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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: Soil Science and Agriculture Chemistry × Author: Ambili, C × Author: KAU × End date: 2000 × Start date: 1990 × Thesis Type: M.Sc ×
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Taxonomy and fertility capability of soils in the kole areas of Trichur
    (Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 1995) Ambili, C; KAU; Venugopal, V K
    In the present investigation, attempt has been made to evaluate the morphological, physical and chemical characteristics of seven soil series indentified in the areas of Thrissur, viz., Manalur, Ayyanthole, Anthikkad, Kizhapallikkara, Kattoor, Konchira and Perumpuzha. All these soils were fluxial rice lands situated in lower topographic positions. Profile pits were dug at these different locations and examind for their morphological features. Soil samples representing different horizons were collected for laboratory studies. The physic-chemical characteristics of the soil profiles were analysed using standard procedures with a view to classify the soils under Taxonomy, and to relate the characteristics to the genesis of these soils. Surface samples collected from different locations under each series were also analysed for available N, P and K and micronutrients and other fertility parameters to arrive at fertility capability classification. The soils generally had brown surface soils and grey coloured subsoils. The structure ranged from subangular blocky to massive. All series were predominantly clayey in texture except for Manalur which was sandy. The soils were highly weathered as indicated by the silt/clay ratios. The available water content of soils clearly followed the trends in clay and organic matter content. The apparent density and absolute specific gravity values showed no much variation. These soils had reasonable pore volume and low water holding capacity. All the soils under investigation were acidic. The surface horizons had high organic matter content. The total nitrogen, P, K, Ca, Mg and Na contents were low. The cation exchange capacity values varied over a narrow range. Calcium and magnesium predominated in the exchangeable bases. The general distribution of exchangeable bases were in the order Mg>Ca>Na>K. All the soils except Perumpuzha and Konchira were of high base saturation. The dithionite extractable iron, Fed, formed the major portion of total iron and it followed the variations in total iron. The ammonium oxalate extractable iron, Feo, was much lesser. The Feo/Fed values were also very low. When classified upto the subgroup level, Ayyanthole and Kattoor come under Alfisols and all the other soils under Inceptisols. The available nitrogen content was medium to high, available phosphorous content was low to medium and available potassium was medium to high for surface samples. The P fixation capacity was high. The DTPA extractable iron, manganese and copper recorded values greater than the critical level while in some samples zinc recorded values less than the suggested critical level. From the fertility capability classification it is observed that all the soils have high P fixing capacity, demanding proper management of phosphorous. Manalur and Ayyanthole soils have low inherent fertility and chances of aluminium toxicity in well aerated soils. Konchira soils are potential acid sulphate soils. Konchira and Perumpuzha soils have clayey top soils with shrink – swell properties. The quantity of fertilizer to be added, sources and methods of application are to be decided based on site specific characteristics and soil test data.