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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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201717
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Subject: Agronomy × End date: 2017 × Start date: 2017 × Thesis Type: M.Sc ×
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Water and weed management for aerobic rice
    (Department of Agronomy, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2017) Akhil, T Thomas; KAU; Deepa Thomas
    Aerobic rice culture is a technology to improve the water productivity in rice culture. Water and weed management are two important aspects of this promising technology. It is well established that yield reduction in rice happen if the soil moisture level falls below the field capacity. Unlike in flooded conditions,weeds pose greater problem in aerobic rice production.A field study was undertaken at Agronomic Research Station (ARS), Chalakudy from September 2016 to January 2017 for developing appropriate water and weed management strategies for aerobic rice. The treatments comprised of three levels of irrigation in the main plot (irrigation at 10 mm cumulative pan evaporation (CPE), 20 mm CPE and 30 mm CPE) and five weed management treatments in the subplot (pre emergent herbicide oxadiargyl followed by hand weeding, oxadiargyl followed by 2,4- D sodium salt, oxadiargyl followed by bispyribac sodium at 20 days after sowing (DAS), hand weeding at 20 and 40 DAS and an unweeded control). Depth of irrigation was 3 cmand the total water applied including effective rainfall amounted to 933 mm, 574 mm, 403 mm in I1, I2 and I3 respectively. Irrigation at 10 mm CPE recorded higher values for growth parameters like plant height and number of tillers per meter as well as yield and yield attributes.Higher root volume also was recorded in these plots .Relative leaf water content and chlorophyll content were higher under frequently irrigated plots (10 mm CPE) than less irrigated plots. Moisture stress lead to inhibition of leaf production and decline in leaf area in aerobic rice. Higher availability of moisture, reduced stress, better growth and yield attributes contributed to higher yield under irrigation at 10 mm CPE. Moisture stress caused reduction of 44 percent grain yield under irrigation at 30 mm CPE over irrigation at 10 mm CPE. Hand weeding at 20 and 40 DAS resulted in better growth, yield and yield attributing factors of aerobic rice. Oxadiargyl followed by bispyribac sodium at 20 DAS and oxadiargyl followed by hand weeding at 20 DAS were the next bettertreatments which were on par.Weed competition resulted in 64 percent reduction in grain yield. Oxadiargyl when applied pre-emergent waseffective in controlling the first flush of weeds in the field. All the treatment combinations with oxadiargyl recorded the lower weed dry matter production and weed density. As the crop advanced to flowering, hand weeding at 20 and 40 DAS resulted in lower weed dry matter production and weed density. Better growth and yield in this treatment suggested a long critical period of weed competition in aerobic rice. Irrigation at 30 mm CPE registered the highest water productivity of 0.96 kg m-3, but with severe yield loss. Among weed management treatments hand weeding at 20 and 40 DAS recorded the highest water productivity (1.13 kg m-3) and the lowest was from unweeded control (0.37 kg m-3). Irrigation at 10 mm CPE in combination with hand weeding at 20 and 40 DAS registered the highest growth and grain yield (2791 kg ha-1) and recorded water productivity of 0.88 kg m-3. However irrigation at 10 mm CPE in combination with oxadiargyl followed by bispyribac sodium at 20 DAS resulted in the highest net return (Rs 51477 per hectare) and B:C ratio (2.3).
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Productivity of spinach beet as influenced by varieties and nutrient doses
    (Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2017) Vinod Alur; KAU; Sheeba Rebecca, Isaac
    The investigation entitled “Productivity of spinach beet as influenced by varieties and nutrient doses” was carried out at College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Thiruvananthapuram to assess the suitability of five varieties of spinach beet under protected and open conditions, to standardize the nutrient doses and to work out the economics. The experiment was laid out in split plot design in the Instructional Farm, College of Agriculture Vellayani at 8.50 N latitude, 76.9 0 E longitude, under protected and open conditions as two separate experiments during August- November 2015 and 2016 respectively. The treatments included five varieties (V1: All Green; V2: Pusa Bharathi; V3: Punjab Green; V4: Indam Kolkatta; V5: Trendy) in main plots and three nutrient levels ( N1: 40:20:40 kg NPK ha-1; N2: 60:30:60 kg NPK ha-1; N3: 80:40:80 kg NPK ha-1) in sub plots with four replications. The soil belonged to the order oxisol. The results of the experiment under protected condition revealed that among the five varieties tested, Punjab Green was found superior in terms of the number of leaves, leaf area index (LAI) and yield. The maximum leaf yield recorded by Punjab Green was 4.78 kg m-2 followed by All Green (4.56 kg m-2). Plant height, total number of leaves plant-1 and LAI were significantly higher at N3 (80:40:80 kg ha-1)compared to the lower doses. The same NPK level recorded the highest yield of 4.70 kg m-2 which was significantly superior to the other levels. The interaction effects were significant with v1n3 recording maximum leaf yield (5.06 kg m-2) followed by v3n3 (5.01 kg m-2). Nutrient uptake (NPK), protein and Fe contents were the highest in Punjab Green which was significantly superior to the other varieties, while vitamin C was the highest in Pusa Bharathi. Spinach beet fertilized with 80:40:80 kg NPK ha-1 showed significantly higher values for NPK uptake, Ca content and vitamin C. Soil pH was found to increase with higher levels of nutrients and organic carbon content decreased from the initial values. Available NPK status in soil were found to increase with the increased NPK application. The var. Punjab Green showed maximum net returns ( 881.59from 10m2) and benefit-cost ratio (1.44) and among nutrient levels, nutrient dose of 80:40:80 kg NPK ha-1 was found to be the most economical (net returns from 10 m2 - 835.54, B:C ratio- 1.42). Taking into account the interaction effects, the varieties All Green and Punjab Green at 80:40:80 kg NPK ha-1 could be recommended for cultivation under protected conditions. In open field condition, the var.All Green recorded significantly taller plants with the highest number of leaves, LAI and leaf yield. Among the different nutrient levels, N3 (80:40:80 kg NPK ha-1) was found to be significantly superior in yield attributes and leaf yield in spinach beet. The interaction of Pusa Bharathi and 80: 40: 80 kg NPK ha-1 registered significantly higher yield (4.14 kg m-2) followed by All Green at 80 :40 : 80 kg NPK ha-1 (4.02kg m-2). Nutrient uptake, vitamin A, C, protein and Ca contents were significantly high in the var. All Green and inthe nutrient dose of 80 :40:80 kg NPK ha-1. Interaction effect of the above combination (v1n3) also recorded higher values for the plant nutrient contents. Available N, P and K contents in soil significantly increased with increase in NPK levels. Economic analysis revealed that the interaction v2n3 (Pusa Bharathi and 80 :40 : 80 kg NPK ha-1) was most profitable ( net returns 495.39 from 10 m-2 and B:C ratio 1.25) followed by v1n3( net returns 418.36 from 10 m-2 and B:C ratio 1.21). The variety Punjab Green and All Green were the most suitable varieties for cultivation in polyhouse while All Green and Pusa Bharathi could be recommended for cultivation in the open. The Ca, protein chlorophyll content and NPK uptake were the highest in Punjab Green and All Green in the polyhouse and open respectively. The NPK dose of 80:40:80 kg NPK ha-1was found to be the suitable nutrient dose under both conditions irrespective of the variety. Taking into account the economics of cultivation, the combinations, All Green + 80:40:80 kg NPK ha-1 was the most profitable in the polyhouse while Pusa Bharathi + 80:40:80 kg NPKha-1, for cultivation in the open.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Microsite variations of okra [Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench.] Under different weed management practices
    (Department of Agronomy, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2017) Shamla, K; KAU; Sindhu, P V
    Okra [Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench.] is a warm season vegetable crop cultivated mainly for its immature fruits. Weed control is an expensive management practice in okra production which can influence productivity of both crop and soil. Weed management practices can modify the micro environment of crops, the extent depending on the method adopted, environmental conditions, and other management practices. The present study was taken up in the Department of Agronomy, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara during March to June, 2016 to assess the effect of weed management practices on microsite variations and their consequent effect on growth and yield of okra. The treatments comprised of four different organic mulches (mango leaves, paddy straw, newspaper and coir fibre mat), mulching with black polythene sheet, hand weeding, application of pre emergence herbicide and an unweeded control treatment. Black polythene mulching positively influenced the yield and yield attributes of okra and resulted in greatest plant height and number of branches. Mulching with black polythene, hand weeding and herbicide treatment reduced the number of days to harvest. Higher number of harvests and number of fruits per plant were obtained with black polythene mulching. This treatment recorded a fruit yield of 14.58 t ha-1, followed by the treatments paddy straw mulching and newspaper mulching (11.16 and 11.01 t ha-1). Crop uptake of nutrients was higher under black polythene mulch and was lowest in unweeded control. Similarly, except for coir fibre mat mulching, all other treatments with mulching showed higher uptake of nutrients, and consequently, these plants showed higher relative chlorophyll content (SPAD units). Mulching also improved the soil nutrient status as compared to hand weeded, herbicide treated and weedy check plots. Available N and K were higher in mulched plots while available P content was more or less similar in all the plots. Considerable effect of weed management practices on soil microclimate was noticed. Black polythene sheet recorded higher soil temperature during the entire crop period. Soil temperature in the plots with organic mulches was lower than the plots without mulching. In general, the soil moisture content at different growth stages of the crop was higher in all the treatments with mulching as compared to treatments without mulching. Higher population of soil microflora was observed with mulching as compared to unmulched plots. Paddy straw improved soil bacterial and fungal populations both at flowering and harvesting, whereas, actinomycetes were higher under black polythene mulch. At flowering, total population of P - solubilsers, nitrogen fixers and antagonists were higher under mulching with paddy straw. At harvest higher microbial biomass carbon was found in black polythene mulched plots, followed by paddy straw. Higher weed control efficiency (more than 90 %) was observed with black polythene mulching throughout the crop period. Among different organic mulches, newspaper mulch recorded higher weed control efficiency followed by paddy straw mulch. Mulching with coir fibre mat failed to reduce weed growth. Mulching with paddy straw and newspaper recorded lower weed indices than hand weeding and pre emergence application of pendimethalin. The highest benefit:cost ratio of 3.02 was recorded for black polythene mulching. Newspaper mulching and pre emergence spray of pendimethalin were next with respect to B:C ratio. Different weed management practices significantly influenced the micro environment of the crop, and influenced the yield and yield parameters of okra as well as the soil quality. Use of either organic (newspaper or paddy straw) or inorganic (polythene) mulches is a better alternative to manual weeding or herbicidal application for effective weed management and for better B:C ratio in okra.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Rhizosphere management for higher root production in ashwagandha (Withania somnifera L. Dunal)
    (Deparment of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, Padannakkad, 2017) Ashiba, A; KAU; Anilkumar, A S
    The investigation entitled, ―Rhizosphere management for higher root production in ashwagandha (Withania somnifera L. Dunal)‖ was carried out at the Instructional farm attached to the College of Agriculture, Padannakkad during 2015-17 to study the effect of integrated nutrient management practices and summer irrigation on growth promotion and root production in ashwagandha. The experiment was laid out in RBD with 14 treatments replicated twice. The treatments were T1 - HDP in trenches mulched with polythene and filled with enriched growing medium, T2 - T1 + Recommended dose of NPK, T3 - T1 + Liquid organic manures, T4 - T2 + azospirillum, T5 - T3 + azospirillum, T6 - T4 + B and Mg, T7 - T5 + B and Mg, T8 - T6 + Summer irrigation at 15 mm CPE, T9 - T7 + Summer irrigation at 15 mm CPE, T10 - T6 + Summer irrigation at 30 mm CPE, T11 - T7 + Summer irrigation at 30 mm CPE, T12 - HDP in trenches filled with enriched growing medium, T13 - NRP in trenches filled with enriched growing medium, T14 - Broadcasting in trenches filled with enriched growing medium. The results of the field experiment revealed that all growth parameters of ashwagandha were significantly influenced by treatment effects. In general, the treatment T6 was found superior in enhancing vegetative growth. However, the treatments did not exert any significant effect on primary, secondary and tertiary branches at any of the growth stages. The treatments had no significant effect on primary root number during early stages of growth (45 DAT and 60 DAT). The effect of treatments was evident from 75 DAT onwards. T10 at 75 DAT; T9 at 90 DAT; and T8 at 105 DAT and 120 DAT recorded higher primary root number. With respect to root characters, T8 recorded higher root number, T8 and T10 recorded the greatest root length, T11 the highest root spread, and T10 the highest root volume at the time of harvest. The treatment T10, recorded the highest fresh and dry root weight per plant and fresh and dry root production per hectare. The highest LAI and seed yield per plant and seed production per hectare were registered by T6. In general, relative leaf water content and leaf temperature were unaffected by treatment effects. Crude alkaloid content ranged from 6.5 % to 10.4 %. The highest crude alkaloid content of 10.54 % was registered by T7. Other biochemical parameters namely total sugar and total amino acid content were not at all influenced by treatment effects. Azospirillum population ranged from 11.5 x 105 to 64 x 105 per gram dry soil. The highest population of 64 x 105 per gram dry soil was registered by the treatments T8 and T5. Seasonal consumptive use and mean daily consumptive use ranged from 145.73 mm to 250.80 mm and 1.22 to 2.09 mm respectively and T14 registered the higher values. The highest crop water use efficiency of 474.78 g m-3 was recorded by T10. Field water use efficiency varied from 84.46 to 222.31 g m-3 and the highest value was recorded by T6. The treatment which recorded the highest value of field water use efficiency also registered the highest water productivity of 1313.47 g m-3. The highest nitrogen content was recorded by T6. T8, T9 and T10 registered higher contents of phosphorus, potassium and boron respectively. The treatment, T10 was found worthwhile for popularization with respect to higher fresh and dry root yield per plant and root production per hectare, dry matter production, crop water use efficiency, gross income, net income and BCR.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Tillage and water saving techniques for black gram in rice fallows
    (Department of Agronomy, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2017) Aisha Mol, P B; KAU; Latha, A
    Black gram is one of the major pulse crop grown throughout India. It is cultivated in an area of 3.5 m. ha with a production of 2.1 m. tones (NCAER, 2016). However, the production is not sufficient to meet the domestic demand. In Kerala, black gram cultivation is very limited or negligible. The summer rice fallows are the potential areas for pulse cultivation in Kerala. It is mainly grown under rainfed condition with poor management practices and so the productivity is found to be very low. Hence, measures are to be taken to enhance the productivity of pulses with advancements in technology. Conservation agriculture is gaining momentum now-a-days and mulching and drip irrigation are water saving technologies for enhanced crop production. The research work on the topic “Tillage and water saving techniques for black gram in rice fallows” was undertaken in the Department of Agronomy, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara during 2015-2017. The project was aimed to study the effect of reduced tillage practices on yield of black gram in rice fallows and to test the feasibility of mulch cum drip irrigation practices under conservation tillage in rice fallows. The experiment was laid out as RBD in split plot replicated thrice. There were 4 main plot treatments with tillage and mulching (conventional tillage with mulching, conventional tillage without mulching, reduced tillage with mulching, reduced tillage without mulching) and 3 subplot treatments with levels of drip irrigation (at 80% EP, 40% EP and life saving irrigation). Observations on growth, yield attributes and yield were recorded and soil moisture status, nutrient contents of plant and soil were determined. The conventional tillage with mulching produced taller plants with higher number of branches and LAI at different growth phases of black gram. Maximum biomass and dry matter production were also achieved under conventional tillage with mulching. Among the levels of drip irrigation, drip irrigation at 80% EP had the tallest and vigorous plants compared to other levels. Maximum number of pods per plant, longer pods and highest number of seeds per pod were produced by the plants in mulched plots with conventional tillage. Conventional tillage with mulching recorded the highest yield (1339 kg/ha) and it was 25, 60 and 80% higher than that of reduced tillage with mulching, conventional tillage without mulching and reduced tillage without mulching respectively. Among the drip irrigation levels, highest yield attributes and yield were recorded from plots with drip irrigation at 80% EP. Conventional tillage with mulching exhibited a 15, 18 and 40% higher WUE than conventional tillage without mulching, reduced tillage with mulching and reduced tillage without mulching respectively Among drip irrigation levels, highest water use efficiency was recorded from plots with life saving irrigation. Higher soil moisture content was recorded by reduced tillage with or without mulching and drip irrigation at 80% EP at different depths as well as at different growth phases. Bulk density was found to be lower in the treatment of conventional tillage with mulching. Reduced tillage without mulching recorded the highest nutrient content of plants and available nutrient contents of soil. B:C ratio was found to be maximum under conventional tillage with mulching and drip irrigation at 80% EP. Conventional tillage with mulching and drip irrigation at 80% EP was found to be better option in terms of yield and net returns in black gram for cultivation in summer rice fallows.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Leaf litter recycling in homestead agroforestry systems
    (Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2017) Harishma, S J; KAU; Sheeba Rebecca, Isaac
    The study entitled “Leaf litter recycling in homestead agroforestry systems” was conducted during the period 2015-‘17 at College of Agriculture, Vellayani. The main objectives of the study were to hasten the decomposition process of leaf litter of two selected multipurpose tree species commonly grown in homestead agro forestry systems using microorganisms and earthworms, to enrich the litter compost with bio fertilizers, to assess the response of amaranthus to the enriched litter compost application and to monitor the changes in soil chemical and biological properties with use of the compost as nutrient source. The study was conducted as two experiments i) composting of leaf litter and ii) assessing the response of amaranthus to enriched leaf litter compost. The experiment on composting of leaf litter was laid out in Completely Randomised Design with two factors replicated thrice. The treatments were two tree species (T1- Jack ; T2- Coconut) and eight composting methods [C1 - Composting inoculum (CoA, Vellayani) – powder formulation @ 20 g kg-1; C2 - Composting inoculum of Bacillus subtilis (CoH, Vellanikkara) - liquid formulation @ 1000 ml m-3, C3 - Earthworms (Eudrillus eugineae) @ 50 nos. m-3; C4 - Co-composting with poultry manure @ 10% w/w; C5 -C1 + C 3; C6 -C 2 + C3; C7 – Natural decomposition with soil; C8 - Natural decomposition without soil. Litter samples of the two tree species were collected during March, 2016 and analysed for bio-chemical constituents. Composting was done in cement pots of uniform size as per the treatments envisaged. Analysis of the initial litter revealed higher nitrogen, lignin and phenol contents in coconut litter. Phosphorus and potassium contents were higher and C:N ratio wider in jack litter. Results of the decomposition study revealed that composting of leaf litter with different organisms and co-composting could significantly reduce the time taken for complete decomposition in both litter species. Co- composting was found to be the best method for hastening the decomposition. Decomposition was completed in 105 days in jack and 121 days in coconut litter, compared to the 206 and 238 days taken for natural decomposition in jack and coconut, respectively. The final composts of both litter had significantly higher amounts of nutrients and lower C: N ratio compared to the initial litter. Based on the time taken for decomposition, nutrient contents and C: N ratio of the final composts, the three best composts in jack selected for the field experiment - i) C4 (N -1.87%, P- 0.73%, K- 0.16%, C: N ratio- 16.63:1, decay time -105 days), ii) C5 (N -1.35%, P-0.80% , K-0.25%, C:N ratio- 21.60:1, decay time-138 days) and iii) C2 (N- 1.30 %, P -0.64% , K- 0.20%, C:N ratio- 27.89:1, decay time- 165 days). In the case of coconut leaf litter, the composts selected were - composting with i) C4 (N- 2.48%, P- 0.44% , K- 0.20 %, C : N ratio- 11.94:1, decay time – 121 days), ii) C6 (N- 2.18 %, P - 0.27% , K- 0.12%, C: N ratio- 13.70:1, decay time- 148 days ) and iii) C1 (N- 2.31 %, P -0.61 % , K- 0.14%, C: N ratio -16.48:1, decay time -179 days). Field evaluation of the litter composts was conducted in the Instructional Farm, College of Agriculture, Vellayani during November 2016- February, 2017. The selected composts enriched with PGPR Mix I (@10 g kg-1 + rock phosphate @15% w/w basis and thermo chemically digested composts (Suchitha) of both species were used as nutrient source for amaranthus (var. Arun) at 50% substitution of recommended dose of nitrogen (KAU, 2016). The eight (T1-T8) treatments, along with a control (100% chemical fertilizer application, T9) were laid out in Randomised Block Design with three replications. Application of coconut leaf litter composted with composting inoculum (liquid) + earthworm (T6) resulted in significantly taller plants at the different stages of growth. Leaf area index was highest in T6 and was on par with T4 and T2 at 60 DAT. Yield was significantly higher in T6 (20.20 t ha-1) and remained at par with T2 (17.96 t ha-1). Available K status of soil was significantly high in the treatments which received thermo chemically digested composts. Soil microbial count recorded higher values in T6 for bacteria (67.8 x 106cfu g-1 soil) and fungi (24.7 x 104 cfu g-1 soil). Actinomycetes was the highest (15.7 x 105 cfu g-1 soil) in T5. Application of coconut leaf litter compost [composting inoculum (liquid) + earthworms] as nitrogen source resulted in higher net returns (₹ 144874 ha-1) and benefit cost ratio (1.92) in amaranthus. The results of the study revealed that composting leaf litter with microorganisms and earthworms reduced the time for decomposition by up to 50 percentage. Co-composting with poultry manure was the best method for rapid composting in jack and coconut leaf litter. Through the process of enrichment, the nutrient content of the leaf litter compost found to be increased. Substituting 50 per cent recommended dose of nitrogen in amaranthus with coconut leaf litter compost (composting inoculum (liquid) + earthworms] resulted in significantly higher yield (46.7 per cent) and economic returns compared to 100 per cent chemical fertilizer application. The available nutrient status and microbial population in the soil were found increased through leaf litter compost application.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Silicon nutrition for rice in iron toxic laterite soils of Kollam district
    (Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2017) Guntamukkala Babu, Rao; KAU; Poornima Yadav, P I
    The study entitled “Silicon nutrition for rice in iron toxic laterite soils of Kollam district” was carried out at College of Agriculture, Vellayani, to assess the possibility of partially substituting fine silica with alternate silicon sources and to find out the effect of these sources on growth and productivity of rice for formulating a cost effective nutrient package for rice in iron toxic laterite soils. The field experiment was laid out in randomized block design with seven treatments and three replications, using rice variety Uma, during Virippu, 2016 at farmer’s field in Vilakkudy panchayath, Kollam district. The treatments consisted of four sources of silicon viz. fine silica, rock dust, rice husk ash and potassium silicate at varying levels. The treatments were: T1- fine silica @ 100 kg ha-1, T2 - fine silica @ 75 kg ha-1+ rock dust @ 25 kg ha-1, T3 - fine silica @ 75 kg ha-1+ foliar application of potassium silicate at maximum tillering stage @ 0.5%, T4 -fine silica @ 50 kg ha-1 + rock dust @ 25 kg ha-1 + foliar application of potassium silicate at maximum tillering stage @ 0.5%, T5 - fine silica @ 75 kg ha-1 + rice husk ash @ 125 kg ha-1, T6 - fine silica @ 50 kg ha-1 + rice husk ash @ 250 kg ha-1, T7 - fine silica @ 50 kg ha-1 + rice husk ash @ 125 kg ha-1 + foliar application of potassium silicate at maximum tillering stage @ 0.5%. All the treatments were given a uniform dose of lime @ 150 kg ha-1, farm yard manure @ 5 t ha-1 and NPK @ 90:45:120 kg ha-1. The result of the investigation are summarised below. Application of silicon significantly influenced the growth attributes like plant height at panicle initiation stage (PI) and at harvest and the number of tillers m-2 at maximum tillering, PI and at harvest with T6 (fine silica @ 50 kg ha-1 + rice husk ash @ 250 kg ha-1) resulting in the highest value. With respect to dry matter production (DMP) also, at harvest stage T6 showed the highest value. At PI stage T7 produced the highest DMP; however it was on par with T6 and T3. Yield attributing characters like productive tillers m-2, thousand grain weight and number of filled grains panicle-1 were also significantly influenced by the silicon nutrition, T6 resulting the highest values. Sterility percentage was the lowest in T6 and it was on a par with T5 and T7. Silicon application significantly influenced grain yield, straw yield, harvest index, net income and B:C ratio. The treatment T6 produced the highest grain yield (6.14 t ha-1), net income (₹ 72,503 ha-1) and B:C ratio (1.78) and it was significantly superior to all the other treatments. Treatments T6 and T7 were on a par and superior to the other treatments with respect to straw yield and harvest index. Soil physico-chemical properties such as soil texture and electrical conductivity were not significantly influenced by silicon application, but there was an improvement in soil reaction (pH) compared to the initial status. Significant increase in the soil organic carbon status was noticed in the treatments receiving rice husk ash (T6, T5, T7). Considering the growth and yield parameters as well as grain yield, net income and B:C ratio, application of fine silica @ 50 kg ha-1 + rice husk ash @ 250 kg ha-1 (T6) was found to be cost effective package for rice in iron toxic laterite soils, along with the present KAU Package of Practices recommendation of lime @ 150 kg ha-1 + FYM @ 5 t ha-1 + NPK @ 90:45:120 kg ha-1.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Magnesium nutrition in hybrid napier
    (Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2017) Akhila, C Thampi; KAU; Usha, C Thomas
    The investigation entitled “Crop productivity and weed dynamics in rice based farming systems” was undertaken with the objective of studying the performance and weed dynamics of different cropping sequences in rice based integrated farming systems. The experiment forms a part of ongoing All India Coordinated Research Project on Integrated Farming System and was carried out in the Integrated Farming System Research Station (IFSRS), Karamana, Kerala Agricultural University. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with seven treatments, replicated thrice, during the summer and Virippu seasons 2016. The treatments were, T1 (rice-rice-fallow), T2 (rice-rice-amaranthus), T3 (rice-rice-culinary melon), T4 (rice- rice-fodder cowpea), T5 (rice+fish)-(rice+fish)-(amaranthus+fish), T6 (rice+fish)- (rice+fish)- (culinary melon+fish) and T7 (rice+fish)-(rice+fish)-(fodder cowpea+fish). The varieties of rice, amarathus, culinary melon and fodder cowpea used were Uma, Arun, Vellayani local and Aiswarya respectively. In treatments T5-T7 fish species viz., catla (Catla catla) and rohu (Labio rohita) were introduced into the trenches of 6m x 3m x 1m after transplanting of Virippu crop and were harvested after summer crop. The data related to rice yield during Virippu and Mundakan season of 2015, generated from the ongoing trial, were used for working out the economics of the systems. During summer, growth of amaranthus and fodder cowpea was superior when grown along with fish. The highest yield of fodder cowpea was obtained when it was grown as sole crop (T4) followed by culinary melon grown with fish (T6) and fodder cowpea grown with fish. However, significantly higher rice equivalent yield (REY) was obtained when culinary melon was integrated with fish (T6). During summer, among weeds, grasses dominated, followed by sedges and broad leaved weeds. Population of Echinochloa colona, Lindernia grandiflora and Fimbristylis miliacea predominated among the grasses, broad leaved weeds and sedges respectively. The absolute density of different weeds was significantly less in T6 at all the stages, whereas in T2 and T5 the population was higher. The highest dry weight of grasses, broad leaved and sedges were in T1 at all stages. Among the other treatments, T2 recorded significantly higher dry matter of grasses at both the stages. But dry weight of broad leaved weeds and sedges was significantly higher in T2 and T4 only at 20 DAS. The weed control efficiency (WCE) of grasses and sedges were significantly higher in T6 at all stages, while in broad leaved weeds, WCE was similar in all treatments except T2. In general, among the treatments except T1 removal of all major nutrients (N, P and K) by weeds was significantly higher in T2, T3 and T5 both at 20 and 40 DAS. During Virippu, rice plants were taller when grown with fish (T5, T6, and T7) and in the system where culinary melon sole crop preceded the rice crop (T3) during summer. Significantly more number of tillers was produced in T6 at 20 DAT and in T7 at 40 DAT. The number of productive tillers m-2 and thousand grain weight did not vary significantly among treatments. However, significantly higher grain weight panicle-1 was recorded in T7 (4.08 g), which was on par with T6 T5 and T1. Grain productivity was significantly higher and on par in the systems in which rice was integrated with fish (T5, T6, and T7). In general, yield attributes and productivity of rice were less in rice-rice-fallow system. During Virippu, season also grasses were dominated followed by sedges and broad leaved weeds.The highest absolute density of grasses was in T5 at 20 DAT, broad leaved weeds in T1 and T5 and sedges in T7 and T5 at 20 and 40 DAT. Weed dry weight of grasses was initially the highest in rice-rice-fallow (T1). At 40 DAT dry weight of grasses was the highest in T7 and comparable with T6 and T1. Weed dry weight of broad leaved weeds was the highest in T1 at 20 and 40 DAT and in T5 at 60 DAT. Weed dry weight of sedges was more in T1 at 20 DAT. The WCE of grasses was the highest in T3, T1 and T6 at 20, 40 and 60 DAT respectively, while that of broad leaved weeds the highest in T3 at 20 and 40 DAT and of sedges in T1 at all the stages. Significantly higher amount of nitrogen was removed by weeds in T1 at 20 DAT, while at 40 and 60 DAT, it was more in T7. A similar trend was observed in phosphorus and potassium also. Regarding soil nutrient status before summer, nitrogen content was higher in T2, while phosphorus and potassium was higher in T5. After the summer crop, nitrogen content was significantly higher in T2, T3, T5 and T4 which were on par. Phosphorus and potassium content was significantly higher in T5 and T2 and they were on par. After the Virippu rice crop, significantly higher available nitrogen content was in T5, T2, T6 and T7 which were on par. The economic parameters viz., gross returns, net returns, B: C ratio, LRI (Link Relative index), system profitability and crop profitability were significantly higher in T6. The contribution of the fish component to the gross income varied from ₹ 1.27 to 1.32 lakhs from 0.50 ha. From the study, the investigations on weed dynamics revealed that the population of weeds was more in summer than in Virippu. During summer and Virippu, grasses dominated followed by sedges and broad leaved weeds, but broad leaved weeds were more in Virippu than in summer. In summer, weeds were more in fallow and in systems with sole crops. Among crops, weed growth was more in amaranthus. In Virippu, weeds were higher in the systems where rice was grown with fish. The productivity of summer crops and Virippu rice crop was more in cropping sequences integrated with fish. Rice+fish – rice+fish –culinary melon+fish system performed better in terms of weed control, yield and profit. This was followed by Rice+fish – rice+fish – amaranthus+fish system
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Crop productivity and weed dynamics in rice based farming systems
    (Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2017) Madankumar, M; KAU; Jacob John
    The investigation entitled “Crop productivity and weed dynamics in rice based farming systems” was undertaken with the objective of studying the performance and weed dynamics of different cropping sequences in rice based integrated farming systems. The experiment forms a part of ongoing All India Coordinated Research Project on Integrated Farming System and was carried out in the Integrated Farming System Research Station (IFSRS), Karamana, Kerala Agricultural University. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with seven treatments, replicated thrice, during the summer and Virippu seasons 2016. The treatments were, T1 (rice-rice-fallow), T2 (rice-rice-amaranthus), T3 (rice-rice-culinary melon), T4 (rice- rice-fodder cowpea), T5 (rice+fish)-(rice+fish)-(amaranthus+fish), T6 (rice+fish)- (rice+fish)- (culinary melon+fish) and T7 (rice+fish)-(rice+fish)-(fodder cowpea+fish). The varieties of rice, amarathus, culinary melon and fodder cowpea used were Uma, Arun, Vellayani local and Aiswarya respectively. In treatments T5-T7 fish species viz., catla (Catla catla) and rohu (Labio rohita) were introduced into the trenches of 6m x 3m x 1m after transplanting of Virippu crop and were harvested after summer crop. The data related to rice yield during Virippu and Mundakan season of 2015, generated from the ongoing trial, were used for working out the economics of the systems. During summer, growth of amaranthus and fodder cowpea was superior when grown along with fish. The highest yield of fodder cowpea was obtained when it was grown as sole crop (T4) followed by culinary melon grown with fish (T6) and fodder cowpea grown with fish. However, significantly higher rice equivalent yield (REY) was obtained when culinary melon was integrated with fish (T6). During summer, among weeds, grasses dominated, followed by sedges and broad leaved weeds. Population of Echinochloa colona, Lindernia grandiflora and Fimbristylis miliacea predominated among the grasses, broad leaved weeds and sedges respectively. The absolute density of different weeds was significantly less in T6 at all the stages, whereas in T2 and T5 the population was higher. The highest dry weight of grasses, broad leaved and sedges were in T1 at all stages. Among the other treatments, T2 recorded significantly higher dry matter of grasses at both the stages. But dry weight of broad leaved weeds and sedges was significantly higher in T2 and T4 only at 20 DAS. The weed control efficiency (WCE) of grasses and sedges were significantly higher in T6 at all stages, while in broad leaved weeds, WCE was similar in all treatments except T2. In general, among the treatments except T1 removal of all major nutrients (N, P and K) by weeds was significantly higher in T2, T3 and T5 both at 20 and 40 DAS. During Virippu, rice plants were taller when grown with fish (T5, T6, and T7) and in the system where culinary melon sole crop preceded the rice crop (T3) during summer. Significantly more number of tillers was produced in T6 at 20 DAT and in T7 at 40 DAT. The number of productive tillers m-2 and thousand grain weight did not vary significantly among treatments. However, significantly higher grain weight panicle-1 was recorded in T7 (4.08 g), which was on par with T6 T5 and T1. Grain productivity was significantly higher and on par in the systems in which rice was integrated with fish (T5, T6, and T7). In general, yield attributes and productivity of rice were less in rice-rice-fallow system. During Virippu, season also grasses were dominated followed by sedges and broad leaved weeds.The highest absolute density of grasses was in T5 at 20 DAT, broad leaved weeds in T1 and T5 and sedges in T7 and T5 at 20 and 40 DAT. Weed dry weight of grasses was initially the highest in rice-rice-fallow (T1). At 40 DAT dry weight of grasses was the highest in T7 and comparable with T6 and T1. Weed dry weight of broad leaved weeds was the highest in T1 at 20 and 40 DAT and in T5 at 60 DAT. Weed dry weight of sedges was more in T1 at 20 DAT. The WCE of grasses was the highest in T3, T1 and T6 at 20, 40 and 60 DAT respectively, while that of broad leaved weeds the highest in T3 at 20 and 40 DAT and of sedges in T1 at all the stages. Significantly higher amount of nitrogen was removed by weeds in T1 at 20 DAT, while at 40 and 60 DAT, it was more in T7. A similar trend was observed in phosphorus and potassium also. Regarding soil nutrient status before summer, nitrogen content was higher in T2, while phosphorus and potassium was higher in T5. After the summer crop, nitrogen content was significantly higher in T2, T3, T5 and T4 which were on par. Phosphorus and potassium content was significantly higher in T5 and T2 and they were on par. After the Virippu rice crop, significantly higher available nitrogen content was in T5, T2, T6 and T7 which were on par. The economic parameters viz., gross returns, net returns, B: C ratio, LRI (Link Relative index), system profitability and crop profitability were significantly higher in T6. The contribution of the fish component to the gross income varied from ₹ 1.27 to 1.32 lakhs from 0.50 ha. From the study, the investigations on weed dynamics revealed that the population of weeds was more in summer than in Virippu. During summer and Virippu, grasses dominated followed by sedges and broad leaved weeds, but broad leaved weeds were more in Virippu than in summer. In summer, weeds were more in fallow and in systems with sole crops. Among crops, weed growth was more in amaranthus. In Virippu, weeds were higher in the systems where rice was grown with fish. The productivity of summer crops and Virippu rice crop was more in cropping sequences integrated with fish. Rice+fish – rice+fish –culinary melon+fish system performed better in terms of weed control, yield and profit. This was followed by Rice+fish – rice+fish – amaranthus+fish system