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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 Impact of climate change on the temporal and spatial distribution of the Indian Peafowl (Pavo cristatus) in Kerala(Academy of climate change education and research, Vellanikkara, 2016) Sanjo Jose, V; KAU; Nameer, P OIt has been of great importance for the researchers in finding the factors which influenced the species distributions. They are keen to know the current and future distribution patterns of endangered species for implementing the conservation strategies. Some invasive species are expanding their territory into new areas and it have to identify accurately. Avian species are regarded as a good bio-indicator of these devastating changes in the environment. This study was done based on the spatial and temporal distribution of the Indian Peafowl in Kerala, which would be supportive to establish the changes happening in the environment at various places. During the recent decades, rapid expansion in the distribution of the Indian Peafowl was occurred. The hypothesis of this study was that, this expansion is due to the climatic changes. To delineate species distributions and habitat associations, MaxEnt program was used. Using the current presence data acquired from e-Bird data source and 19 bioclimatic variables from WorldClim v1.4 the distribution of the Indian Peafowl had been modelled. Using the current distribution analysis, it would project the distribution of Indian Peafowl into the future by converging it to the maximum entropy probability distribution. Only the uncorrelated variables were used for the study, selected by checking for its percent contribution, permutation importance and R2 value. The study revealed the current (1950-2015) and projected distribution pattern of the Indian Peafowl for the years 2050 and 2070 under different RCP projections. The projected models tells about the increasing spatial distribution of the Indian Peafowl throughout Kerala except in Alappuzha and western slopes of Wayanad. The central part of Kerala is the hotspot of the Indian Peafowl currently and it will be the same in the future. The combined effects of precipitation and temperature variation have an indispensable role in this projected distribution of the Indian Peafowl.ThesisItem Open Access Carbon sequestration and crop weather relations in long term fertilizer experiments(Academy of Climete Change Education and Research, Vellanikkara, 2018) Sudhamani, P; KAU; Thulasi, VThe present study entitled “Carbon sequestration and crop weather relations in long term fertilizer experiment was formulated with the objectives of studying the effect of long term application of fertilizers and manures on soil carbon sequestration pattern and crop weather relations under long term fertilizer experiments with rice-rice cropping sequence maintained at Pattambi. The objectives were set out to study the carbon sequestration pattern in long term fertilizer experiment (LTFE), estimation of the SOC sequestration efficiency of different organic manures and to analyze and establish crop weather relations in LTFE. The LTFE consist of 12 treatments viz. T1:50 percent NPK, T2: 100 per cent NPK, T3:150 per cent NPK, T4: 100 per cent NPK + lime CaCO3 @ 600 kg ha-1, T5: 100 per cent NPK, T6: 100 per cent NP, T7: 100 per cent N, T8: 100 percent NPK + FYM @ 5 t ha-1 (to Virippu crop only), T9: 50 percent NPK + FYM @ 5 t ha -1 (to Virippu crop only), T10: 100 percent NPK + in situ growing of Sesbania aculeata (for Virippu crop only) ,T11: 50 percent NPK + in situ growing of Sesbania aculeata (for Virippu crop only), T12: Absolute control (No fertilizers/ manures). The grain yield, straw yield, stubbles left after harvest and unincorporated weed biomass were quantified for calculating the carbon inputs into soil. The soil organic carbon distribution pattern was analysed in different depths. The total carbon inputs and soil organic carbon sequestration rate were plotted to establish the relationship. Crop weather relations were studied through correlation studies and DSSAT modelling. Integrated nutrient management practice T8 (100 Per cent NPK + FYM) recorded higher values for grain yield and growth related parameters followed by T10 (100 per cent NPK + in situ growing of Sesbania aculeata) and T3 (150 per cent NPK).The soil which received 100 per cent NPK+FYM (T8) had higher mass of total organic carbon in top soil followed by T10. A significant positive linear relationship exists between carbon inputs and rate of carbon sequestration. The mean carbon sequestration efficiency was 8.4% in top soil. The average sequestration efficiency for FYM and daincha were 12.18 and 8.58% respectively. The decrease in dose of fertilizers incorporated along with organic manures decreased the carbon sequestration efficiency of the organic amendments. Therefore application of FYM seems to be a preferred strategy for enhancing SOC sequestration in lateritic soils due to its higher carbon sequestration efficiency. Maximum temperature had a positive impact on grain yield in both seasons Virippu and Mundakan, while the effect of minimum temperature was not significant. In general the rainfall and wind speed had negative impact on grain yield. Furthermore, crop weather relations in rice are established by using available long term data using DSSAT. There is perfect concurrence between observed and predicted grain yield of the experiment. So this study will help in planning better and judicious carbon management strategies and recommendations for these soils for sustainable health and crop production.ThesisItem Open Access Modeling rice production in kole lands and its vulnerability to climate change(Academy of Climate Change Education and Research Vellanikkara, 2018) Surabhi, S R; KAU; Sandeep, SRice is the most important staple food crop for more than 2/3rd of India’s population, and is the primary source of food for more than three billion people globally. Hence rice production plays a significant role in food security under a changing climate. The Kole lands is a multiple use wetland ecosystem covering an area of 13,632 ha spread over Thrissur and Malappuram districts, and form one of the rice granaries of Kerala. It is a part of the unique Vembanad-Kole wetland ecosystem. The objectives of the study were to develop crop weather relationship for the predominant rice varieties and assess possible changes in yield due to climate change and to study the impact of abiotic factors and farming practices on rice production using simulation model. Daily weather data for the period 1998-2016 were collected from the India Meteorological Department, Thiruvananthapuram. Information on area, production and productivity of rice in Kole lands was collected from Agriculture Statistics Report - Department of Economics and Statistics, Kerala. The weather data from General Circulation Models based on RCP 4.5 and 8.5 were used for the analysis and projections were made up to 2050. Weather cock v.1.5 was used for converting the daily weather data into standard week, month and seasonal formats. The rainfall parameters or indices like seasonal and monthly rainfall, rainy days and high rainfall events were calculated. It is also used to compute PET and Thornthwaite water balances. The crop simulation model DSSAT –developed by IBSNAT was used for studying the impact of climate change on these ecosystems. The monthly rainfall of Kole lands indicates that there was an increase in rainfall during the months of June, July and August as per RCP 4.5 and 8.5. According to RCP 4.5 and 8.5 an increasing trend in number of seasonal rainy days was observed during the monsoon seasons. The maximum amount of potential evapotranspiration was observed during the month of May, whereas the minimum in, November December, and January. The months of January, February, March, April, November and December were found to have no surplus. Whereas water deficit is projected to happen during the month of march. The maximum amount of surplus was found to occur in July and the yearly value shows an increase from the current condition. The area under rice production has shown a declining in Kole lands over a period of 2008 – 2017. Results indicates that the productivity of rice in Kole lands during the first cropping season was 2.08 t/ha. By 2030, the second cropping season was projected to have a yield of 3.124 t/ha. By 2050, the third cropping season would surpass the productivity of first two seasons with productivity of 3.424 t/ha.ThesisItem Open Access Impact of climate change on the temporal and spatial distribution of the selected migratory bird species in Kerala(Academy of Climate Change Education and Research Vellanikkara, 2018) Induja, B; KAU; Nameer, P OGlobal warming and climate change are terms for the observed century scale rise in the average temperature of the earth’s climate system and its related effects. The climate change prior to industrial revolution can be explained by natural phenomena. Anthropogenic climate change has a significant role on physical and biological systems all over the globe. The multiple components of climate change are anticipated to affect all the levels of biodiversity, from organism to biome levels. Researches have been done in identifying the factors affecting species distribution and analysing their current and future distribution pattern. Species are affected in a different manner, many are forced to migrate at different rates through fragmented landscapes. The migration of animals and birds is linked to climate factors such as temperature, moisture availability and amount of daylight. These migrations can be considered as a biological indicator of climate change as these species are expected to track the shifting climate. Avian species are one of the best bioindicators and many migrating birds are very sensitive to environmental changes and are already being affected by climate change. Increasing temperatures, changing vegetation and extreme weather conditions lead to significant changes of the birds’ essential habitats. The present study is a supporting element for the above statements. The spatial and temporal distribution of selected migratory species was studied in identifying the changing climate. Certain dry land inhabiting bird species such as Bunting species (Black-headed Bunting), Lapwing species (Gray-headed Lapwing), Wheatear species (Isabelline Wheatear), Bluethroat, Aquila species (Greater-spotted Eagle) and Stonechat species (Common Stonechat) are selected for the study. Recently the Kerala state has been witnessing the increased number in the arrival of certain migratory birds usually inhabiting the drier tracts of warmer countries.It is hypothesised in the study that the increased distribution of these birds could be an indication that the climate in Kerala is changing. For analysing the species distribution, Maxent model was used. Using the current bird data collected from e-bird database and the climate data acquired from the WorldClim v1.4 database, the modelling for the present condition was done. Then utilising the current distribution analysis, it would project the distribution of the bird species into the future by converging it to the maximum entropy probability distribution. The study revealed the current (1950-2015) and projected distribution pattern of the selected migratory bird species for the years 2050 and 2070 under different RCP projections. The current distribution pattern says that the presence of Black-headed Buntingis observed at the northern and southern tips of Kerala, the Bluethroat at the central region, the Grey-headed Lapwing and the Common Stonechat towards the central and southern portions, the Greaterspotted Eagle at the central and southern regions and the Isabelline Wheatear towards the southern regions. The projected modelling results reveal that the distribution of the selected migratory bird species would be expanding more to the entire plains of the Kerala state excepting majority of the high land regions. For the current and future distribution of the given bird species the effect of temperature is more important comparing to precipitation effects.ThesisItem Open Access Modeling the rice production under varied agro ecological situations of Palakkad district and its vulnerability to climate change(Academy of Climate Change Education and Research Vellanikkara, 2018) Anandu, S Hari; KAU; Sunil, K MThe research project entitled "Modeling the rice production under varied Agro-Ecological Situations of Palakkad district and its vulnerability to climate change". Was carried out at RARS Pattambi and the daily rainfall data for the period 1991-2014 was collected from the India Meteorological Department, Thiruvananthapuram. The weather data from General Circulation Models based on RCP 4.5 and 8.5 were used for the analysis and projections were made up to 2050. Weather cock v.1.5 was used for converting the daily weather data into standard week, month and seasonal formats. The rainfall parameters or indices like seasonal and monthly rainfall, rainy days and high rainfall events were calculated. It is also used to compute PET and Thornthwaite water balances. The crop simulation model DSSAT-developed by IBSNAT was used for studying the impact of climate change on these ecosystems. The monthly rainfall of various Agro ecological units of Palakkad district indicate an increased rainfall during the months June, July and August in Projected climate as per RCP 4.5 a weakening in rainfall can be noticed during the months January, February, September and December in projected climate, annually, the number of rainy days indicates a declining trend in projected climate. In a nut shell, the wet months will be watter and dry periods will be drier. The south west monsoon and summer season shows an increasing tendency in the number of rainy days and amount of rainfall in projected climate. Most of the agro-ecological units in Palakkad district showed a decreasing pattern in the length of growing period in projected climate as per RCP 4.5 In projected climate, the maximum amount of potential evapotranspiration can be observed during the months May, July and September whereas the minimum will be in January, November and December. The yearly potential evapotranspiration shows an increasing trend in projected climate as per RCP 4.5. The number of periods where deficit will happen indicate a decreasing trend whereas the annual amount of deficit shows an increasing pattern in projected climate. As per the projections maximum amount of water deficit will happen during the month March in most of the agro ecological units of central Kerala. Annually the amount of water surplus indicates an increasing trend in projected climate based on RCP 4.5. In RCP 4.5, which is the most likely scenario for India, the yield reduction will be 10 per cent by 2030s and 2050s respectively. It can be observed from the study that the impact of climate change on rice production varied widely under different agro ecological situations. The major rice growing tracts of Palakkad district except Palakkad eastern plains (AEU 23) showed decline in productivity.ThesisItem Open Access Land use pattern and regional water balance in relation to climate change - a case study of Kanthallor Panchayath, Idukki, Kerala(Academy of Climate Change Education and Research Vellanikkara, 2018) Vishnumaya, A P; KAU; Jalaja, S MenonThe study on land use pattern and regional water balance in relation to climate change was carried out in Kanthallor panchayath of Idukki district Kerala during the period 2016-17. The climatic parameters collected from India Meteorological Department and soil nutrient properties collected from Agricultural Department were used to interpret the land use change. Climate data for the period from 1991 to 2014 showed that the Maximum Temperature ranged from 22.73oc to 25.96oc and Minimum Temperature ranged from 15.55oc to 17.76oc. The rainfall was in the range 823 mm to 1887mm. The average wind speed is 2.61 Km/hr, average value of Relative Humidity is 86.38% and average solar radiation is 14.25 mj/m2/day. The soil health card reports collected from Department of Agriculture showed that the soil PH was in the range 4.5 to 7.3. The organic carbon content of hundred percent soil samples computed was in the range "High". The level of Phosphorous was also in the range "High" in 72.65% samples studied. Whereas, Potassisum was in the range of "Medium" in 73.68% of samples considered. Boron and Sulphur was found in the range of "low" in 92.11 % and 63.16% samples tested. Hence it is imperative that for cultivating traditional annual cool season crops like Potato, Beans and Garlic special nutrient management package is to be prepared for this AEU17. The land use change over a period from 2010 to 2018 was tabulated from the Land use maps prepared by Kerala State Land Use Board and the present land use map was generated using Google Earth Pro by creating kml file. It was found that total forest area including all kinds of forest has been reduced from 77.28 sq.km to 72.61 sq.km. It can also be seen that the area under Eucalyptus has increased from 7.70 Km2 to 9.96 Km2. But the area under Sandal wood remains unchanged as there are legal restrictions in its cultivation and the entire area is under government control. There was a drastic change in area under vegetables from 2.36Km2 to 10.15 Km2 within a span of eight years which indicate that the main livelihood option is annual cool season vegetables and there is a good market support from the Agricultural Department. The traditional food grain crops cultivated in the panchayath were Rice, wheat and Millets which were now replaced by vegetables and sugarcane. The water balance and irrigation water potential of major traditional annual crops like Potato, Beans and garlic were calculated by using RCP 4.5. It revealed that the potential evapo transpiraion has decreased under projected climate for the years 2030, 2050 and 2080. The present potential evapotranspiration was highest during March which will be shifted to May, as seen in the projected climate for the year 2030. The present maximum water deficit in the month May will be shifted to March as seen in the projected climate for the year 2030. The present water surplus in the month March, June, July, August, September and October will be shifted to May, June, July, August and October. The Major three crops Potato, Beans and Garlic are now being cultivated as rainfed crops. Projected irrigation water requirement of Potato is 9.2 mm for the year 2030. Projected irrigation water requirement of Beans for the year 2030 will remain same as present. Projected irrigation water requirement of Garlic is 8.2 mm for the year 2030. The climate data for past twenty years showed a change in the total down pour and the Minimum and Maximum temperature. The land use change analyzed for the last eight years has also projected the decline in forest area and a tremendous increase in area under annual vegetables. The major crops like Potato, Beans and Garlic which are being cultivated presently as a rainfed crop in the major growing season of May to August will become an irrigated crop in future. It also point towards the need for better water resources and implementation of efficient soil and water conservation measures in this unique pancyhayath of Kanthallor. A shift from the traditional food grain crops like wet land paddy, Millets and Wheat to crops like Sugarcane and vegetables had affected the cropping pattern and the water use efficiency. Accordingly a change in cropping pattern or even a shift to new crops can be expected in future, if sustainable management practices and cropping system are not assured.ThesisItem Open Access Development of a comprehensive resilient strategy towards climate smart coastal villages through wetland management and aquaculture at Edakochi village in Ernakulam district(Academy of Climate Change Education and Research, Vellanikkara, 2018) Haritha, J; KAU; Zacharia, P URegional small wetlands are highly significant for ensuring village level nutritional security as it provides habitat aquaculture. The work mainly focuses on developing a framework for monitoring regional small wetlands through Android App and Portal. The online platform shall be an interface between users (farmers, testing agencies), experts (scientists) and admin (ICAR-CMFRI). The App and Portal focus on strengthening the national small wetland point source database through generation of additional data sets such as water quality profile, sediment quality profile and species profile. The work provides a basic structure for uniform wetland datasets. A wetland was selected at Edakochi village, Ernakulam, Kerala as representative to generate few among the data set. Wetland map of Kochi Taluk was created using QGIS which depicts extend of spread of water bodies. Restoration of the selected wetland was carried out viz side bund strengthening and sluice gate fortification. Water quality before and after restoration was assessed and water quality was found to be improved after restoration. The wetland has been restored and made suitable for aquaculture which could be further carried out by stake holders. Geospatial analysis of the selected wetland viz catchment area, elevation, slope, flow accumulation and drainage were done. The datasets generated could be fed to the online portal or app and the model could be replicated across all regional small wetlands so as to enhance the small wetland resilience.ThesisItem Open Access Measuring the climate change mitigation potential of forests and TOF (tree outside forest) systems in Thrissur(Academy of Climate Change Education and Research Vellanikkara, 2017) Nidhish, P Madhu; KAU; Shijo JosephInventorying of terrestrial carbon stock is important in understanding the role of forests and tree resources in the mitigation of climate change and its consequences. For this purpose, a total of 40 sample plots of 0.1ha area were inventoried. The sample plots included 4 plots within evergreen forests, 10 plots in moist deciduous forests and 26 plots in TOF (Trees Outside Forests) systems of Thrissur district in Kerala, Southern India. Five carbon pools, namely, above ground biomass, below ground biomass, deadwood, leaf litter and soil organic carbon were estimated. Chave’s generalised allometric model was used to estimate the above ground biomass. Below ground biomass component and deadwood carbon was calculated using IPCC default values. Litter carbon in forest systems were measured using gravimetric method while in TOF systems litter carbon was appropriated using UNFCCC guidelines. Soil organic carbon in every soil samples was measured using the Walkley black wet digestion method. A land use land cover map of Thrissur district for the same land use classes was also prepared using spectral signatures obtained from the GPS coordinates during field work. From the study, the mean carbon stock of evergreen forests, moist deciduous forests and TOF systems calculated were 623.68, 306.71, 150.15 tons/ha respectively. Above ground biomass was the major contributor in every land use type except in the case of plantations in TOF systems where soil organic carbon was the major contributor. The other major contributor included soil organic carbon, followed by below ground biomass while dead wood and litter carbon formed the least. The mitigation potential of forests and TOF systems in Thrissur district was calculated to be 19.22 million tons of CO2. The major contributor was the TOF systems which shows the immense potential of Kerala in mitigating the change in climate with its large population of trees outside forests.ThesisItem Open Access Effect of growing environment and climate change on growth and yield of cucumber [Cucumis sativus (L.)] under organic management(Academy of Climate Change Education and Research Vellanikkara, 2017) Abishna, P V; KAU; Usha, K EThe study entitled “Effect of growing environment and climate change on growth and yield of cucumber [Cucumis sativus (L.)] under organic management” was carried out at the Academy of Climate Change Education and Research, Kerala Agricultural University, Vellanikkara, Thrissur during 2016-2017. The experiment consisted of two growing environments (poly hose and rain shelter) and four dates of sowing (1st, 11th, 21st June and 2nd July). The biometric, phenological and yield parameters were significantly influenced by the growing environments and date of sowing. The crop sown inside the poly house recorded the highest length of vine (565 cm), number of leaves (83) and number of flowers (60). Early flowering (36 days) and more duration (86.6 days) was also observed under poly house. The crop sown inside the rain shelter had the highest number of fruits (54), fruit weight per plant(9.53 kg), average fruit weight (177 g), early harvest(60 days), number of harvest (12) and yield (31.6 t/ha). The crop sown on 1 June showed early flowering, more number of fruits per plant, weight per plant, number of harvest and yield both in rain shelter as well as poly house. The crop sown on 11th June recorded the highest length of vine inside the poly house. The crop sown on 21 June had the highest number of flowers and early harvest inside the rain shelter whereas the duration was extended in poly house. The crop sown on 2nd July number of leaves in rain shelter whereas the number flowers and early harvest was observed in poly house. The highest N, P and K (170 kg/ha, 116.5 kg/ha and 520 kg/ha) and organic carbon (3.12%) were also found the soil under rain shelter after the experiment. The highest bacterial (45.95× 106cut ml-1) and fungal (76× 106cfu ml- 1 ) population was observed inside the rain shelter. Actinomycetes could not be detected either in poly house or in rain shelter. With respect to the micro climate, the highest maximum temperature, minimum temperature, soil temperature and relative humidity were observed inside the polyhouse throughout the crop season. The highest soil moisture content and PAR was observed inside the rain shelter. The results of the present study revealed that growing environment and date of sowing has significant influence on growth and yield of cucumber. Rain shelter is a potential method to maintain the micro climate in favor of cucumber growth and yield. Rain shelter growing and sowing on 1st June had a significant impact on realizing the highest yield parameters and yield in cucumber compared to poly house growing and other dates of sowing.