Browsing by Author "Sailaja Kumari, M S"

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Assesment of soil quality in the post flood scenario of AEU 4 in Kottayam district of Kerala and generation of GIS maps
(Department of soil science and agricultural chemistry, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2020) Anusha, B; Sailaja Kumari, M S
Critical analysis of the soil plant atmosphere continuum for increasing the productivity of rice in lateritic soils
(Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2005) Sailaja Kumari, M S; Mariam, K A
The project entitled Critical analysis of the soil plant atmosphere continuum for increasing the productivity of rice in lateritic soils was conducted at two locations of Palakkad district (Koyalmannam and Ottappalam) for two seasons during 1999-2001. Objective of the study was to identify the role of P, K and lime in influencing the nutrient content of soil and plant and hence rice yield in Fe toxic lateritic solils .The study included the evaluation of influence of P, K and lime on macro and micronutrient content of soil and plant at critical stages in addition to uptake studies, correlation pattern of nutrient ratios with soil and plant was also studied. Field evaluation of the crop performance at two locations revealed the following. At Koyalmannam and Ottappalam P, K and lime significantly influenced the yield and yield contributing characters. Phosphorus, potassium and lime at 35 kg ha-1, 70 kg ha-1 and 600 kg ha-1 respectively increased the grain yield. However for the second crop at Ottappalam significant yield reduction was not observed even with the 17.5 kg ha-1 of P. Pooled analysis of yield data showed significant influence of higher level of P at 35 kg ha-1. Potassium at higher level of 70 kg ha-1 significantly increased the yield. But higher level of lime application at 600 kg ha-1 significantly increased only the straw yield. However higher level of P, K and lime at 35, 70 and 600 kg ha-1 respectively increased the major nutrient content of the plant and decreased the Fe and Mn contents. There was significant increase in the uptake of N, P and K while the Fe uptake was reduced by the higher level of K application. Potassium and phosphorus applied together in general decreased the Fe uptake while it enhanced the uptake of P and K. Soil available major nutrients also showed significant positive response to higher level of K and lime application. There was an increase in the N, P and K contents of the soil at higher level of P application at 35 kg ha-1. The available Fe and Mn contents of the soil showed significant decrease at higher dose of K and lime. Correlation studies showed significant positive correlation of N/Fe, P/Fe, K/Fe and K/Ca+Mg ratios of soil and plant with yield which indicated that an increase in P and K followed a decrease in the Fe content of soil which subsequently increased the yield.
Effect of vermicompost enriched with rock phosphate on the yield and uptake of nutrients in cowpea (Vigna unguiculata [L. ] Walp)
(Kerala Agricultural University, Vellanikara, 2002) Sailaja Kumari, M S; Ushakumari, K
A field experiment was conducted in a Rhodic Haplustox during 1997-98 to study the effect of enriched vermicompost on the yield and uptake of nutrients by cowpea. Among the different treatments tried, enriched vermicompost showed its superiority over other treatments for yield and uptake of major nutrients like N, P, K, Ca and Mg. But the micronutrient uptake was not significantly influenced by any of the treatment.
Major nutrient disorders of banana (var. nendran) in vaikom block
(Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2018) Greeshma Suresh; Sailaja Kumari, M S
The research programme entitled “Major nutrient disorders of banana (var. Nendran) in Vaikom block” was carried out in various locations of banana growing areas in Vaikom, during 2015–2017. The study was conducted with the objective of finding out nutrient disorders of banana through a preliminary field survey followed by analysis of soil and plant for nutrient contents. The reasons for low yield and productivity of banana in the area of study were also investigated to identify the nutritional causes behind it. As part of the study, a survey was conducted to identify the major banana growing tracts of Vaikom region and soil samples were collected randomly from six locations in six panchayats of Vaikom block where visible symptoms were observed and nutrient deficiencies were suspected. Soil samples were collected during the first month after planting before fertilizer application from Chembu, Maravanthuruth, Udayanapuram, T. V. Puram, Vechoor and Thalayazham panchayaths. The samples were analyzed for physicochemical parameters like pH, electrical conductivity, organic carbon, available nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), sulphur (S), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), and boron (B). The index leaf tissues of banana were also collected from the study locations during the fourth month after planting and were analyzed for major and micro nutrients. Results on soil acidity showed that the intensity of acidity varied from very strongly acidic to slightly acidic. About 13.33 per cent soils were very strongly acidic, 17.78 per cent strongly acidic, 41.11 per cent moderately acidic and 27.77 per cent slightly acidic. The electrical conductivity was found to be normal in these tracts at the time of sampling. High organic carbon status was observed in 35.56 per cent of the samples. Available phosphorus was adequate in the soils, but nitrogen and potassium were found to be deficient. About 48.8 per cent of soil samples were deficient in potassium and visible symptoms were prominent in the fields with necrosis of leaves starting from the leaf margin and extenting towards the midrib. Deficiency of calcium and magnesium was acute in the soils where field symptoms were observed. Calcium deficiency appeared as yellow-white parallel streaks in the leaf lamina parallel to the midrib accompanied by severe crinkling of leaves. Soil and plant analysis data revealed that micronutrient deficiencies were also widespread in the region. The symptoms of boron deficiency were prominent in the study area where plants showed delayed unfolding of leaves. Uneven and brittle leaf surface with ‘ladder like’ symptoms were also noticed in these plants. Nutrient management practices followed by the farmers in Vaikom block influenced the fertility status of soils to a certain extent. Majority of the farmers were unaware of the scientific nutrient management practices and rarely applied secondary and micro nutrients. As banana is a nutrient exhaustive crop and continuous cultivation in the same piece of land resulted in severe nutrient mining. These factors might have led to the poor yields obtained in these areas. It was concluded that the nutrient disorders observed in field were due to deficiency of both major and micro nutrients. Multi- nutrient deficiencies identified in the banana growing areas might be the major reason for decline in productivity. Scientific nutrient management based on soil and plant health can alleviate the nutrient deficiencies and enhance the crop yield.
Management of calcium, magnesium and boron deficiency for enhancing yield and quality in chilli (Capsicum annuum L.)
(Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, College of Agriculture, Padanakkad, 2022) Anjitha, K; Sailaja Kumari, M S
The investigation entitled ‘Management of calcium, magnesium and boron deficiency for enhancing yield and quality in chilli’ was carried out at Instructional farm, Nileshwar, College of Agriculture Padannakkad, with an objective to develop nutrient management practices for mitigating calcium, magnesium and boron deficiency and to evaluate its effect on growth, yield and quality parameters. The field experiment was carried out during December 2020 to May 2021. The experiment was carried out with chilli variety Anugraha, in randomized block design with ten treatments and three replications. Treatment combinations were T1(KAU POP + lime (based on soil test)), T2 (T1 + 125 kg gypsum per hectare), T3 (T1 + 80 kg magnesium sulphate per hectare), T4 (T1 + 125 kg gypsum per hectare + 80 kg magnesium sulphate per hectare), T5 (T1 + foliar application of borax (0.2%)), T6 (T2 + foliar application of borax (0.2%)), T7 (T3 + foliar application of borax (0.2%)), T8 (T4 + foliar application of borax (0.2%)), T9 (KAU POP + dolomite (based on soil test)) and T10 (T9 + foliar application of borax (0.2%)). Soil application of amendments were done as a single dose and foliar nutrition was given four times in a 20 days interval. Analysis of experimental results showed that various treatments showed significant effect on growth characters, fruit quality parameters as well as nutrient content in both soil and plant, over KAU POP recommendation. Significant positive effect of treatments on plant root characters and total dry matter production was observed whereas plant height and days to 50% flowering were found to be non significant. Among the treatments, maximum tap root length (13.50 cm), root volume (23.23 cm3 ), root shoot ratio (0.16) and total dry matter production (2694.65 kg ha-1 ) were recorded in T8 (KAU POP + lime application based on soil test) +125 kg gypsum per hectare + 80 kg magnesium sulphate per hectare + foliar application of borax (0.2%). Various treatments showed significant influence on yield and yield attributes. Maximum fruit weight (37.16 g) and total fruit yield (4456.79 kg ha-1 ) was also observed in T8 and in case of fruit yield, it was significantly superior to all other treatments. Combined application of gypsum, magnesium sulphate and borax were effective and maximized fruit yield. 94 Soil analysis was carried out at flowering and harvest wherein, the treatments showed significant effect on soil pH, EC, available potassium, calcium, magnesium, sulphur, iron, manganese and zinc content whereas available nitrogen, phosphorus, copper and boron were not influenced by treatments. Addition of calcium and magnesium sources significantly increased available calcium and magnesium content in soil. Among the various treatments, the highest available calcium was recorded in T8 and was on par with T2, T6 and T4 at flowering. Highest available magnesium content was recorded in T9 and T10 at flowering and harvest respectively. Analysis of Index leaves at flowering and total plant analysis at harvest were carried out and it was found that plant nutrient content was significantly influenced by treatments. Significant effect of various treatments on plant nutrients except nitrogen and phosphorus was observed. Foliar application of borax significantly improved boron content in plants. Fruit quality parameters such as capsaicin, oleoresin, ascorbic acid and shelf life and total nutrient content were analysed and results showed significant positive response to treatments. Analysis of nutrient content in fruits showed that primary nutrients mainly, nitrogen and potassium, secondary nutrients and micronutrients in fruits were significantly influenced by various treatments. The treatment, T8 (KAU POP + lime based on soil test) +125 kg gypsum per hectare + 80 kg magnesium sulphate per hectare + foliar application of borax (0.2%)) recorded highest capsaicin (0.352 %), oleoresin (11.00 %), ascorbic acid (96.83 mg 100 g-1 ) and maximum shelf life (13.66 days) in chilli. The results obtained from the experiment revealed the significant influence of soil amendments over KAU POP recommendation and it can be concluded that combined application of gypsum, magnesium sulphate and borax was effective for increasing fruit yield and quality in chilli.