Loading...
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.
Browse
9 results
Search Results
ThesisItem Open Access Bio farming in vegetables : effect of bio fertilizers in amaranth(Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 1998) Niranjana, N S; KAU; Meerabai, MAn experiment was conducted at the Instruction farm attached to the College of Agriculture, Vellayani, during April - Sept 1996 with objectives of finding out the impact of biofertilizers Arospirillum , AMF and dual inoculation under varying and varied levels of fertilizer on amaranthus. Study also aimed to note the economics of the integrated approach and to identify the best economic combinations which improve yield and quality of amaranth varieties Arun and Kannara local. The study had three controls and two number of replications. The results of the study revealed that yield attributing characters like no: of harvests, yield harvest", marketable yield and dry weight were highest in plots applied with dual inoculation of Azospirillum and AMF with 75 per cent dose of p.op. Azospirillum with 50 per cent POP also gave good results. Both these treatments were on par and was better than our state recommendation. Growth characters viz: Seedling growth rate, plant height, number of leaves per plant, number of branches per plant, LAI were highest. for Azospirillum inoculation at early stages. While AMF inoculation gave notable results at later stages. Physiological parameters namely Biomass, NAR, Root dry weight were significantly improved with dual inoculation and higher dose of chemical fertilizer. Leaf dry weight, RGR and CGR responded most to inoculation with Azospirillum at early stages, while at later stage AMF performed well. Kannara local was superior to 148 Arun at early stages. But Arun performed superior to Kannara local with the progress of time. Stem dry weight was significantly influenced by application of AMF. Vermicompost gave high biomass till 45 DAT. Quality of amaranth improved when biofertilizer was given with higher dose of chemical fertilizer in almost all parameters discussed. Dual inoculation with 75 per cent POP gave maximum content of total mineral and moisture. Ascorbic acid content was highest for the treatment dual inoculation with 25 per cent POP. AMF with 75 per cent POP recorded high protein content, the same bioagent with 50 per cent POP gave lowest content of oxalates. Less fiber flush of amaranth w.as got from plots given Azospirillum + 75 per cent POP. Uptake of major nutrients namely Nand P was influenced by inoculation of Azospirillum along with higher dose of chemical and AMF with lower inorganics respectively. Major nutrient status in the soil after the experiment was more in case N,P,K for dual inoculation, Arospirillum and AMF respectively. Irrespective of biofertilizer higher dose of inorganic gave greater residual amount of nutrients. Dual inoculation with 75 per cent dose and Azospirillum along with 50 per cent dose gave maximum l?:C ratio and net returns. Vermicompost recorded minimum disease score. Lower levels of chemical fertilizers recorded less infection.ThesisItem Open Access Nutrient Status of the soil and plant as influenced by spacing and continued manuring in Coconut(Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 1998) Pratheep, M S; KAU; Purushothaman Nair, NA study was conducted during 1995-96 at Coconut Research Station, Balaramapuram of Kerala Agricultural University to asses the nutrient status of . the soil and plant in West Coast Tall coconuts planted at three different spacings and manured with three levels of macro nutrients. The treatments were three spacings (5 m x 5 m, 7.5 m x 7.5 m and 10 m x 10 m) and three fertilizer levels (control i.e., zero NPK, the lower level i.e., 340 g N + 225 g P205 + 450 g K20 per palm per year and the higher level i.e., 680 g N + 450 g P205 + 900 g K20 per palm per year). The basic experiment was started in 1964 and being continued. The data collected during the study (1995-96) was statistically analysed and the results are presented here under. Closer spacing increased height of palms. The spacings of7.5 m x 7.5 m was statistically superior since it gave the highest nut yield per palm per year. Manuring increased height of palms, girth and leaf production. At the highest level of NPK closer spacing of 5 m x 5 m could give the highest yield per unit area. Female flower production was higher under 7.5 m x 7.5 m spacing. Fertilizer application also increased flower production. Fruit setting was not influenced by palm density and fertilizer application significantly increased fruit setting. Number of nuts per bunch was higher at the spacing of 7.5 m x 7.5 m and progressively increased with manuring. The weight and volume of unhusked nut was the lowest at the closest spacing and in unfertilized palms. There was increase in weight of husk with increase in spacing. Similarly there was an increase in the ratio of weight of husk to unhusked nut with increasing spacing. Maximum thickness and weight of kernal was recorded at the spacing of 7.5 m x 7.5 m. Copra out turn was more at the spacing of 7.5 m x 7.5 m. In manured palms there was a higher copra out turn per hectare contributed by the higher yield. The oil content of copra was negatively correlated with per palm yield. Available NPK of soil decrease with wider spacing. The soil nutrient status increased with application of macronutrients and the accumulation of fertilizer was more in the upper layer of 0 to 25 cm. There was decline in NPK status with increase in depth. The Ca and Mg content of soil decreased with increase in spacing up to 7.5 m x 7.5 m. Both Ca and Mg content of soil decreased with increase in macro nutrient application. Ca content of soil decreased with increase in depth. However, the decrease of Mg content was seen only up to 50 cm depth. Available micro nutrients (Fe, Cu, Mn and Zn) decreased with increase in spacing and application of fertilizers. Available Fe, Cu and Mn content of soil decreased with increase in depth. Nand P content of leaf of coconut increased with wider spacing. However K content decreased with spacing. All the three macro nutrients increased with increase in fertilizer application. Ca and Mg content of leaf also increased with increase in spacing and fertilizer application. By fertilizer application Fe, Mn and Cu content of leaf increased whereas Zn and Na decreased.ThesisItem Open Access Yield maximisation of banana through organic and inorganic manuring(Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 1998) Baiju, B R; KAU; Shahul Hameed, S M. An experiment was conducted at the Instructional farm attached to College of Agriculture, Vellayani during January 1995 to November 1995 with the objective of finding out the different sources of organic and inorganic nutrients for increasing the productivity of Nendran banana, the effect of post shooting application of urea and growth regulators on the bunch weight and to work out the benefit cost ratio by the integrated use of organic and inorganic fertilizers. Four levels of manures and three levels of post shooting treatments were tried in RBD with 3 replications. The results of the study revealed that application of poultry manure at the rate of five kg plant-1 increased total crop duration. Farm yard manure at the rate of 10 kg plant-1 and 2,4-D 10 ppm spray recorded maximum height at all stages. Bunch yield was maximum of (11.39 kg) with poultry manure at 5 kg plant-1, Highest bunch weight was recorded by 2,4-D 10 ppm spray and total number of fingers with urea 1 per cent spray. Among the ripe fruit characters, highest pulp / peel ratio was with poultry manure at the rate of five kg plant-1 even though higher finger weight, pulp weight and lower peel weight were recorded with poultry manure at the rate of five kg plant-1. Application of urea one per cent spray increased weight of finger. Among the quality attributes, higher values for TSS were noticed with level M1. Lowest value for acidity was observed for five kg poultry manure and tying urea 15 g. Total sugar was high with 10 kg farm yard manure and 2,4-D 10 ppm spray and non reducing sugar was high with level farm yard manure at 10 kg plant-1. Sugar-acid ratio was low for vermicompost at the rate of five kg plant-1. Sensory evaluation revealed that all treatments produced fruits with similar taste, flavour and colour. N content of index leaf showed significant variation at harvest with maximum value recorded with neem cake at the rate of five kg plant-1. P content of leaf was maximum with level neem cake five kg plant-1 and minimum with level farm yard manure 10 kg plant-1. The K content of leaf was maximum with neem cake level five kg plant-1 among manurial treatment. When the economics of production was worked out, it was observed that a combination of farm yard manure at 10 kg plant-1 and 2,4-D 10 ppm spray (M1P1) recorded the highest benefit cost ratio. The highest net profit of Rs. 1,49,045 was realised per hectare in farm yard manure at 10 kg plant-1 and 2,4-D 10 ppm spray. The present study revealed that application of poultry manure at five kg plant-1 and 2,4-D 10 ppm spray was beneficial for better growth, yield and quality of fruit in 'Nendran' banana.ThesisItem Open Access Integrated nutrient management in a Rice-Rice cropping system(Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 1998) Deepa, S; KAU; Balachandran Nair, G KAn experiment entitled "Integrated nutrient management in a rice- rice cropping system" was condcuted at Cropping Systems Research Centre, Karamana during the second crop season of 1995-96, to study the effect of long term application of manures and fertilizers on the availability and uptake of nutrients and changes in the physico-chemical properties of the soil for sustained productivity. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with twelve sets of treatments and four replications. The twelve sets of treatments incldued four treatments of different levels of recommended fertilizers, treatments of integration of chemical fertilizers with organic sources like farm yard manure, crop residues (rice straw) and green manure, along with one each of unfertilized control and farmers practice of manuring. Organic manure addition in different forms was found to have pronounced effect on various growth and yield attributing characters of rice when applied in combination with chemical fertilizers. When compared to other treatments, application of 25 or 50 per cent of recommended N through farm yard manure in kharif followed by 75 or 100 per cent of recommended NPK through chemical fertilizers in rabi, gave higher tiller number, root production, productive tiller number, thousand grain weight, grain yield, and straw yield. Integration of organic manures with inorganic fertilizers improved the N, P and K uptake by the plant at all growth stages and at harvest. Highest Nand K uptake were recorded when 50 per cent N, supplied through farm yard manure in kharif season. Highest P uptake was recorded when 25 per cent of N supplied through crop residue in kharif. In general the available N,P,K and organic carbon contents of the soil were slightly improved due to combined application of organic and inorganic sources of fertilizers. Application of farm yard manure to meet 50 per cent of N along with 100 per cent recommended dose of fertilizers recorded maximum available NPK and organic carbon Bulk density was lowest under treatment receiving 50 per cent recommended N through farm yard manure in kharif. Incorporation of paddy straw, to meet 25 per cent N along with chemical fertilizers enhanced water holding capacity and cation exchange capacity of the soil.ThesisItem Open Access Agrotechniques in Indian sarsaparilla (Hemidesmus indicus [Linn] R. Br)(Department of Agronomy, College of Horticulture, Vellenikkara, 1998) Shina, K C; KAU; Lalitha Bai, E KInvestigations were undertaken at the Department of Agronomy) College of Horticulture) Vellanikkara, Trichur, Kerala during 1996 - '97 to standardise the agrotechniques in Indian sarsaparilla (Hemidesmus indicus [Linn] R. Br). The mam objectives of the study were to standardise the planting material in Hemidesmus indicus and to arrive at the optimum spacing for getting maximum yield. The study also aims to workout the optimum stage of harvest so as to get the highest yield of good quality. The salient findings of o the study are abstracted below. The nursery studies revealed that 5 cm long root cuttings planted vertically formed the best propagule in Hemidesmus indicus. Hence the experiment was carried out using 5 cm long root cuttings planted vertically. The application of FYM @ lOt ha" and high density planting at (10 x 10 cm) resulted in increased nutrient uptake and thus improved the growth and yield of Hemidesmus indicus. The oil yield) water and alcohol soluble extract obtained in this treatment was superior as compared to that with control plots with~ut any FYM application. The available N) P20S) K20 and organic carbon content of soil was more in heavily manured plots. The available N and P20S left in the soil was higher in widely spaced plots (20 x 20 cm) where as available K20 and organic carbon content more in dense planting of 10 x 10 cm. The different stages of harvest were compared with regard to their effect on growth and yield of hemidesmus. The nutrient uptake by the crop was highest in the eight month stage and hence this particular treatment resulted in the highest oil yield as compared to that in the other stages of harvest. Excepting available N, the nutrients left in the soil was found to be decreasing by eight month crop stage. The interaction effect of spacing x FYM and stages of harvest showed that the treatments receiving FYM @ lOt ha" and high density planting at 10 x 10 cm spacing when harvested at eight month stage, recorded the highest oil yield. Also this particular treatment recorded highest root yield, total returns and net returns as compared to the other treatment combinations.ThesisItem Open Access Drought management for sesame in Onattukara(Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 1998) Jyothi S Mani; KAU; Latif, P HA microplot and a field trial were conducted at the Rice Research Station, Kayamkulam in the summer rice fallows during 1996 -97 to standardise the effective methanol dose and its time of application and to evaluate the effects of the selected dose of methanol along with varying levels of coirpith incorporation and seed hardening treatments on the performance of sesame var. Kayamkulam-I in Onattukara tract. The two experiments were laid out in completely randomised design and strip - split plot design with two and three replications respectively. The first experiment had treatments comprising of seven levels of methanol and three times of application along with an absolute control. The treatments in the second experiment included three levels each of coirpith and seed hardening treatments and four levels of methanol. The initial experiment revealed that the methanol application is well accepted by the crop. The growth characters, physiological parameters and yield attributing characters and crop duration were greatly enhanced by application of methanol dosages ranging from 20 per cent to 30 per cent concentration, during the flowering stage which is the most metabolically active stage of the crop. Thus the concentrations, 20 and 30 per cent of methanol at flowering stage was adopted in main field experiment. In the main field, the crop responded to incorporation of coirpith, seed hardening and methanol application. The biometric characters like plant height, number of leaves and branches per plant, precarious flowering, total DMP, shoot - root ratio, root characteristics and yield attributing characters like number of capsules per plant, capsule yield were significantly augmented by the incorporation of 10 t ha-1 of coirpith soon after the harvest of second crop of rice. The above said parameters provided the maximum value with 20 per cent methanol level and seed hardening in water compared to other levels. These treatments enhanced the vegetative growth of the plants and facilitated early 'commencement of the reproductive phase thus enabling a significant reduction in crop duration by 6-7 days. The seed yield was remarkable when coirpith was incorporated at the rate of 10 t ha-1 and 20 per cent methanol spray was given to foliage at flower initiation period. The crop was favorably influenced by seed hardening in water. The uptake of N, P and K by the crop also followed improved. The relative leaf water content was highly regulated by both the coirpith levels (10 t ha-1 and 20 t ha-1) and seed hardening in water. The spraying of 20 per cent solution of methanol also recorded high leaf water content. The bulk density and soil water content were found highly depended on coil-pith levels. The application of both levels of coirpith increased soil moisture content decreased the bulk density significantly. The values of both the parameters registered comparable effect of these levels. The biochemical analysis high proline content with treatments comprising of no coirpith. Seed hardening in water indicated high proline accumulation in plant tissues. The seed hardening in water also resulted in high content of chlorophyll in leaves. The organic carbon content of soil was greatly augmented by coirpith application, but both the levels gave comparable values. The available N, P and K contents of the soil after the experiment indicated higher nutrient status with addition of organic amendments to the soil. The outcome of economic analysis revealed that the net returns and benefit-cost ratio was maximum by incorporation of coipith at the rate of 10 t ha-1, seed hardening in water and providing foliar spray of 20 per cent methanol at flowering stage.ThesisItem Open Access Evaluation of organic and inorganic sources of nutrients on yield and quality of snake gourd (Trichosanthes anguina L)(Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 1998) Phebe Joseph; KAU; Babu Mathew, PAn experiment was conducted at the Instructional Farm attached to the College of Agriculture, Vellayani during January to May 1997 with the objectives of finding out the potential of using farmyard manure, poultry manure, vermicompost and fertilizers and the extend to which organic manures can be substituted for fertilizers for increasing yield and improving the quality of snake gourd (Trichoso/hes anguina L.). Three sources of organic manures, three levels of chemical fertilizers and three additional treatments (organic sources + organic sources to substitute NPK) were tested for their efficiency in 3 X 3 + 3 factorial RBD with three replications. The results of the study revealed that yield attributing characters like length of the fruit, weight of the fruit and number of fruits per plant were highest in plots applied with farmyard manure + farmyard manure to substitute NPK. The organic manures, levels of inorganic fertilizers and their interactions didn't produce any marked difference in the yield of the crop. But significant difference was observed among additional treatments. Among additional treatments, plots applied with farmyard manure was found to be the best, (57250 kg ha") which was on par with poultry manure (53500 kg ha-I). Growth characters VIZ. weight of the roots plant" and dry matter production ha" were also highest in farmyard manure alone applied plots. Application of chemical fertilizers significantly improve the nitrogen content in plant parts and fruits. Highest nitrogen content of plant and fruit was observed with full NPK levels (70 : 25 : 25 kg NPK ha-I). Different organic sources, levels of chemical fertilizers and their interactions failed to show any significant effect on N uptake of the plant. However increased levels of fertilizers increased the uptake of N. The organic forms of manures showed a definite advantage over inorganic fertilizers on the quality of the fruit. Among quality attributes, significantly higher values for Total Soluble Solids (TSS), vit.C., total sugars and increased shelf life were observed in fruits obtained from vermicompost applied plots. When the economics of production was worked out, it was observed that all treatments were able to fetch more profit, and the maximum B : C of 5.5 was observed by the application of vermicompost with 3/4 NPK. The present study revealed that integration of vermicompost with chemical fertilizers was beneficial for increasing the yield and improvement in xxvii quality along with a low financial input.ThesisItem Open Access Role of tillage agrochemical use on vam in cowpea in rice fallow(Department of Agronomy, College of Horticulture, Vellenikkara, 1998) Duethi, P P; KAU; Sreedevi, PA field experiment was conducted at the Agricultural Research Station, Mannuthy in summer rice fallow during January-April, 1997. The study was to assess the effect of tillage practices and use of agrochemicals on soil V AM and to analyse the possibility of any saving in inorganic fertilizer use. Effect of summer cropping on improvement of soil health was also aimed at. The experiment was laid out in strip plot design with 24 treatment combinations replicated thrice. Combination of tillage and herbicide levels were tried in parallel strips. Fertilizer levels were given across these strips. Tillage levels included minimum and normal tillage. Fertilizer levels consisted of control, full recommended doze of fertilizer i.e., inorganics and organics, half the recommended doze of fertilizer i.e., inorganics and organics, half the recommended doze of fertilizer i.e., inorganics and organics along with VAM, full recommended dose of inorganics alone and full recommended doze of organics alone. Results revealed that most of the growth characters were not significantly influenced by tillage treatments. However, with respect to plant height and drymatter production higher values were observed in minimum tilled plots. Yield attributing characters favourably influenced by minimum tillage were number of pods per plant, weight of pods per plant, test weight, pod yield per ha, grain yield per ha and stover yield per ha. Nitrogen and phosphorus uptake were favoured by minimum tillage. Organic carbon status, available nitrogen and available zinc were higher in minimum tilled plots. Most of the growth and yield attributing characters were not affected by herbicide application. Soil studies revealed slightly lower values for organic carbon, available nitrogen and available phosphorus content in herbicide applied plants. Fertilizer levels had more significant influence on yield attributes and soil nutrient levels. In all the growth characters half of the recommended doze of fertilizer along with V AM was superior or equally well as that of full recommended doze of fertilizer and full organics alone. The same combination fared well with most of the yield characters also. Among the interaction effects tillage x fertilizer interactions were significant in percentage nitrogen in plant, protein content of grain, organic carbon status and available potassium in soil. Herbicide-fertilizer interactions were significant in the case of percentage nitrogen, uptake of nitrogen, percentage phosphorus in plant, organic carbon status of soil and available potassium of soil. Tillage and herbicide interactions significantly influenced only on organic carbon status of soil. To conclude, minimum soil disturbance was prefered in summer cropping. The use of agrochemicals especially herbicide (Alachlor) in the normal recommended doze of 2.5 kg ai/ha was rather safe on V AM population in soil. Integrated nutrient management comprising of the use of organics, inorganics and bioinoculant was more cost effective and desirable in terms of crop performance and improvement in soil health.ThesisItem Open Access Mulch-cum drip irrigation system for okra(Department of Agronomy, College of Horticulture, Vellenikkara, 1998) Chandupatla Sunilkumar; KAU; Jaikumaran, UAn experiment was conducted in the summer rice fallows of the Agricultural Research Station, Mannuthy during 1997 to develop and test mulch-cum-drip irrigation system for okra (Abelmoschus esculentus Moench.) and compare this system with drip without mulch or furrow irrigation system either with or without mulch. The soil was sandy clay loam, medium in organic carbon and available potassium and high in available phosphorus. The ten treatments comprised of combinations of two irrigation systems (Drip irrigation and furrow irrigation) and three irrigation frequencies (soil moisture tension at 0.04, 0.06 and 0.08 MPa) either with or without mulch. The experiment was laid out in randomised block design with three replications. In case of drip irrigation system 41ph emitters were placed 60 cm apart such that there was one emitter in between two plants. In mulched plots, after the formation of ridges, the field was covered with black LDPE sheet before sowing. Holes were made on this sheet at a spacing of 30 cm and seeds were dibbled through these holes. The study proved the beneficial effects of mulching in the vegetable crop bhindi, irrespective of the levels and methods of irrigations. Biometric characters like plant height, number of leaves and leaf area index and the yield attributing characters like number of flowers, number of fruits and total weight of fruits plant' were favourably influenced by mulching both under furrow and drip systems of irrigations, irrespective of levels of irrigation. The maximum fruit yield of 24.88 t ha-1 was produced when the crop was mulched and furrow irrigated at soil moisture tension of 0.08 MPa. This accounted for 93.48 per cent Increase in yield over the control crop that received irrigation by furrow method at 0.06 MPa without mulch. The crop under mulched situation consumed lesser amount of water compared to without mulch situations at all the frequencies of irrigations. This decline of consumptive use of water, was to the tune of 49, 97 and 192 percent respectively at the soil moisture tension of 0.04, 0.06 and 0.08 MPa in case of drip irrigation and 49, 97 and 135 per cent in case of furrow irrigation. Under drip irrigation the total soil moisture extracted from 0-15 and 15-30 cm layers was 30.68 to 49.56 and 50.43 to 69.31 per cent respectively in open situation. The respective values under mulched situation were 39.16 to 45.1 and 54.89 to 60.83 per cent. In case of furrow irrigation system the respective values were 35.58 to 47.39 and 52.60 to 64.41 under mulched situation and 41.01 and 58.98 per cent in unmulched situation. When mulching was adopted under drip irrigation or surface method of irrigation with the irrigation schedules at the soil moisture tensions of 0.04, 0.06 or 0.08 MPa, the cropping became profitable. Then, the B.C. ratios varied between 0.91 to 1.58. Maximum benefit cost ratio of 1.58 was derived when the crop was mulched and furrow irrigated at soil moisture tension of 0.08 MPa.
