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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 Biomass production and root distribution pattern of selected fast growing multi-purpose tree species(Department of Silviculture and Agroforestry, College of Forestry,Vellanikkara, 1994) Jamaludheen, V; KAU; Mohankumar, BA randomized block design experiment involving nine fast growing multi – purpose trees (Acacia auriculiformis A. Cunn. ex Benth., Casuarina equisetifolia J.R. & G Forst., Leucaena leucocephala (Lamk.) de wit. Var. K 8, Ailanthus triphysa (Dennst.) Alston, Emblica officinalis Gaertn, Artocarpus heterophyllus Lamk., Pterocarpus marsupium Roxb., Paraserianthes falcataria (L.) Neilson and Artocarpus hirsutus Lamk.) Initiated during June, 1985 was used for the present investigations. The objectives of the study included quantifying the biomass production potential of nine selected fast growing multi-purpose tree species grown under short rotation intensive cultural systems; characterising the root distribution pattern of these trees and also elucidating the extent of nutrient loss through harvest, besides characterising litter dynamics. Acacia and paraserianthes recorded the highest growth rates in terms of height, radial growth and biomass yield. Biomass production decreased in the order: Acacia > Paraserianthes > Casuarina > A. heterophullus > Emblica Pterocarpus > A. hisrsutus > Ailanthus > Leucaena. The most important component of total biomass undoubtedly, was the bole while foliage contributed least to biomass yield. Nevertheless foliage, in general registered the highest N, and K contents. Among the species, Leucaena had the highest N concentration followed by Paraserianthes and Pterocarpus. For P and K concentrations, Pterocarpus and A. hirsutus registered the highest concentration. A one – to – one correspondence between nutrient accumulation and biomass yield was however, lacking because of wide variations in elemental concentrations among species and also among tissue types. Bole fractions, in general, did not account for more than 50 % of total nutrient export from site. Altering the rate of nutrient removal in products is one of the most important design criteria in planning for sustainable plantion. N-fixing tree plots generally had a higher soil N status. Casuarina, Emblica and Pterocarpus plots were having higher P levels. Acacia, Paraserianthes and A. hisrsutus plots registered markedly higher K level. The amount of litterfall was maximum for Acacia and the minimum for Pterocarpus. Litterfall also followed a unimodal distribution pattern with a distinct peak during the November – January period and the period of lean fall was during May-August. Litter dynamics accounted for bulk of the nutrient inputs into the system. The retranslocation of mineral nutrients from senescing leaves to younger leaves and /or other tissues prior to abscission was obvious. Leucaena, Paraserianthes, Pterocarpus, Acacia, Alinathus and Emblica formed examples of high (> 1.5%) detrital N content. Generally the wet period (June – August) was characterised by increased concentration of N in litter. Litter P did not follow a consistent pattern with respect to seasons. However, a characteristic decline in litter K concentration was noticed during the rainy season. Mass disappearance of litter samples followed a negative expontential relationship. Leucaena litter, having the highest initial N content, decomposed compeletely in the shortest period (9 months). Root system studies suggest that A. hetrophyllus, Emblica and Paraserianthes are perhaps unsuitable for intensive mixing and close planting in agroforestry as they possess shallow and highly spreading root system. Ailanthus is perhaps a better candidate species for the above purpose as it possess relatively lower lateral root spread and at the same time having a deep tap root system. Root activity paatern of Artocarpus hisrsutus revealed that more than 75% of fine roots responsible for water nutrient absorption is concentrated in the 75 cm radius around the base of the tree. Recovery of 32P declined as depth of application increased. The combination of lowest lateral distance (75 cm) and depth (30 cm) accounted for more than 30% root activity.ThesisItem Open Access Nutritional defficiency symptoms of teak (Tectona grandis Linn. F )seedling(Department of Silviculture and Agroforestry, College of Forestry,Vellanikkara, 1997) Viju Varghese, KAU; Gopikumar, KSand culture studies were conducted in College of Forestry, Kerala Agricultural University, Vellanikkara, Thrissur with an objective of inducing the symptoms of deficiency of various nutrient elements in seedlings of teak (Tectona grandis Linn.f.) grown in sand culture. The effects of nutrients viz., N,P,K, Mg,S,Zn and Mo on the growth, chlorophyll content and nutrient concentration of seedlings in the nursery were also studied. The results were finally confirmed by recovery studies by supplying the seedlings showing the symptoms of deficiency of various elements with complete nutrient solution. For the study, two months old seedlings of uniform growth were planted in containers filled with pure quartz sand and supplied with Hoagland No. 2 (1948) nutrient solution. The treatment solution was prepared by eliminating the desired nutrient from the complete Hoagland nutrient solution. The characteristic deficiency symptoms produced by seedlings due to the deficiency of various nutrient elements include leaf discolouration, necrosis, scorching, defoliation and growth stunting. The seedlings showing visual deficiency symptoms were also photographed. Seedlings that received complete nutrient solution were healthy with dark green foliage. Vegetative growth of the seedlings was also found to be affected due to the nutrient stress. All the fractions of chlorophyll ie; chlorophyll – A, chlorophyll – B total chlorophyll of the treatment seedlings particularly N deficient seedlings declined considerably during the study period. Visual deficiency symptoms of the nutrient elements also coincided with a corresponding reduction in foliar levels of the cocernrt element. There was remarkable improvement in the growth and recovery of the visual symptoms when the deficient element was again supplied to the seedlings through complete nutrient solution. The foliar nutrient content of these seedlings was also found to be improved significantly on application of complete nutrient solution.ThesisItem Open Access Conservation strategy for Hopea parviflora Bedd. species through storage of seeds usinhg cryopreservation techniques(Department of Silviculture and Agroforestry, College of Forestry,Vellanikkara, 2001) Ani, J R; KAU; Sudhakara, KA detailed study was conducted at College of Forestry, Kerala Agricultural University, Vellanikkara, Thrissur, Kerala during 1998-2000 to standardize the conservation strategy for Hopea parviflora Bedd. species through storage of seeds using cryopreservation. Diameter of seeds collected at seven weeks after anthesis was found to be higher than that at sixth week. Physiological maturity of the propagules is attained between five and six weeks after anthesis. The propagules were subjected to different relative humidities, vacuum and dry air for different durations as a pretreatment for cryopreservation studies. In 100 to 46.6 per cent relative humidities, the moisture content and the leachate conductivity of the propagules were found to increase with duration compared to the initial value. Equilibrium moisture content of Hopea parviflora propagules was found to lie between 75.6 to 30 per cent relative humidities. Germination parameters of seed and seed without seed coat were not decreased significantly due to desiccation by relative humidities, vacuum or dry air, but that of embryonic axes was considerably reduced as rapid drying might have been effected due to 30 and 20 per cent relative humidities and also due to vacuum and dry air with duration. High culture contamination was observed in vacuum and dry air treatments. After cryopreservation techniques, the propagules invariably failed to regenerate but could retain green colour for two to three days.ThesisItem Open Access Viability of hopea parviffora seeds with reference to temperature , medium of storage and microencapsulation techniques(Department of Silviculture and Agroforestry, College of Forestry, Vellanikkara, 1996) Sunilkumar, K K; KAU; Sudhakara, KA detailed study was conducted at College of Forestry, Kerala Agricultural university, Vellanikkara, Thrissur, Kerala during 1994 – 95 to study the effect of temperature, storage medium, fungicide and microencapsulation of zygotic embryo (synthetic seed) on the storage behaviour of Hopea parviflora seeds. Storing the dewinged seeds with a moisture content below 30 per cent resulted in rapid decline in seed viability due to dehydration injuries irrespective of storage temperature. Sand and neemcake was inappropriate as a storage medium because sand favoured early germination of the seeds in storage condition itself and neemcake caused severe desiccation injuries. Storing fungicide treated winged seeds collected just before natural seedsheding, at 100 C retained high germination percentage upto 40 days. Sythetic seeds were also successfully stored up to 1 month at 100C without significant reduction in germination percentage. Two ppm and three ppm ABA was observed to be helpful for maintaining higher germination percentage of synthetic seeds during storage.ThesisItem Open Access Nutrient content and decomposition of leaf litter of Acacia mangium Willd as affected by season and field conditions(Department of Silviculture and Agroforestry, College of Forestry, Vellanikkara, 1995) Ramakrishna, Hegde; KAU; Gopikumar, KA detailed experiment was conducted at the College of Forestry, Kerala Agricultural University, Vellanikkara, Thrissur, during the period from 1993 to 1995 to study the nutrient content and pattern of leaf litter decomposition of Acacia mangium Wild. During south west monsoon and north east monsoon seasons. The experiment was conducted both in home garden and open area. The rate of decomposition was faster in all the study situations. The initial nitrogen, lignin, C:N ratio and lignin : nitrogen ratio of leaf litter were found to exert profound influence on the rate of decomposition. The decomposition rate was found to be a function of time, soil moisture and soil temperature. The nutrient release pattern in almost all cases followed a characteristic biphasic model with an initial rapid phase followed by a slower latter phase. Among the different nutrients, potassium showed a faster rate of mineralisation in most of the situations while calcium and nitrogen mineralised slowly. Among the several mathematical models tried to predict the absolute amount of nutrients in the residual mass, the second order hyperbolic function was found to be good fit in most of the cases. Though the PH was not altered significantly by the decomposing litter mass, the content of most of the nutrient elements is found to be drastically influenced.ThesisItem Open Access Functional dynamics of an agrisilvicultural system involving coconut palms, Multipurpose trees and kacholam(Department of Silviculture and Agroforestry, College of Forestry, Vellanikkara, 1997) Sureshkumar, S; KAU; Mohankumar, BA factorial experiment involving coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) and three multipurpose tree species (Ailanthus triphysa (Dennst.) Alston., Grevillea robusta A. Cunn. and Vateria indica L.) in two planting geometries (single and double hedge) was established in an existing coconut plantation (14 years old) at Vellanikkara in June, 1992. Kacholam (Kaempferia L.), a herbaceous medicinal plant was introduced in this trial as a floor crop in May 1995. Monocultures of coconut and kacholam were also maintained. Objectives of the study included evaluating suitability of interplanting multipurpose trees in coconut plantations, assessing the consequential changes in growth of multipurpose trees productivity of coconut and kacholam and inter alia characterise the above and below ground interactions between field and tree crop components. Coconut yield was not adversely affected by interplanting multipurpose trees until the multipurpose trees were about 4 years old. Multipurpose trees exhibited wide variations in their growth and crown characteristics. Consequently the light availability beneath the canopy was highly dependent on the multipurpose tree species. Availability of photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) was inversely proportional to the stand leaf area index. Available PAR ranged from 18-45 % and 22-45% of that in the open at 50 and 150 cm above ground level respectively. Planting geometry did not influence this parameter significantly. Kacholam grown in the open (sole crop) exhibited better growth as compared to kacholam grown in association with coconut and multipurpose trees. Nevertheless, rhizome yield (at final harvest) was comparable in all the situations. Tissue nutrient content of kacholam was also independent of multipurpose trees. The results suggests the moderate shade tolerant nature of kacholam, which can be highly useful in intercropping. However, no strong relationship could be established between light availability and rhizome yield. Multipurpose trees exhibited considerable root activity in the coconut rhizosphere, as evident from the data on 32P recovery. However, competition for nutrients between the two components was not evident, probably due to the juvenile nature (4 years old) of the multipurpose trees. Even at this stage, the three multipurpose trees exhibited discernable difference in foliar 32P activity. Cross-feeding of kacholam by coconut roots scavenging kacholam beds was noticed. Three to four years of tree growth did not alter the soil nutrient status very substantially. An increase in soil pH and available potassium was, however, observed. Nevertheless, kacholam cultivation resulted in a modest decline in soil nutrient status.ThesisItem Open Access Development of storage techniques for thampakam (Hopea parviflora Bedd.) seeds(Department of Silviculture and Agroforestry, College of Forestry, Vellanikkara, 2002) Shaji, M; KAU; Sudhakara, KA detailed study was conducted at College of Forestry, Kerala Agricultural University, Vellanikkara, Thrissur, Kerala during 1999-2001 to develop a suitable storage technique for the seeds of Hopea parviflora Bedd. species through synthetic seed and cryopreservation technology. Moisture content of intact seeds/ seeds without seed coat/: excised embryonic axes decreased with increase in intensity and duration of desiccation levels and only the seeds without seed coat showed significant difference in moisture content due to maturity levels. Leachate conductivity was not significantly affected due to maturity levels of intact seeds and excised embryonic axes. But seeds without seed coat showed significant difference in leachate conductivity due to maturity levels and it was higher at seven weeks after anthesis. Increasing the duration of desiccation significantly increased the leachate conductivity of intact seeds/ seeds without seed coat! embryonic axes. Germination parameters of intact seeds and seeds without seed coat were not affected significantly by increased desiccation. However, excised embryonic axes showed significant difference in germination parameters when the intensity and duration of desiccation was increased. The synthetic seeds developed from these desiccated axes also showed significant difference in their germination parameters. Synthetic seeds stored at 4°C retained maximum viability after four weeks, compared to those stored at 200 C and 27 0 C. When stored at 27 0 C, the synthetic seeds developed from six weeks mature embryos retained viability up to three weeks whereas those at seven weeks after anthesis retained viability up to two weeks only. After cryopreservation, the propagules invariably failed to regenerate but could retain green colour for two to three days.ThesisItem Open Access Root competition between coconut palms and interplanted multipurpose trees under varying nutrients management regimes(Department of Silriculture and Agronomy, College of Forestry, Vellanikkara, 2002) Sanjeev Gowda, H B; Mohanakumar, BCoconut based production systems in the tropics often aim at improved resource capture through incorporating several trees and field crops. However, competition between the system components are probable when multipurpose trees are systematically interplanted in the coconut plantations. Soil fertility regimes are presumably important in determining the magnitude of below ground competitive interactions. Hence a study was conducted to evaluate the influence of interplanted multipurpose trees on coconut productivity along a soil fertility gradient, to assess the performance of multipurpose trees and to determine the nature of below ground interactions between coconut palms and multipurpose trees, at Vellanikkara since 1992. Treatments included combinations of cocounut with anyone of the three multipurpose trees namely, Vateria indica, Ailanthus triphysa and Grevillea robusta, following two planting geometries(randomised block design, replicated thrice). A soil fertility gradient, was super-imposed with high, medium and low fertility levels in 2000. 32p soil injection technique was employed to characterize . root interaction and logarithmic spiral trenching technique for evaluating root distribution pattern. Results show that coconut yield was not adversely affected by multipurpose trees interplanting until the trees reached eight years of age. Vateria, ailanthus and grevillea showed marked variations in their growth rates. Initially vateria recorded higher height and radial growth albeit ailanthus registered higher growth rates subsequently. Isotopic studies reveal that 32p absorption by coconut palms was similar in both sole and mixed cropping situations along the fertility gradient; probably implying the non-interfering nature of multipurpose trees. 32p absorption by vateria and ailanthus suggests that the absorption of radioactive phosphorus declined linearly with increasing distance ie. 32p absorption by multipurpose trees also did not affect the 32p uptake by coconut, suggesting that integrated land use systems involving multipurpose trees and coconut are ideally suited for improved resource capture and increased system productivity. Excavation of multipurpose tree root systems showed that proximal locations recorded higher rooting intensities and that the rooting intensities decreased with increasing distance. Size of the trees showed discernible differences in respect of spatial root distribution pattern. Large sized trees showed higher root distribution compared to small and medium. The first 10cm soil layer recorded the highest rooting intensities. Ailanthus roots were distributed upto a maximum distance of 469 cm, vateria upto 163 cm and grevillea upto 227 cm. Implicit in this is the species-dependent'variations in lateral root spread. In general, vateria and ailanthus have a well developed and ramified root systems. Grevillea, however, had a less spreading root systems. Selection of tree species with low root competitiveness and/or trees with complementary root interactions is of strategic importance in agroforestry.ThesisItem Open Access Evaluation of fuelwood characteristics, physical and mechanical properties of selected agroforestry tree species(Department of Silviculture and Agroforestry, College of forestry, Vellanikkara, 2001) Shanavas, A; KAU; Mohankumar, BAn experiment to evaluate the fuelwood value, and physical and mechanical properties of selected agroforestry tree species was conducted at the College of Forestry, Vellanikkara. The study involved determination of the fuelwood value of 48 species/materials and assessment of the physical and mechanical properties of three promising multipurpose trees having local importance, viz., Acacia auriculiformis, Acacia mangium and Grevillea robusta. Variations abound in the calorific values of agroforestry species and their tissue-types. Ash content, specific gravity, chemical composition and moisture content of tissues are primary factors affecting calorific value; while species and tissue-types, may exert a secondary control. Ash content and moisture content had a negative correlation with calorific value, whereas specific gravity exerted a positive influence. Based on the range in calorific values and fuelwood value indices obtained, different species and tissue-types could be broadly divided into three categories: high, medium and low. Calorific value of different tissue fractions decreased in the order: heartwood> sapwood > bark. Mean ash percentage of tissue-types followed the order: bark> sapwood > heartwood. Variations of ash content along bole height followed the order: branchwood > top > bottom > middle. Mean specific gravity of tissue-types followed the order: heartwood> sapwood > bark. For sample positions it followed the sequence: bottom> middle> top> branchwood. Wood moisture content increased from bottom to top along tree height and for tissue-types, it followed the order: bark < heartwood < sapwood. Coconut shell recorded the highest fuel value index (FVI) which was approximately 25 times greater than the highest value for tree species (Casuarina equisetifolia). Physical and mechanical properties of Acacia auriculiformis was significantly supenor to that of Acacia mangium and Grevillea robusta. The physical and mechanical properties were affected by both species and sample positions. Wood specific gravity increased from inner to outer sample positions along radial direction except for Grevillea robusta, which followed the order: outer < inner < middle. Moisture content decreased from inner to outer sample positions in Acacia mangium; while Grevillea robusta exhibited a divergent trend. Variations in shrinkage along radial direction followed the same trend as that of moisture content but was inconsistent with that of specific gravity. Most of the strength properties followed a trend similar to that of specific gravity. On a final note, specific gravity, work to limit of proportionality in static bending, work to maximum load in static bending, compressive stress at limit of proportionality in parallel to grain, compressive stress at limit of proportionality in perpendicular to grain and end-hardness of Acacia auriculiformis were greater than the values reported for teak. The physical and mechanical properties of Acacia mangium and Grevillea robusta except for shrinkage were less than that of teak.
