Browsing by Author "Lakshmi, S"

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Alley cropping in cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz.)
(Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2010) Gayathri, P; Lakshmi, S
A field experiment was conducted to asses the bio and economic suitability of raising fodder grasses and legumes in the alleys of cassava for food - fodder production and to study the response of the system to AMF application at the Instructional Farm attached to the College of Agriculture, Vellayani during 2009. The experiment with fourteen treatments was laid out in Randomized Block Design with three replications. Cassava was planted in paired rows (120/60 cm x 90 cm) with fodder grasses and fodder cowpea and combination of fodder grass and fodder cowpea in the inter spaces with and without AMF. Highest tuber yield was obtained from sole cassava followed by cassava + fodder cowpea and cassava + palisade grass + fodder cowpea. The yield attributes of cassava were not influenced by alley cropping indicating the suitability of alley cropping in paired row planted cassava. The total dry fodder yield and crude protein yield of the system were highest in cassava + palisade grass + fodder cowpea combinations. All treatments recorded a total LER value more than one. The fodder crops were found to be more aggressive and with high competitive ability than cassava. Highest cassava equivalent yield of 22.95 t ha -1 was recorded by sole cassava on par with cassava + fodder cowpea + AMF with a yield of 20.01 t ha -1 and cassava + palisade grass +fodder cowpea (19.78 t ha -1) . Nutrient uptake by cassava was not influenced by the presence of fodder crops or AMF application. Application of AMF also had no influence on the yield and net returns of the system. Highest net income, cassava equivalent income and B: C ratios were obtained from sole crop of cassava followed by cassava + palisade grass + fodder cowpea. Application of AMF had no influence on the biological, economic and land use efficiency of the system. Hence it can be concluded that to achieve the objective to find out a cassava based fodder production system for food – fodder security, alley cropping in cassava cv. Vellayani Hraswa of duration six months with two rows of palisade grass inter-planted with one row of fodder cowpea is the most efficient with respect to biological productivity (cassava equivalent yield of 19.78 t ha-1), quality of feed (crude protein yield of 0.59 t ha-1), economic returns (cassava equivalent income of Rs. 98936 ha-1) and land use efficiency (land equivalent ratio of 1.70)
Cutting management in subabul
(Kerala Agricultural University, 1990) Meera Bai, M; Lakshmi, S; Raghavan Pillai, G
Ecofriendly production of slicing cucumber (cucumis sativus L) through organic sources
(Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2006) Asha K Raj; Lakshmi, S
Fodder production technology under light and moisture stress situations
(Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2014) Anita, M R; Lakshmi, S
Integrated nutrient management in hedge lucerne (Desmanthus virgatus(L.)willed) under rainfed condition
(Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2001) Kavitha, G V; Lakshmi, S
A field experiment was conducted at the Instructional Farm, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala State to find out an integrated nutrient management technique for Desmanthus virgatus (L.) Willd. under rainfed condition. The influence of chemical fertilizers and biofertilizers on growth parameters, fodder yield, quality of produce, uptake of nutrients, chemical properties of soil and economics was investigated. Three levels of nitrogen (0, 15, 30 kg N ha"), three levels of potassium (0, 20, 40 kg ha") and biofertilizers (Rhizobium, AMF and Rhizobium + AMF) were combined to form twenty seven treatment combinations. The experiment was laid out in split plot design with three replications. Results of the experiment revealed that the chemical fertilizers as well as bioinoculants had significant positive influence on improving the fodder production potential of Desmanthus virgatus. Application of inorganic fertilizers and eo- inoculation of hedge lucerne with Rhizobium and AMF significantly increased the growth parameters namely plant height, length of branches, number of branches and leaf: stem ratio. Highest dose of chemical fertilizers and dual inoculation with biofertilizers registered maximum green fodder yield in all four harvests. Similar results were obtained in the case of dry fodder yield also. Quality parameters of the forage significantly improved as a result of dual inoculation with biofertilizers. Maximum crude protein content was realized with application of highest dose of nitrogen and potassium. The nutrient uptake showed a significant increase with increase in doses of chemical fertilizers. Dual inoculation of biofertilizers significantly increased the uptake of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. Combined application of biofertilizers improved the nitrogen and phosphorus status of the soil after the experiment. Highest dose of nitrogen gave the highest soil nitrogen content. Similarly highest dose of potassium recorded highest soil potassium content after the experiment. The physical and economic optimum dose of nitrogen for Desmanthus virgatus was 32 kg ha-I and 31 kg ha-I respectively while that of potassium was 22 kg ha-I, The use of chemical fertilizers and dual inoculation with biofertilizers recorded highest net returns and benefit: cost ratio, emphasizing the need for an integrated approach in nutrient management.
Intensive fodder production under irrigated condition in partial shade
(Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 1999) Romy Jacob; Lakshmi, S
A field experiment was conducted in the upland coconut gardens of Instructional Farm, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, to study the potential of intensive fodder cultivation under shaded condition. The influence of irrigation, FYM and fertilizers on the yield and quality of fodder and the effect of grass cultivation on the physico-chemical properties of soil were studied. 'The economics of irrigated fodder production was also worked out. The investigation was conducted for a period of one year from July 1998 to June 1999. The results revealed that irrigation at 30 and 45 mm CPE improved the growth parameters like plant height, tiller number uu', Leaf: Stem ratio and Leaf Area Index of congosignal and gave higher green fodder as well as dry fodder yields. Application of 7.5 t ha" of FYM increased the plant height,tiller number hiWl and Leaf Area Index. The uptake of plant nutrients viz., N, P, K, Ca and Mg by congosignal was favoured by irrigation. Application of FYM was not found to enhance the nutrient uptake, but, chemical fertilizers improved the uptake of nutrients by congo signal. Soil physical properties like bulk density, water holding capacity and porosity were improved by grass cultivation. Irrigation and application of FYM and fertilizers improved the soil physical properties. Irrigation and FYM application increased the soil organic carbon content. Available P and K status of the soil was improved by irrigation, while available N status remained almost unchanged. FYM or fertilizer application did not change the available N, P and K content of soil upto 7.5 t ha-I ofFYM and 150 : 50 : 50 kg NPK ha-I. Irrigation improved the fodder quality in terms of crude protein content. There was no improvement in the quality of fodder by FYM or fertilizer application at the recommended doses. Irrigated congosignal crop depleted more moisture from the top 0 - 30 cm layer of soil. The rainfed crop extracted more water from deeper layers than the irrigated crop. Root growth of congosignal was favoured by irrigation. While considering the economics of fodder cultivation, 45 mm CPE irrigation treatment was found to be the best, when compared to treatments involving 30 and 60 mm CPE irrigation and the rainfed control. Highest benefit : cost ratio was recorded for the treatment combination : irrigation at 45 mm CPE and recommended doses of manures and fertilizers (FYM @ 5.0 t ha-I and NPK @ 150 : 50 50 kg ha-I) when congo signal was grown as an intercrop in coconut garden.
Nutrient management of guinea grass (Panicum maximum J.) under open and shaded conditions
(Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2004) Lekshmi, P; Lakshmi, S
A field experiment was conducted at the Instructional Farm, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala state to find out the nitrogen and phosphorus requirement for guinea grass (Panicum maximum J.) under zero and 50 per cent shade levels. The influence of shade levels, nitrogen and phosphorus application on growth parameters, fodder yield, quality of produce, physiological parameters, uptake of nutrients, chemical properties of soil and economics was investigated. Two levels of shade (0 and 50 per cent), three levels of nitrogen (100, 200 and 300 kg ha") and three levels of phosphorus (25, 50 and 75 kg ha") were combined to form eighteen treatment combinations. The experiment was laid out in split plot design with three replications. Results of the experiment revealed that lower levels of shade as well as higher- levels of nitrogen and phosphorus had significant positive influence on improving the fodder production potential of guinea grass. The lower levels of shade and higher doses of nitrogen and phosphorus were found to increase significantly the growth parameters namely number of tillers and leaf: stem ratio and physiological parameters like leaf area index, CGR, RGR and NAR. , Lower levels of shade and higher doses of nitrogen and phosphorus registered maximum green fodder yield in all the five harvests. Total green fodder yield was also highest at open and at higher levels of nitrogen and phosphorus. Similar results were obtained in the case of dry fodder yield also. Quality parameters of the forage significantly improved as shade progresses. Higher levels of nitrogen and phosphorus registered higher crude protein and chlorophyll contents and lower crude fibre content. The nutrient content of plant showed a significant increase with increasing levels of shade while the nutrient uptake showed a significant increase with lower levels of shade. Application of nitrogen and phosphorus significantly increased the content and uptake of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. There was a significant increase In available phosphorus and a decrease in available potassium content of the soil with increase in shade levels. Application of nitrogen significantly increased the nitrogen content of the soil while reduced phosphorus and potassium content of the soil after the experiment. Phosphorus levels also significantly increased the nitrogen and phosphorus content but potassium content of the soil after the experiment showed a parabolic type of response. Lower levels of shade with higher dose of nitrogen and phosphorus registered highest net returns and benefit cost ratio. But economic yield was obtained in shade intensity upto 50 per cent.
Nutrient removal by rice crop and weeds
(Kerala Agricultural University, 1987) Lakshmi, S; Nair, K P M; Raghavan Pillai, G; Muraleedharan Nair, V
P and K nutrition of guinea and congosignal grasses grown in coconut gardens
(Kerala Agricultural University, 1993) Meerabai, M; Lakshmi, S; Raghavan Pillai, G
Two separate experiments on P and K nutrition of guinea and congosignal grass were conducted in the Instructional Farm, College of Agriculture, Trivandrum to find out the P and K requirements of these two grasses when grown in coconut gardens. It was found that 30 kg P2Os/ha and 90 kg KjO/ha as basal dose are sufficient to produce economic fodder yield.
Response of cucumber (Cucumis melo L.) to drip irrigation under varying levels of nitrogen and potash
(Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 1997) Lakshmi, S; Sasidhar, V K
Shade response of guinea grass (Panicum maximum J.) under varying levels of potash
(Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2002) Anita, M R; Lakshmi, S
Techno-socio-economic consequences of national watershed development project for rainfed areas in Thiruvananthapuram district
(Department of Agricultural Extension, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2000) Lakshmi, S; Balakrishna Pillai, G
The study entitled "Techno-socio-economic consequences of NWDPRA in Thiruvananthapuram district" was undertaken tc assess the techno-socio-economic consequences on beneficiaries due to the implementation of NWDPRA. An attempt was also made to identify the constraints perceived by the farmers and extension agents. The study was conducted in the four watersheds, one from each t a l u k of Thiruvananthapuram district which was selected randomly. A sample of hundred beneficiaries was selected according to the probability proportional to size of the beneficiaries in the selected watershed areas. Data were collected through well structured and pretested i n t e r v i e v schedule. The study revealed the following: Majority of the farmers had small land holdings. Most of the farmers received only medium level of technical guidance. The percept ions of the major i t y of respondents about the availability of low cost watershed technologies, observability of the innovation and complexity of the innovation were medium. About three-fourths of the farmers had a favourable attitude towards watershed development programmes. Most of the farmers had medium level of extension participation, mass media exposure and economic motivation. More than half of the respondents did not attend any training programme related to watershed management. More than half of the respondents had only medium I eve 1 0 f k now led g e i n wa t e r s he d p 1 ann i n g , i nn 0 vat i v e n e ss, indebtedness and orientation towards incentives. Majority of the farmers followed medium level of cropping intensity. The adoption of the watershed management practices by the farmers was only at medium level. Social status of the farmers was on average level. The perception of the farmers about the employment generated was low and the perception about the increase in resource use efficiency was medium. About half of the respondents were of the perception that the increase in income and productivity was low on account of NWDPRA. Farm size, availability of low cost watershed technologies, observabiiity of the innovation, attitude towards watershed development programmes, extension participation, mass media exposure, training participation, knowledge in w~tershed planning and cropping intensity had positive and significant association with adoption of watershed management practices. Complexity of innovation and indebtedness had negative association with adoption. Social status of farmers had positive association with farm size, technical guidarice, availability of low cost watershed technologies, observabi 1 i t y of innovat ion, at t i tude towards watershed development programmes, extension participation, training participation, knowledge in watershed planning, innovativeness and orientation towards incentives. Indebtedness had negative association with social status of farmers. Employment generation had positive and significant relationship with indebtedness and orientation towards incentives. Farm size, technical guidance, availability of low cost watershed technologies, observability of the innovation, attitude towards watershed development programmes, extension participation, training participation and knowledge in watershed planning had positive and significant relationship with increase in resource use efficiency. The variables farm size, availability of low cost watershed technologies, observability of the innovation, attitude towards watershed development programmes, extension participation, mass media exposure, economic motivation, knowledge in watershed planning, innovativeness and cropping intensity were found to have positive and significant relationship with increase in income. Indebtedness had a negative relationship with increase in income. Increase in productivity had a positive and significant relationship with farm size, availability of low cost watershed technologies, observability of innovation, at tit ude towards watershed deve lopment programmes, ex ens ion participation, mass media exposure, training p a r t i c i pa t i on , knowledge in watershed planning and cropping intensity. Indebtedness had a negative relationship with increase in productivity. ~ Stepwise regression analysis revealed that availa bility of low cost watershed technologies and farm size contributed to 76 per cent of variation in adoption of watershed management practices. The results of s t e pw i s e regression analysis revealed that the variables farm size, mass media exposure, orientation towards incentives, technical guidance, observability of innovation, innovativeness and attitude towards watershed development programmes contributed to 54 per cent of variation in social status of farmers. The important constraint perceived by the farmers was inadequacy of funds provided to land owners in NWDPRA and the important constraint perceived by the extension agent was inadequate co-ordination among the implementing agencies of NWDPRA. The results of Spearman's rank order correlation of constraints revealed that there was agreement between farmers and extension agents with respect to the constraints in NWDPRA.
Weed control method for semi-dry dibbled crop of rice
(Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 1983) Lakshmi, S; Madhavan Nair, K P
An experiment was. conducted at the nice Research station of Kerala Agricultural university at Kayamkulam during, the Virippu (first crop) season of 1981-82 to find out a suitable weed control method for semi-dry dibbled crop of rice, in simple randomised block design with 7 herbicide treatments. 4 hand weeding treatments of which one was the local practice and another unweeded control. Monocot weeds were found to be better competitors than dicot weeds. Heed population was maximum during the first 40 days of dibbling. The herbicides reduced weed population and dry matter accumulation compared to hand weeded plots and increased the weed control efficiency. All the crop growth characters like plant height tiller count and LAI were Influenced favourably by the application of herbicides compared to hand weeding. Yield attributing factors like number of productive tillers/hill, length of the panicle, weight of the panicle and number of filled grains per panicle were adversely influenced by competition with weeds and control of weeds by the use of herbicides like benthiocarb 2.0 kg ai/ha and nitrofen 1.975 kg ai/ha increased the yieldattributing character® which was reflected on the grain and straw yield.