Browsing by Author "Rajasree, G"

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Herbage production of leguminous crops in summer rice fallows
(Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 1994) Rajasree, G; Raghavan Pillai, G
An Investigation was carried out at Cropping Systems Research Centre, Karamana, Thiruvananthapuram to study the fodder production potential of four legumes (cowpea variety CO -5, cowpea variety C-152, cowpea variety Karnataka local and Sesbania rostrata) under three levels of lime (0,125 and 250 kg per hectare) and three levels of phosphorus (0, 30 and 60 kg P2 O5 per hectare) in summer rice fallow. To study the residual effect, a bulk crop of paddy was raised in the first crop season retaining the same layout. The trial was laid out as a split – plot experiment in RBD with three replications. Application for lime increased the growth attributes like plant height, number of leaves, LAI and number of branches, in all fodder legumes. Various growth parameters were increased due to the application of phosphorus. Combined application of lime and phosphorus improved the growth parameters through the indirect effect of increased availability of nutrients. Combined application of higher levels of lime and phosphorus decreased the nodulation in Sesbania rostrata. Combined application of 125 kg lime and 60 kg P2 O5 improved the crude protein content. Application of 250 kg lime increased the plant phosphorus content which however decreased with increasing levels of application of phosphorus. Combined application of 125 kg lime and 60 kg P2 O5 resulted in more plant potassium content. Increase in lime levels from O to 125 kg increased calcium content of legumes. Combined application of 125 kg lime and 30 kg P2 O5 produced more magnesium cont3ent in plant than 250 kg lime and 60 kg P2O5 treatment combination. Available nitrogen content in soil after the experiment increased with the combined application of 250 kg lime and 30 kg P2O5. Combined application of moderate levels of lime and phosphorus resulted in more available phosphorus and potassium contents. Available calcium content of soil increased with increasing level of lime, but magnesium content of soil was found to decrease with the application of 250 kg lime. Sesbania rostrata and cowpea variety CO – 5 produced taller plants, while Sesbania rostrata followed by cowpea variety C – 152 recorded more number of leaves and LAI. Sesbania rostrata also recorded maximum number of branches, but was poor in nodulation where the combined application of 250 kg lime and 60 kg P2O5 declined the stem nodulation. Green fodder yield was maximum in cowpea variety C-152, while dry fodder production was maximum in Sesbania rostrata. Sesbania rostrata recorded highest crude protein, phosphorus, calcium and magnesium contents where as CO-5 had maximum plant potassium content. Available soil potassium content was lowest under cowpea variety CO-5. Uptake of nutrients were maximum in Sesbania rostrata and minimum in Karnataka local. The trial also indicated the suitability of Sesbania rostrata as a fodder crop on account of its higher dry matter production and nutrient content. Cowpea variety C-152 was found to be more economic as a fodder crop under summer rice fallow conditions.
Integrated nutrient management in baby corn (Zea mays L.)
(Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2019) Namitha, V V; Rajasree, G
The investigation entitled “Integrated nutrient management in baby corn (Zea mays L.)” was conducted at College of Agriculture, Vellayani to investigate the influence of integrated nutrient management practices on growth, yield, quality, storage life and economics of cultivation of baby corn (Zea mays L.). The field experiment was conducted from February to April 2018 at the Instructional Farm, College of Agriculture, Vellayani. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with eight treatment combinations and one control, with three replications. The variety planted was baby corn hybrid, G-5414. The treatments comprised four organic sources for nitrogen substitution (s1 - 25 per cent N substitution through poultry manure; s2 - 25 per cent N substitution through vermicompost; s3 -12.5 per cent N substitution through poultry manure + 12.5 per cent N substitution through vermicompost and s4- 25 per cent N substitution through poultry manure + 25 per cent N substitution through vermicompost) and two biofertilizer treatments (b0- without biofertilizer and b1- seed treatment and soil application of PGPR-1). The organic manures were substituted on N equivalent basis @ 135 kg N ha-1 as per the treatments and the balance was supplied through fertilizer source. Phosphorus @ 65 kg P2O5 ha-1 and potassium @ 45 kg K2O ha-1 were supplied through chemical fertilizers in all the treatments. In the control treatment, nutrients were given @ 135:65:45 kg NPK ha-1 through chemical fertilizers. The results indicated that baby corn responded well to biofertilizer application (PGPR-1) which significantly increased the plant height at 15 and 45 DAE, leaves per plant at 45 DAE (11.70) and LAI at 30 DAE (2.61) compared with no biofertilizer application. This treatment also produced significantly higher total DMP at harvest (18.20 t ha-1), cob weight with husk per plant (244.33 g), cob weight with husk per cob (81.44 g), and marketable cob yield (5.82 t ha-1). Among different INM practices, combined application of chemical fertilizer and organic manures (vermicompost and poultry manure) with 12.5 per cent N substitution through each source (s3b1) along with biofertilizer application (PGPR-1) recorded significantly higher plant height (112.18 cm) at 45 DAE and was on par with s4b1, s2b1, s1b0 and s4b0. The same treatment recorded the highest DMP at harvest (19.94 t ha-1) but was on par with s4b0, s1b1 and s2b0 compared to other treatment combinations. The s3b1 also resulted in the highest cob weight with husk (85.11g per cob) and cob yield with husk (24.74 t ha-1) but it did not vary from s1b1, s2b1 and s4b0 with respect to cob weight with husk and was on par with s2b1 in case of cob yield with husk. However, adopting INM with 25 per cent substitution of N through vermicompost along with biofertilizer application (s2b1) produced the highest marketable cob yield (6.79 t ha-1), where it was on par with s3b1 and s1b1. The highest ascorbic acid content in baby corn cob (10.67 mg g-1) was recorded when 25 per cent of N was substituted through vermicompost (s2). Application of biofertilizer PGPR-1 produced significantly higher total soluble sugar (6.86 0 Brix), reducing sugar (2.89 per cent) and ascorbic acid content (10 mg g-1) in cob compared to no biofertilizer application. Organoleptic and shelf life studies indicated that the application of 50 per cent of N through chemical source combined with 25 per cent N substitution through poultry manure + 25 per cent N substitution through vermicompost along with biofertilizer (s4b1) recorded the highest organoleptic score in fresh samples and during storage upto three days. Application of nutrients through chemical sources (control) recorded the highest net income (₹ 8,43,182 ha-1) compared to other treatments and was followed by the application of 75 per cent N through chemical fertilizer in combination with 25 per cent N substitution through poultry manure and vermicompost (12.5 per cent N from each source) along with biofertilizer PGPR-1 (₹ 8,36,465 ha-1). The control treatment also resulted in the highest BCR (4.50) which was followed by the treatment with substitution of 25 per cent N through poultry manure and applying remaining quantity of N through chemical source without biofertilizer (3.67). The results of the study indicated that INM practice with 25 per cent N substitution through poultry manure and vermicompost (12.5 per cent N from each source) combined with 75 per cent RDN @ 135 kg ha-1and recommended dose of P and K (@ 65 kg P2O5 and 45 kg K2O) through chemical sources along with PGPR-1 or substituting 25 per cent N through vermicompost alone with PGPR-1 and recommended dose of P and K could be recommended for realising higher cob yield with husk, marketable cob yield and net returns. The net returns and the BCR produced by the control treatment (application of RDF only through chemical fertilizers) was however found to be higher than the other treatments due to low cost of cultivation. Application 50 per cent N through the poultry manure and vermicompost (25 per cent N from each source) along with biofertilizer PGPR-1 was found to be the best INM practice with respect to organoleptic characters and shelf life of baby corn.
Integrated nutrient management in sofghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) for AEU 8
(Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2023-03-17) Arathy P Shaji; Rajasree, G
Intercropping vegetables in baby corn (Zea mays L.)
(Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2020) Anna Emmanuel; Rajasree, G
The study entitled “Intercropping vegetables in baby corn (Zea mays L.)’’ was conducted at College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Thiruvananthapuram during 2018-20 to investigate the feasibility of intercropping vegetables (cowpea and amaranthus) in baby corn and to find the effect of crop geometry on growth, yield, productivity and economics of intercropping systems. The field experiment was conducted during March to May 2019 and was laid out in Randomized Block Design with 3 replications. Baby corn (var. G 5414) was raised as main crop and cowpea (var. Bhagyalakshmi) and amaranthus (var. Arun) were raised as intercrops in various cropping geometries. The treatments consisted of different planting geometries of baby corn with cowpea and amaranthus as intercrops along with sole crop treatments, viz., T1- baby corn + cowpea (skip row), T2- baby corn + amaranthus (skip row), T3- baby corn + cowpea (paired row), T4- baby corn + amaranthus (paired row), T5- baby corn + cowpea (2:1 ratio), T6- baby corn + amaranthus (2:1 ratio), T7- sole crop of baby corn, T8- sole crop of cowpea and T9- sole crop of amaranthus. The results indicated that intercropping cowpea or amaranthus in baby corn had significant influence on the growth and yield of both main crop and intercrops. The cob yield with husk (11.39 t ha-1), marketable cob yield (3.53 t ha-1) and cob weight with husk (49.50 g) of baby corn were found to be significantly higher in T3 compared to other treatments including sole crop of baby corn. The number of cobs per plant recorded was the highest in T1 which did not differ from T2. Cob-to corn ratio of baby corn was significantly lower in treatments T4 and T3. The highest dry matter production (24453 kg ha-1) and green stover yield (39.33 t ha-1) of baby corn were recorded in T3 which was on par with T7. 148 Growth and yield of intercrops were significantly reduced under intercropping. Sole crop of cowpea (T8) produced higher number of primary branches, LAI, total dry matter production, root volume, root depth, number of pods per plant, pod yield per plant and pod yield per ha compared to intercropping systems. Sole crop of amaranthus (T9) also produced significantly higher LAI, total dry matter production, yield per plant and yield per ha when compared to intercropping systems. The light interception by the crop canopy of baby corn was found to be the highest in T3. Higher uptake of N, P and K were recorded in intercropping treatment T3 (growing baby corn and cowpea in paired row). The sole cropping of intercrops however resulted in the highest N, P and K uptake compared to the intercropping. Analysis of competitive indices of intercropping system revealed that the land equivalent ratio (LER), baby corn equivalent yield (BEY) and monetary advantage index (MAI) were the highest in T3. The positive aggressivity value (Abv) and higher relative crowding coefficient of baby corn (Kb) indicated the competitive nature and dominance of baby corn over intercrops. The paired row planting of baby corn with cowpea (T3) produced the highest net returns (₹ 222830 ha-1) and benefit: cost ratio (3.18). The results of the study indicated that compared to amaranthus, vegetable cowpea was more suitable for intercropping with baby corn. Paired row planting of baby corn with cowpea (T3) was found to be the best intercropping system considering the planting geometry in terms of baby corn equivalent yield, monetary advantage index, net income and benefit: cost ratio.
Nutrient scheduling in rainfed sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench)
(Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, Velllayani, 2021) Karthik, T R; Rajasree, G
The study entitled “Nutrient scheduling in rainfed sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench)” was undertaken at College of Agriculture, Vellayani, during 2019 – 2021. The main objectives were to standardise the nutrient schedule for rainfed sorghum and to work out the economics. The field investigation was conducted during summer 2021 and the experiment was laid out in factorial randomised block design with 12 treatment combinations, replicated thrice. The treatments comprised combinations of three N:K ratios (r1 -1:0.5, r2 -1:1 and r3 -1:1.5) and four times of applications (t1- ½ N as basal + ½ N at 30 DAS + full K as basal, t2- 1 /3 N as basal + 1 /3 N at 30 DAS+ 1 /3 N at 60 DAS + full K as basal, t3- ½ N and ½ K as basal + ½ N and ½ K at 30 DAS, t4- 1 /3 N and 1 /3 K as basal + 1 /3 N and 1 /3 K at 30 DAS + 1 /3N and 1 /3 K at 60 DAS). The sorghum variety used for the study was Co-30. The results of the study revealed that plants were significantly taller in r3 at 60 DAS (122.33cm), 90 DAS (237.18 cm) and harvest (248.27cm). Plant height was significantly more at 30 and 60 DAS with t4 (27.71 and 122.97 cm respectively) while t3 resulted in significantly taller plants at 90 DAS and harvest (236.38 and 244.47 cm respectively). Among the interactions, r3t4 and r1t4 resulted in significantly taller plants at 30 DAS and 60 DAS, while at 90 DAS and harvest, r3t1 was superior. The N:K ratio r3 (1:1.5) produced significantly more number of leaves per plant at all stages of observation. The treatment t4 recorded significantly more number of leaves at 30 DAS (4.50) while t3 recorded higher number of leaves at later growth stages. Interaction r3t4 produced significantly higher number of leaves at 60 DAS, 90 DAS and at harvest. Leaf area index recorded was significantly higher with r3 (2.65), t4 (2.62) and the interaction r3t4 (5.90) at 40 DAS. The crop took least number of days to reach 50 per cent flowering in r3 (57 days), t4 (54.89) and r3t4 (50.67 days). The dry matter production at harvest was the highest in t3 (6843.00 kg ha-1 ) and was on par with t4. Chlorophyll content was significantly higher at 30 and 60 DAS in r3 and t3 respectively and t3 was comparable with t4. The interaction r2t4 recorded higher chlorophyll content at 30 DAS. Rooting depth and root volume were significantly higher in r3 and t4, and interactions r3t2 and r3t4 had higher rooting depth and root volume respectively. Length of panicle was significantly higher in r3 (24.80 cm) and t3 (20.22 cm). The treatment combination r2t3 resulted in significantly longer panicles. Grain weight per panicle (46.47 g) was significantly higher in r2. Grain yield was significantly higher with r2 (3449.33 kg ha-1 ) and was comparable with r3 (3298.67 kg ha-1 ). The highest grain yield (3532.22 kg ha-1 ) was recorded by t3, followed by t4 (3350.11 kg ha-1 ) which were on par. The treatment combination r3t3 resulted in the highest grain yield (3635.67 kg ha-1 ) and was on par with all other treatments except r1t1 and r1t2. Harvest index was significantly superior in r2 (1:1) and r3 (1: 1.5), both producing a value of 0.45 compared to r1 (0.39). N uptake and K uptake were the highest in r2 and were on par with r3 while P uptake was the highest in r3 comparable with r2. The highest N uptake was recorded with t3 which was comparable with t4. The treatment t3 which was comparable with t4 resulted in significantly higher P uptake. K uptake was the highest with t3 (272.82 kg ha-1 ) and was comparable with t2. The treatment r2 resulted in significantly higher pH (5.70) and was comparable with r3 (5.67). Both t3 and t1 recorded higher soil pH of 5.70 after the experiment. Highest organic carbon content was recorded with r3 (0.83 per cent), t3 (0.89 per cent) and r3t3 (1.06 per cent), and r3 was on par with r2 whereas t3 was comparable with t4. Significantly higher available N content was recorded with r3 and t4, and t4 was comparable with t3. The treatment combination r3t3 which was on par with r2t4 recorded significantly higher available N content. Available P content was significantly higher with r2, t3 and r2t3. Net income was the highest (₹ 39737 ha-1 ) with r3t3 while r2t4 and r3t3 resulted in the highest BCR of 2.04. Considering the growth, yield and economics, the modified fertilizer dose of 50: 25: 75 kg ha-1 NPK with N and K in two equal split doses, half of each at basal and at 30 DAS and P as basal dose can be recommended for cultivating high yielding sorghum varieties as rainfed crop in southern Kerala
Organic nutrition in baby corn (Zea mays L.)
(Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2020) Anupama, A; Rajasree, G
Organic nutrition in taro (Colocasia esculenta (L.) Schott)
(Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2022) Limisha, N P; Rajasree, G
The study entitled “Organic nutrition in taro (Colocasia esculenta (L.) Schott)” was conducted at College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala to investigate the effect of organic nutrition on growth, yield, quality, soil organic carbon build up and economics of cultivation of taro and to study rooting and tuberisation pattern of taro under organic nutrition. The experiment was conducted in the farmer’s field at Peringamala, Thiruvananthapuram from June 2019 to January 2020 and June 2020 to January 2021. The investigation comprised two separate experiments: (1) Organic nutrition in taro (field experiment) and (2) Rooting and tuberisation pattern study in taro (pot culture). The first experiment was laid out in randomized block design with three replications. The treatments comprised six organic sources (s1- FYM + wood ash; s2- FYM + wood ash +PGPR mix I; s3- FYM + wood ash + PGPR mix I + vermiwash; s4- poultry manure + wood ash ; s5- poultry manure + wood ash + PGPR mix I; s6- poultry manure + wood ash + PGPR mix I + vermiwash) and two in situ green manuring (g1- in situ green manuring with cowpea; g2- in situ green manuring with daincha) with three controls (C1- nutrient management through chemical fertilizers as per KAU POP (80 : 25: 100 kg ha-1 ); C2 - nutrient management as per KAU organic POP (Ad hoc); C3 - absolute control). The tuberization study was laid out as completely randomized design as pot culture with the six organic sources (s1 to s6 used in field experiment) as treatments (T1 to T6) together with three controls, and were replicated thrice. The recommended dose of NPK for colocasia @ 80: 25: 100 kg ha-1 was applied through organic sources on N equivalent basis as per the treatments. Application of FYM + wood ash +PGPR mix I (s2) took less number of days (24.33 days) for 50 per cent sprouting of seed corm during first year. Application of poultry manure along with wood ash, PGPR mix I and vermiwash (s6) and in situ green manuring with daincha (g2) found superior with respect to growth characters such as plant height, number of leaves per plant, leaf area and leaf area index (LAI). The interaction s6g2 recorded taller plants, higher leaf area and LAI during both the years. Taller plants were produced by s6g2 at 4 MAP and s6g1 at harvest compared to C1 (151.48 cm) during first year. Organic treatments performed better than C2 and C3 with respect to all growth parameters. FYM + wood ash and poultry manure + wood ash recorded the highest number of cormels per plant during first and second year respectively. Mean weight of cormel was higher in s6 (34.86 g) during first year and in s3 (26.01 g) during second year. The application of poultry manure along with wood ash, PGPR mix I and vermiwash (s6) recorded the highest cormel yield (18.68 t ha-1 ) and corm yield (12.21 t ha-1 ) under pooled analysis. Organic treatment s5 recorded the highest cormel to corm ratio (1.80) during second year. In situ green manuring with daincha (g2) recorded the highest mean cormel weight during both the years while cormel and corm yield in pooled analysis were also the highest with this treatment. The treatment s3g2 recorded the highest mean weight of cormel and the treatment s6g2 recorded the highest cormel yield under pooled analysis (19.02 t ha-1 ). The treatment s5g1 registered the highest cormel to corm ratio during second year. The organic treatments s3g2, s5g1, s5g2, s6g1 and s6g2 were found to be equally effective as C1 in case of corm and cormel yield of taro. The treatment s6g2 recorded a 0.90 percentage increase of cormel yield over chemical nutrient management during first year and a 2.67 percentage increase of corm yield over chemical nutrient management for pooled mean. The treatment combinations s3g2, s5g1, s5g2, s6g1 and s6g2 were found superior to C2 in case of corm yield, cormel yield and mean cormel weight. The treatment s6g2 recorded a 37.83 percentage and 27.82 percentage increase of cormel yield and corm yield respectively over KAU organic POP for pooled mean. The treatments s3g2, s4g2, s6g1 and s6g2 during first year and s3g2, s5g2 and s6g2 during second year recorded significantly higher mean weight of cormel than C3. All the treatment combinations in case of corm yield and all the treatment combinations except s1g1 in case of cormel yield recorded significantly higher value than C3. During second year, the treatments s5g1 and s2g2 recorded the highest harvest index (0.60) and were significantly superior to C2 (0.47). The organic source s6 and in situ green manuring g2 recorded the highest dry matter production (DMP). Treatment combination s6g2 (8.37 t ha-1 ) during first year and s3g2 (6.55 t ha-1 ) during second year recorded the highest DMP. Except s1g1, s1g2 and s4g2, all other treatment combinations resulted in significantly higher DMP compared to C2. All organic treatments were significantly superior to C3 with respect to DMP during both the years. The organic source s6 and in situ green manuring g2 were found superior in improving quality characters of cormel. The higher N and K content and uptake were noticed in organic source s6, while P uptake was higher in s3. In situ green manuring g2 resulted in higher NPK contents and uptake. The highest N (149.03 kg ha-1 ) and K (232.80 kg ha-1 ) uptakes were recorded with treatment combination s6g2 during second year. During first year, the treatment s3g2 recorded the highest tuber P content and P uptake (35.12 kg ha-1 ). The treatment combination s6g2 was significantly superior to C1 in case of K uptake during first year. The treatment combinations s2g1, s2g2, s3g1, s3g2, s5g1, s5g2, s6g1 and s6g2 were found superior to C2 in nutrient content and uptake. The organic treatments were superior to absolute control in nutrient contents and uptake. The organic source s5 recorded the lowest EC during second year. The organic sources s5 and s6 resulted in higher organic carbon and available N content in soil while available P content of soil was the highest with s3. In situ green manuring with daincha found superior in organic carbon, available N and available P content of soil. Available N content in soil was the highest in s6g2 during first year. The treatments s2g2 and s3g2 were found to be significantly superior to C1 and C2 during second year with respect to available P status. The organic treatments were found superior to C3 in case of pH, organic carbon and available NPK. The organic sources s5, s3, s6 and in situ green manuring g2 resulted in higher total organic carbon and recalcitrant carbon, labile carbon and water soluble carbon content of soil. All organic nutrition treatments were found superior to control treatments in soil organic carbon buildup. Balance sheet of K was positive for s3g1, s5g1, s6g1, s6g2 and C1 after first year of experiment and the N balance was positive for absolute control after second year. The organic source s6 and in situ green manuring g2 registered the highest net income and BCR. Treatment combination s6g2 resulted in the highest net income (₹737241 ha-1 ) and BCR (2.82). All the treatments except s1g1 and s2g1 recorded higher net income and the treatments s4g1, s5g1, s6g1 and s6g2 resulted in higher BCR than C1. The treatment s6g2 recorded a 43.96 percentage and 6.02 percentage increase of net income and BCR respectively over chemical nutrient management for mean. All treatment combinations except s1g1 and s2g1 recorded higher net income and all except s1g1, s2g1 and s3g1 recorded higher BCR compared to C2. The treatment s6g2 recorded a 54.71 percentage and 19.49 percentage increase of net income and BCR respectively over KAU organic POP for mean. All organic nutrition treatments recorded higher net income and all treatments except s2g1 and s3g1 recorded higher BCR compared to absolute control. In pot culture study, the treatments T6 and T5 in case of pH, absolute control in case of EC, T2 and T3 in case of organic carbon and available P and T6 and C1 in case of available N and K were found superior throughout the growing period. The higher microbial population was observed with organic sources T6, T5, T3 and T2. The organic sources T5 and T3 recorded the highest dehydrogenase activity. The treatments T6, T3 and T5 excelled in rooting pattern and root anatomical characters. Significant and positive correlation was observed between nutrient uptake and root apex diameter, late metaxylem number, early metaxylem number and stele diameter. Corm initiation was early (between 1 MAP and 2 MAP) in treatments C1 and T6 while it was between 2 MAP and 3 MAP in all other treatments. Control C1 and T6 recorded the highest corm and cormel weight per plant during initial stages and later stages respectively. The highest values of cormel bulking rate were observed between 3 MAP and 4 MAP. The treatment T6 recorded the highest bulking rate during 3-4 MAP, T3 and T5 during 4-5 MAP and T2 during 5-6 MAP. The study revealed that application of poultry manure, wood ash, PGPR mix I and vermiwash, along with in situ green manuring of daincha in taro resulted in higher growth, yield, quality, net returns and BCR under organic nutrition and hence can be recommended for its organic nutrient management. All the organic nutrient management practices were found to improve soil organic carbon build up. Application of poultry manure, wood ash, PGPR mix I and vermiwash as organic sources was also found to promote the rooting and tuberisation in taro.
Organic preparations and biostimulants for moisture stress mitigation in container grown okra ( Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench)
(Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2017) Sethulakshmi, V S; Rajasree, G
Performance of Red gram [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp] +Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) system in southern laterites
(Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2025-04-23) Rajasree, G
The study entitled "Performance of red gram [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp] + groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) system in Southern Laterites" was conducted at the Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, from 2022 to 2024. The main objectives of the experiment were to evaluate the red gram based intercropping system with groundnut and to study the effect of crop geometry on growth, yield, and biological efficiency, and economics of the intercropping system. The field study comprised 7 treatments, laid out in randomized complete block design with three replications. The treatments were T1- red gram + groundnut in 1:4 ratio, T2- red gram + groundnut in 1:6 ratio, T3- red gram + groundnut in 1:8 ratio, T4- red gram + groundnut in 2:4 ratio, T5- red gram + groundnut in 4:5 ratio, T6- sole crop of red gram, and T7- sole crop of groundnut. The varieties used in the study were APK 1 (red gram) and TCGS 1694 (groundnut). The results indicated that crop geometry of red gram + groundnut intercropping significantly influenced the growth and yield of red gram. Among intercropping treatments, T2 resulted in the highest total leaf area of 2952.33±124 cm2 per plant and 2168.66±101cm2 per plant at 60 DAE (days after emergence) and 90 DAE respectively. The T2 was on par with T6 (sole crop) at 60 DAE and also comparable with T5 and T6 at 90 DAE. Among different crop geometries tried, T2 recorded the highest LAI at 60 DAE (3.24±0.15) and 90 DAE (2.71±0.12). Though the sole crop of red gram (T6) registered higher value of LAI at 60 DAE (3.50±0.17) and at 90 DAE (2.86±0.14), it was comparable with T2 at both these growth stages meanwhile T2 was also comparable with T5 at 90 DAE. Among different intercropping treatments, T5 (red gram + groundnut in 4:5 ratio) recorded significantly higher dry matter yield of red gram at harvest (4868 ±167 kg ha-1); meanwhile the dry matter production under sole cropping (T6) was significantly higher (6057±418 kg ha-1) than that under intercropping. Significantly higher root depth (28.89±1.81cm per plant) and root volume (13.16±0.27 cm3 per plant) of red gram were recorded in T3 which was on par with T2. Among different crop geometries, T5 (red gram + groundnut in 4:5 ratio) recorded significantly the highest red gram seed yield (1113.49±34 kg ha-1) and haulm yield (3722±77kg ha-1) compared to other intercropping treatments. However, the sole crop of red gram (T6) produced significantly higher seed yield (1305.44±84 kg ha-1) and haulm yield (4566±151 kg ha-1) than all other treatments. Higher chlorophyll content in red gram was observed in with T2 (1.42±0.13 mg g-1) which was comparable with T3. The T3 resulted in higher seed crude protein content (24.13±3.27 %) of red gram and was on par with T6. The T5 registered higher N uptake (87.89±3.40 kg ha-1), P uptake (16.31±0.89 kg ha-1) and K uptake (39.42±2.31kg ha-1) among intercropping ratios, whereas, significantly higher N uptake (108.32±6.30 kg ha-1), P uptake (19.53±1 kg ha-1) and K uptake (49.39±3.55 kg ha-1) were recorded in sole crop of red gram (T6) than the crop under intercropping situation. Among intercropping treatments, T3 produced significantly taller plants of groundnut at 60 DAE (47.60±3.34 cm) and at harvest (59.10±6.12 cm) which was comparable with T1, T2, and T4 at 60 DAE and also comparable with T2 at harvest stage. Sole crop of groundnut (T7) however produced significantly taller plants at 60 DAE (53.16±3.010 cm) and at harvest (62.82±2.27 cm), and it was comparable with T3 at harvest. Among intercropping treatments, T2 produced significantly higher total dry matter yield of groundnut (3490±88 kg ha-1) which was on par with T3 and T1. Sole crop of groundnut (T7) however recorded significantly higher total dry matter production (94210±392 kg ha-1) compared to intercropping situation. Under intercropping, T2 resulted in significantly higher kernel yield (1050.11±51.48 kg ha-1) and haulm yield (92579±143 kg ha-1) of groundnut which was comparable with T3. Sole cropping of groundnut (T7) however recorded significantly higher kernel yield (1186.36±70.64 kg ha-1) and haulm yield (3363±34 kg ha-1) than the yield under intercropping. Higher chlorophyll content of groundnut was recorded with T3 (0.79±0.06 mg g-1) which was comparable with T2. Higher crude protein content of groundnut kernel was registered with T2 (26.46±1.4 %) which was on par with T3. Among different intercropping geometries, T2 had higher N uptake (69.04±8.47 kg ha-1), P uptake (16.38±1.83 kg ha-1) and K uptake (41.64±2.01 kg ha-1), wherein T2 was comparable with T3 and T1 in case of N and P uptake while it was comparable with T3 only in case of K uptake. The sole crop of groundnut (T7) recorded significantly higher N uptake (92.96±6.08 kg ha-1), P uptake (22.95±0.60 kg ha 1 ) and K uptake (57.90±1.71 kg ha-1) than all other treatments. Analysis of competitive indices of intercropping system revealed that the land equivalent ratio (LER), relative crowding coefficient (RCC), aggressivity and red gram equivalent yield (RGEY) were the highest in T2. The positive aggressivity value (Arg) and higher relative crowding coefficient of red gram (Kr) indicated its competitive nature and dominance over groundnut. The monetary advantage index was the highest (54468) with T2 indicating the monetary advantage of this crop geometry over others. Sole crop of red gram (T6) had the lowest cost of cultivation of (₹ 65201 ha-1) while T2 resulted in the highest net returns (₹ 126414 ha-1) and benefit: cost ratio (2.74). The results of the study indicated that red gram + groundnut in a 1:6 ratio was the best intercropping geometry in terms of the land equivalent ratio, red gram equivalent yield, monetary advantage index, net income, and benefit: cost ratio. Hence intercropping red gram with groundnut in 1:6 row ratio could be recommended as a biologically efficient and financially viable option for intercropping in the Southern Laterites.
Resilient rice based cropping systems for lowlands
(Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2024-04-01) Jince mary, M Joy.; Jacob John; Rajasree, G
The study entitled “Resilient rice based cropping systems for lowlands” was carried out at the Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, Vellayani during the period from 2019-2023. The major objectives of the study were to evaluate the performance, in terms of yield and economics, of different rice based cropping systems in lowlands, investigate their impact on weed dynamics, soil health and carbon dioxide emission, and assess the residual effect on the succeeding virippu rice crop. The investigation comprised two experiments viz. Experiment I: Performance of different rice based cropping systems in lowlands and their impact on the weed dynamics, soil health and carbon dioxide emission and Experiment II: Residual effect of rice based cropping systems on the succeeding virippu rice crop. The field experiments were carried out at the Integrated Farming System Research Station, Karamana, during 2019-2020 in randomized block design with eleven cropping systems [rice-fallow-fallow (T1), rice-rice-fallow (T2), rice-dhaincha – cowpea (T3), (rice + dhaincha)- rice – green gram (T4), rice – cassava – amaranthus (T5), ricecassava- cowpea (T6), rice – para grass- fodder cowpea (T7), rice- fodder cowpea – fodder maize (T8), rice- bhindi – culinary melon (T9), rice – bhindi – yard long bean (T10) and rice – rice – amaranthus (T11)], each replicated thrice. In treatment T4, dhaincha was used for brown manuring. It was raised as an intercrop by sowing seeds @ 20 kg ha,-1 two days after transplanting rice and was later incorporated by spraying 2, 4- D @ 1.0 kg ha -1 at 50 per cent flowering stage (45 DAS). The varieties used were, Uma (rice), dhaincha local (dhaincha), Anaswara (cowpea), CO-8 (green gram), Vellayani Hraswa (cassava), Arun (amaranthus), local (paragrass), CO-8 (fodder cowpea), African Tall (fodder maize), Salkeerthi (bhindi), KAU Vishal (culinary melon) and Vellayani Jyothika (yard long bean). During virippu, the highest yield of rice was in T9 (5016 kg ha-1) and the lowest in T1 (3463 kg ha-1). Fodder cowpea produced the highest yield among the crops grown during mundakan (24434 kg ha-1) and summer (26620 kg ha-1). The rice equivalent yield (REY) in mundakan and summer seasons differed significantly among the systems. The REY in mundakan was the highest in T10 (16761 kg ha-1) which was on par with T9 (16419 kg ha-1). The least REY in mundakan was obtained from T3 and T7 (486 kg ha-1). The highest REY in summer was obtained from T10 (7348 kg ha-1) followed by T11 (6532 kg ha-1) which were on par. Rice - bhindi - yard long bean sequence (T10) produced the lowest weed dry matter at 20 DAS (46.95 g m-2) and 40 DAS (33.15 g m-2). Highest weed dry matter at 20 DAS (75.80 g m-2) and 40 DAS (87.32g m-2) was recorded in T1 at the end of the crop cycle. Treatment T10 had the highest weed smothering efficiency (WSE) at 20 DAS (38.07 %) and 40 DAS (63.20%) at the end of the crop cycle. Data on influence of physical properties of soil at the end of crop cycle among the cropping systems revealed that, the greatest decrease (8.09%) in bulk density over the initial value was observed in T9 while T1 showed an increase in bulk density (1.37%). The highest increase in water holding capacity was observed in T4 (8.59%) while T1 showed a decrease in water holding capacity by 7.43% over the initial value by the end of the crop cycle. Soil pH did not vary significantly among the cropping sequences. Significantly higher organic C (1.94%, 1.86%), labile C (2310 mg kg-1, 1614 mg kg-1) and water-soluble C (33.69 mg kg-1 , 21.70 mg kg-1) at 0-15 cm and 15-30 cm respectively were recorded in T9 at the end of the crop cycle. Results on available nutrient status in soil at the end of crop cycle revealed that, the highest available nitrogen was noticed in T10 (342.87 kg ha -1) while available P and K did not show any significant variation among the cropping systems. Exchangeable Ca was the highest in T5 (215.08 mg kg-1) while exchangeable Mg and available Fe did not show any significant variation among the cropping systems. Available Zn was the highest in T6 (3.697 mg kg-1). At the end of crop cycle, T10 (rice - bhindi - yard long bean), T5 (rice - cassava- amaranthus) and T6 (rice- cassava – cowpea) recorded the highest urease (91.07 mg g- 1 h-1), acid phosphatase (31.16 μg g-1 h-1) and dehydrogenase activity (34.51, μg g-1 h-1) respectively. Perusal of data on total nutrient uptake by crops at the end of crop cycle divulged that among the cropping systems, the highest N uptake (234.70 kg ha-1) was in T8 while highest P (54.92 kg ha -1) and K uptake (244.90 kg ha-1) were noticed in T6. T5 recorded highest Ca (114.20 kg ha -1) and Fe uptake (12.60 kg ha-1) while T3 and T7 recorded highest Mg (81.89 kg ha -1) and Zn uptake (17.62 kg ha-1) respectively. Total nutrients recycled through crop residues at the end of crop cycle showed that, T4 recorded the highest nitrogen recycled (19.52 kg ha -1) while T6 recorded the highest P recycled (5.13 kg ha -1) and T10 recorded the highest K (17.04 kg ha -1) recycled. Highest Ca (8.61 kg ha -1) and Zn (1.55 kg ha -1) were recycled by T9 while T7 recorded the highest Mg recycled (8.16 kg ha -1) and T3 (1.81 kg ha -1) recorded the highest Fe recycled. Data on total nutrients removed by weeds by the end of crop cycle revealed that T7 recorded the least N removal (18.07 kg ha -1) while T8 recorded lowest P removal (6.70 kg ha -1) and T10 recorded lowest K (19.85 kg ha -1), Mg (2.24 kg ha -1) and Zn removal (0.015 kg ha -1). T8 recorded the lowest Ca removal (0.72 kg ha -1) and T3 recorded the lowest Fe removal (0.077 kg ha -1). The removal of all nutrients assessed was highest in T1. Results from CO2 emission study revealed that in mundakan, T5 (281 ppm) and T6 (283 ppm), with cassava exhibited lower CO2 emissions. T5 (25.93 ºC) recorded the least and T4 recorded the highest (32.24 ºC) soil temperatures in mundakan season. T7 and T8 recorded significantly higher soil temperatures (37.80 ºC) and the least (34.03 ºC) was noticed in T1 in summer season. The highest soil moisture was recorded in T4 (23.43%) which was on par with most of the treatments and the lowest value of soil moisture was noticed in T1 (15.92%) during mundakan. The highest rice equivalent yield (28.93 t ha-1), maximum gross returns (₹ 9,01,865 ha-1) and net returns (₹ 5,45,705 ha-1) were obtained in T10 (rice - bhindi - yard long bean). The B:C ratio was the highest for T9 (rice – bhindi - culinary melon) (2.64) followed by T10 (rice - bhindi - yard long bean) (2.53). Based on data of three years, the highest stability index was recorded in rice –cassava – cowpea (T6) (0.95) while rice - bhindi - yard long bean (T10) sequence had the lowest (0.42). The second experiment revealed that rice crop following rice – cassava – amaranthus (T5) was superior in terms of number of grains per panicle (113), grain yield (3934 kg ha-1) and straw yield (4311.67 kg ha -1). Significantly higher weed dry weight was recorded in T1 (48.25 g m-2) and the lowest in T5 (9.86 g m-2) at 20 DAS. At 40 DAT, significantly higher weed dry weight was noticed in T1 (96.12 g m-2) while the lowest was in T4 (23.66 g m-2). The treatment T8 recorded the highest weed smothering efficiency (80%) which was on par with T5 (79.63%) and T4 (77.05%) at 20 DAT. At 40 DAT, T4 recorded significantly higher weed smothering efficiency (74.33%). Significantly highest NUE was in the treatment T5 (8.62) and the lowest in T1 (5.74). Available NUE was highest in T5 (9.72) followed by T6 (9.24) which were on par, while T1 (7.06) showed lowest value of available NUE. It could be concluded that, among different rice based cropping systems in lowlands, rice – bhindi – yard long bean (T10) performed better in terms of yield, economics, weed dynamics and soil health. Cropping systems with cassava during the mundakan season had lower CO2 emissions. Rice crop succeeding rice – cassava – amaranthus (T5) was superior in terms of number of grains per panicle (113), grain yield (3934 kg ha -1) and straw yield (4311 kg ha -1), NUE (8.61) and available NUE (9.72).
Standardisation of nursery technologies through field validation in minisett cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz)
(Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2018) Sruthy, K T; Rajasree, G
The investigation entitled “Standardisation of nursery techniques through field validation in minisett cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz.)” which consisted of a nursery experiment (April 2017 to June 2017) and a field experiment (April 2017 to January 2018) was conducted at College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Thiruvananthapuram. The objectives were to standardise the cassava minisett nursery technique by validating its field performance in comparison with normal sett planting and to work out the economics of cultivation. The nursery experiment was conducted in the Instructional Farm, College of Agriculture, Vellayani. Minisetts of cassava, var. Vellayani Hraswa were raised in protrays (50 cavity) with six treatment combinations in eight replications as Completely Randomised Design. The treatments comprised two types of minisett cuttings (m1- two node cutting and m2 - three node cutting) and three types of potting media (p1 - normal top soil, p2 - normal top soil and coir pith compost in 1:1 ratio and p3 - coir pith compost and vermi compost in 3:1 ratio). The field experiment was laid out in the Instructional Farm, Vellayani with 18 treatment combinations replicated thrice in Randomised Complete Block Design with the two types of minisett cuttings (m1 and m2) and three types of potting media (p1, p2 and p3) tried in the nursery and three different time of transplanting of minisetts to the main field ie. t1 - 3 WAP (weeks after planting), t2 - 4 WAP and t3 - 5 WAP as treatments and normal sett planting as control. The minisetts and normal setts were planted at a spacing of 90 cm x 90 cm. The results of the nursery experiment revealed that the three node cutting (m2) recorded significantly higher seedling sprouting (92.26 per cent), shoot length (7.26, 9.62 and 11.10 cm), shoot biomass (4.08, 4.63 and 5.06 g seedling-1), root length (8.09, 12.40 and 16.04 cm) and root biomass (0.46, 0.73 and 0.85 g seedling-1) at 3 WAP, 4 WAP and 5 WAP respectively when compared to the two node cutting (m1). The potting medium p3 recorded significantly higher shoot length, shoot biomass seedling-1and root biomass seedling-1 at 3 WAP, 4 WAP and 5 WAP and had significantly higher root length at 3 WAP and 4 WAP than other potting media. The results on M x P interaction indicated that when three node cuttings were raised in potting medium p3 (m2p3), the highest shoot length, shoot biomass seedling-1and root biomass seedling-1 were recorded at 3 WAP while it recorded the highest root length at 3 WAP and 4 WAP . Growth and growth attributes viz., seedling establishment, plant height, stem girth and number of functional leaves plant-1 at monthly interval and the leaf area index at 3 MAP (months after planting) were significantly higher for the three node minisett cuttings transplanted at an age of three weeks from nursery than two noded minisetts transplanted at an age of four or five weeks. The seedlings raised in potting medium containing coir pith compost and vermi compost in 3:1 ratio (p3) produced significantly taller plants at all stages of observation except 4 MAP besides significantly higher stem girth at 1MAP (1.73 cm), number of functional leaves plant-1 at all stages of observation and leaf area index at 3 MAP (2.56). The study revealed that the three node cutting (m2) was significantly superior in terms of yield attributes and yield viz., length of tuber (45.99 cm), girth of tuber (23.92 cm), mean weight of tuber (668.18 g), tuber yield plant-1 (3.90 kg), tuber yield (39.25 t ha-1), top yield (13.86 t ha-1) and total dry matter production (13.76 t ha-1). The potting media p3 produced significantly higher tuber yield plant-1 (3.91 kg), tuber yield ha-1 (37.92 t), top yield (13.24 t ha-1) and total dry matter production (13.82 t ha-1). Cassava minisetts transplanted at 3 WAP was significantly superior with respect to yield attributes and yield. Three node cuttings raised in potting medium containing coir pith compost and vermi compost in 3:1 ratio, transplanted at 3 WAP (m2p3t1) recorded significantly higher mean weight of tuber (867.15 g), tuber yield ha-1(44.83 t), top yield (15.75 t ha-1), net income (₹ 6,92,267 ha-1) and benefit cost ratio (4.39). The uptake of nitrogen and phosphorus were higher with m2 (three node cutting) ,while the uptake of phosphorus alone was higher with p3 and uptake of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium was found to be higher with t1 (transplanted at 3 WAP). Comparing minisetts with normal sett planting (control), the former was found to be superior in seedling establishment, plant height at all stages of observation, leaf area index at 3 MAP, percentage of productive roots, length and mean weight of tuber, tuber yield plant-1, tuber yield ha-1, top yield ha-1, total dry matter production ha-1 and economics of cultivation. The results of the study indicated that raising three noded minisett cassava cuttings in potting medium containing coir pith compost and vermi compost in 3:1 ratio in the nursery followed by transplanting at 3 WAP was found to be economically and technically viable nursery technique for getting higher yield and income from cassava cultivation compared to the conventional practice of planting normal setts directly in the main field
Standradisation of organic and inorganic fertiliser comnbinations for maximising productivity in bitter gourd (Momordica Charantia L.)
(Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 1999) Rajasree, G; Raghavan Pillai, G
Varietal suitability and crop geometry of baby corn (Zea mays L.) in coconut garden
(Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, vellayani, 2016) Dona Scaria; Rajasree, G
The experiment entitled “Varietal suitability and crop geometry of baby corn (Zea mays L.) in coconut garden” was undertaken at the Coconut Research Station, Balaramapuram, Thiruvananthapuram, during the summer season (March to May) and the Kharif season (August to October) of 2015. The main objectives of the study were to understand the feasibility of introducing baby corn as intercrop in coconut garden, to assess the effect of varieties and spacings on its growth and productivity and to work out the economics of cultivation. The field experiment was laid out in Randomised Block Design with 9 treatments replicated thrice. The treatments comprised of combinations of three varieties and three spacings. The three varieties were Rasi 4212 (V1), G 5414 (V2) and CO-6 (V3) and the three spacings were 30 cm x 20 cm (S1), 45 cm x 20 cm (S2) and 60 cm x 20 cm (S3). The variety G 5414 recorded significantly higher baby cob weight with husk of 47.01 g cob-1 and 35.74 g cob-1, cob yield with husk of 10.97 t ha-1 and 9.98 t ha-1 and marketable baby cob yield of 3.67 t ha-1 and 3.36 t ha-1 in summer and Kharif respectively. This variety took less number of days from tasseling to harvest (2.11) and recorded the highest net income of RS. 133698 ha-1 and RS. 116629 ha-1 and B:C ratio of 2.70 and 2.49 in summer and Kharif seasons respectively. The variety G 5414 was followed by CO-6 in producing higher baby cob yield with husk and marketable baby cob yield. The growth attributes viz., plant height, number of leaves and leaf area index (LAI) at 15, 30 and 45 days after emergence (DAE), dry matter content and light interception were significantly higher for the variety CO-6. Green Stover yield was significantly higher for CO-6 (19.39 t ha-1 and 17.86 t ha-1 in summer and Kharif respectively) followed by G 5414 (16.08 t ha-1 and 14.35 t ha-1 in summer and Kharif respectively). The study revealed that spacing significantly influenced the growth attributes viz., plant height, number of leaves and LAI. The row spacing of 45 cm x 20 cm recorded the highest baby cob yield with husk of 10.90 t ha-1 and 9.63 t ha-1, marketable baby cob yield of 3.49 t ha-1 and 3.24 t ha-1 along with the highest net income of RS. 125839 ha-1 and RS. 114287 ha-1 and B:C ratio of 2.69 and 2.55 in summer and Kharif respectively. Baby cob weight with husk was significantly higher at 45 cm x 20 cm and baby cob-baby com ratio was the most desirable at 30 cm x 20 cm in summer. In summer, the interaction of CO-6 at 45 cm x 20 cm recorded the highest baby cob weight with husk (56.25 g cob-1), marketable baby cob yield (4.21 t ha-1) and B:C ratio (3.16). Net income was the highest with G 5414 at 45 cm x 20 cm and was on a par with CO-6 at 45 cm x 20 cm. In Kharif, CO-6 at 45 cm x 20 cm resulted in the highest baby cob yield with husk (11.16 t ha-1), marketable baby cob yield (3.68 t ha-1), net income (RS.145237 ha-1) and B:C ratio (3.03). The variety G 5414 at 45 cm x 20 cm was on a par with the variety CO-6 at 45 cm x 20 cm with respect to baby cob yield with husk (9.91 t ha-1) and marketable baby cob yield (3.49 t ha-1). The study revealed that, among the varieties tested, the variety G 5414 was superior and among the spacings, 45 cm x 20 cm was significantly superior in both summer and Kharif seasons. The interaction effects revealed that the variety G 5414 at 45 cm x 20 cm and the variety CO-6 at 45 cm x 20 cm were equally superior in terms of yield and economics. In baby com cultivation, detasseling is an important operation which is labour intensive. The variety G 5414 exhibited 50 per cent silking prior to tasseling and hence the detasseling before first harvesting could be avoided. This variety had a better appearance and uniformity compared to CO-6. In general, the baby com yield was higher in summer season compared to Kharif season. To conclude, the result of the study indicated that baby corn can be profitably intercropped in coconut gardens in summer and Kharif seasons. The baby corn hybrid G 5414 at 45 cm x 20 cm spacing resulted in higher baby cob yield with husk, marketable baby cob yield, net income and B:C ratio during both seasons in southern Kerala. The maize variety CO-6 also performed well in coconut garden during both summer and Kharif seasons.