum + 2 Kg P solubilizing bacteria ha-1) as nutrient schedule. The organic package was economically significantly superior to conventional package due to the premium price fetched by organic rice.ThesisItem Open Access Nutrient Management for yield and quality improvement in Kacholam(Department of Agronomy, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2012) Kavitha, P R; KAU; Meera, Menon VKacholam (Kaempferia galanga L.) is an important medicinal and aromatic plant of the Zingiberaceae family. In India, kacholam is cultivated throughout the plains for the rhizomes. The economic produce of kacholam is the chopped and dried rhizomes of 6-7 months maturity. Dried rhizomes are used in bulk quantities in ayurvedic medicine and in the cosmetic industry. It is used for curing inflammatory wounds, skin disorders, piles, oedema, fever, epilepsy, splenic disorders and asthma. The constituents of the rhizome oil include para methoxy ethyl cinnamate (60.24 % of the oil), ethyl cinnamate (20.66%), cineol, borneol, 3-carene, camphene, kaempferol, kaempferide and cinnamaldehyde. There is immense scope for cultivation of kacholam in Kerala, as the climatic and soil conditions are optimally suited to its growth and development. Kacholam can be grown as an intercrop in coconut gardens and it has attained the status of a cash crop of homesteads. Though there is an approved ad hoc recommendation of organic manures as well as N, P and K for kacholam, there are reports that the K dose is inadequate. Also, considering the low availability and high cost, the present organic manure recommendation of 20 tonnes ha-1 is rather unaffordable. There are also reports about the inadequacy in the availability of secondary nutrients viz., S, Ca and Mg, which may affect yield and quality of kacholam. A field experiment was conducted during 2011-2012 in the coconut garden of Water Management Research Unit, Vellanikkara to evaluate the effect of varying doses of K and secondary nutrients on yield and quality of kacholam. There were 12 treatments with 3 replications each. Treatments consisted of package of practices (POP) recommendation of 20 tonnes farmyard manure along with 50:50:50 kg N, P and K ha-1 and combinations with S, Ca, Mg and extra dose of K applied as first and second top dressing. Rhizomes were planted at a spacing of 20 x 15 cm and planting was done on 3/ 06/ 2011. Harvesting was done seven months after planting. Observations included biometric observations taken at monthly intervals, nutrient contents at 2 ½ and 5 months after planting, and at harvest. Nutrient uptakes was also worked out. Essential oil and oleoresin in rhizomes were also analysed. The soil pH and chemical parameters were analysed before and after the experiment. There were significant differences among treatments with respect to yield, essential oil, oleoresin, nutrient contents and nutrient uptake. With respect to yield, the treatment receiving S applied either at first top dressing or at second top dressing and that with S, Ca and Mg recorded highest yields as compared to other treatments. Essential oil content also showed the same trend as that of yield. But in case of oleoresin, the content was more only in the treatments receiving S as first and second top dressing. This treatment resulted in highest uptake of all nutrients except Ca at harvest. Application of the secondary nutrients thus had a direct positive effect on yield and quality. Changing the N:K ratio of present NPK recommendation resulted in reduction of yield and other quality parameters. The yield and quality parameters with the reduced organic manure dose were found similar to the present POP. Increased phosphorus content of soil observed after experimentation indicated the possibility of reducing the recommended phosphorus dose. Supplementing S, Ca and Mg with a reduced organic manure dose is also to be tested.ThesisItem Open Access Standardization of organic nutrient schedule for chilli (Capsicum annuam)(Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2013) Akshay; KAU; Sajitha Rani, TThe research project entitled ‘Standardization of organic nutrient schedule for chilli (Capsicum annuum)’ was conducted at Instructional Farm attached to the College of Agriculture, Vellayani during the kharif season of 2012 to standardize the organic nutrient schedule for chilli and to work out the economics. The investigation was laid out as factorial experiment in Randomized Block Design (RBD) with three replications. The treatments consisted of three levels of FYM - F1 (20 t ha-1), F2 (15 t ha-1) and F3 (10 t ha-1) and three levels of substitution of the recommended dose of nitrogen. The levels of substitution are N1 (100 % recommended dose of N- 75 kg ha-1), N2 (75 % recommended dose of N -56.25 kg ha-1) and N3 (50 % recommended dose of N - 37.5 kg ha-1). FYM along with neem cake in 1: 1 ratio is used as organic manure for N substitution. Three controls were also tested in this study. Thèse controls are C1 (KAU POP recommendation -.FYM@ 25 t ha-1 along with75:40:25 kg N:P2O5:K20 ha-1 as inorganic fertilizer), C2 ( KAU Adhoc organic POP recommendation -FYM @25 t ha-1 + Poultry manure at 5 t ha-1 + Pseudomonas + Trichoderma and PGPR mix 1, each @2.5 kg ha-1) and C3 (Farmers practice - Cow dung slurry @ 20 t ha-1) Result of the study revealed that FYM @ 20 t ha-1 recorded significantly higher plant height, no of branches & LAI. The maximum value for all growth parameters were observed at 100% level of N substitution .Combined application of FYM @ 20 t ha-1 along with 100% substitution of recommended dose of N (75 kg ha-1) in organic form registered maximum plant height, branches, LAI, and root spread .This treatment was on par with KAU POP and Adhoc organic POP Maximum yield was recorede at the highest level of FYM (20 t ha-1). Yield contributing characters were also significantly higher at this level. Among the levels of substitution 100% substitution recorded maximum productivity. Application of FYM @ 20 t ha-1 along with 100 % recommended dose of N (75 kg ha-1) as organic form gave maximum productivity which was on par with the yield realized from KAU Adhoc organic POP and KAU POP. Highest level of FYM @ 20 t ha-1 and 100 % substitution of recommended dose of N recorded maximum ascorbic acid, capsaicin content and shelf life. FYM @ 20 t ha-1 along with 100% of substitution of N as organic recorded maximum capsaicin content which was on par with KAU POP recommendation. Ad hoc organic POP recommendation of KAU recorded maximum ascorbic acid content. KAU POP recommendation registered significantly higher N and K uptake than other treatments. Adhoc organic POP recommendations of KAU recorded highest soil pH and organic carbon content. Available nitrogen status of soil was significantly higher in Adhoc organic POP recommendations of KAU but P and K status were on par to KAU POP. Highest B:C ratio and net income were realized in KAU POP. Best nutrient schedules for realising maximum yield from organic chilli is 1) FYM @20 t ha-1 along with 75kg N ha -1 applied through a combination of FYM and neem cake in 1 : 1 ratio + Pseudomonas + Trichoderma and PGPR mix 1, each @2.5 kg ha-1 and 2) Adhoc POP recommendation of KAU -FYM @ 25 t ha-1 along with poultry manure @ 5 t ha-1 + Pseudomonas+Trichoderma and PGPR mix 1, each @2.5 kg ha-1. Economic nutrient schedule for organic chilli is application of FYM @ 25 t ha-1 along with poultry manure @ 5 t ha-1 + Pseudomonas + Trichoderma and PGPR mix 1, each @2.5 kThesisItem Open Access Weed management in upland rice (Oryza sativa L.) intercropped in coconut(Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2018) Ravikiran; KAU; Elizebeth Syriac, KThe investigation entitled “Weed management in upland rice (Oryza sativa L.) intercropped in coconut” was undertaken during the period, 2017 - 2018 at College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Thiruvananthapuram to standardise an eco-friendly and economic weed management strategy for upland rice intercropped in coconut. The field experiment was carried out at Coconut Research Station, Balaramapuram, Thiruvananthapuram district during the period from June to October 2017. The variety used was Prathyasa (MO-21) released from Rice Research Station, Moncompu. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design (factorial) with sixteen treatment combinations and three replications. The treatments consisted of two stale seedbed methods viz., stale seedbed with mechanical removal of weeds (s1) and no stale seedbed (s2) and eight weed management methods i.e., penoxsulam @ 20 g ha-1 at 10-15 days after sowing (DAS) fb hand weeding (HW) at 35-40 DAS (m1), penoxsulam @ 25 g ha-1 at 10-15 DAS fb HW at 35-40 DAS (m2), penoxsulam @ 30 g ha-1 at 10-15 DAS fb HW at 35-40 DAS (m3), penoxsulam @ 20 g ha-1 at 10-15 DAS fb metsulfuron methyl + chlorimuron ethyl (MM+CE) @ 4 g ha-1 at 35-40 DAS (m4), penoxsulam @ 25 g ha-1 at 10-15 DAS fb MM+CE @ 4 g ha-1 at 35-40 DAS (m5), penoxsulam @ 30 g ha-1 at 10-15 DAS fb MM+CE @ 4 g ha-1 at 35-40 DAS (m6), HW twice at 15 and 35 DAS (m7) and weedy check (m8). Study of the weed flora of experimental area indicated the dominance of broad leaved weeds (eight spp.) followed by grasses (six spp.) and sedges (two spp.). Stale seedbed method (s1) recorded significantly lower weed density at all stages of observations (15, 30 and 60 DAS), weed dry weight at 15 and 30 DAS and higher weed control efficiency (WCE) at 30 and 60 DAS compared to no stale seedbed. Among the weed management methods, at 60 DAS, all the penoxsulam doses i.e., 20, 25 and 30 g ha-1 at 10-15 DAS fb either HW at 35-40 DAS or MM+CE at 35-40 DAS (m 6, m4, m3, m5, m1 and m2) were on par in their effect on total weed dry weight and WCE. Stale seedbed method (s1) registered significantly higher plant height at 60 DAS, number of tillers m-2 at 30 DAS and at harvest, dry matter production at harvest and LAI at 60 DAS compared to no stale seedbed (s2). Penoxsulam at different doses fb HW treatments (m 1, m2 and m3) recorded higher plant height at 30 and 60 DAS and at harvest, number of tillers m-2 at 30 DAS, DMP at harvest and LAI at 30 DAS. None of the herbicide treated plots showed any phytotoxicity symptom on rice crop. The yield attributes viz., number of spikelets panicle-1, per cent filled grains and thousand grain weight were significantly higher for stale seedbed, compared to no stale seedbed (s2). Weed management methods also significantly improved yield attributes viz., panilces m-2, spikelets panicles-1, per cent filled grains and thousand grain weight compared to weedy check treatment. Penoxsulam @ 25 g ha-1 at 10-15 DAS fb HW at 35-40 DAS (m2) registered the highest values for per cent filled grains and thousand grain weight. Stale seedbed method (s1) recorded significantly higher grain yield, straw yield and lower weed index compared to no stale seedbed method (s 2). Though penoxsulam @ 25 g ha-1 at 10-15 DAS fb HW at 35-40 DAS (m2) registered the highest grain yield (3.23 t ha-1), it was on par with the other penoxsulam fb HW treatments viz., m1 and m3. None of the s x m interactions were found statistically significant. Regarding weed index also m2 registered the lowest value and it was significantly superior to all other weed management methods. Higher net income (₹ 27, 848/-) and B:C ratio (1.48) were obtained with stale seedbed method (s1), compared to no stale seedbed (s2). Application of penoxsulam @ 25 g ha-1 at 10-15 DAS fb HW at 35-40 DAS (m2) registered the highest net income (₹ 36,090/-) and B: C ratio (1.63). The s1m2 registered the highest net income (₹ 44,433/-) and B: C ratio (1.77), among the interactions. The results on soil microbial population revealed that population of fungi, bacteria and actinomycetes increased in all the herbicidal treatments compared to pre-treatment population. Activity of dehydrogenase enzyme also increased significantly in the herbicide applied plots implying the safety of the tested chemicals on soil health. Based on grain yield, weed index and economic analysis, integration of stale seedbed method with the broad spectrum herbicide penoxsulam @ 25 g ha-1 at 10-15 DAS fb HW at 35-40 DAS can be recommended as an eco-friendly and economic weed management practice in upland rice.
