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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Open Access
Potassium utilization in cassava (Manihot utilissina pohl) as influenced by neem cake - urea blend
(Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 1985) Manorama Thampatti, K C; KAU; Padmaja, P
Potassium utilization in cassava (manihot utilissima pohl.) as influenced by neem cake – urea blend. An investigation was carried out at the College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, during the year 1983-84, which include a soil column study to understand the dynamics of NH4+- N and K+ ions when applied as urea or urea-neem cake blend either alone or along with muriate of potash. The columns were filled with soil collected from the field surface upto 60 cm depth. Each 15 cm was taken as a separate layer maintaining the same bulk density as observed in the field. Fertilizer treatments comprising, no fertilizer, urea or urea-neem cake blend to supply 100 ppm N and muriate of potash to supply 100 ppm K either alone or in combination were applied to the surface 15 cm soil and mixed thoroughly. The study indicated that under natural conditions NH4+ - N was concentrated more in the lower layers of soil beyond the root zone of cassava whereas potassium was concentrated more in the surface layers of 0-30 cm depth. Application of muriate of potash either alone or in combination with urea-neem cake blend increased potassium in the surface layer within eight hours after fertilizer application. When untreated urea granules were applied along with potassic fertilizer, a major part NH4+ - N was found either concentrated in lower layers, or nitrified and lost. But when urea-neem cake blend was applied along with potassic fertilizer a major part of nitrogen was retained as NH4+ - N in the surface layers upto two weeks and later it moved downwards. There was a drastic reduction of NH4+ - N status in the surface layers upto 45 cm after one week in untreated urea, whereas urea-neem cake blend maintained much of NH4+ - N in the surface 30 cm upto three weeks. Application of muriate of potash maintained highest potassium status followed by urea-neem cake blend along with muriate of potash. The maximum leaching loss of potassium was observed from untreated urea when applied along with muriate of potash. The loss was reduced considerably when potassic fertilizer was applied along with urea-neem cake blend. A field experiment was conducted as a continuation of the study carried out at the College of Agriculture, Vellayani, when urea-neem cake blend at 5:3 ratio increased nitrogen availability, nitrogen uptake and yield. But it had an adverse effect on potassium utilization of the crop resulting in poor quality tubers and the yield increase observed was not significant. The present experiment was planned to tide over this difficulty either by changing the time of application or increasing the rate of potassic fertilizer. Results of the experiment clearly showed that urea-neem cake blend increased nitrogen use efficiency of cassava as evident in higher soil available nitrogen and higher nitrogen uptake by the crop. When muriate of potash was applied one month after application of urea-neem cake blend, the uptake of potassium was not reduced considerably in the initial stages and at the same time uptake was comparatively higher at the sixth month and harvest stages. Potassium at 75 kg K2O ha-1 increased uptake of all nutrients and also produced maximum tuber yield of 21.39 tonnes ha-1, whereas application of potassium one month after application of urea-neem cake blend recorded 19.76 tonnes ha-1 of tuber yield which was on par with the former treatment. Potassium uptake at all major growth stages were significantly correlated with plant dry weight and tuber yield. Maximum benefit per rupee invested was obtained when the rate of potassium was raised from 50 kg K2O ha-1 to 75 kg K2O ha-1 along with 50 kg N as urea-neem cake blend. Changing the time of application of potassic fertilizers to one month and three months after planting also increased the benefit obtained. Both three treatments were on par with each other and significantly superior to others.
Open 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.
Open Access
Suitability of rockphosphate for direct application in acid rice soils of Kerala
(Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 1985) Regi, P Mathews; KAU; Jose, A I
An incubation study and a potculture experiment were conducted to assess the suitability of Rajastan rockphosphate (RRP) supplied from Rajastan State Mineral Development Corporation, in comparison with that of Mussooria rockphosphate (MRP) supplied from pyrites phosphate and chemicals Ltd. (U. P) and superphosphate (SP) in two acid rice soils of Kerala namely laterite (Kodakara, Trichur district) and kari (karumadi, Alleppey district) soils. Transformations of P fertilizers applied at the rate of 45 and 90 kg P2O5/ha in these soils under continuous submergence were studied in the incubation experiment. Soil samples were drawn at 15 days interval for the determination of various inorganic P fractions and available P. The direct and residual effects of the two rockphosphates in comparison with the water soluble SP were studied in the potculture experiment using rice (Jaya) as the test crop. The soils and levels of P applications were the same as in the incubation study. Application of N and K was done uniformly in all the treatments. Soil and plant samples were drawn at 15 days interval for the determination of available P and the uptake of major nutrients. The residual effect of phosphatic fertilizers was assed by continuing the experiment for the second season with out the addition of P fertilizers. However, for the second season a treatment receiving P at the rate of 45 kg P2O5/ha as SP in both the season was incorporated for comparison in both the soils. Application of phosphatic fertilizers irrespective of their water solubility increased the various inorganic fractions and available P content of the soil. The total native inorganic P increased in the presence of added P due to the enhanced mineralization of organic P. Among the various inorganic fractions, Fe-P was the dominant form accounting for 41 to 44 per cent of the total inorganic P. Second most abundant fraction was A1-P. The contents of reductant soluble-P, occluded-P and Ca-P were relatively less and that of saloid-P was negligible. The three sources of P did not differ significantly in increasing the various inorganic fractions of the soil except that of saloid-P. The contents of A1-P, Fe-P, reductant soluble-P and occluded-P were more in laterite soil compared to kari soil, while saloid-P and Ca-P were high in kari soil. Prediction equations were worked out to establish various inorganic P fractions and available-P at different periods of incubation. The peak values of saloid-P were observed during the seventh fortnight. Saloid-P was found to be positively correlated with Fe-P (r = 0.77*2*), AI-P (r = 0.73*1*) and Ca-P (r = 0.27*8*) and negatively correlated with reductant soluble-P (r = -0.249*) and occluded-P (r = -0.31*9*). Concentrations of AI-P and Fe-P were maximum during the twelfth period of sampling and they were negatively correlated with reductant soluble-P occluded-P. Highest values of reductant soluble-P and occluded-P were observed during the first period of incubation and the concentration of Ca-P was minimum in the twelfth fortnight. Forms and levels of applied P had little effect on increasing the available P content of the soil. The contribution of various inorganic fractions to available P was different. Direct and indirect effects of various inorganic P fractions on available P from RRP, MRP and SP were brought out by the path analysis. Saloid-P, Fe-P, AI-P and Ca-P were positively correlated with available P (Bray 1 and 2) and reductant soluble-P and occluded-P were negatively correlated. The extent of contribution of various inorganic fractions to available P was the same in all the three sources of P added to the soil. Application of SP at the rate of 90 kg P2O5/ha twice in two equal doses during the first and ninety-first day of incubation did not increase conspicuously the inorganic fractions and available P content of the soil compared to the initial application of the same quantity of P as SP and rockphosphate. In the potculture experiment in general, application of P fertilizers had resulted in a better utilization of major nutrients by the rice plant and this effect was more pronounced in kari soil during the first crop season. However, in the second crop season, the effect of P fertilizers on uptake of nutrients was pronounced in both the soils. During the first crop season, in the absence of added P, the uptake of nutrients and yield of straw and grain were more in laterite soil compared to kari soil while in the presence of added P, uptake of nutrients and yield were higher in kari soil. However, in the second crop season, both in the presence and absence of added P, the uptake of nutrients and yield were more in laterite soil. Uptake of N and K by the straw during the first crop season was significantly higher in treatments receiving SP compared to other treatments receiving rockphosphates though the uptake of P by the straw did not vary significantly with the variations in the source of P. However, in the second crop season, uptake of N, P and K by the straw was significantly higher in treatments receiving SP. Increasing the level of application of P from 45 to 90 kg P2O5/ha increased the uptake of N and K significantly while uptake of P by the straw and straw yield did not increase significantly with increasing the level of application. But in the second crop season, the uptake of N, P and K by the straw and straw yield increased markedly with increasing the level of application. Uptake of N and P by the grain of the first crop did not increase significantly over control in laterite soil, while that of K showed significant increase over control in both the soils. However, in the second crop, uptake of N, P and K by the grain increased conspicuously in both these soils. In the first crop season, total uptake of K was significantly higher over control in both the soils, while that of N and P was higher only in kari soil. But the total uptake of N, P and K increased over control in both the soils in the second crop season. In general, application of SP was found to be superior to the application of rockphosphates with respect of the uptake of N, P and K grain and their total uptake by rice plant in both the seasons of crop growth. The yield of grain by the application of phosphatic fertilizers showed significant increase over control only in kari soil during the first crop season. In the second crop season, both the soils were found to be responsive to the application of P fertilizers with respect to the increase in the yield of grain. In the treatments receiving rockphosphates as a source of P, the yield of grain was 93.18 and 92.67 per cent of that obtained in treatments receiving SP during the first crop and second crop seasons respectively. In both the seasons of crop growth, available P in the soil was significantly higher in treatments receiving SP than that in treatments receiving rockphosphates. Increasing the level of application of P from 45 to 90 kg P2O5/ha increased the available P content of the soil to the extent of 11.97 and 17.43 per cent over the lower level during the first and second crop seasons respectively. Application of SP at the rate of 90 kg P2O5/ha applied twice in two equal doses separately for the first crop and second crop seasons increased the uptake of nutrients, yield of grain and straw and available P content of the soil compared to the application of the same total quantity of P initially for the first crop only as SP and rockphosphate.
Open 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.
Open 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.
Open Access
Nutritional status of soil and plant in relation to the incidence of chenthal disease of cardamom
(Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 1983) Dileep Kumar, K N; KAU; Alice Abraham
An investigation was carried out at the College of Agriculture, Vellayani, to study the nutritional status of soil and plant in relation to the incidence of chenthal disease in three major cultivars of cardomom viz., Vazhukka, Malabar and Mysore. Soil and plant samples for the study were collected from the cardamom plantations in the High Ranges of Idukki district of Kearala State during March, 1982 (Pre-monsoon period) and September, 1982 (Post-monsoon period)
Open Access
Nature of acidity in upland and rice fallows in relation to response of pulse crop to liming
(Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry,College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 1983) Sudharmai Devi, C R; KAU; Aiyer, R S
Soils over vast areas of uplands and rice lands in Kerala are acidic in nature. High concentrations of Al and Mn often limit the productivity of pulses when grown in these areas. The present investigation was aimed at detecting the toxic factors causing acidity and locating suitable varieties of cowpea and blackgram suited to these soil situations. It was further programmed to find out the optimum levels of lime that would be required to arrive at a low input management programme for pulses. For this purpose a large number of soil samples were analysed. Several pulse varieties were screened in respect of their tolerance and a pot culture study was conducted to assess their productivity, the results of which are summarised and appropriate conclusions drawn. The collected soils were acidic in nature, the factors causing toxicity being high concentration of Al and Mn. The soils require large amount of lime as amendment. Cation exchange capacity of these soils is very low and to some extent contributed by Al and Mn. Screening experiments were conducted to select varieties which are tolerant to Al and Mn toxicity. As a result S-488, a cowpea variety and Velloor, a blackgram variety were selected as tolerant ones. Comparative assessment of the yielding ability of the selected varieties, with the recommended varieties New Era (cowpea) and T9 (Blackgram) revealed that they could yield as much as or even better than the recommended varieties. The recommended varieties require high doses of lime for a substantial yield whereas the selected varieties could give economic yield with practically no liming. The observations on number of pods, grain yield, haulm yield and number of nodules revealed that the two selected varieties could excel the others in these aspects Uptake studies indicated that the increased yield in the case of the selected varieties is mainly due to the enhanced uptake and fixation of N and uptake of P and K. From the results of the study, it was concluded that the cowpea variety S-488 and the blackgram variety Velloor can be cultivated successfully under acid soil conditions. They possess the ability to give economic yields with little or no liming. These results have to be tested in farmers 'fields to evolve a low input management strategy for pulse cultivation in garden lands as a vegetable in kharif season and in the rice fallows in summer season.
Open Access
Evaluation of the role of elements Ca, Mg, S and B in the nutrition of groundnut with reference to monovalent (K) to divalent (Ca + Mg) catonic ratios
(Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry,College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 1984) Suresh Kumar, P; KAU; Aiyer, R S
Open Access
RoIe of boron in plant nutrition in Kerala in relation to its content in soils
(Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry,College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 1985) Suresh, P R; KAU; Abdul Hameed
An investigation was carried out to elucidate the role of boron in crop nutrition especially in crops of relevance to Kerala in relation to its content in major upland soil types« 'Tho work included in tho present study is on four main soil types of Trivandrum district namely forest red 1aterite and sandy soil in relation to two major crops namely coconut and banana grown on them A critical evaluation of soil in relation to plant boron status of the four soil types revealed that forest soils are having the highest content of available boron as compared to other soil typos# The indicator plants in the study also showed a close parallel relationship to soil boron status. Between the indicator plant species chosen in all for soil types tho boron content of banana leaves were invariably higher than that of coconut leaves The soil factors like N, P, K and Ca content of tho soil did not show any correlation with the available boron of tho soil# Tho organic matter content of tho soil showed a significant positive correlationship with tho available boron status in sandy soils. This suggests tho need for using organic manures in such soils whore boron deficiency occurs The hot water attractable boron shows a positive and significant correlation with the loaf boron status of both coconut and banana

Kerala Agricultural University, Thrissur

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