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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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1975 - 197921980 - 19827
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Subject: Soil Science and Agriculture Chemistry × Author: KAU × End date: 1982 × Type: Thesis ×
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Now showing 1 - 9 of 9
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Foliar diagnosis, yield and quality of pepper (Piper nigrum L.) in relation to nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium
    (Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 1982) Sushama, P K; KAU; Jose, A I
    Pepper vines of variety, Panniyoor-1, of the NPK fertilizer trial maintained at the Pepper Research Station, Panniyoor, Canncanore District were selected for the collection of tissue samples under the present study during 1979-81. The experiment was laid out in a 33 factorial design in a randomized block design, confounding the effect of NP2K2 totally. In order to standardize the best leaf position for foliar diagnosis, the mature leaves of fruit bearing laterals were numbered from the youngest to the oldest, taking the youngest fully matured leaf as the first and they were collected separately. The most suitable season for the collection of leaf intended for foliar diagnosis was also standardized by drawing samples of first mature leaf at different stages of growth of the vine. The suitability of different types of stem of the plant such a runner shoot, top shoot, fruit bearing lateral and hanging shoot for tissue analysis was also examined. For studying the variations in the oleoresin content of berry as influenced by fertilizer nutrients, the berries were sampled at different stages of maturity. The first mature leaf better reflected variation in the levels of application of nitrogen to the vine. As the phosphorus and potassium contents of the first mature leaf established significant positive correlation with yield of pepper, it is recommended as an index for foliar diagnosis in pepper in relation to nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium status of the vine. The period just prior to flushing is the most suitable season for the collection of leaf samples intended for foliar diagnosis. During this period, the first mature leaf is sensitive to application for different levels of nitrogen and its potassium content established significant positive correlation with yield. For assessing the phosphorus status of the vine, the runner shoot appeared to be a better tissue as its phosphorus content established a high degree of correlation with yield. As compared to other types of stem, the highest content of potassium was found in the fruit bearing laterals. The periods of maturity significantly influenced the phosphorus, potassium and oleoresin contents of the berry. Their contents increased from four to six months after flowering and then decreased. The graded doses of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium and their interaction failed to influence the percentage of oleoresin content of pepper.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Characterisation of soil organic matter in different soil types of Kerala
    (Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 1982) Usha, P B; KAU; Jose, A I
    Large number of surface soils representing the different districts of the state were analysed in order to work out precise relationships between organic carbon, total nitrogen and available nitrogen in these soils. The soils were categorized into different groups based on soil texture and content of organic matter. Relationships between different soil properties applicable to the different categories of soil were then examined. Fractionation of soil organic matter was carried out in a limited number of soils. Also the distribution of elemental components of soil organic matter was studied in soils selected for the fractionation of organic matter. Observations on the general characteristics of soil revealed that the content of organic carbon, total nitrogen and available nitrogen showed an increasing trend with increase in acidity of soil. In general more organic carbon was seen in fine textured soils. The total and available nitrogen content of soil increased with increase in content of organic matter. The content of available nitrogen showed significant and positive correlation with total nitrogen. Since the C/N ratio increased with increase in content of organic carbon it was necessary to predict the total and available nitrogen content of soil based on precise regression equations rather than depending on a conversion factor. On an average 10.82 per cent of the nitrogen in soil was extracted as available nitrogen. The C/aN ratio was positively and significantly correlated with organic carbon and total nitrogen while it was negatively correlated with available nitrogen. On an average the percentage of humic acid, fulvic acid and humin in soil organic matter were 28.28, 36.51 and 35.21 respectively. Of the 28.28 per cent humic acid, 9.60 per cent (of organic matter) was represented by hymatomelanic acid and the remaining 18.68 per cent by the insoluble fraction of humic acid. Humic acid was found to be significantly and positively correlated with total organic carbon, total nitrogen, clay and fulvic acid. Of the total fulvic acid 12.35 per cent (of organic matter) was represented by beta humus and the remaining by the soluble fraction of fulvic acid. Fulvic acid was positively and significantly correlated with organic carbon, total nitrogen, humic acid and clay. Humic acid and fulvic acid maintained a constant proportion irrespective of the variation in content of total organic matter. Humin was also positively and significantly correlated with organic carbon and total nitrogen. The mean phosphorus, sulphur and potassium content of organic matter were 0.051, 6.96 and 0.32 per cent respectively. The C/org.P, C/org.K, C/org.S, N/org.P, N/org.K, N/org.S, Org.P/org.K, Org.P/org.S and Org.K/org.S ratios were 1672.8, 94.1, 19.23, 205.81, 9.77, 2.91, 0.07, 0.008 and 0.0073 respectively.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Pedologic studies on lateritic catenary sequences occuring in Kerala
    (Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 1980) Venugopal, V K; KAU; Koshy, M N
    Three toposequences were identified at Varkala, Poruvazhy and Kalliaserry in the midland laterite regions of Kerala using soil maps prepared by the Soil Survey Wing of the Department of Agriculture. A systematic study of these catenary sequences along transects extending from crest to valley was made. Profile pits were dug at the different physiographic positions of the transects, viz., crest, upper midslope, nearly level lower slope and valley at each of these sites are examined for their morphological features. Soil samples representing the different horizons were also collected for laboratory studies. The physicochemical charecteristics, mineral assemblage of fine sand fraction and the minerology of the clays in the profile samples were studied with a view to relating these properties to the genesis of the four diverse groups of soils formed in the transects . Patterns of similarity or otherwise between the three locations of widely different conditions and the four physiographic positions were brought out .
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Studies on the effect of varying levels of zinc on the growth and yield of rice
    (Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 1980) Krishnan Namboodiri, K; KAU; Ramasubramonian, P R
    A field experiment was conducted in a cultivators field at Edathua (Kuttanad) to study the effect of different levels and methods of zinc application on the growth and yield of rice (var. Jaya). Soil application of 0, 10, 20 and 30 kg zinc sulphate per hectare: foliar application of 0.25per cent and 0.5 per cent zinc sulphate, root dip in 2 per cent zinc oxide suspension , lime at 150, 300 and 600 kg CaO per hectare and their combinations were included in the treatments. The field was selected on the basis of a low content of available zinc (EDTA extractable). Observations were recorded on the growth parameters and yield characters . The chemical analysis of the plant material for N, P, K, Ca, Mg and Zn at harvest were also carried out . The different growth parameters studied, recorded a significant increase in the grain yield could be obtained by zinc application . Foliar application of 0.5 per cent zinc sulphate and soil application of 20 kg zinc sulphate per hectare recorded the maximum yield of grain. These treatment yielded more than 20 per cent grain over control and were statistically on per. There was no significant increase in the mineral contents in the plant by zinc application, except zinc and phosphorus.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Morphological and physio chemical properties of Karapadom soils of the Kuttanad region of Kerala State
    (Division of Agricultural Chemistry, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 1975) Santhakumari, G; KAU; Aiyer, R S
    A study was mads on ths morphological and physico-chemical properties of 3 profiles of the Karapadom soils of the Kuttanad region. The study revealed many salient features of Karapadom soils The main conclusions drawn from the results obtained are summarised as follows 1. The soils can be texturally classified as clay, loamy sand, silt and silty loam* Maximum percentage of clay was recorded by the top layer of Vettikaripadom, lowest layer of Mathurpadom and sub-surface layer of Mathurvadakke padom profiles. 2. In Mathurpadom and Mathurvadakke padom absolute specific gravity Increased with increase in depth and there is no general trend in the value of apparent density. 3. Mathurpadom and Mathurvadakke padom profiles are strongly acidic when compared to Vettikaripadom which is situated on the western most boundary of Kuttanad near Punnapra. 4. Electrical conductivity increased as depth of the profile increased in Mathurpadom and Mathurvadakke padom profiles. 5. In the three profiles, the organic carbon varies from 0.79 to 4.09 per cent and nitrogen varies from 0.11 to 0.3 per cent. She carbon nitrogen ratio of the profiles varies from 6.58 to 18.33
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Foliar diagnosis, yield and quality of turmeric(Curcuma longa L.) in relation to nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium
    (Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry,College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 1981) Saifudeen, N; KAU; Jose, A I
    A field experiment was carried out at the Instructional Farm of the College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara during 1979-80 to study the effect of graded doses of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium on the growth, nutrient uptake, yield and quality of turmeric and also to develop suitable foliar diagnosis techniques in relation to these nutrient elements. The treatments comprised of three levels each of nitrogen (0, 20 and 40 kg N/ha), phosphorus (0, 20 and 40 kg P2O5/ha) and potassium (0, 40 and 80 kg K2O/ha). The experiment was laid out in a 33 factorial experiment in randomized block design, confounding the effect of interaction NP2K2 totally. Results revealed that among the morphological characters studied, the number of tillers per clump responded to the increasing levels of nitrogen whereas number of leaves per tiller decreased with increasing levels of nitrogen. The height of tiller was not influenced by any of the fertilizer treatment. The fresh and dry weights of rhizome and total dry matter yield remained unaffected by the levels of nitrogen and phosphorus. The total dry matter production was influenced by the levels of potassium and NK interaction. Maximum production of dry matter took place at K1 level which was superior to those at K0 and K2 levels. Levels of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium and their interaction failed to influence the yield of turmeric at harvest. The uptake of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium was not found influenced by the levels of nitrogen and phosphorus employed. But levels of potassium significantly influenced the uptake of these nutrient elements, the K1 level being superior to K2 and K0. There was a continuous increase in the number of tillers per clump, number of leaves per tiller and height of tiller with advancing period of growth. A period of pronounced and active vegetative growth was observed during the period between 120th and 150th day. Fresh and dry weights of rhizome increased with increasing age of the crop and attained maximum at harvest. Uptake of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium steadily progressed with advancing age of the crop. Maximum uptake of nitrogen and phosphorus took place during the period from 120th day to 150th day whereas the uptake of potassium was maximum during 180th day to 210th day after planting. The contents of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium were highest in the top most leaf and continuously decreased with increasing number of the leaf position when the leaves are numbered from top to bottom of the tiller. In consideration of the stability of the nutrient level with leaf positions and correlation with uptake of nutrients, the third leaf appeared to be the best suited for foliar diagnosis of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium status of the crop. The period between 90th to 120th day after planting was recommended as optimum period for the detection and amendment of the nutrient status of the crop. The graded doses of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium and their interaction failed to influence the percentage of oleoresin content of turmeric.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Foliar diagnosis in coconut (Cocos nucifera, Linn.) in relation to nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium
    (Department of soil science and agricultural chemistry, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 1981) Gopi, C S; KAU; Jose, A I
    A study was undertaken to standardise the foliar diagnostic technique in coconut palm in relation to nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, making use of the experimental palms of a permanent NPK trial maintained at the Coconut Research Station, Balaramapuram, Trivandrum District. The palms of this experiment received applications of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium in three levels each viz., 0, 340 and 680 g nitrogen per palm per year, 0, 225 and 450 g P2O5 per palm per year and 0, 450 and 900 g k2O per palm per year. For the standardization of tissue for foliar diagnosis, samples of leaf lamina and mid-rib were drawn separately from all the leaves of the experimental palms. Attempts were also made to establish critical levels of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium in the leaf and also to work out regression models to predict yield based on the tissue content of these nutrients. Observations revealed that the number of leaves retained by the palm was mainly a function of potassium applied. The number of leaves retained by the palm significantly correlated with the yield(r = 0.93**). The potassium content of lamina of the 2nd leaf can be predicted from the number of leaves retained, making use of the regression equation, Y = 5.32 + 8.95 x where x is the potassium per cent of leaf lamina and Y is the number of leaves retained. The number of leaves retained was also found to be significantly correlated with yield (r = 0.708**). The percentage of nitrogen in the leaf lamina increased with increasing age of leaf till leaf number 6 and thereafter steadily declined. The phosphorus and potassium contents of the leaf were maximum in the youngest leaf and declined with increasing age of leaf. Palms receiving higher levels of nitrogen and potassium retained correspondingly higher contents of nitrogen and potassium in leaf lamina. Application of different levels of phosphorus gave only marginal difference in the percentage of phosphorus in leaf lamina. The nitrogen content of leaf lamina of different leaf position was significantly correlated with yield, the highest coefficient of partial correlation of 0.777** being registered for the 10th leaf, followed by 0.699**for the 2nd leaf. The phosphorus content of leaf lamina failed to establish significant correlation with yield, irrespective of leaf positions. The coefficients of partial correlation between yield and potassium per cent of lamina of leaf positions 2, 3, and 6 were significant, the highest value of 0.663** being recorded for the second leaf. Taking the percentage of nitrogen (N) and potassium (K) in the lamina of 2nd leaf and leaf number (L) as independent variables, yield can be predicted with an accuracy of 84 per cent (R2 = 0.84**) by the regression model, Y = -14.956 + 39.215 N – 16.097 N2 + 83.873 K – 37.388 K2 -11.046 L – 0.202 L2 – 44.186 N x K + 5.529 N x L + 6.276 K x L. The yield can also be predicted with an accuracy of 72 per cent by the regression model, Y = -64.29 + 23.356 N + 1.779 L where N is the nitrogen percentage of lamina of 2nd leaf and L is the number of leaves retained. The critical values for nitrogen and potassium in the leaf lamina of 2nd leaf were found to be 3.31 per cent for nitrogen and 2.17 per cent for potassium. The pattern of distribution for nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium in the leaf mid – ribs was almost similar to the pattern of distribution of those nutrients in the leaf lamina. The coefficients of partial correlation between yield and nitrogen content of leaf mid-rib of leaf positions 6, 14, 15 and 18 were statistically significant, the highest value of 0.677** being recorded for the 14th leaf. The phosphorus content of mid-rib failed to establish significant correlation with yield. The coefficients of partial linear correlation between yield and potassium per cent of mid-ribs were significant for leaf positions 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 10, the highest value being recorded for the 4th leaf (r = 0.762**). The multiple correlation coefficient between yield and percentage of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium was highest (R = 0.771**) for the lamina of the second leaf, among all the position and types of tissue examined and hence, this tissue is recommended as the best tissue for the foliar diagnosis of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Evaluation of available phosphate reserve of soil by chemical methodes
    (Department of soil science and agricultural chemistry, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 1979) Mathew, Jacob K; KAU; Jose, A I
    A laboratory study including a pot culture experiment was carried out using 18 lateritic soil to evolve a suitable laboratory chemical method as an index for the estimation of available phosphate reserve (Ra-value). The total plant removable phosphorus of the soils was determined growing rice (variety IR-8) continuously in soils taken in pots, till the content of phosphorus in plants became below the critical level. The pot culture experiment was designed in completely randomized design with 18 treatments (soils) and 3 replications. To evolve a suitable extractant for the estimation of “Ra-value” H2SO4 and HCI at different concentrations and combinations were tried. Out of the 29 extractants employed, 17 were selected based on their consistence in the pattern of phosphorus release and the amount of phosphorous extracted. From a pilot study, in which different organic acids at different concentrations were screened, oxalic acid at the strength of 0.05 N was selected as the best chelating agent to be employed with the 17 mineral acid combinations. The results showed that compared to Bray No.1, the performance of HCI was very poor and had only a little pronounced influence on the extraction of phosphorus. Sulphuric acid at analogous concentrations extracted higher quantities of phosphorus and obtained better correlations with phosphorus uptake values at the end of 6th crop. Combinations of mineral acids extracted higher quantities of phosphorus from soil than the individual acids, with a pronounced influence at lower concentrations. The pattern of release of phosphorus fluctuated widely when the mineral acids were used individually, but the degree of fluctuation was considerably less when employed in combination. In all the above cases the major part of phosphorus was extracted within 30 minutes and thereafter the release was very slow. The pilot study employed in the selection of organic acids for chelated system, to prevent the resorption of phosphorus into the soil from the solution, revealed that resorption of phosphorus from the solution can be effectively prevented by employing organic acids; the amount of phosphorus extracted by the mineral acids can be increased by the presence of organic acids notably oxalic acid and acids at the strengths of 0.05 N were as good as 0.10 N in their effects on the extraction of soil phosphorus. A period of equilibration not less than 30 minutes was considered critical and optimum. The extractant No.10 (0.06 N H2SO4 & 0.06 N HCI in 0.05 N oxalic acid) was found to be superior to the remaining combinations and gave better correlation with “Ra-value” of the soil. Phosphorus extracted by Bray No.1 failed to correlate significantly with phosphorus uptake by crops in soil groups in which the percentage phosphorus content of plants were below 0.025, 0.05 and 0.2 showing that Bray No.1 is not an efficient extractant for the estimation of “Ra-value” of the soil. Thus the present study recommend the extractant 0.06 N H2SO4 and 0.06 N HCI in 0.05 N oxalic acid with an equilibration period of 30 minutes and soil solution ratio 1 : 10 as a better method for estimating the “Ra-value”. Regression equation between phosphorus extracted by this method and “Ra-value” of the soils selected was rather narrow, the application of this equation in predicting the possibility of skipping phosphorus application in soils appeared very much limited.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Increasing nitrogen use efficiency in upland soils
    (Department of soil science and agricultural chemistry, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 1982) Sathianathan, K M; KAU; Padmaja, P
    An investigation was carried out at the College of Agriculture, Vellayani, during the year 1980-81 to study the efficacy of the use of some of the commonly available non-edible oilcakes as nitrification inhibitors to increase the nitrogen use efficiency in rainfed upland soils of Kerala. Urea was mixed with neem, mahua, maroti, rubber or karinja cakes at 5:1, 5:2 and 5:3 ratios (urea : oil -cake) to obtain a blend. The mineralisation pattern of those blends were studied along with untreated urea in an incubation study in a typical red loam upland soil kept at 60 per cent field moisture capacity to screen them for nitrification inhibitory properties. Selected blends at the most efficient ratio of mixing were tried in the field at 3 levels of nitrogen supply with cassava as the test crop. The experiment was laid out in randomised block design in factorial structure.