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Kerala Agricultural University, Thrissur
The history of agricultural education in Kerala can be traced back to the year 1896 when a scheme was evolved in the erstwhile Travancore State to train a few young men in scientific agriculture at the Demonstration Farm, Karamana, Thiruvananthapuram, presently, the Cropping Systems Research Centre under Kerala Agricultural University. Agriculture was introduced as an optional subject in the middle school classes in the State in 1922 when an Agricultural Middle School was started at Aluva, Ernakulam District. The popularity and usefulness of this school led to the starting of similar institutions at Kottarakkara and Konni in 1928 and 1931 respectively.
Agriculture was later introduced as an optional subject for Intermediate Course in 1953. In 1955, the erstwhile Government of Travancore-Cochin started the Agricultural College and Research Institute at Vellayani, Thiruvananthapuram and the College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences at Mannuthy, Thrissur for imparting higher education in agricultural and veterinary sciences, respectively. These institutions were brought under the direct administrative control of the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Animal Husbandry, respectively. With the formation of Kerala State in 1956, these two colleges were affiliated to the University of Kerala. The post-graduate programmes leading to M.Sc. (Ag), M.V.Sc. and Ph.D. degrees were started in 1961, 1962 and 1965 respectively.
On the recommendation of the Second National Education Commission (1964-66) headed by Dr. D.S. Kothari, the then Chairman of the University Grants Commission, one Agricultural University in each State was established. The State Agricultural Universities (SAUs) were established in India as an integral part of the National Agricultural Research System to give the much needed impetus to Agriculture Education and Research in the Country. As a result the Kerala Agricultural University (KAU) was established on 24th February 1971 by virtue of the Act 33 of 1971 and started functioning on 1st February 1972. The Kerala Agricultural University is the 15th in the series of the SAUs.
In accordance with the provisions of KAU Act of 1971, the Agricultural College and Research Institute at Vellayani, and the College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, were brought under the Kerala Agricultural University. In addition, twenty one agricultural and animal husbandry research stations were also transferred to the KAU for taking up research and extension programmes on various crops, animals, birds, etc.
During 2011, Kerala Agricultural University was trifurcated into Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (KVASU), Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies (KUFOS) and Kerala Agricultural University (KAU).
Now the University has seven colleges (four Agriculture, one Agricultural Engineering, one Forestry, one Co-operation Banking & Management), six RARSs, seven KVKs, 15 Research Stations and 16 Research and Extension Units under the faculties of Agriculture, Agricultural Engineering and Forestry. In addition, one Academy on Climate Change Adaptation and one Institute of Agricultural Technology offering M.Sc. (Integrated) Climate Change Adaptation and Diploma in Agricultural Sciences respectively are also functioning in Kerala Agricultural University.
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ThesisItem Open Access Carbon pools in Lateritic soil amended with coirpith-vermicompost and its effect on Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.)(Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2019) Aiswarya, R; KAU; Jayasree Sankar, SSoil organic carbon (SOC) is considered as the key indicator of soil quality and agricultural sustainability. Among the different management practices that are being followed, application of chemical fertilizers and manures has been recognized as the most systematic and effective means to either enhance soil organic carbon accumulation or reduce the rate of SOC loss. Hence, for studying the effect of coirpith based vermicompost on dynamics of carbon in a lateritic soil, a field experiment was laid out during October 2018 – February 2019, in RBD with 12 treatments replicated thrice, with tomato, variety Manulakshmi, as the test crop. The plot size was 3 x 3 m and plant spacing was 60 x 60 cm. The treatments consisted of an absolute control (T1), coirpith compost at 10 t ha-1 (T2), coirpith based vermicompost at 10 t ha-1 (T3), Coirpith based vermicompost at 10 t ha-1 + soil test based KAU POP (T4), , FYM at 20 t ha-1 + soil test based KAU POP(T5), T3 + 25 % of soil test based KAU POP (T6), T3 + 50 % of soil test based KAU POP (T7), T3 + 75 % of soil test based KAU POP (T8), FYM at 20 t ha1 + 25 % of soil test based KAU POP (T9), FYM at 20 t ha-1 + 50 % of soil test based KAU POP (T10), FYM at 20 t ha-1 + 75 % of soil test based KAU POP (T11), Adhoc KAU organic POP (T12). Raw coirpith was converted into compost using vermitechnology employing the compost worm Eisenia foetida .The composting process got completed within 64 days time span. Coirpith in the raw stage and after composting was characterized for physical, electro-chemical and chemical properties. Advantages of vermicomposting coirpith included a reduction in the content of lignin (32 to 16.7 %), cellulose (25.2 to 10.2 %), C: N ratio (113:1 to 20.5:1) and EC (0.98 to 0.51 dS m-1) and an increase in pH and total nutrients. Soil analysis after the experiment revealed the significance of treatments on electro-chemical and chemical properties as against the control. Significantly higher available K (281.0 kg ha-1) and Mn (75.33 mg kg-1) was obtained in coirpith based vermicompost at 10 t ha-1 + soil test based KAU POP (T4). In case of N, P, Ca and Fe the effect of the treatments T4, T5 (FYM + soil test based POP) and T8 (Coirpith vermicompost + 75 % soil test based POP) were comparable. The labile C fractions viz. water soluble carbon (WSC), hot water soluble carbon (HWSC), permanganate oxidizable carbon (POXC) and microbial biomass carbon (MBC) were also significantly influenced by the treatments and it followed the order POXC > HWSC > MBC = WSC. Further analysis revealed that the treatments T4, T5, T6 (Coirpith vermicompost + 25 % soil test based POP), T8 and T11 (FYM + 75 % soil test based POP) were comparable in influencing WSC, whereas T4 and T5 were similar in deciding HWSC and T4 and T8 in case of MBC. Significantly higher total C was registered by coirpith vermicompost + 75 per cent soil test based KAU POP. Dehydrogenase activity which is considered as an index of microbial activity in soil was significantly higher (146.3 µg TPF g-1soil 24hr-1) in coirpith based vermicompost at 10 t ha-1 + soil test based KAU POP. Integration of chemical fertilizers at different levels with organics, either coir pith vermicompost or FYM, increased microbial population which followed the order bacteria > fungi > actinomycetes. However, the impact of treatments was more pronounced in enhancing bacterial population due to the shift in pH towards neutral value. On considering biometric observations, it was seen that the plant height (104.7 cm), number of fruits per plant and fruit yield (1.84 kg/plant) were significantly higher for the treatment coirpith based vermicompost at 10 t ha-1 + soil test based KAU POP. The effect of coirpith based vermicompost and FYM along with fertilizers at different levels were comparable in determining fruit quality parameters like total soluble solids, ascorbic acid, lycopene and titrable acidity. Applying coirpith based vermicompost at 10 t ha-1 + soil test based KAU POP registered a higher B: C ratio of 2.43 in contrast to 1.57 recorded in the absolute control.ThesisItem Open Access Assessment of soil degradation and water quality in areas of small scale brick production and management of the degraded soil(Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2019) Sophia, Baby; KAU; Betty, BastinThe utilization of clay for construction of habitations and buildings dates back to the period of ancient civilizations. Even though centuries had passed and civilizations changed, the basic raw material for brick production remained the same. Brick production requires fine clayey loam soil with plenty of water supply. With the increasing demand for construction material, clay mining had shifted from river banks to fertile agricultural lands. This change in land use had resulted in the deterioration of soil health and decrease in crop production. The entry of large number of small scale brick production units is causing irreversible damages to the soil, hydrology and ecosystem. Hence, this study was taken up to characterise the desurfaced (mined) soils and water resources and to identify suitable management methods of these soils. A comprehensive survey was conducted at Alathur Taluk of Palakkad District to identify locations with resurfaced soils. Soil and water samples were collected from 11 locations including a control location without mining activities during August to September, 2017. A total of 88 soil samples (eight samples per location) and 11 water samples (one sample per location) were collected for the study. Both soil and water samples were analysed for various physico- chemical properties. Biological properties of soil samples were also analysed. The physical properties of soil such as temperature and bulk density were found to be higher in desurfaced soils when compared to control. The water holding capacity, porosity and moisture content were found to be reduced in desurfaced soils. The texture of the soil changed from clay loam to sandy loam. The organic carbon content of desurfaced soils were in the range of 0.08 – 0.46 per cent with a reduction of 61 per cent when compared with control soil. The content of available nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium were also reduced to the extent of 43.70, 74.50 and 43.36 per cent respectively. The available magnesium content was found to be lower in desurfaced soils (55.6 per cent reduction). The content of plant available micronutrients (Fe, Mn, Cu and Zn) and heavy metals (Ni, Cr and Pb) were high in desurfaced soils. The presence of earthworms (13 nos. per m2) and termite mound were observed only in the xi control soil. The microbial biomass carbon and dehydrogenase enzyme activity were highly reduced in desurfaced soils. Water samples were also affected by small scale topsoil mining activity. The pH, electrical conductivity and TDS were in the safer limits for all water samples. The concentrations of sodium (W1 andW10) and calcium (W1 andW5) in certain water samples collected from mined areas were high and they were above safe limits to be used for irrigation purposes. Similarly the higher levels of nitrate, phosphate, bicarbonate and chloride in water samples from mined areas denote the possibility of the water bodies being polluted by mining activities. Based on the status of organic carbon and major nutrients, the soil with the lowest nutrient status (S5) was selected for pot culture study. The pot culture study was conducted with chilli (var. Anugraha) as the test crop. The effect of various organic and inorganic amendments on the properties of desurfaced soils were evaluated in this experiment. The treatment T2 (soil test based NPK + poultry manure) recorded the highest plant height (50.42 cm), number of leaves (221.78) and number of branches (6.11) at 60 days after transplanting. The yield attributes such as total number of flowers (95.33), total number of fruits (31.33) and per cent fruit set (32.95 per cent) were found to be higher for the same. The highest yield was obtained for the treatment T2 (soil test based NPK + poultry manure). The soils were also analysed after the harvest of the crop. The bulk density of soil after harvest was the lowest in treatment T3 (soil test based NPK + vermicompost) and was on par with T4 (soil test based NPK + coirpith compost). The content of organic carbon, available nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium recorded higher values in treatment T2 (soil test based NPK + poultry manure) than the other treatments. The biological properties such as microbial biomass carbon (374.133 μg g-1 soil) and dehydrogenase activity (3.630 μg TPF g-1 day-1) were the highest in treatment T2 (soil test based NPK + poultry manure) and T4 (soil test based NPK + coirpith compost) respectively. The study revealed that top soil mining for brick production predominantly affected bulk density, soil temperature and water holding capacity of the soils. The content of organic carbon and available nutrients such as N, P and K were also reduced. The biological properties like dehydrogenase enzyme activity and microbial biomass xii carbon reduced to a greater extent. Water samples from mined areas were polluted by cations like sodium and calcium and anions like nitrate, phosphate, bicarbonate and chloride to limited extent. Poultry manure application as an integrated nutrient management technique, followed by vermicompost application were found to be beneficial for the management of such desurfaced soils.ThesisItem Open Access Taxonomy and organic carbon-nutrient interactions in selected wetland soils of Kerala(Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2019) Nideesh, P; KAU; Sreelatha, A KA study was undertaken with the objective to classify wet land soils in the agro ecological units AEU 10 (north central laterite), AEU 5 (Kole lands) and AEU 6 (Pokkali lands) of Kerala and to assess the organic carbon stocks and CNPS stoichiometry. The study also aimed in finding out the organic carbon - nutrient interactions and to predict the organic carbon turnover in these soils. Extensive field traverse was conducted to select sites for profile excavation in the lateritic, Kole and Pokkali wetlands. The excavated profiles were studied for their morphological, physical and chemical properties. Based on the results of the study, soils of lateritic wetlands were classified as fine loamy, mixed, super active, acid isohyperthermic, Fluventic Dystrustepts. Soils of Kole lands were classified as loamy, mixed, euic, isohyperthermic, Terric Sulfihemists and Pokkali soils as coarse loamy over sandy, mixed, active, isohyperthermic, Typic Sulfaquepts. Total soil organic carbon (SOC) stock in the north central laterite region (Fluventic Dystrustepts) was 218 Mg ha-1 up to the depth of 120 cm of which maximum amount was stored in the surface 30 cm (86 Mg ha-1). In the Kole land soil (Terric Sulfihemists) maximum SOC was stored in the 90-120 cm layer (1016 Mg ha-1) and a total SOC of 2261 Mg ha-1 was stored up to 120 cm depth. Pokkali soils (Typic Sulfaquepts) stored 209 Mg ha-1 SOC up to 120 cm depth which was almost uniformly distributed in the entire profile. The C/N, C/P and C/S ratios decreased with depth in lateritic soil profile, whereas in the Kole land soil these ratios except C/S ratio increased significantly in the sub surface horizons. In the Pokkali soils the CNPS stoichiometry suffered irregular variation with depth. An incubation experiment was conducted to study the organic carbon nutrient interactions in the three wetland soils. Treatments included control (T1), POP based fertiliser and lime application (T2), soil test based fertiliser and lime application (T3), FYM substituting nitrogen in the T3 treatment (T4) and soil test based fertiliser and dolomite application (T5). In the lateritic soils. the active carbon and organic reserves of N, P and S were high in T3 treatment. The organic N, P and S pools increased in treatment T5 whereas organic P and inorganic S increased in treatment T4. In the Kole land soils, active carbon, organic nitrogen, inorganic P, organic S and inorganic S increased in T3; inorganic N and organic P increased in T4 and organic P and S pools increased in T5. In the Pokkali soils, active carbon content was high in T2 compared to other treatments while active carbon, organic N and inorganic N decreased in treatment T3. Liming decreased organic P in Pokkali soils due to conversion to available forms and higher utilisation. Application of FYM increased organic S in Pokkali soils and inorganic S in all soils. Temporal variation of the nutrient content (mg kg-1 soil) per organic carbon content (g kg-1 of soil) indicates the change in nutrient supply per unit change of organic carbon content. Treatment T1 favoured higher inorganic nitrogen per carbon content in laterite and Pokkali soils, where as in in Kole soils it was increased in T4. Inorganic phosphorus content per carbon was highest in laterite and lowest in Kole soil in control (T1). Inorganic sulphur per carbon content was highest in T4 for laterite, Kole and Pokkali soils. Organic nitrogen per carbon content was highest in the Kole land and minimum in the Pokkali land in the T3 treatment. Organic phosphorus per carbon content was maximum in FYM treatment in Kole and Pokkali soils and was minimum in T2 treatment in laterite and Pokkali soils. Treatment T3 had the highest organic sulphur per carbon content in the laterite and Kole soils and the treatment T1 gave the highest content in Pokkali soil. Wetland DNDC model was used to simulate the organic carbon turn over in the three wetland systems using the climatic data predicted by MarkSIM software. The results of modelling simulated for the year 2050 indicated that application of 100 per cent NPK along with FYM @ 5t ha-1 will ensure maximum organic carbon content in the Kole, Pokkali and lateritic wetlands. Fertiliser application improves the organic carbon storage in lateritic and Kole land soils. But in the Pokkali soils, fertiliser addition will not cause change in the organic carbon turn over processes whereas FYM application can improve the carbon content. Results of the study indicate that cultivation without any fertiliser and lime application causes gradual depletion of all organic and inorganic pools of nutrients in Kole land and lateritic wetland soils. Soil test based fertiliser and lime application along with FYM @ 5t ha-1 is appropriate in these soils for increased sustainability. The Pokkali soils are self-sufficient and can sustain its fertility status without any fertiliser application. However liming and FYM application may be considered as management options to improve sulphur availability and organic carbon turn over processes in these soils.ThesisItem Open Access Recycling of cashew (Anacardium occidentale L.) leaf litter and cashew apple through vermitechnology(Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2016) Indu, V K; KAU; Jayasree Sankar, SThe present study entitled “Recycling of cashew (Anacardium occidentale L.) leaf litter and cashew apple through vermitechnology was undertaken in the Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry and at Cashew Research Station,Madakkathara during 2012-2014.The objectives were to study the efficacy of different enrichners on the manorial value of vermicompost prepared from cashew leaf litter and cashew apple using compost worm Eisenia foetida, to identify the role of introduced microbes in decreasing compost maturity time and to evaluate enriched vermicompost as a manurial source in the potting mixture for raising cashew grafts. The objectives were achieved through two experiments viz., (1) preparation of enriched vermicompost and (2) adjudging suitability of enriched vermicompost as a component in potting mixture for cashew grafts. Ferro cement tanks of 1m3 dimension, 300 Kg capacity and lined with jute bags were used for producing vermicompost. All the tanks were initially added with basic feed mixture (cashew leaf litter, cashew apple, sawdust and cowdung in 3:3:2:6 ratio on weight basis. Along with the basic feed mixture, different substrates were added according to the treatments. The experiment was carried out in a Completely Randomized Design with three replications with five tanks per replication. Nutrient status of substrates and that of matured compost was recorded initially and after compost maturity. In addition, pH was also recorded before and after composting, pH ranged from 4.5 in cashew leaf litter to 7.6 in cow dungand poultry manure respectively. Organic carbon content varied from 23% in poultry manure to 49% in coconut leaf. C:N ratio was found between 402.5 in sawdust to 22.62 in poultry manure. The biochemical constituents viz, cellulose, phenol, tannin and lignin were highest in cashew leaf litter (45.9, 1.62, 0.62 and 13.4 mg/100 g respectively) as compared to cashew apple. The compost obtained from T9(T1+ glyricidia leaf+ coconut leaf+ poultry manure+ Trichoderma viride + Pleurotus sajarcaju@ 500 mg kg-1 each of substrate+ Bacillus sp @ 2 kg m-3of substrate) on maturity (120 days), recorded a pH of 7.4, OC (28.6%), N (2.9%), C:N ratio (11), P (0.90%), K (2.0%), total Ca and Mg (1834 & 1185 mg kg-1 respectively) which was highest among other treatments. Earthworm population increased from the initial 200 numbers to1935 numbers in T9 as against 972 in T2which contained Eudrilus euginiaeas the facilitating worms. Xv Daily observations on temperature, weekly observations on pH, total microbial count (initial and final stages), days for compost maturity and earth worm count at maturitywere theother important observations studied in the first experiment. Different treatments was found to have significant effect on temperature. It increased in all the treatments with the composting process, reached a peak and then decreased coinciding with maturity or cooling phase. Highest peak was attained for T9 with 32.5OC. pH of compost mixture were also influenced by the treatments. pH value increased in all the treatments with progress in composting and shifted towards a neutral condition. Maximum pH was associated with T9 (7.3). Number of days required for compost maturity was minimum in T9(120Days) whereas it was maximum in T1(135Days) and the count of earthwormpopulation was nearly nine fold in T9whereas it was only six fold in T1. The lowest multiplication level was observed with T2 which contained Eudrilus eugineae as the compost worms. Based on manurial value assessed by high content of major nutrients (2.4%,0.90% and 2.06% NPKrespectively), compost from T9 of experiment I was selected as the best and designated as enriched vermicompost. Its suitability as a component in potting mixture of cashew grafts was assessed in another experiment. The study consisted of four treatments in four replication with five poly bags (25 x 15cm and 300 gauge) per replication in a CRD Design. The scion for grafting was collected from variety ‘Dhana’. Performance of the grafted seedlings was evaluated for a period of three months. Observations included chemical analysis with and without applying vermicompost for OC, available N, P, K,Ca, Mg, Fe, Mn, Zn and Cu.In addition pH was also recorded. Among the four treatments studied,T4 (sand, soil and enriched vermicompost in 1:1:3 ratio) recorded highest nutrient status (2.75, 0.34 and 0.72 g kg-1 of NPK respectively).The number of days for seed germination was minimum in T4 (15) as against 20 days recorded for seed germination for T1. Other biometric observations like plant height (40.37cm), number of leaves (35) and collar girth (5.3cm) were observed maximum in plants grown in T4. Phytotoxicity was not seen in any of the treatments during the three months of evaluation. By employing the epigeic earthworms Eisenia foetida, the enormously available but untreated lignocellulotic solid organic resource, cashew leaf litter and cashew apple, could be effectively converted to nutrient rich vermifertilizer by suitably admering with various organic enrichners. The vermifertilizer thus produced could be efficiently used as a component in the potting mixture for raising cashew plants. Crop performance was the best when the vermifertilizer was mixed at three parts on volume basis with one part each of xvi sand and soil. Based on results vermicomposting could be established as a ecofriendly and ecologically sound method for manure from cashew leaf litter and cashew appleThesisItem Open Access Sulphur and boron nutrition and their foliar diagnosis in sesame(Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry,College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2010) Jeena, Mathew; KAU; Sumam, GeorgeA laboratory cum field experiment was conducted to study the effect of S and B on the growth, yield and quality of sesame var. Thilarani and to standardize the foliar diagnosis of these elements in Onattukara sandy loam soil. The study included an incubation study and two field experiments. The treatments comprising the different levels of S and B laid out in 42factorial RBD. The treatments were T1(S0B0), T2(S0B1), T3(S0B2), T4(S0B3), T5(S1B0), T6(S1B1), T7(S1B2), T8(S1B3), T9(S2B0), T10(S2B1), T11(S2B2), T12(S2B3), T13(S3B0), T14(S3B1), T15(S3B2), T16(S3B3). The different levels of S were S0 (0 kg ha-1), S1 (7.5 kg ha-1), S2, (15 kg ha-1) and S3 (30 kg ha-1) and B0 (0 kg ha-1), B1(2.5 kg ha- 1), B2 (5 kg ha-1) and B3 (7.5 kg ha-1). The incubation study was conducted at College of Agriculture, Vellayani to understand the dissolution and release pattern of S and B from their sources gypsum and borax respectively in Onattukara sandy soil. The results revealed that the release of S and B was maximum at the 30th DOI. Increasing levels of S and B has a positive influence on the S content of the soil. T16 (S3B3) recorded the highest value at all the sampling stages for S whereas in the case of B, the treatment combinations which received B at the highest levels in combination with S3 or S2 showed the highest value. The field experiments were laid out at ORARS, Kayamkulam in 42 factorial RBD having two replications using Thilarani as the test crop. It was observed that application of S and B favourably influenced the yield and yield attributes of sesame. T16 was found to be the treatment which gave the highest grain yield and oil yield in both the years and was found to be on par with T14 (S3B1). S3 was the superior S level. As for the different levels of B, B1 can be inferred as the best level. The content of saturated fatty acids such as palmatic and stearic acid showed a decreasing trend with increasing levels of S and B whereas the content of the unsaturated fatty acids showed an increasing trend. The quality attributes of oil such as acid value, iodine value and saponification value was also studied and it was found that there is a decreasing trend with regard to acid and saponification value and an increasing trend for iodine number. The grain protein content also showed an increasing trend with the increase in rate of application of S and B. Regarding the content and uptake of N, P, K, S, B, Fe, Mn, Cu and Zn, a favourable influence for the different levels of S and B was recorded. Results regarding the S and B use efficiency and their apparent recovery showed that with increase in levels of S, an increasing trend was observed for S. In the case of B, increase was noticed up to B1 (2.5 kg ha-1) and there after showed a decreasing trend. This positive influence was also reflected on the available nutrient status of the soil such as organic carbon content, available N, P, K, S, B and DTPA extractable micronutrients. Correlation studies conducted to standardize the part and stage of sampling for the foliar diagnosis of sesame showed petiole at 30 DAS and 20 DAS in the case of S and B respectively. The same stages were found for the soil sampling also for both the nutrients. The critical nutrient level in the part standardised for these two nutrients were standardized using the graphical method proposed by Cate and Nelson (1965). In the case of S, it had been standardized as 0.088 per cent and for B, it had been found to be 28 mg kg-1. The critical nutrient level in soil was also estimated using the scatter diagram technique and was found to be 23 kg ha-1 at 30 DAS for S and 1.4 ppm at 20 DAS for B. Hence the application of S @ 30 kg ha-1 and B @ 2.5 kg ha-1 could faourably enhance growth of sesame with regard to the growth characters, yield and yield attributes and the quality aspects. Moreover, analysis of the plant and soil samples at the critical stages fixed for the respective nutrients will provide the necessary data for the sustainable management of the crop in Onattukara sandy loam soil.ThesisItem Open Access Site specific nutrient management for chilli (Capsicum annum.L) in kalliyoor panchayath of kerala(Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry,College of Agriculture,Vellayani, 2011) Priya, U K; KAU; Sudharmai Devi C RSite Specific Nutrient management is a technology in precision fanning that offers chance for farmers to achieve the targeted yield taking into consideration the potential yield of the crop by application of apt amount of fertilizers. The technology is farmers' friendly, eco-friendly and also consumer friendly. In Indian scenario wherein farmers are suffering from yield losses up to 40% due to micronutrient deficiency of soils mainly zinc and boron deficiencies are the yield limiting factors of production. Kerala the soils are low in basic ions that are posing serious threat to crop production. The Judicious application of chemical fertilizers along with micronutrients is necessary for sustainable crop production. The present study "Site Specific Nutrient Management in" Chilli (Capsicum annuum.L.) in Kalliyoor Panchayath Of .Kerala" was carried out to satisfy the objectives viz. study the spatial variability of area, to find outtheindigenous nutrient supply via omission trials, fix a target yield based on the potential yield of the crop and formulate a site specific nutrient recommendation to obtain the targeted yield. In order to understand the spatial variability survey was conducted at 25 sites of Kalliyoor panchayath. The results of survey showed that the soils showed wide variation in terms of soil physical and chemical properties. Soil phosphorus status , was high in all cases other nutrient concentration ranged from low to high. The spatial variability necessitated carrying out the omission trials at four different sites that were ranked according to the nutrient status into high, medium first level, medium second level and low fertility soils. From the omission trials the recovery fraction and, indigenous nutrient supply were calculated. Utilising all these parameters in QUEFT model SSNJ\:1.--tre tments were fixed. /' / / - :l.33- The high yield target was fixed at 16 t ha that was 50% of the potential yield. The nutrient recommendation generated for HYT was 104.8: 13.6: 201 kg N, P205 and K20 ha-I. Medium yield target was fixed at 168:51: 230 kg N, P205 and K20 ha- I. Taking into account micronutrient and secondary nutrient deficiencies in the soil. In high yield target soil application of micro nutrients and secondary nutrients along with application of 1 % foliar spray of boron was recommended. Micronutrients for soil application were boron @ 5 kg ha-I in form of borax, zinc @ 20 kg ha-I in form of zinc sulphate. Secondary nutrients applied were calcium @ 30 kg ha-I in form of CaS04, magnesium @ 7.5 kg ha-I in form of MgS04. The requirement of sulphur was met from soil applied zinc sulphate, calcium sulphate and magnesium sulphate. In medium yield target only soil application of micro and secondary nutrients along with the application of QUEFT generated recommendations for the crop; POP + micronutrient recommendations were evaluated. Simultaneously an absolute control was also carried out. Soil analysis was carried out for all the physical and chemical properties of the soil initially before the crop was raised, and after each harvest. So that change in soil properties as a result of application of treatments could be evaluated, since the application of fertilizer coincided with each harvest. The results derived from the experiment proved the superiority of SSNM over other treatments with respect to the yield major nutrient and micronutrient uptake. , Where high yield target registered a cumulative yield of 17. 32 tons, medium yield target registered a cumulative yield of 11.75 tons this was _much superior to POP+SNMN that registered an yield of 9.83 tons, or the package of practice recommendation that registered an yield of only 8.3 tons . Farmers practice registered inferior yield data of only 5.2 tons. The study revealed that the site specific nutrient management is an efficient technology to increase the yield of crops and hence provide additional income to the farmers; this technique also provides a -134 - scope of increasing the yield without over application of fertilizers that would result in deterioration of the soil physical and chemical properties in long run.ThesisItem Open Access Nitrogen and sulphur interaction on their release pattern and use efficiency in ferralitic soils.(Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry,College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2011) Mariya Dainy, M S; KAU; Usha, P BAn experiment was carried out at College of Agriculture, Vellayani to investigate the interactive effect of nitrogen and sulphur on their release pattern and use efficiency in ferralitic soils with bhindi as the test crop. The experiment consisted of an incubation study and a field experiment. The incubation study was carried out to understand the release pattern of N and S from their sources viz. urea and gypsum in the soil at different sampling stages (30 and 100 days of incubation) using ferralitic soil kept at field capacity. The treatments consisted of M1N1S1, MINIS2 , M1N1S3 , M1N2S1 , M1N2S2 ,M1N2S3 ,M1N3S1 , M1N3S2 , M1N3S3 , M2N1S1 , M2N1S2 , M2N1S3 , M2N2S1 , M2N2S2 , M2N2S3 , M2N3S1 , M2N3S2 and M2N3S3 and M0N0S0 . Levels of N include N1 (50 kg ha-1), N2 (80 kg ha-1) and N3 (110 kg ha-1). M1 include P2O5 @ 8 kg ha-1+ K2O @ 25kg ha-1 (current POP) and M2 include P2O5 @ 35 kgha-1 + K2O @ 70 kg ha-1(modified POP). Different levels of S are S1 (10 kg ha-1), S2 (15 kg ha-1) and S3 (20 kg ha-1). Soil samples were collected and analyzed for pH, available N and available S content. There was increase in pH value to the neutral range at fifty per cent flowering stage (30 Days of Incubation) and all the treatments showed a decreasing trend in the pH value at 100 Days of Incubation. Available N and available S content increased to some extent at fifty per cent flowering and decreased at the final harvest stage. Application of N up to 110 kg ha-1 significantly increased the available N status of soil and S application up to 20 kg ha-1 increased the soil S status during incubation. The field experiment was laid out in 2×3×3+1 factorial RBD having three replications using bhindi variety Varsha Uphar as the test crop. The treatments were similar to that of the incubation study. S application @15 kg ha-1 significantly reduced the internodal length. N and S interaction N @ 80 kg ha-1 and S @ 15 kg ha-1 showed significant influence on fruit length. The maximum number of fruits and highest yield was obtained when the nutrients were applied @ 80 kg N ha-1 + 8 kg P2O5 ha-1 + 25 kg K2O ha-1 + 15 kg S ha-1. Considering the N and S interaction effects, combined application of N @ 80 kg ha-1 and S @ 20 kg ha-1 increased the number of fruits and yield. Application of N up to 80 kg ha-1 increased the crop yield and above this level, there was reduction in yield. The increase in number of fruits per plant by the application of N and S may be due to the highest uptake and efficient utilization of nutrients. N @ 110 kg ha-1 and S @ 20 kg ha-1 recorded the highest dry matter content. S application @ 15 kg ha-1 showed significant influence on N Use Efficiency (NUE) in bhindi. Application of 80 kg N ha-1 + 8 kg P2O5 ha-1 + 25 kg K2O ha-1 + 15 kg S ha-1 resulted in highest NUE. By the application of urea and gypsum, there was slight increase in the soil pH. After N and S application, there was increase in organic carbon content of the soil. At fifty per cent flowering all the nutrients showed an increase in availability and there was a decrease at the final harvest stage because of crop uptake and various losses. N application @ 110 kg ha-1 significantly increased the available N status in the soil. S application up to 20 kg ha-1 significantly increased the available P K and S content in soil. As the levels S increased, there was increase in the exchangeable calcium in soil. Higher levels of application of N recorded higher N content in both plant and fruit. Application of P and K at M2 (35 kg P2O5 ha-1 + 70 kg K2O ha-1) level significantly increased the content of P, K and Ca in plant and fruit. Increased S application increased the Ca content in plant since gypsum was used as the source of S. S application up to 20 kg ha-1 had significant influence on the fruit Ca and Mg concentration. The interactive effect of N and S was not significant in the case of S content in plant. But, N2S3 (N @ 80 kg ha-1 and S @ 20 kg ha-1) recorded the superior value. N application had got positive influence on the content of P, K, Ca, Mg and S in plant and fruit. By progressive increase in S application up to 20 kg ha-1and N application up to 80 kg ha-1, there was significant reduction in N: S ratio. N and S fertilization had significant influence on leaf chlorophyll content and application of 80 kg N ha-1, 35 kg P2O5 ha-1, 70 kg K2O ha-1 and 15 kg S ha-1 showed the superior value for chlorophyll content. An increasing trend was noticed with higher levels of N up to 80 kg ha-1 and S up to 20 kg ha-1. N and S application significantly enhanced the uptake of nutrients. Uptake of phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium and S were highest when N, P, K and S were applied @ 80 kg N ha-1+ 35 kg P2O5 ha-1+ 70 kg K2O ha-1+ 20 kg S ha-1. N application @ 80 kg ha-1 significantly influenced the B: C ratio. Among the treatments M1N2S2 (80 kg N ha-1 + 8 kg P2O5 ha-1 + 25 kg K2O ha-1 + 15 kg S ha-1) which gave the highest yield showed the highest B: C ratio. Maximum B: C ratio was obtained when N and S were applied @ 80 kg ha-1 and 15 kg ha-1 respectively. As the levels of S increased, B: C ratio also increased. Fertilization of N, P, K and S @ 80 kg ha-1, 35 kg ha-1, 70 kg ha-1 and 15 kg ha-1 respectively recorded the minimum Percentage Disease Incidence (yellow vein mosaic). Among the treatments, yield, number of fruits per plant, N Use Efficiency and B: C ratio were highest for M1N2S2 (80 kg N ha-1 + 8 kg P2O5 ha-1 + 25 kg K2O ha-1 + 15 kg S ha-1) and it can be considered as the best treatment combination. Application of N significantly increased the yield and the yield was highest at N2 level (80 kg N ha-1). There was reduction in yield if we apply N @ 110 kg ha-1. By the application of S along with N increased the NUE and we can reduce the dose of N to 80 kg ha-1 instead of 110 kg N ha-1 for bhindi.ThesisItem Open Access Physico-chemical properties of rain water harvested under different situations in lateritic(Department of soil science and agricultural chemistry, College of horticulture,Vellanikara, 2014) Ibrahim Hassen, Abdu; KAU; Betty BastinRain water harvesting is universally accepted as an important measure of water conservation throughout the world. The quality of irrigation water has become a more serious problem than quantity in different parts of the world. The characterization of quality of water is crucial for assessing the suitability for i rrigation. Hence a study was taken up on “Physico-chemical properties of rain water harvested under different situations in lateritic soil’’ in the main campus of Kerala Agricultural University, Vellanikkara during September, 2012 to August 2013. The objective of the study was to compare the physico-chemical properties of rain water from different water sources in lateritic soil. Water was collected from five sources viz, rainfall (RF), rain water harvesting pond (RWH) , Kotteppadom pond (KP), well water (W) and surface runoff (SR). The experiment for surface runoff study was laid out in an area with a gentle slope between 5 – 10 per cent . Four rain pits were dug in this area with dimensions of 0.5 m x 0.5 m x 0.5 m and lined by polyethene sheet. Water samples were taken from these water sources for one year at monthly intervals and they were analyzed for various physicochemical parameters such as colour, turbidity, pH, EC, TDS, COD, BOD, SAR, RSC, NO 3 - , Cl - and Fe. The amount and distribution of rainfall received as well as the inflow to the rain water harvesting pond were also studied. Soil samples were collected from around rain-pits before and after rains and analyzed for the content of nutrients. The total quantity of rainfall during the study period was 2872.0 mm. The maximum amount of rainfall was observed in June and the minimum in January, 2013. The amount of rain water harvested in pond during the study period was 625.48 m which comes to 63 per cent of its storage capacity. The quality of water from different sources was compared based on the results of physico-chemical analysis. It was found that pH was highest (6.69) for water from Kotteppadom pond during summer and lowest (5.54) for water from rainfall during post monsoon season. The EC and TDS values were maximum for well water during pre- monsoon season and there was significant difference among the different sources. There was no significant difference among the sources of water as regards the content of Cl and NO 3 - over the different seasons. The values for BOD and COD varied significantly over the different sources as also the seasons. Significant difference was observed for SAR and RSC values among the different sources and seasons. Loss of nutrients from soil via surface runoff from a sloppy area was studied. Soil samples were analyzed for various physico-chemical parameters such as pH, EC, OC, 3 available N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, BD, PD and WHC. The different parameters were estimated both before and after receipt of rainfall. The mean values of these parameters and percent changes along with t-value were found out. During summer, after the rains, there were significant changes for the parameters like pH, OC, as well as available nutrients like K, Ca, Mg, Fe, and the percentages of decrease were 1.67, 0.67, 37.94, 25.46, 5.62 and 8.85 respectively. The water holding capacity was also decreased by 4.80 per cent. During monsoon, available nutrients like N, P, K, and WHC decreased to the extent of 23.68, 26.24, 49.32 and 7.29 per cent respectively. In general, it was found that the rainfall and rain water harvested in the water harvesting pond were superior to well water, KP pond water and surface run off water. Salinity was low for water from all the sources. Surface run off in an area with moderate slope (5-10 %) resulted in loss of nutrients like K, P, Mg and Ca. -ThesisItem Open Access Long term effect of field management on soil quality in ultisol(Department of soil science and agricultural chemistry, College of Horticulture,Vellanikkara, 2013) Nithya, A M; KAU; Betty BastinSoil quality is directly related to agricultural sustainability. Assessment of soil quality is essential for determining the sustainability of land management systems. It is generally accepted that intensive agricultural production leads to a decline in soil quality. For this reason, it is highly essential to monitor soil quality to avoid soil degradation and in doing so, preserve the production capabilities of the land and protect environment. The response of soils to management and input depends on soil quality. It is therefore important to identify the soil characteristics responsible for changes in soil quality, which may eventually be considered as soil quality indicators for assessing agricultural sustainability. The present investigation has been undertaken to study the “Long term effect of field management on soil quality in Ultisol”. It was conducted in the main campus of Kerala Agricultural University, Vellanikkara during December, 2012 to June, 2013. The objective of the study was to evaluate the soil quality under different long term field management conditions in an Ultisol (Vellanikkara series) based on physical, chemical and biological indicators. Here, an attempt has been made to evaluate the physical, chemical and biological properties of soil using available soil quality indicators. Five different fields were selected namely, natural forest, rubber plantation, cocoa garden, STCR experimental field and tapioca fields. Soil samples were collected from three depths namely 0-15 cm, 15-30 cm and 30-60 cm. The different sampling sites within each field were selected based on slope percentage. The samples were characterized for soil texture, aggregate size distribution, soil temperature, water holding capacity, single value constants, pH, EC CEC, AEC, SiO2/R2O3, organic carbon , lime requirement, available macronutrients, secondary nutrients, micronutrients, counts of bacteria, fungi and actinomycetes and enzyme activity. The sampling areas were also surveyed and documented for the presence of earthworms and termites. The physical characteristics like water holding capacity, soil aggregate stability and soil temperature showed a decreasing trend with depth in the different fields. Forest ecosystem showed the most conducive physical characteristics followed by cocoa and rubber. The contents of available nutrients, secondary nutrients and micronutrients were found to be the highest in surface samples. The forest ecosystem showed relatively high values for organic carbon, and available nutrients like nitrogen, sulphur, boron, iron, manganese, zinc and copper. Microbial activity was found to be the highest in surface soils in almost all fields. The highest counts of bacteria and actinomycetes were reported in forest ecosystem and lowest in tapioca field. Fungal activity was found to be the highest in cocoa field followed by forest ecosystem. Enzyme activity was also found to be the highest in surface soils in the different fields. Soil quality was evaluated using available soil quality indicators. Based on scoring with the soil quality parameters, the highest scoring was observed for natural forest followed by cocoa field. Correlations between various soil quality parameters of different fields were also worked out. .
