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

Search Results

Now showing 1 - 9 of 45

Open Access
Behaviour of phosphorus in selected soil types of Kerala
(Department of soil science and agricultural chemistry, College of horticulture,Vellanikara, 1993) Vijayan, A P; KAU; Sumam Susan, Varghese
In order to study the distribution of inorganic P-fractions finding suitable chemical extractant for phosphorus, to study Q/1 relationship as a method of estimating available P and for studying adsorption- desorption characteristics of the soil types of Kerala, 100 surface soil samples were collected. These soil types were selected from different parts of the state belonging to five soil types viz., laterite, coastal alluvium, brown hydromorphic, Kuttanad alluvium and black soil. It is observed that all the soil types except black soil were acidic, clay content was comparable in case of black soil, Kuttanad alluvium, brown hydromorphic and lateritic but it was very low in coastal alluvium. Maximum content of sesquioxide and total phosphorus recorded in laterite soils and minimum in coastal alluvium. Dominant inorganic fraction in laterite and black soil was Ca- P while in coastal alluvium, brown hydromorphic, and Kuttanad alluvium dominant fraction was Fe- P. Coastal alluvium recorded maximum content of saloid- P, Al- P and Fe- P content were maximum in Kuttanad alluvium. Maximum content of Ca- P was recorded in black soil. Studies in black soil showed that total P is correlated to free carbonates significantly and positively. The different extractants studied in different soils showed that extractants should be selected according to soil types. Mathew’s triacid proved as a better extractant for available P in laterite and coastal alluvium. In case of Kuttanad alluvium soil Bray No.1 is better. Mathew’s P correlated significantly to uptake in laterite, coastal alluvium and Kuttanad alluvium. Olsen’s P correlated to uptake in laterite and Kuttanad soils. Phosphate potential negatively correlated to uptake in Kuttanad alluvium, coastal alluvium and brown hydromorphic soil. Where as equilibrium phosphate potential negatively correlated to uptake in coastal alluvium alone. DPBC values are not found as a suitable method for the estimation of available P. The P desorption adsorption studies showed that adsorption studies was not correlated to P uptake. While the desorbed P correlated significantly and positively to P uptake in laterite soil alone.
Open 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.
Open Access
Soil temperature and moisture characteristics as influenced by inter-cropping of fodder crops in coconut garden
(Department of soil science and agricultural chemistry, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 1993) Asok, P I; KAU; Pushkala, S
An investigation was undertaken to study the effect of fodder grasses grown as inter crop in coconut garden on the soil characteristics. The observations were carried out from the already laid out experimental plot in the farm area of college of Agriculture. The layout was in randomised block design with six treatments and four replications. The treatments included guinea grass, congo, signal grass, setaria grass, molassess grass, hybrid napier and contrest. Soil samples were collected from two depths namely 15 cm and 30 cm from the surface. The samples were collected during March-April, July-August and December-January. The soil analysis was done for moisture, porosity, bulkdensity, particle density and water holding capacity. The infiltration rate and hydraulic conductivity were carried out at the close of the experiment. Chemical analysis was done for nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium, calcium and magnesium. The effect of growing fodder crops on soil moisture content was not significant. The thick canopy of guinea and congosignal grass could retain moisture in the field. The water holding capacity in the control plot was less than the fodder plot. So the competition for water would be minimum for coconut and fodder crops. The soil moisture was negatively correlated with soil temperature. Setaria and molasses grass could conserve moisture on the surface while other grasses could retain moisture on the subsurface layer. Fodder grass roots improved the structure of the soil. Bulk density values were reduced. The changes on particle density and porosity values were negligible. The hydraulic conductivity value observed for setaria grass was highest and the lowest value was recorded by guinea grass. Infiltration rate showed no significant difference among treatments. Soil temperature values were brought down by fodder grass cultivation during daytime, insulated the soil when it was cooled. There was no significant effect on the chemical properties of the soil namely, soil reaction , available nitrogen, available potassium, exchangeable calcium and exchangeable magnesium. Soil phosphorous level shown by the setaria grass was high, which was positively correlated with the soil temperature. Inter-cultivation with fodder grass in coconut garden, is not deteriorating the physical properties, but it can improve the hydraulic characteristics and thermal properties thereby leading to an increase in the coconut yield.
Open Access
Classification of the upland soils of Kerala
(Department of soil science and agricultural chemistry, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 1993) Bindu Kumari, A; KAU; Subramonia iyer, M
Soil taxonomy is one of the well accepted popular system of soil classification through which soil information can be communicated globaly. Inorder to have the soil Taxonomy information of the uplands of Agricultural Rsearch Station and Centres under Kerala Agricultural University and CWRDM, Calicut one representative profiles were examined described analysed for physical chemical and mineralogical properties and with the available site and climatic parameters and from the results of the present study the soil were classified as per Soil taxonomy (1975). All the soils are gravelly, clay loam to clayey texture with kaolinitic to mixed mineralogy with expanding 2:1 minerals at Pampadumpara, Ambalavayal and Kannara. At Calicut the clay fraction is more than non clay fraction. Irrespective of the profiles, the profiles are with ustic moisture regime and isohyperthermic temperature regime. The temperature regime at Pampadumpara and Ambalavayal is hyperthermic. Based on the degree of weathering revealed by silt/clay ratio the profiles can be arranged with a decreasing degree of weathering Calicut > Kottarakara > Balaramapuram > Vellayani > Pampadumpara > Ambalavayal > Thiruvalla > Pillcode > Vellayani II > Tavanur > Odakkali > Vellanikkara > Kannara Based on the available information and results of the present study, keys the profile in to the following taxa as per soil Taxonomy (1975). 1. Balaramapuram Fine loamy kaolinitic isohyperthermic family of kandic Haplustalf. 2. Vellayani Fine loamy kaolinitic isohyperthermic family of Typic Kandiustults. 3. Thiruvalla Fine loamy mixed isohyperthermic 4. Odakkali family of Tropustults. 5. Kottarakara Clayey skeletal kaolinitic 6. Vellanikkara isohyperthermic family of Typic 7. Pilicode Kandiustults 8. Pampadumpara Fine loamy mixed isohyperthermic family Haplustalf. 9. Kannara Fine loamy mixed isohyperthermic 10. Ambalavayal family of Haplustalf. 11. Calicut Clayey skeletal kaolinitic isohyperthermic family of kandiudlts 12. Tavanur Fine clayey kaolinitic isohyperthermic family of petroferric Dystropepts. The family charactors reveal that thesee soils are with less availables water capacity, low cation exchange capacity. Soil temperature is not a problem in these soils. The typic subgroup indicates lesser problems of water logging. The argillic and kandic endopedon indicates low nutrient holding capacity and presence of low active clays (LAC) warranting special soil management measures for increase crop production like split application of fertilizers. Ustic moisture regime is indicative of prevalent water stress in these profiles sites. The order Ultisol , Alfisol and even inceptisol is indicative of highly weathered soil of varied horizon development and less fertility because of lower percentage bases saturation (PBS) The present study gives a “soil basis” for the global communication and appreciation of the valuable research results of these research institutions. The research results, the crop performance from all these research institution are to be gathered and critically analysed with the “soil basis” as a future line of work.
Open Access
Behaviour of potassium in selected soil series of Thiruvananthapuram district
(Department of soil science and agricultural chemistry, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 1993) George, Joseph; KAU; Saifudeen, N
An experiment was conducted at the Department of Soil Science and agricultural Chemistry, College of Agriculture, Vellayani with 50 surface soil samples each from Trivandrum, Kazhakuttom and Kottor series to assess the behaviour of soil potassium. Water soluble, available, exchangeable, nitric acid soluble and non – exchangeable potassium in these soils were determined. Sample observations on total potassium from soils with low, medium and high available potassium were also undertaken. In addition, the physical and chemical properties of all the samples were studied through observations on soil separates, pH, electrical conductivity, organic carbon, cation exchange capacity, base saturation and exchangeable forms of calcium, magnesium and sodium. Neutral ammonium acetate (1.0 N) extractable potassium (available form) was found to be positively influenced by water soluble, exchangeable and nitric acid extractable forms of potassium. The organic carbon content positively influenced the available potassium where the soil organic carbon was low viz., Trivandrum and Kazhakuttom series. Cation exchange capacity also had a positive influence on available potassium. Percentage base saturation influenced available potassium positively, except in forest soils. In Trivandrum series 71 percent of nitric acid potassium was available to crops; while the corresponding values were 46 and 51 percent in Kazhakuttom and Kotoor series respectively. The total potassium content was also relatively high in Trivandrum series. The relationship between various forms of soil potassium and also between potassium fractions and other soil components expressed varying trends in soils falling under different fertility classes. This aspect needs further investigation. Quantification of the contribution of different fractions of soil potassium towards crop uptake is suggested as a future line of work. Basic studies on the ionic equilibria in soil solutions which affect potassium exchange and availability in these soils also warrants attention.
Open Access
Soil nutrirent dynamics in cocoa
(Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 1995) Smitha, B; KAU; Wahid, P A
An investigation on the dynamics of soil nutrients in the rootzone of cocoa (Theobroma cacao) was conducted during 1993 – 94 at the College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara. Soil and leaf samples were taken from cocoa trees under the Cadbury – KAU Co – operative Cocoa Research Project, Vellanikkara. Cocoa variety used for the study was forastero. The soil of the site was laterite (Oxisol). The treatments consisted of factorial combinations of N, P and K fertilizers each at two levels (with and without), two levels (with and without) of irrigation and shade and seven age groups namely 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9 and 12 years. Soil samples were also collected from an uncropped and unfertilized area nearby. The impact of long – term inorganic fertilization, irrigation and shade and age of the tree on soil chemical characteristics as well as foliar nutrition of cocoa influenced by long – term inorganic fertilization, irrigation and shade were assessed. Continuous application of urea for a period of nine years increased soil acidity and availability of P, S, Fe and Mn. It also increased total soil P and Fe. But it resulted in depletion of available K, Ca, Mg, Zn and Zn and Mn reserves of the soil. Long – term application of superphosphate resulted in the build – up of available and total P in soil. It also improved the status of soil available Ca, S and soil reserves of Ca and S. But it depleted soil available and total K, available and total Zn, available Mg and Cu and total Mn. Muriate of potash application increased the available and total K content of the soil. On the other hand it caused depletion of available P, Ca, S, Mn, Cu and soil Ca and Mg reserves. Interactions among urea, superphosphate and muriate of potash were also significant with regard to the fertility of the cocoa rootzone is concerned. Increasing soil acidity due to urea application, enrichment of S and Ca due to superphosphate application, and decrease in available P and S due to muriate of potash application were highly influenced by depth. Regular irrigation over a period of five years resulted in reducing the availability of P, Ca, Mn and Cu. It also reduced the total P and Mn in soil. But available K, Zn, S and total S tended to increase with irrigation. In the irrigated plots, total and available P were significantly lower in the surface layers compared to that in unirrigated plots. Provision of shade for a period of 13 years resulted in the build – up of soil organic carbon, available P, Fe and soil reserves of P, Ca, S, Fe, Zn and Mn. On the other hand it decreased the concentrations of available and total K, available S, and Zn and total Mg. Irrigation x shade interaction significantly influenced the available P content of soil. Urea application increased the foliar concentrations of N, Fe, Mn and Cu, but it decreased the leaf K content significantly. Long – term superphosphate application reduced Zn content of cocoa leaf. Application of muriate of potash increased leaf K content, but depressed foliar mg content significantly. Leaf N and K contents of cocoa were highly influenced by N x K interactions. N x P interaction significantly affected foliar Zn concentration of cocoa. Foliar Zn recorded higher values in plants receiving no nitrogen and phosphorus. Irrigation resulted in increased foliar concentrations of almost all nutrients except that of Ca and Mg. Foliar Ca content was higher in unirrigated plants. Effects of irrigation on leaf Mg was not significant. Cocoa trees under shade recorded higher concentrations of N, P, Mg, Fe and Mn and Cu in their foliage while K content was higher in open grown plants. Irrigation x shade interaction significantly influenced foliar N content. Shaded and irrigated conditions resulted in highest foliar N content. Nutrient dynamics in rootzone of cocoa over a period of 12 years of crop growth and fertilization could be described by linear or quadratic model. The linear model was found to be a better fit for available and total K, available and total Mg, available Cu and total Zn. In the case of available and total P, available and total Ca, available Zn, total S and total Cu the changes in concentrations with time could be described by a quadratic model. Available Mn content of the soil showed steady increase with age up to nine years followed by a sharp decrease.
Open Access
Fertility investigation and taxonomy of the soils of banana research station Kannara
(Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 1995) Sreerekha, L; KAU; Marykutty, K C
Taxonomy and fertility investigation of the soils of Banana Research Station, Kannara, was the main intension of the present investigation. Representative surface soil samples were collected from each block of this research station, namely A, B, C, D, E and F for investigating the fertility status of soil. Profiles considered for the study were P1 and P2 in A block, P3, P4 and P5 in B block, P6 and P7 in C block, P8 in D block, P9 in E block, and P10 in F block. Profiles were excavated to study the characteristics of each of the horizons in the soil profile and classify the soils of each block. After the collection and preparation of soil samples, laboratory analyses were carried out as per the standard methods. With an increase in depth, profile samples showed an increasing intensity of colour of the horizons and increase in clay content whereas a decreasing trend was noticed for apparent density, absolute density, water holding capacity and pore space. Soils were acidic and low electrical conductivity values were observed. Organic carbon and total nitrogen decreased with depth. Total P2o5 content was lower than total K2o. Low reserves of total nutrients were observed for other elements also. Sesquioxide content was very high and intermediate layers showed maximum accumulation. In surface as well as profile samples the predominant cation was calcium followed by magnesium. A general increase of CEC and ECEC with depth was observed. Oxalate extractable iron content was lower than the dithionite extractable iron. Distribution of total iron was irregular. Surface soil showed wide variation in texture. Clay content showed significant positive correlation with water holding capacity whereas silt and organic carbon failed to impart any influence upon the same. Phosphorus fixing capacity was high for all the samples. DTPA extractable micronutrients were more than the adequate amount. Based on the soil test values fertilizers were recommended for various blocks. Nitrogeneous fertilizers can be reduced by 5 to 10 per cent. Applications of phosphatic fertilizers can be reduced by 75 per cent in most of the blocks. Potassium fertilizers can also be reduced considerably. Nutrient indices were calculated and a soil fertility map was drawn. Classification of pedons of various blocks according to soil taxonomy has been attempted and found that P1 of A block belongs to the order Entisol. P2 (A block), P3, P4 and P5 (B block), P6 and P7 (C block), P9 (E block) and P10 (F block) belong to the order Alfisol. P8 of D block belongs to the order Inceptisol. By this investigation, the classification of soil profiles were done and the fertility status of each block was found out. In accordance with the soil test values, fertilizer recommendations were made. Thus, by reducing the inputs, cost of cultivation could be reduced considerably.
Open Access
Toxic hazards of the industrial atmospheric pollutant, SO2,on tree crops
(Department of soil science and agricultural chemistry, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 1993) Rani, B; KAU; Babukutty, K
A study was conducted to assess the effects of the industrial atmospheric pollutant, sulphur dioxide, on tree crops. The Veli area in Thiruvananthapuram district, Kerala which has been established as a polluted zone, due to the working of the Travancore Titanium products, was selected as the experimental site. Since coconut dominates the tree crops in the area, and due to its added importance as an oilseed, the study was conducted on coconut palms near the factory. Influence of sulphur dioxide pollution on plant parameters like sulphur content of foliage, pigment concentration, macro and micro nutrients, plant metabolites like glucose and ascorbic acid, catalase activity and the copra and oil contents of nuts were studied. Leaf and nut samples were taken at distances of 250, 500, 1000, 1500, 2000 and 5000 m, with the samples at 5000m taken as control. Visual observations, detailed chemical analysis of leaf samples and study of nut characters were conducted on the sampled palms. Visual observations revealed a high degree of chlorosis and necrosis of palms near the factory. As distance from the pollution source increased, the intensity of damage decreased, with the control palms at 5000 m showing no signs of visible injury. Data from Chemical analyses showed significantly higher concentration of total sulphur and sulphate sulphur in palms near the Titanium factory (1.731 and 0.364 per cent respectively). A drastic reduction was noticed in the plant nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and calcium in palms exposed to higher sulphur dioxide concentrations. Magnesium content was not affected significantly though in palms near the factory, there was a decrease in concentration. Among the micronutrients analysed, iron, copper and boron were affected, with the contents of iron and copper increasing with increased sulphur dioxide pollution and boron showing a decrease. Sulphur dioxide had no effect on the zinc, molybdenum and manganese contents while sodium and chlorine contents was reduced. The contents of aluminium was increased significantly in palms near the pollution source. Plant metabolites like ascorbic acid and glucose were decreased but the activity of catalase enzyme in leaf remained unaffected. The plant pigments like chlorophyll and carotenoids were also reduced in quantity, which may either be due to their degradation or decreased production. Among the nut characters studied, the contents of copra and oil were drastically reduced. The adverse effects of increased sulphur dioxide content in the atmosphere was high upto 1 km from the source and gradually decreased with the effect not felt at 5 km. These findings reveal that concentrations of sulphur dioxide higher than normal in the atmosphere can lead to plant injury in the surrounding area, in addition to the effects on human beings. The establishment of new industries and thermal power stations pose a new treat to the cultivated and native plants in that area. Since industrialization is the forerunner of development, the contribution of industries to toxic gases should be reduced by the adoption of suitable pollution control measures, if plant life in nature should proceed unhindered.
Open Access
Surface charge characteristics and phosphorus availability in selected oxisoils and ultisoils of Kerala
(Department of soil science and agricultural chemistry, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 1993) Sreekala, S; KAU; Rajendran, P
To meet the goal of increased food production in areas dominated by LAC soils, it is essential to alleviate specific physical and chemical soil related constraints. A major constraint identified in the Oxisols and Ultisols is the widespread deficiency of phosphorus and moderate to high P – fixation coupled with low nutrient holding capacity. The use of low grade silicates and lime suggested as a low input strategy for sound phosphorus management in these soils is tested in the present study. In addition to this objective the by – product effect of the application of phosphate and silicate in excercising cation protection by enhancement of CEC is also tested in these selected soils. The results of the studies are summarised and appropriate conclusions drawn. The electro – chemical properties of the two soils studied clearly showed that the inorganic components of the soils are of variable charge type. The results of the incubation experiment proved the beneficial effect of silicate application in enhancing the available ‘P’ status. Adsorption studies of phosphate and silicate showed that the Kandiustult of Kottarakkara exhibited extremely high adsorption capacity for ‘P’ indicating a higher ‘P’ fixing capacity than the Haplustox of Pachalloor. The column study conducted revealed that it is possible to increase the retention of cations by applying phosphate and silicate as soil amendments. Neubauer’s experiment conducted to determine the effect of silicate lime and phosphate application on ‘P’ availability, did not show any significant result. However, the trend was indicative of the beneficial effect of silicate application in increasing the phosphate release from the soil. This aspect of the study needs further elaboration through field experiments.

Kerala Agricultural University, Thrissur

Browse

Thesis Type

Type

Author

Date

Subject

Search Results