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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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Subject: Soil Sciences × Author: Bhavyasree, K T × Author: KAU × Start date: 1981 × Thesis Type: M.Sc ×
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Characterisation of soil and water of Palakkad eastern plains in relation to growth and nitrogenase content of Azolla spp.
    (Department of soil science and agricultural chemistry, College of horticulture,Vellanikara, 2015) Bhavyasree, K T; KAU; Jayasree Sankar, S
    A study intended for “Characterization of soil and water of Palakkad eastern plains in relation to growth and nitrogenase content of Azolla spp.” was undertaken in the Department of Soil Science &Agricultural Chemistry, College of Horticulture, KAU, Vellanikkara during 2013-2015. The objectives of the study were to conduct a survey of Azolla spp. in the rice growing tracts of Palakkad eastern plains and to identify soil and water quality parameters congenial for the growth and nitrogenase content of Azolla spp. The preliminary survey conducted in the four block panchayaths of Palakkad eastern plains to identify the prevalence of Azolla revealed two blocks viz. Chittoor and Kollengode to be positive with respect to Azolla and hence, further study was restricted to the grama panchayaths of these blocks. Characterization of soil and water was done in both Azolla growing and non-growing regions. Composition of Azolla collected from different locations was also determined. In order to ascertain the nitrogenase enzyme activity, samples of Azolla collected from five different locations were subjected to Acetylene Reduction Assay (ARA). Among the soil parameters, significant difference was noticed between Azolla growing and non-growing locations with respect to pH , EC, organic carbon, available N, P , total Fe, Mn and Zn in contrast to potassium and copper which did not show any pronounced variation. Soil pH, EC, available P, total Fe, Mn and Zn were comparatively lower in Azolla growing regions. However, available nitrogen in soil was more in Azolla growing locations. Heavy metals like Cd, Cr, Ni and Pb were below the detectable limits in soil. Analysis on flood water quality showed significant effect in the Azolla growing regions on parameters like pH, temperature and dissolved oxygen, Fe, Mn, Zn and Cu. Soil analysis data revealed the pH, EC, soluble Fe, Mn, Zn and Cu to be lower under Azolla growing conditions. Heavy metals like Cd, Cr, Ni and Pb were below the detectable limits. Presence of Azolla decreased the flood water temperature but increased the dissolved oxygen content. On comparison, the composition of Azolla revealed a prominent and significant correlation with location on its content of carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and also the C/N ratio. Moisture content varied from 94 to 95 per cent, variation in carbon and nitrogen content was from 22.9 to 39.5 per cent and 2 to 4 per cent respectively among the locations studied. The C/N ratio ranged from 9 to 14. Crude protein content of Azolla registered values between 16 and 22 per cent. The content of phosphorus ranged between 0.20 and 0.23 per cent whereas that of potassium was in the range of 1.2 to 1.5 per cent. Correlation worked out between soil parameters and composition of Azolla disclosed a significant positive effect of soil P on the nitrogen, crude protein and phosphorus content of Azolla. However, soil P was negatively correlated with the C/N ratio of Azolla. Nitrogenase enzyme activity quantified was profoundly affected by the locations. The amount of ethylene produced extended from 192 to 236 nmole ethylene g-1 h-1. It showed a significant negative correlation with soil pH and EC. The study has given valuable information on the influence of soil and flood water quality parameters and locations on Azolla which could be used for further investigations on its nutrient dynamics.