Thumbnail Image

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

19944
Reset filters
Subject: Soil Science and Agriculture Chemistry × Author: KAU × End date: 1994 × Start date: 1994 × Thesis Type: M.Sc ×
Reset filters

Search Results

Now showing 1 - 4 of 4
  • Thumbnail Image
    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Quality and fatty acid composition of coconut oil in relation to varietal variation and mineral nutrition
    (Department of soil science and agricultural chemistry, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 1994) Geetha Kumari, V S; KAU; Ranjendran, P
    Coconut is a perennial oil seed crop with a large number of cultivars having widely varying growth and yield characteristics. It is both an agricultural and industrial crop with immense economic importance. A variety of edible oils are available in the market today with wide variations in quality parameters and nutritional characteristics. Although product quality is influenced by many factors associated with production, harvesting, curing and processing; quality is influenced to a greater extent by the genetic parameters and chemical composition. Assessment of quality parameters and fixing standards for the nutritional aspects are to be considered with top priority for the development of new varieties/cultivars along with the yield attributes. Considering the afore mentioned facts in view, it was felt essential to study the effect of varietal variation and mineral nutrition on the oil content, quality and fatty acid composition of coconut oil. Nuts collected from different varieties/cultivars from RARS, Pilicode, Instructional farm, Vellayani and palms of an ongoing fertilizer trial of the CRS, Balaramapuram, were subjected to chemical analysis to study the above aspects. The results of the analysis were summarised and appropriate conclusions drawn. The effect of varietal variation on the oil content and quality parameters like acid value, saponification value and iodine value were found to be significant. Minor quality parameters like Reichert – Meissel and Polenske value also showed considerable differences among the varieties. The fatty acid composition of oil from selected varieties also had shown considerable variation. The effect of mineral nutrition on the oil quality and fatty acid composition of coconut oil were found to be insignificant. The oil content was not influenced by nitrogen and phosphorus while potassium had a significant but negative effect on oil content. The influence of N, P and K fertilizers on the quality parameters like acid value, saponification value and iodine value was not significant in general. Minor quality parameters like Reichert – Meissel and Polenske value showed variation due to fertilizer treatments. The fatty acid composition of oil from selected treatments. The fatty acid composition of oil from selected treatments were also influenced by mineral nutrition. From the results of the study it can be concluded that quality parameters of coconut are much influenced by varietal differences than by mineral nutrition. Thus it is evident from the study that the genetic variability has got a greater role to play in modifying quantity parameters and chemical composition of the most important tropical adible oil namely coconut oil. Selection and breeding should be directed towards tailoring new varieties with higher oil content, quality indices and fatty acid composition.
  • Thumbnail Image
    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Foliar diagnosis and yield prediction in sugarcane in relation to N,P and K
    (Department of Soil science and Agricultural chemistry, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 1994) Ramesh, V; KAU; Suman Susan, Varghese
    A field trial to study the relationship of sugarcane yield and nutrient status through foliar diagnosis was carried out at Sugarcane Research Station, Tiruvalla during 1992, with the hybrid variety COTI 88322 (Madhuri). The experiment was laid out in a 33 factorial randomised block design consisting of three levels each of nitrogen (0, 165.0 and 330.0 kg N/ha), phosphorus (0, 82.5 and 165.0 kg P2o5/ha) and potassium (0, 82.5 and 165.0 kg K2o/ha). In order to standardise the leaf position, the leaf that just began to unroll (spindle like) was taken as the first leaf and the second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth leaves were counted from first leaf below. At the end of germination phase only third, fourth and fifth leaves were collected as no sixth leaf was found at this stage and from the second stage onwards the sixth leaf was included in the study. For standardising the best season suited for the collection of leaf and to predict yield, samples were collected at six different stages of plant growth. The stages of sampling were : (1) germination phase (2) Tillering phase (3) At the beginning of grand growth phase (4) After grand growth phase but before flower formation (5) After flower formation but before maturity phase and (6) At the time of harvest. Attempts were made to find out the direct and indirect contributions of N, P and K in different leaves with and without sheath on yield and to predict yield based on the step-wise regression analysis. Attempt was also made to fine out the influence of leaf nutrient content at different leaf position collected at various stage of sampling on the nutrient uptake of sugarcane. Studies were also made to find out the influence of different levels of N, P and K on cane juice quality and nutrient uptake of sugarcane at harvest stage. Observations revealed that the N content in the leaf with sheath varied from 0.35 to 1.41 per cent, while it was from 0.53 to 1.58 per cent for leaf without sheath. The N content of leaf with sheath showed a gradual decline with age of crop while the N content in the leaf without sheath increased from first to third stage and there after decreased. The differences in the levels of N applied reflected in N content of leaves at the second and third stage of sampling. The P content in the leaf with sheath varied from 0.056 to 0.166 per cent and the leaf without sheath varied from 0.088 to 0.161 per cent. Phosphorus distribution at different leaves in all the stages were rather inconsistent in both the cases. The response to the different levels of P applied was more pronounced in the second stage of sampling. Potassium per cent in leaf with sheath varies from 0.33 to 1.16 per cent while it was from 0.39 to 1.04 per cent for leaves without sheath. The content of potassium in the leaves without sheath was low in all the stages compared to leaves with sheath. The decrease in K content with age was not conspicuous. The effect of different levels of K was clearly reflected in the fourth stage of sampling. Results also showed that the extent of role played by the NPK content of leaves with sheath on yield at the first, third and fifth stages of sampling was low while the NPK content of leaves without sheath at the first and fifth stage of sampling had a little influence on final yield of sugarcane. The nitrogen content in the fourth leaf with sheath and third and fourth leaves without sheath collected at the second stage of sampling established a significant influence on the yield of sugarcane. The P and K contents of the fifth leaf with sheath collected at the second stage of sampling established a significant effect on yield of sugarcane. Observations revealed that among the stages of sampling, the second stage is recommended for N, P and K, Regarding the leaf positions, the third, fourth and fifth leaves without sheath is ideal for diagnostic purpose in relation to N, while the above leaves with sheath is ideal for diagnostic purpose in relation to K. For P, the fifth leaf with sheath is found to be the best. Stepwise regression model fitted with yield and percentage of nutrients in different leaf positions at various stages of sampling gave a maximum prediction of 73 per cent (R2 = 0.7297) when the nutrient content of the third, fourth and fifth leaves collected at the second stage of sampling was considered. The nitrogen content at the third and sixth leaves without sheath collected at the second and fifth stages of sampling had a significant correlation with the nutrient uptake of sugarcane at harvest stage. The different treatments of NPK failed to play a significant influence on the brix, pol and CCS per cent of cane juice.
  • Thumbnail Image
    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Pedological investigation on the ecosystem of vellayani lake
    (Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 1994) Sanjeev, V; KAU; Thomas, Varghese
    Lakes play the important role of storing the rain water and maintain the ground water table in the adjoining areas. They form a fragile ecosystem which reflect the nation’s ecological wealth. Lakes, in India cover 0.2 million ha. In Kerala, there are 10 fresh water lakes. During the recent past, due to population pressure, vast areas of lakes and other wetlands have been filled and reclaimed either for human inhabitation or for agricultural activities, resulting in serious ecological changes. Vellayani lake, which is the only fresh water lake in Trivandrum represents one of the worst affected ecosystem in Kerala. Not much have been studied about the different ecological and pedological aspects of this lake. The present study was undertaken to throw light on the nature of land use and characteristics of Vellayani lake ecosystem, the production potential of the soil, and the extent of degradation of the lake ecosystem. Nine locations were selected to represent both the Kayal lands as well the lands reclaimed by human activity. Profiles were taken from these locations and the samples were analysed for different physic – chemical characteristics. Water and soil samples were collected from the lake periodically and analysed for seasonal changes in pH, EC, chloride and sulphate. Climatological data of the station was also collected. Results of the study prove that the lake ecosystem is fast degrading. Remote sensing techniques coupled with ground truth analysis have shown that 60% of the original lake area has been reclaimed. Due to heavy siltation, the average depth of the lake has been reduced to 3 m. Rainfall pattern of the location for a period of 11 years shows a drastic decline in the annual precipitation and the mean values has come down to 1520mm from 1840mm since 1982. Coconut is the predominant crop around the lake and the fringes of the lake have been reclaimed for different land uses. The predominance of crops in the reclaimed area are in the order rice, coconut, mixed trees, mixed crops, banana. The water quality analysis has shown that the water is free from salts and can be safely used for domestic purposes as well for irrigation. The pedological investigations on the lake soil system indicated that the lake bed soil is of recent origin and belongs to acid hydomorphic group. According to U.S. Soil taxonomy it can be classified as fine. Kaolintic, isohypertheremic, acidic, tropic, fluvaquents. The lake bed is a highly productive soil system which can be better utilised for aquaculture rather than agriculture considering other ecological and environmental factors. The step to abandon dewatering of the Kayal for cultivation has been a bold one from the part of the authorities and this coupled with other scientific conservation methods will prove a great deal in preserving this fragile ecosystem for future generations.
  • Thumbnail Image
    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Potassium release and exchange characteristics of the selected wetland rice soils of Kerala
    (Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 1994) Louis, Joseph; KAU; Babukutty, K
    Being in the humid tropics, the pedogenic environment prevailing in kerala keeps the soil inherently deficient in the status of potassium. The exchange and release patterns of potassium was studied using typical wet land soils viz. Black cotton soils of Chittoor, sandy Onattukara of Kayamkulam and laterite alluvium of Pattambi. This investigation gives a deeper insight into the potassium supplying capacity of these soil types of Kerala. From the basic chemical analysis of the soils, it was revealed that the black cotton soils are high in clay content (%) and potassium fixation and supplying capacity are also high. In sandy Onattukara the clay content is very low (15 %) and hence the fixation and potassium content were found to be low while in lateritic alluvium eventhough the clay content is high (25%) the potassium content and fixation is low due to the kaolinitic nature of the clays. A study on the cumulative potassium removal by continuous flooding with water and leaching with neutral normal ammonium acetate revealed that the total potassium removed by seven successive leachings to be 12.8 mg, 2.28 mg and 11.4 mg k in black cotton, sandy Onattukara and lateritic alluvium soil respectively. But the potential capacity of supplying k in these soils as estimated by chemical analysis was found to be 85.5, 31.0 and 29.5 mg k/kg soil indicating a situation where the analytical procedures give much higher estimate than that is actually available under field conditions. From another experiment to find the total potassium supplying capacity of these soils by crop exhaustion studies, it was found that the total potassium supplied by these soils amounted to 306, 15.44 and 14.27 mg k/kg soil. However the black cotton soil alone remained undepleted even after seven successive cropping with rice. The high amount of potassium supplied by Black cotton soil was due to the high content of fixed k, while in sandy Onattukara and lateritic alluvium the low content of fixed potassium, low clay content and low CEC explains the low availability of potassium. When we compare the amounts of potassium obtained by crop exhaustion with the amount of k removed by leaching it may be noted that leaching studies provided an under estimated value. This might be due to the reversible equilibrium possible between soils k and that extracted by ammonium acetate during leaching, where as under exhaustive cropping the plant root continuously removed k from the system there by creating a concentration gradient between soil K and solution rendering no chance for such an equilibrium. The response studies carried out in the above depleted two soils – Sandy Onattukara and Lateritic alluvium with different levels of applied K (0 k, ¼ k, ½ k, 1 k, 1 ½ k, and 2 k. Where K represents cumulative K removal by crop exhaustion) showed that biometric characters, yield attributes and nutrient content showed an increasing trend with increase in the levels of applied K. The response was maximum at 2 K levels. The response applied K showed a linear pattern.