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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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Subject: Forest Business Management × Author: Vinu Jacob × End date: 2014 × Thesis Type: M.Sc ×
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Foliar nutrient content and decomposition of green manure species viz. Gmelina arborea Roxb. and mallotus philippensis (Lam.) Muell. Arg.
    (Department of forest management and utilisation, College of forestry, Vellanikkara, 2014) Vinu Jacob; KAU; Vidyasagaran, K
    A detailed work was undertaken in the College of Forestry, Kerala Agricultural University, Vellanikkara, Thrissur, Kerala during 2011 - 2014 to study the foliar nutrient content and the decomposition rate of the leaf biomass of two green manure tree species, i.e. Gmelina arborea and Mallotus philippensis, as affected by seasons and field conditions. The experiment was conducted in an open and home garden during the wet season and the dry season. The rate of decomposition was generally faster for both the species studied under all the study situations. However, Gmelina arborea showed faster rates of leaf biomass decomposition than Mallotus philippensis. With respect to seasons, wet season reported faster decomposition for both the tree species. Although no significant influence of field conditions on the decomposition rate was observed, open area registered faster decomposition than homegarden. Decay coefficient recorded was maximum for Gmelina arborea. Generally, both the species under all the conditions followed a biphasic pattern of biomass decomposition. The initial nitrogen content, C: N ratio, lignin content and lignin: nitrogen ratio of the leaf biomass influenced the decomposition rate. The decomposition rate was also found to be a function of soil moisture content and soil temperature. Leaf biomass of Gmelina arborea showed rapid release of nutrients than Mallotus philippensis. Among the nutrients, potassium registered faster mineralization followed by nitrogen for both the species under all the study situations. The lowest mineralization tendency was seen for phosphorus in both the species under all the conditions. Also, significant improvement in the soil nutrient status of the soil was observed by the incorporation of leaf biomass of Gmelina arborea and Mallotus philippensis into the soil. However, no significant differences were observed with regards to the species on increasing the soil carbon and nitrogen content. The leaf biomass of Gmelina arborea showed maximum improvement of soil phosphorus content and exchangeable potassium.