Loading...
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.
Browse
8 results
Search Results
ThesisItem Open Access Comparative efficiency of different phosphatic fertilizers in rainfed Nendran Banana(Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, College of Agriculture,Vellanikara, 1990) Sheeja, V G; KAU; Harikrishnan, Nair; KThough phosphorus is one of the key nutrients for plant growth, the consumption rate of phosphatic fertilizers in India is found to be comparatively low. The escalating cost of the imported raw material used for the manufacture of P fertilizers may be one of the possible reasons for the low intake. In this regard, the direct application of cheap native ground rockphosphate as a P source is a fruitful attempt especially in acid soils. The present investigation was conducted to compare the efficiency of different phosphatic fertilizers including rockphosphates in upland soils with ‘Nendran’ variety of banana as the test crop. The present study comprises of two aspects, field experiment and laboratory incubation study. The field experiment was conducted at two locations, viz. at the Instructional Farm attached to College of Agriculture, Vellayani and at Kattakada, in the cultivator’s field. The experiment was laid out in randomised block design with four treatments and five replications. The laboratory study was carried out in the soil, treated with different phosphatic fertilizers after incubation with organic matter under moist conditions to assess the influence of organic matter on the release of P from different P sources. The growth characters of banana plant such as height and girth of pseudostem, number of photosynthetically active leaves, leaf area and period taken for flowering were recorded and analysed upto shooting stages of the crop. The bunch characters like weight of bunch, length of bunch, number of fingers and hands bunch-1, and length and girth of finger were also recorded and analysed. Phosphorus application significantly influenced biometric characters of the crop while the differences between the various P sources were not statistically significant. In most of the growth and yield characters, comparatively higher efficiency was shown by plants treated with superphosphate, eventhough, it was statistically on par with the other sources in both locations. Thus, it indicates the possibility of using cheaper rockphosphates for meeting the phosphorus requirement of banana in upland soils of Kerala, rather than going in for the costly superphosphate. The effect of treatments on the drymatter production was significant at both locations. Phosphorus application significantly increased the P uptake. However the different P sources could not produce significant variation in the uptake of phosphorus in both locations. The phosphorus content in the leaf was found to be maximum from the late vegetative phase to shooting period of the plant growth. With respect to available and total P2o5 content in the soil, the differences between the various sources were not statistically significant though, addition of phosphorus increased the available as well as total P2o5 content of soil significantly over no P treatment. A significant positive correlation existed between the leaf P content and total P uptake. Similarly a significant positive correlation between yield as well as total drymatter content with P uptake was observed. The incubation study revealed that organic matter produced significant effect on the release of phosphorus from different P sources added to the soil under moist conditions. Upto 90 days of incubation, increased availability of phosphorus was recorded in all treatments, and the trend continued till 135 days. A gradual decline in the concentration of available P was noticed thereafter. However, a favourable influence of organic matter on the release of P from different sources has been brought out from this study. When the mean values of available P over all the periods were compared, maximum availability was recorded by soils incubated with organic matter and superphosphate. In general, various sources of P behaved similarly and were on par with respect to the release of phosphorus due to organic matter incubation.ThesisItem Open Access Influence of soil texture on potassium availability, fixation and uptake by rice in laterite soils(Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry,College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 1991) Jessymol, A S; KAU; Mariam, K AThe present investigation was carried out m order to assess the influence of various proportions of clay on the potassium dynamics in s oil on application o f potassium fertiliser and its effect on the uptake o f nutrients by rice Sixty surface samples were collected from the major rice growing areas of Thrissur district Based on their particle size analysis and organic carbon content, twenty samples were selected for studying the various physico-chemical characteristics related to the potassium availability In order to find out the transformations of applied potassium, a laboratory incubation experiment was carried out in five selected soils for a period of three months Mineralogy of the fine sand fraction was also carried out in these soils A pot culture experiment was carried out in four selected soils to determine the uptake of nutrients. The soils collected from the three locations showed wide variations in their clay content and majority o f them were grouped under the textural classes, sandy loam and sandy clay loam The single value constants were showing variations depending on the clay content and organic carbon The content and uptake o f N, P, and K was found to increase with increasing levels o f K application Calcium did not show significant difference with applied K and in the case of Mg a decreasing trend was observed The water-soluble and ammonium acetate extractable K were decreasing with advancement o f the crop growth and these fractions were found to be maximum correlated with the dry matter weight at i the flowering and tillering stages respectively Nitric acid soluble fraction was found to contribute towards the later stages of crop growth Maximum correlation was obtained for the gram yield and straw yield with this fraction Even though the positive effect of potassium application on the yield of paddy is very conspicuous, the response varied with the textural composition In more clayey soils more o f potassium fertilisers hast to be recommended to get maximum response as revealed m the present studyThesisItem Open Access Taxonomy and fertility capability assessment of the soils in the command area of Edamalayar Project(Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry,College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 1991) Krishnakumar, P G; KAU; Venugopal, V KIn the present investigation attempt has been made to evaluate the morphological, physical and chemical characteristics of eight soil series occupying in command area of Edamalayar irrigation project. Out of these eight soil series selected for study, three were located In uplands consisting of well drained soils represented by Thodupuzha, Punnamattom and Velappaya series. The remaining five soils characterised by imperfectly drained paddy lands, occupy the valley between the undulating laterite hills namely, Mulamthuruthy, Kothamangalam, Ikkanadu, Ayyanthole and Konchira. Profile pits were dug at these different locations ' and examined for their morphological features. Soil samples representing the different horizons were collected for laboratory. studies. The physico-chemical characteristics of the soil profiles were investigated with a view to study the interrelationship between the various properties and to relate these characteristics to the genesis of these soils. Surface samples collected from different locations under each series were also analysed for available nutrients and other fertility parameters to arrive at fertility capability classifications.ThesisItem Open Access Quality of oil of clocimum (Ocimum gratissimum Linn.) as influenced by stages of harvest and shade(Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry,College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 1990) Rekha, R Pillai; KAU; Chinnamma, N PClocimum (Ocimum gratissimum Linn.), an essential oil crop introduced in Kerala from Oammu, nearly a decade ago, is slowly replacing the other eugenol yielding sources viz., clove and cinnamon oils.. Several agro-techniques have yet to be standardised for the commercial cultivation of this crop in the State. The present studies were undertaken at the Aromatic and Medicinal Plants Research Station, Odakkali during 1988-90. Two field experiments were laid out separately one to obtain information on the optimum time of harvest for getting maximum yield of quality oil and the other to study the effect of shade on the production and quality of oil. The average removal of N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Mn and Zn from the soil by clocimum has also been worked out. The treatments in one experiment consisted of five intervals of harvest (60, 75, 90, 105 and 120 days) and four levels of shade (0, 25, 50 and 75 per cent) were tried in the second experiment. Both experiments were laid out in randomised block design. The required intensity of shade was provided by erecting 'artificial pandals. A Aplab luxmeter was used for adjusting the shade intensities. The investigations revealed that herbage yield, oil yield and oil content were maximum at 60 days harvest interval (early flowering stage) and it was on par with 75 days harvest interval. With further increase in the harvest intervals these parameters were found to decrease. Sixty days harvest interval also recorded the maximum eugenol content and it was significantly superior to all other treatments. The concentration and uptake of macro and micronutrients were also maximum at this interval. Among the shade levels tried the herbage yield was maxiomum under open condition as the plants flowered early and so two harvests could be taken under this treatment while only one harvest could be obtained for the other treatments. The oil yield, oil content, eugenol content were also maximum under open conditions. The content of almost all nutrients studied did not show any particular trend except in the case of K which showed a tendency to increase with shading. The uptake of all nutrients was maximum under full illumination which decreased with increasing shade intensity. The results thus indicated that the optimum interval of harvest is between 60 and 75 days i.e ., harvesting the crop between early and maximum flowering stages. The results also revealed that maximum yield and quality of oil in clocimum can be obtained only if there is ample light infiltration. But if only a single harvest is considered the crop under 25 per cent shade can be seen to give equally good quality oil but for a lesser number of harvest that those grown under full illumination. A high eugenol content of eighty per cent obtained for clocimum in the present study also indicates that it can definitely be used as an alternative and cheap substitute to clove and cinnamon oils.ThesisItem Open Access Yield prediction in cashew based on foliar nutrient levels(Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry,College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 1990) Rosily Mathew; KAU; Jose, A IA study was undertaken during 1988-90 with cashew plants of -variety BLA-39-4 of the NPK fertilizer trial of the Kerala Agricultural Development Project at Madakkathara, Thrissur to standardise foliar diagnostic technique for cashew in relation to nitrogen phosphorus and potassium content of the leaf and to predict the yield based on leaf nutrient levels. The experiment was laid out in 3 factorial randomised block design consisting of three levels each of nitrogen (250, 500 and 1000 g N/plant/year) phosphorus (125,250 and 500 g P2O5 /p la n t/y e a r) and potassium (250, 500 and 1000g K20 /plant/year). For the standardisation of leaf position and period of sampling for diagnostic purpose, the leaves were serially numbered selecting the last fully matured leaf which was not having an inflorescence in the leaf axil as leaf N o.l. Before flushing and flowering of the shoots the leaves were grouped into three, viz ., top leaves, middle leaves and basal leaves. After flushing and flowering, the leaves at different leaf positions were grouped into four groups each consisting of two leaves; they^are group 1, group 2, group 3 and group 4. For the purpose of standardising the season best suited for- the collection of leaf intended for foliar diagnosis, samples were colleci ted at different stages of plantg rowth. The stages of sampling were : (1) Preflushing stage (2) After flushing but before flower opening (3) After the beginning of flower opening (4) After the opening of all the flowers of a panicle (5) At immature nut stage (6) At the time of harvest; and (7) Two months after harvest. Attempts were also made to establish the critical levels of N, P and K in leaf and to predict yield based on the regression model worked out. Observations revealed that the N content in the leaf varied from 1.24 to 2.76 per cent. Pattern of variation in the content of N in the leaf at different stages of sampling followed a regular pattern. Prior to flushing, the content of N in the leaf was very low and it increased during the next two stages and thereafter the N content in the leaf declined. The distributions of N in the leaf at different leaf positions at different stages of sampling were rather inconsistent. The P content in the leaf varied from 0.063 to 0.316 per cent when all the leaf positions and stages of samplings were considered. Phosphorus content in the leaves was very low before flushing. With flushing the P content in the leaves increased upto the third stage of sampling and thereafter decreased. Potassium per cent in the leaf varied from 0.54 to 2.74 per' cent when all the leaf positions and stages of sampling were considered. Similar to 'N and P, the K content in the leaves at different stages of sampling also followed a regular pattern with the advancement of stages of sampling.’ Maximum K was noted in the younger leaves collected during the fourth stage of sampling. During this stage, leaf was sensitive to levels of applied K. The potassium per cent of the fruiting shoots decreased with increasing age of the leaf.ThesisItem Open Access Sulphur status of major uplands of south Kerala(Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 1991) Sheeba, S; KAU; Korah, P AA study has been made to determine the different forms and distribution of sulphur, and its relationship to relevant soil parameters in the major upland soils of South Kerala representing sandy, redloam, laterite midland, laterite midupland and forest soils. An attempt was made to study the plant available sulphur by conducting Neubauer technique using paddy as the test crop. Available sulphur in the soils was also estimated using different extractants. The results of the experiments were summarised and appropriate conclusions drawn. The study revealed that the forms of sulphur varied considerably from soil to soil. The soils in general were not deficient in this element. The content of different forms of sulphur was maximum in the forest and minimum in sandy soils. Sulphur content decreased from forest to sandy soils through laterite midupland, laterite midland and redloam soils. Organic sulphur registered more than 90 % while sulphate sulphur less than 10 % of the total sulphur in all the soils. The leaching loss of sulphate sulphur in the humid tropical soils may be accounted for the lower contribution of sulphate sulphur to total sulphur. In all the soil types both total and organic sulphur decreased with increasing depth. Except for sandy soils sulphate sulphur also showed the same trend in distribution in all the soils. Accumulation of sulphate form in the subsurface layers of sandy soils may be attributed to its coarse textured nature. Of the four extractants used for the determination of available sulphur in soils, Morgan’s reagent was proved to be the best extractant followed by neutral normal ammonium acetate, normal hydrochloric acid and water in the descending order in all the soils. Sulphur uptake as determined by Neubauer technique recorded the highest value in forest and lowest in sandy soil, laterite midupland, laterite midland and redloam coming in between in the descending order. Neubauer values reflected the actual amount of sulphur in the soils. The significant correlation between the Neubauer values and available sulphur determined by the different extractant was also established. The different forms of sulphur were positively and significantly correlated with the soil characteristics viz. silt, clay, organic carbon, total contents of nitrogen, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium and sesquioxides and negatively correlated with soil pH. The relationship among the various forms of sulphur was also found to be significantly positive.ThesisItem Open Access Nutrient uptake efficiency of cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) as influenced by vesicular arbuscular mycorrhizal (Vam) association and rock phosphate application(Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 1991) Narayanan, S; KAU; Saifudeen, NAn experiment was conducted under pot culture in Fine Loamy Mixed Isohyperthermic Khaplic Haplustafs soil of Vellayani series at College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Trivandrum ; during Sep. to Dec. 1989. Sixteen treatment combinations with four levels of Rock phosphate (0, 50%, 75% and 100% recommended dose), VAM inoculation and control, and soil sterilisation and non – sterilisation was applied to cassava (cultvar M – 4). Biometric observation and chemical analysis of plant parts were undertaken for three mouths of thirty days interval. The results indicated no significant variation in soil nutrient status due to the effect of applied treatments during the three months. Dry matter production of cassava was increased by inoculation of VAM and phosphate nutrition. Application of 37.5 kg P2O5/ha in non – sterilised soil along with VAM inoculation was found to be the best treatment combination. Inoculation of VAM fungi resulted in better uptake of major, secondary & micro nutrients during the active vegetative phase of the crop. Effect of soil sterilisation was not conclusive. Phosphate nutrition of the crop resulted in better uptake of all major nutrients. Field experiments are suggested to establish the present findings and to relate the effects of treatments with tuber yield.ThesisItem Open Access Effect of top dressing with complex fertilizer on the yield of rice(Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 1990) Sam Mathew; KAU; Ramasubramonian, P RA field experiment was conducted in the wet lands of the College of Agriculture, Vellayani campus during the second crop season of 1988 to study the effect of top dressing paddy with phosphorus in the form of ammophos and superphosphate in addition to a basal application on the yield of grain and straw. The experiment was carried out in a simple randomised block design with thirteen treatments. Factomphos and superphosphate were applied at different times viz., full basal, full top dress at AT, ½ basal + ½ at AT, ½ basal + ½ at AT + ¼ at PI. A control treatment without any phosphorus was also included. The Package recommendation of 90:45:45 kg ha-1 of N:P:K was given uniformly to all plots except in the control which received N and K only. The variety used was Jyothi. A destructive row for collection of plant samples was also maintained. Soil and plant samples were withdrawn from each plot at different stages viz. prior to and 15 days after top dressing at AT, 10 days after top dressing at PI and at harvest and analysed for available P in the soil and the phosphorus content of the plant. The growth, yield and yield characters were also studied. Increased plant height and tiller count could be observed during the active tillering and maximum tillering stages when factomphos was applied half as basal and half top dressesd at AT. The two-split treatments of factomphos recorded highest tiller count at harvest. Among the yield characters, increase in the productive tiller count alone was significant under the influence of split application of P either as superphosphate or factomphos. The application of P in two splits of half basal and half top dress at AT resulted in increased grain yield which was significant over the control, three splits and the single top dressed treatments. The two-split treatments and the full basal treatment were similar in their influence. Between superphosphate and factomphos used for top dressing, no significant differences could be noticed. In general, the full top dressed P and the three – split treatments were similar and both were inferior. With regard to straw yield, the phosphorus applied in two splits showed better performance when compared to the others. However, among the different treatments, there was no significant difference. Control was significantly inferior. Between superphosphate and factomphos used in the two – split treatments, the latter was found better. The full top dressed and the three – split treatments were similar and gave lower straw yield. Studies on the phosphorus absorption by rice plant made during three sampling stages indicated that increased absorption of phosphorus was during the period between the first and second sampling stages, which nearly coincided with the active tillering and maximum tillering stages respectively of the crop, with peak absorption at the second stage and thereafter it decreased gradually. In this regard the two - split P treatments recorded higher values among which factomphos application resulted in the highest plant P content of the harvest stage which was significant. The uptake of phosphorus studied in the various stages was also found to be higher in the two – split P treatments of factomphos. Maximum available phosphorus in the soil could be noticed in the treatments where P application was made in two – splits, which was however on par with full basal P treatments. In general the nitrogen content of grain and straw were higher in the two – split P treatments with a maximum content in the factomphos top dressed treatment. However, no treatmental difference could be seen in the case of potassium content of grain or straw. Correlation studies revealed that the available P in the soil and the phosphorus content of the plant estimated at various stages were positively and significantly correlated with yield. The result indicated that peak phosphorus absorption by rice occurs at maximum tillering stage and that the phosphate application at or after PI is not likely to be helpful in bringing about the desired yield increase in rice.