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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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20191
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Subject: Silviculture and Agroforestry × Author: Anush Patric × Author: KAU × End date: 2019 × Start date: 2010 × Type: Thesis ×
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Productivity of tree fodder banks in selected homegardens of central Kerala
    (Department of Silviculture and Agroforestry, College of Forestry, Vellanikkara, 2019) Anush Patric; KAU; Asha, K Raj
    The field study entitled “Productivity of tree fodder banks in selected homegardens of Central Kerala” was carried out as three separate experiments in selected small, medium, and large scale homegarden with livestock component in Arimboor panchayath, Thrissur, Kerala during 2018-2019. The study aimed to assess the forage yield and nutritive value of five fodder tree species viz. Mulberry (Morus indica), Agathi (Sesbania grandiflora), Moringa (Moringa oleifera), Gliricidia (Gliricidia sepium) and Calliandra (Calliandra calothyrsus) under hedgerow planting (45 x 45 cm spacing) in homegardens; and to explore the short term changes in soil nutrient status of homegardens with tree fodder integration. The treatments were laid out in randomized block design replicated four times. The trees were harvested at 1m height and at the interval of two months during rainy season and three months during summer season The result revealed that all the tree species established well in the homegardens after planting. Initial growth of Agathi and Calliandra was faster in terms of plant height, whereas Gliricidia showed excellence in lateral branching. In general, coppice parameters were better for Gliricidia followed by Agathi and Calliandra. The annual green and dry forage yields were higher for Gliricidia (24.27 & 4.39 Mg ha-1) and Calliandra (16.38 & 4.60 Mg ha-1) respectively followed by Agathi and Mulberry. The yield from Moringa was comparatively poor. Seasonal fodder yields were higher for rainy period than summer. Forage quality also differed among tree species. Calliandra (22.57 %) and Gliricidia (19.99 %) fodder had more crude protein content and yield followed by Mulberry (16.74 %). Crude fibre content was lower in Gliricidia, Calliandra and Mulberry than other species. Mulberry (7.93 %), Moringa (7.61 %) and Agathi (7.12 %) had higher ash content, whereas Moringa and Mulberry had higher P and K content. Dry matter content was significantly higher for Calliandra (30.40 %) and Mulberry (28.73 %). Higher leaf-stem ratio was observed in Mulberry (2.09) and Gliricidia (2.05), followed by Calliandra (1.67). In general, Gliricidia and Calliandra had higher forage yields and protein content, followed by Agathi. Mulberry showed intermediate performance with respect to yield and quality. Moringa was inferior in forage yields but rich in quality attributes like ash, minerals and P content. Comparing homegardens, yield performance of fodder banks was higher in medium homegarden (MHG) followed by large (LHG) and small homegarden (SHG). Whereas reverse trend was observed in quality attributes of fodder. Survival count of the trees after one year of planting was significantly higher in Mulberry (80.06 %) and Calliandra (71.13 %), followed by Gliricidia (44.35 %), whereas survival was drastically lower for Agathi (31.55 %) and Moringa (31.55 %). Inspite of poor yields of Mulberry in the initial year, higher persistence of Mulberry indicates its better performance in the subsequent years. Comparing different homegardens, survival percentage was higher for SHG (59.47 %) and MHG (54.46 %) followed by LHG (41.07 %). Low survival in LHG was due to waterlogging during rainy season. In general, the soil organic carbon, N and P content improved with fodder tree integration in SHG and MHG. There was no visible changes in K content. Soil N and P levels also improved in LHG whereas SOC showed a declining trend. Comparing tree species, Agathi plots showed more soil improvement with higher SOC and NPK levels whereas soil depletion was more evident in Moringa with respect to carbon, P and K, and in Calliandra in terms of carbon and nitrogen. PAR transmittance ranged from 50.10 % in SHG to 52.75 % in MHG and LHG which were on par. PAR transmittance levels in various tree plots ranged from 45.50 – 58.57 % with no statistical significance. A marginal reduction in transmittance was observed in Mulberry (45.50 %) when compared to other species. The economics of fodder bank cultivation in homegardens varied significantly with respect to tree species. Gliricidia fodder banks generated higher returns and B: C ratio (1.28) whereas all other species showed B: C ratio of less than one. The initial cost for raising fodder banks in homesteads is high whereas the forage yield in the initial year of planting is comparatively less as trees are under the establishment phase. Hence, in conclusion, fodder trees like Gliricidia, Calliandra, and Mulberry with good yield/persistence are found to be ideal for hedgerow planting in the understorey of homesteads. Agathi is not amenable to heavy pruning, hence frequent replanting is a management option due to its faster growth. Cultivation of Moringa should be confined to light intensive as well as dry areas of homesteads. Moreover, pruning of overhead trees in homesteads to enhance understorey light regimes can further elevate the yield levels of fodder banks. Scientific cultivation and management of multispecies tree fodder banks and feeding mixed forages will provide quality and balanced nutrition to enhance livestock production at minimal cost in homegardens.