Browsing by Author "Karmachandran, K M"

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    Delineating the various agroclimatic zones of Kerala & identifying the cropping patterns for the different zones
    (Department of Agronomy, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 1986) Karmachandran, K M; Balakrishna Pillai, P
    An investigation was carried out for delineating the various agroclimatic zones of Kerala and for identifying the cropping patterns for the different zones. Meteorological data were collected from 100 stations in Kerala. Soil and crop data were collected for the whole state. The agroclimatic features of Kerala were studied. The water balance elements and indices of 14 representative stations in the state were computed and presented on annual basis. Six moisture availability regimes (MAR) were proposed and delineated following the guidelines of Hargreaves (1971 & 1975). Twenty agroclimatic zones were identified by superimposing the six moisture availability regimes over seven soil groups. The zones are (1) Dry-Forest loam (AF1), (2) Semi dry-Red loam (BR1) (3) Semi dry-Laterite (BLa), (4) Semi dry-Alluvium (BA1), (5) Semi dry-Black soil (BBs), (6)Semi dry-Forest loam (BF1), (7) Sub humid-Red loam (CR1), (8) Sub humid-Laterite (CLa), (9) Sub humid-Alluvium(CA1), (10)Sub humid-Saline (CSa), (11) Sub humid-Forest loam (CF1), (12) Humid-Laterite (DLa), (13) Humid-Alluvium (DA1), (14) Humid-Greyish Onattukara (DGo). (15) Humid-Saline (DSa) (16) Humid-Forest loam (DF1), (17) per humid-Laterite (ELa), (18) per humid-Forest loam (EF1), (19) Wet-Laterite (FLa) and (20) wet-Forest loam (FF1). Twelve cropping patterns of the state were also identified. Suitability of the existing cropping patterns for the agroclimatic zones were examined. It is found that the cropping patterns existing in almost all the agroclimatic zones are suitable to the zones. Coconut is not suitable for BBs zone and the eastern part of the BLa zone, while rubber is not congenial for the zone BF1. Mango and jack are not suitable for the high altitude areas of DF1zone. Coconut, tapioca and cocoa are suitable only up to 900 m above M. S. L. in the zone EF1. In FLa zone rubber grows well up to 600 m above M. S. L, while cardamom is better for higher elevations. Tapioca is not suitable for areas 800 m above M. S. L in the zone FF1. The important crops except tapioca are unsuitable for AF1 zone. It is felt that a detailed study with a denser network of meteorological stations is necessary for examining the suitability of crops to the zone CF1. Crops such as millets with low water requirement should be given more importance in the zones like BBS and AF1. Dry (A) type MAR demands great care of crops at least for six dry months. Perhumid (E) and Wet (F) types of MAR demand proper drainage for crops except rice. Proper soil conservation measures have to be taken up when tapioca is grown on the slopes, especially of the sub humid (C), Humid (D), perhumid (E) and wet (F) types of moisture availability regimes.
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    Integrated nutrient management for long duration brinjal (Solanum melongena L.)
    (Department of Agronomy, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2003) Karmachandran, K M; Jose Mathew
    An investigation on integrated nutrient management for long duration brinjal was conducted at College of Horticulture, Kerala Agricultural University, Thrissur during 2000-2003. The preliminary evaluation revealed the extended duration and superiority of Haritha in respect of yield components, yield and storage qualities in comparison to other ruling varieties ofbrinjal. Among the seven organic sources tested, vermicompost, poultry manure and FYM recorded increased production of fruits at more than one stage of fruiting and were comparable even to inorganic sources and package of practices recommendations. Coir pith compost recorded the poorest performance regarding dry matter production, yield and fruit quality. Majority of the organic manures especially vermicompost, FYM and poultry manure recorded enhanced content of major nutrients in plant and enhanced dry matter production and fruit quality. Poultry manure was found to record increased uptake ofN, P, K and Ca, whereas high content and uptake of-S in plants have been recorded by vermicompost. In respect of inorganic fertilizers, it was revealed that 100 per cent N (75 kg ha-I) had recorded the maximum uptake ofN, P and K and dry matter partitioning leading to increased yield in long duration brinjal. Increasing K levels in general did not enhance the content and uptake of major nutrients. But increasing K levels improved uptake at fruiting stage significantly improving fruit yield at early fruiting stage. It also marginally increased number of fruits and fruit yield at other stages of fruiting. The content and uptake of Ca, Mg and S were significantly increased at increased level ofK particularly 300 per cent (75 kg ha"). Regarding application timings of inorganic N and K, it was found that frequent application was required only during active growth stage of brinjal. Monthly application schedule significantly improved dry matter partitioning, yield and quality of fruits. Fortnightly application schedule was not advantageous in growth and yield attributes, yield, fruit quality, nutrient content, nutrient uptake and cost of cultivation. Among the three levels of substitution of nutrient doses with organic sources, 75 per cent organic substitution was superior in yield and quality of fruits which was facilitated by improved uptake of major and secondary nutrients, dry matter production and yield attributes. The increased proportion of organic manures generally decreased the content of Fe and Mn in plants. The status of available N in soil was significantly increased by the application of higher proportion of organic manures especially FYM, poultry manure and vermicompost.