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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: Silviculture and Agroforestry × Author: Naveed, Shujauddin × End date: 2004 × Start date: 2001 ×
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Productivity of ailanthus (Ailanthus triphysa) under different fertilizer regimes and population densities
    (Department of Sivilculture and Agroforestry, College of Forestry, Vellanikkara, 2001) Naveed, Shujauddin; KAU; Mohankumar, B
    A split plot experiment involving ailanthus (Ailanthus triphysa (Dennst.) Alston) at four population densities (3333,2500, 1600 an 1111 tpha) and four fertiliser regimes (0:0:0, 50:25:25, 100:50:50 and 150:75:75 kg N:P205:K20 ha" yr") was initiated in June 1991. The objectives included evaluating the biomass production potential of ailanthus grown under different spacing and fertiliser regimes and estimating nutrient export through whole tree harvesting. Height, diameter and stand leaf area of ailanthus trees at 8.7 years of age was greater in the 2500 trees per hectare (tpha) stand than other density levels. Lower densities recorded higher biomass on a per tree basis whereas on a stand .basis, the high density stand (3333 tpha) showed greater biomass yield. Fertilisers applied at 1.2, 2.25 and 5.25 years had no significant effect on biomass accumulation. Regarding the partitioning of tree biomass, stemwood was the most important component in all density and fertiliser treatments while foliage contributed the least. Nonetheless, foliage registered the highest N, P and K concentration (%). NPK concentration of other fractions decreased in the order: branchwood > roots> stemwood. Nutrient accumulation (N, P and K) on a per tree basis was higher in the lower densities while on a stand basis, greater accumulation was noted in the higher density stands (3333 and 2500 tpha). Bole fraction accounted for only 56 per cent of total nutrients removed during harvest. Thus leaving other biomass components (foliage and branches) at the site will greatly reduced the nutrient export associated with tree harvesting. Stands with 1600 and 1111 tpha showed higher N and K use efficiencies whereas for P, the tree population density of 2500 tpha 'showed the highest efficiency. Regarding fertiliser effect, trees in the control plot (no fertiliser) exhibited highest efficiencies for N, P and K. Available soil P, K and organic carbon concentrations declined with increasing tree population density. However, there was an overall increase in total N and available K levels compared to the previous. observation at 3 years of age. Increasing levels of fertilisers in general resulted in higher soil organic carbon, N, available P and K levels.