Kerala Agricultural University, Thrissur

The history of agricultural education in Kerala can be traced back to the year 1896 when a scheme was evolved in the erstwhile Travancore State to train a few young men in scientific agriculture at the Demonstration Farm, Karamana, Thiruvananthapuram, presently, the Cropping Systems Research Centre under Kerala Agricultural University. Agriculture was introduced as an optional subject in the middle school classes in the State in 1922 when an Agricultural Middle School was started at Aluva, Ernakulam District. The popularity and usefulness of this school led to the starting of similar institutions at Kottarakkara and Konni in 1928 and 1931 respectively. Agriculture was later introduced as an optional subject for Intermediate Course in 1953. In 1955, the erstwhile Government of Travancore-Cochin started the Agricultural College and Research Institute at Vellayani, Thiruvananthapuram and the College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences at Mannuthy, Thrissur for imparting higher education in agricultural and veterinary sciences, respectively. These institutions were brought under the direct administrative control of the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Animal Husbandry, respectively. With the formation of Kerala State in 1956, these two colleges were affiliated to the University of Kerala. The post-graduate programmes leading to M.Sc. (Ag), M.V.Sc. and Ph.D. degrees were started in 1961, 1962 and 1965 respectively. On the recommendation of the Second National Education Commission (1964-66) headed by Dr. D.S. Kothari, the then Chairman of the University Grants Commission, one Agricultural University in each State was established. The State Agricultural Universities (SAUs) were established in India as an integral part of the National Agricultural Research System to give the much needed impetus to Agriculture Education and Research in the Country. As a result the Kerala Agricultural University (KAU) was established on 24th February 1971 by virtue of the Act 33 of 1971 and started functioning on 1st February 1972. The Kerala Agricultural University is the 15th in the series of the SAUs. In accordance with the provisions of KAU Act of 1971, the Agricultural College and Research Institute at Vellayani, and the College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, were brought under the Kerala Agricultural University. In addition, twenty one agricultural and animal husbandry research stations were also transferred to the KAU for taking up research and extension programmes on various crops, animals, birds, etc. During 2011, Kerala Agricultural University was trifurcated into Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (KVASU), Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies (KUFOS) and Kerala Agricultural University (KAU). Now the University has seven colleges (four Agriculture, one Agricultural Engineering, one Forestry, one Co-operation Banking & Management), six RARSs, seven KVKs, 15 Research Stations and 16 Research and Extension Units under the faculties of Agriculture, Agricultural Engineering and Forestry. In addition, one Academy on Climate Change Adaptation and one Institute of Agricultural Technology offering M.Sc. (Integrated) Climate Change Adaptation and Diploma in Agricultural Sciences respectively are also functioning in Kerala Agricultural University.

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Open Access
Characterization of Kerala soils into fertility classes with respect to available P and K extracted by a common extractant
(Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 1988) Kamalam, P V; KAU; Jose, A I
A laboratory study was undertaken to evaluate the suitability of Mathew’s triacid extractant (0.06 N H2SO4 + 0.06 N HCI + 0.05 N oxalic acid) for the combined extraction of available P and available K in soil. The suitability of this triacid extractant was confirmed on a large number of soil samples. Precise relationships between triacid K and NH4OAc K were established. The ten fertility classes for available P and K currently followed in the soil testing laboratories are based on Bray-1 P and NH4OAc K. By making use of suitable regression equations the class intervals in terms of triacid P and triacid K values have to be formulated for the purpose of fertilizer recommendation. The use of this extractant can simplify the work in soil testing procedures thus enabling considerable savings of time and labour. A large number of soil samples was collected representing the entire state of Kerala. The available phosphorus of soil was extracted by Bray No.1 solution (1:10 soil solution ratio with an equilibration period of 5 min) and by Mathew’s triacid extractant (1:10 soil solution ratio with an equilibration period of 30 min). Phosphorus in the extract was then determined colorimetrically by the chlorostannous reduced molybdophosphoric blue colour method in HCI system. The available potassium of the soil was determined by neutral N NH4OAc with a soil solution ratio of 1:5 and an equilibration period of 5 min as well as by the triacid acid method. Potassium in the extract was determined flame photometrically. Soils were also analysed for organic carbon, pH and EC. Suitable correlation was worked out between Bray-1 P and triacid P. A linear regression equation was fitted to predict triacid P values from Bray-1 P values. Suitable relationship was also established between NH4OAc K and triacid K. The linear regression model worked out between NH4OAc K and triacid K was used to predict triacid K values from NH4OAc K. Most of the soils were acidic and non-saline. The pH showed a negative correlation with Ec and organic carbon content of soil. Soils varied in the content of organic carbon from 0.04 per cent to 4.41 per cent but in general was rich with a mean organic carbon content of 1.14 per cent. Electrical conductivity was positively correlated with organic carbon content of soil. A positive correlation was observed between organic carbon and available K. Mineralisation of organic matter contributed significantly to the increasing acidity of soil. The available P estimated by Bray-1 was found to range from 0.46 to 370.30 ppm whereas triacid P ranged from 1.73 to 462.50 ppm. The triacid extracted larger amounts of available P than the Bray-1. A significant correlation was observed between triacid P and Bray-1 P (r = 0.9575**). By fitting the regression equation y = 1.15x, where y represented triacid P and x represented Bray-1 P, the triacid P values of the ten fertility classes have been worked out. The available K as estimated by neutral N NH4OAc ranged from 10.0 to 425.0 ppm whereas triacid K ranged from 4.0 to 154.0 ppm. Triacid extracted lower amounts of available K (42.38 ppm) than the neutral N NH4OAc K (105.23 ppm). Although triacid showed less efficiency for releasing K from soil it was found to have high correlation with neutral N NH4OAc (r = 0.9235**). The linear regression equation of the form y = 0.44x was worked out where y represented triacid K and x represented NH4OAc K. This was employed to redefine the ten fertility classes in terms of triacid K values. The increase in precision obtained by the relationship between P estimated by Bray 1 and triacid as well as K estimated by neutral N NH4OAc and triacid by grouping the soils into separate textural classes was only marginal. The present study therefore confirmed the suitability of the triacid for estimation of both available P and K in the soil of Kerala. The revised class intervals for the ten fertility classes followed in the soil testing laboratories of Kerala have been formulated in terms of triacid P and triacid K values which will serve as a guide for giving fertilizer recommendations for various crops.
Open Access
Nutritional status of soils in relation to foliar nutrient levels in oil palm
(Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 1988) Solomon Chacko; KAU; Abdul Hameed
An investigation was taken up in oil palm grown in the plantation of oil palm India Limited at Yeroor (Bharathipuram) of Quilon District, with a view to evaluating the nutritional status of oil palm growing soils in relation to leaf nutrient. Different age groups and different frond positions were included in the studies. Correlation between nutrient content in soil to that in the leaf tissue were worked out using data and samples collected from the CPCRI Research Station at Palod
Open Access
Effect of drying and wetting on the physical, physico-chemical and chemical properties of the submerged soils of Kuttanad
(Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 1988) Raju, P V; KAU; Koshy, M M
A study was undertaken at the College of Agriculture, Vellayani to know the effect of drying and wetting on the physico-chemical properties of submerged acid sulphate soils of Kuttanad which are known locally as Kerapadom, Kari and Kayal soils. Random soil samples were collected from various parts of Kuttanad and their physico-chemical properties such as pH, conductivity, available NPK status and different forms of iron and aluminium were estimated in moist state itself. Texturally Kuttanad soils were predominantly of clayay nature. Bulk and particle densities were significantly lower in Kari soils due to high organic matter as compared to Karapadom and Kayal soil. The pH values of Kayal soils were significantly higher than that of Kari and Karapadom soils which were extremely acidic. The conductivity of all soil groups were negligible probably due to seasonal effects and also due to the commissioning of Thaneermukkom bund and Thottapally spillway which prevented the ingress of sea water. The availability of major nutrients was fairly high and no significant differences existed between soils. Exchangeable iron and aluminium varied greatly.
Open Access
Distribution fixation and availability of phosphorus in the kole soils of Kerala
(Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry,College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 1988) Sheela, S; KAU; Koshy, M M
An investigation of the distribution, fixation and availability of phosphorus in the surface (0-20 cm) and subsoils (20-40 cm) of 15 locations in the Kole area of Trichur district of Kerala was carried out in relation to their physico-chemical properties. The surface and subsurface layers showed significant difference in total « In all soils except In the soil from Kanjani area total phosphorus decreased markedly with depth. The subsurface layer of Kanjani contained higher amounts of total P^O^ which may be due to the accumulation of organic-R in this layer* Total Pg05 was significantly and negatively correlated with coarse sand and fine sand and significantly and positively correlated with clay, silt and organic carbon. All inorganic fractions were positively and significantly correlated with total In the case of available P2O5, the maximum accumulation was found in the surface layer except in the Kanjani area. The variation in available P was not in direct proportion to the total P content. Fractionation study showed that saloid-P was the smallest fraction in these soils. In all locations saloid-Pdecreased with depth except at Kanjani which might he due to accumulation of organic matter in the subsurface layer. Al-P was the third most abundant fraction in these soils next to Fe-P and Red-P. Fe-P fraction was the most widely distributed fraction. The predominance of Fe-P in these soils may be attributed to the low pH and high content of sesquioxides. The second most abundant fraction was the Red-P, Occluded-P and Ca-P have not contributed much to the pool of total-P. Of the six inorganic fractions studied saloid-P, Al-P, Fe-P and occluded-P showed significant differences between the two depths. The phosphorus fixing capacity of these soils ranged from 15.0 to 8Q.0 percent with averages of 61.1 and 63.4 percent respectively in the surface and subsurface soils. Correlation study indicated a significant positive correlation between P fixation and total iron, total aluminium, total sesquioxides, clay, silt and organic matter.
Open Access
Comparative study of the nature of acidity in the upland and lowland soils of South Kerala
(Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry,College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 1988) Raveendran Nair, A; KAU; Koshy, M M
A study has bean made oil the nature of acidity in soils of Kerala in relation to their physiographic positions. Twelve locations from the districts of Trivandrum and Quilon were subjected to the study and from each location soil samples from bottom terrace and upland reaches were collected from depths of 0-20 cm and 20-40 cm. The soils of the uplands and terraces were laterites (Oxisol) in general whereas those of the bottom were of hydromorphic origin (Alfisol/Inceptisol). The soils were analysed to determine the mechanical composition. Chemical properties such as pH, organic carbon, total nitrogen, CSC exchangeable K, Ca, Mg, Ii, A1 and Pe were studied, The neutralisation curve using both calcium hydroxide and sodium hydroxide and permanent and pH dependent charge were also estimated. The mechanical analysis revealed that the sand fraction gradually increased from uplands through the terraces to the bottom areas. The reverse was the case with silt and clay. The variation in silt was statistically significant for topography though it was not so for clay. Organic carbon was significantly higher in the soils of the bottom areas as compared to those of terraces and the uplands. Accumulation in the soils of the bottom areas was due to the anaerobic conditions prevailing under submergence. Organic carbon in general tended to be more in surface soils than in the subsurface layers due to addition of organic matter from the vegetation. Nitrogen showed more or less the same trend as that of organic carbon. As in the case of carbon, the nitrogen content tended to be more in the surface soils than in the subsurface layers. The C/N ratio for the upland was relatively lower than the terraces and uplands due to the greater oxidation of organic matter due to better aerobic conditions. The ratios were much higher than the conventional figure of 10 which nay be attributed to the preferential loss of nitrogen by leaching. All the soils examined were acidic in reaction, Air drying of the soils resulted in a lowering of the pH, Reactions such as the oxidation of ferros iron to the ferric fora and the removal of ammoniacal form of nitrogen may account for this increase in acidity due to air drying.
Open Access
Possibilities of using unsymnetrlcal Diaethyl urea as Urease/Nitrification inhibitor for Increasing the efficiency of nitrogenous fertilisers
(Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 1988) Asha Varughese; KAU; Babukutty, K
An Investigation was carried out at the College of Agriculture, Vellayani, during the first crop season of 1987 to study the effioacy of the use of unsymmetrical dimethyl urea (UDMU) and neemcake (KC) in various combinations as urease/nitrification inhibitors for increasing the nitrogen use efficiency in wetland rice soils of Kerala. The initial analysis of the basic physico-chemical properties of the soil from the experimental site was done. UDMU was applied along with urea as mixed and in the coated form. Two levels of UDMU, viz. 1/10th and 1/5th of the quantity of urea were used for study, Reem- cake was added at the rate of 40 kg/ha. Soil samples were withdrawn periodically from the experimental plots and analysed in the laboratory for estimating urea-N,1 [102--K and N03_“k contents in order to study the g£0 0£ (Uineralisatlon of urea. The experiment was carried , simple randomised blook design with ten treatments and three replications. The study has revealed that unsymmetrical dimethyl urea is effective in inhibiting urease activity as well as nitrification. Increasing the level of UDMU from 1/10th to 1/5th of urea has a positive effect in increasing the nitrification inhibitory properties. Neemcake vias found to be ineffective in inhibiting ureahydrolysis, eventhough it can act as a nitrification inhibitor. Coating of UDMU with urea was observed less effective compared to the mixing of urea and UDMU.
Open Access
Reductive transformations of iron and sulphate in anaerobic soils
(Department of Soil science and Agricultural chemistry, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 1988) Padmini Amma, K P; KAU; Wahid, P A
An investigation on the physico-chemical characteristics, reductive transformation of iron and sulphate in kari and karappadam soils of Kuttanad and pokkali soils of Ernakulam District was conducted under flooded conditions during 1986-88 at Radiotracer Laboratory, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara. Particular emphasis was given to evaluate the changes in soil properties and their influence on the transformation of Fe3+ in anaerobic soils, to examine whether there was preferential reduction of amorphous Fe oxides, to determine the relative extent of chemical versus microbiological reduction of Fe3+ and also to develop a methodology for studying sulphate reduction in anaerobic soils using 35S. For chemical analysis, spectrophotometric, flame- photometric and atomic absorption spectrophotometric methods were adopted. Radioassays of 35S were done using liquid scintillation counting technique. The salient findings from these studies are summarized below: Changes in soil characteristics were monitored at different intervals upto 150 days after flooding the soils. Following flooding, the pH of the soils generally increased in pokkali, karappadam and kari soils but the extent of rise in pH was much less in kari soils. Redox potential (Eh) decreased in all the soils and the decrease was seen evenafter 3 to 5 months. The redox potential of kari soils remained much higher at all intervals upto 5 months than in other soils. Among the three soils, pokkali (4-35 mmho cm-1) and kari (2-10.5 mmho cm-1) were found to be more saline as compared to karappadam soils (less than 3 mmho cm-1) and a slight increase in EC was observed from 5th day of flooding onwards. Analysis of free Fe oxide content indicated that kari soils contained the highest quantities of free Fe followed by karappadam. In all the three soil types the amorphous Fe content was generally higher than crystalline Fe. Transformation of Fe3+ in submerged soils was studied by monitoring NaOAc-extractable Fe2+ concentration. High concentrations of Fe2+ were observed in pokkali (19375ppm) and kari (31250 ppm) soils compared to karappadam (13125 ppm) soils. In pokkali soils Fe2+ concentrations reached peak values within 15 to 30 days where as in karappadam and kari soils highest concentrations were obtained 2 months and in about 1 to 2 months after flooding respectively. Studies on the preferential reduction of amorphous and crystalline forms of Fe in flooded soils revealed that with time there was a more or less linear increase on the concentration of Fe2+ where as a reverse trend was noticed in total free Fe, amorphous Fe and crystalline Fe forms with a decrease in Eh and an increase in pH. The preferential reduction of crystalline Fe (III) oxides over amorphous forms is observed in the present study and the reduction of these Fe (III) forms was more marked below an Eh of 200mV. The phenomenon was attributed to the reductases responsible for the transformation of amorphous and crystalline Fe (III) oxides, which require attainment of certain critical redox levels in flooded soils for their induction as well as for their function. The extent of chemical and microbial reduction of Fe in flooded soils was studied with and without sterilization by gamma irradiation. The results indicated a less pronounced decline in the redox potential and more or less a constant pH as well as Fe2+ content in the irradiated soils as against substantial increase in pH as well as Fe2+ content and a drop in redox potential observed in the unirradiated soils suggesting the participation of microorganisms in the reduction of Fe. The data relating to the changes in the concentration of soil sulphate following flooding revealed that in general there was an increase in sulphate concentrations in all the three types of soils as a result of flooding. Extractable sulphate content showed highest concentrations in kari soils (63,750 ppm) followed by pokkali (33,333 ppm) and karappadam (6666ppm). Peak concentrations were attained within 25-30 days of flooding in pokkali, where as in karappadam and kari soils it attained maxima within 15 days. A method was developed to study the reduction of sulphate in flooded soil to its end product H2S using 35S. The evolution of H235S was detected from 91.5 h onwards. Evolution of H235S steadily increased upto 211.5 h of incubation beyond which there was a slight decrease in the rate of evolution. The total quantity of H235S evolved during 312.5 h of experiment was 1589 cpm. It was also observed that Eh of the flooded soil system decreased very rapidly with a concomitant increase in pH. It was found that reduction of 35SO42- to H235S commenced when the Eh of the flooded soil system dropped to -5mV whereas the transformation of Fe3+ to Fe2+ started at a still higher Eh much earlier to the reduction of 35SO42-.

Kerala Agricultural University, Thrissur

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