Browsing by Author "Shahul Hameed, S M"

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Agrotechniques for seed production in vegetable cowpea (vigna unguiculata subsp. sesquipedalis (L) verdcourt/ var. Sharika
(Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2006) Suja Abraham; Shahul Hameed, S M
A field experiment was conducted in the Instructional Farm of the College of Agriculture, Vellayani during the period extending from first week of January to third week of April 2001 to study the effects of different levels of nitrogen, potassium and spacing on the growth characters, yield and yield attributes, seed characters and seed quantity, nutrient uptake and economics of cultivation for seed production of vegetable cowpea (Vigna unguiculata subsp. sesquipedalis (L.) Verdcourt) var. Sharika. The soil of the experimental site was sandy clay loam in texture, acidic in reaction, low in available nitrogen, medium in available phosphorus and low in available potassium. The treatment consisted of two levels of spacing (S1 – 1 X 0.6m and S2 – 1.5 X 0.6m), three levels of nitrogen (N1 – 30 kg N ha-1, N2 – 45 kg N ha-1and N3 – 60 kg N ha-1) and three levels of potassium (K1 – 10 kg K2O ha-1, K2 – 15 kg K2O ha-1and K3 – 20 kg K2O ha-1). The experiment was laid out in factorial randomized block design. An abstract of the result is given below. Among the growth characters spacing had a significant effect on DMP,LAI at 30 and 60 DAS and LAD. For all these parameters the highest or the best values were given by the lowest spacing S1 (1 X 0.6m). Nitrogen and potassium were not able to influence any of the growth parameters in a significant way. Among the yield characters spacing was able to make an impact on pods per plant. Here S2 the wider spacing (1.5 X 0.6m) gave a significantly higher value. With regard to the seed characters second level of potassium (K2 – 15 kg K2O ha-1) has significantly influenced the weight of seeds per pod. The first level of spacing S1 (1 X 0.6m) has again influenced the NPK uptake of plants in a statistically significant way. The interaction effect of potassium and spacing had significantly affected the growth character viz. LAI at 30 DAS. The treatment K3S1, i.e. 20 kg K2O ha-1 and 1 X 0.6m spacing was found to be the best among the combinations that influence the leaf area index. The interaction of nitrogen and potassium has significantly influenced another growth character viz. DMP. Here N3K1 i.e. 60 kg N ha-1 and 10 kg K2O ha-1was found to be the best among the treatment combinations. Interaction of nitrogen and potassium also influenced the seed character viz. pod to seed ratio. In this case N1K3 (30 kg N ha-1 and 60 kg K2O ha-1) gave the highest value. The interaction of nitrogen and potassium also significantly influenced the uptake of nitrogen and phosphorus. Both N1K2 (30 kg N ha-1 and 15 kg K2O ha-1) and N3K1 (60 kg N ha-1 and 10 kg K2O ha-1) had influenced the uptake of nitrogen and phosphorus in a significant way. The interaction of nitrogen, potassium and spacing were able to significantly influence the yield character viz. pods per plot. N1K2S1(30 kg N ha-1, 15 kg K2O ha-1 and 1 X 0.6m spacing), N2K1S1 (45 kg N ha-1, 10 kg K2O ha-1 and 1 X 0.6m spacing) were superior with regard to this character. Different levels of nitrogen, potassium, spacing and their interaction did not significantly influence other growth characters like length of vine, number of branches per plant, shoot root ratio, days to 50 per cent flowering, yield characters like weight of dried pods per plant and seed characters like hundred seed weight, seed yield per hectare, germination percentage, vigour index, root length of seedling, dry weight of seedling and seed viability. Maximum profit was obtained (Rs. 117501/-) for the treatment combination N1K2S1 i.e. 30 kg N ha-1, 15 kg K2O ha-1 and 1 X 0.6m spacing.
Effect of continuous application of fertilizer nutrients on the long term productivity of a rice cropping system
(Kerala Agricultural University, 1990) Tajuddin, E; Abdul Salam, M; Shahul Hameed, S M; Yageen Thomas; Devandesan, S
Field experiments conducted for a period of seven years to study the effect of continuous application of fertilizer nutrients on the long term productivity of a rice based cropping system revealed that nitrogen application increased grain yield in all the seasons for a period of seven years. Both the physical and economic optimum dose of N decreased @ 4.06 and 3.7% per season, respectively. Nitrogen application @ zero and 120 kg/ha per season continuously over a period of five years, decreased the grain yield @ 1.47 and 1.28 g/ha/year, respectively. But application of N @ 40 kg/ha during the same period increased grain yield 6 1.22 q/ha/year. The productivity of plots applied with N @ 80 kg/ha remained stable. The study clearly revealed the possibility of skipping P for four years and K for seven years in soils containing medium amounts of these nutrients. Application of N at optimum dose is important to maintain the long term productivity of a rice based cropping system involving rice-rice-fallow.
Effect of microbial inoculants and phosphorus levels on growth and phosphorus nutrition of vegetable cowpea
(Kerala Agricultural University, Vellanikara, 2002) Meena Mary, Mathew; Shahul Hameed, S M
Influence of microbial inoculants and phosphorus levels on root characters, growth and yield of vegetable cowpea (Vigna unguiculata subsp. sesquipedalis [L.] Verdcourt)
(Kerala Agricultural University, Vellanikara, 2002) Meena Mary, Mathew; Shahul Hameed, S M
Maximisation of productivity by rescheduling the nutrient application in banana
(Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 1997) Dovelyn Peters, C; Shahul Hameed, S M
An experiment was conducted at the Instructional Farm attached to College of Agriculture, Vellayani during December 1995 to September 1996 with the objectives of finding out the optimum dose of fertilizer and frequency of their application to maximise the productivity of banana. Three levels of NPK and four frequencies of application and two additional treatments (Farmer's practice and NPK based on soil test value) were tested for their efficacy in 3x4+2 factorial RBD with two replications. The results of the study revealed that application of I 380:115:600 g NPK plant-1 (L2) significantly improved thevegetative characters viz. height and girth of pseudostem, number of leaves and LAI and induced early shooting (184.06 days) and reduced the total crop duration (268.59 days). Fertilizer application in six splits have also significantly improved the vegetative characters. However application of 380:115:600 g NPK plant-1 in six splits could impart significant improvement only on the height of the plant. Bunch yield was observed to be the highest (10.42 kg) at L2 level. Significant improvement in the bunch characters and finger characters (mature) observed at this level resulted in higher bunch yield. Among the bunch characters, number of fingers bunch-1 (46.49) and bunch length (54.35 cm) were highest at L2 level. Significantly higher values for all the finger characters studied were recorded at this level. In the case of frequency of application, six splits recorded the highest bunch weight (11.20 kg) compared to other splits. Here also as in the case with NPK levels, six splits recorded significantly higher values for all the finger characters studied and the bunch characters viz., number of fingers bunch-1 and bunch length which in turn contributed to higher bunch weight. Among the ripe fruit characters, highest pulp/peel ratio was recorded at the lowest level of NPK (190:115:300 g NPK plant-1) even though higher finger weight, pulp weight and peel weight were recorded at L2 level. Six splits recorded significantly higher finger weight and pulp weight compared to other splits. However highest pulp/peel ratio recorded at six splits was on par with ten splits. Application of 380:115:600g NPK plant-1 in six splits recorded significantly higher finger weight and pulp weight compared to other treatments. Among the quality attributes, significantly higher values for TSS, total and nonreducing sugars, sugar/acid ratio were recorded at lowest level of NPK (L1) and these values showed a decreasing trend with increase in levels of NPK. However acidity and reducing sugar content values were lowest at L1 level and these values increased with increase in levels of N and K. However starch content was highest at L2 level. Frequency of application and interaction effects were significant only with respect to starch content and non reducing sugar content. Sensory evaluation of ripe fruits revealed that lowest level of NPK (190:115:300 g NPK plant-1) produced better quality fruits. NPK content of index leaf at harvest did not show any significant variation among treatments. Available NPK content of the soil after harvest recorded higher values compared to initial status. Available phosphorus and K20 contents recorded highest values at L3 level indicating lesser uptake by the plant. When the economics of production was worked out, itwas observed that T2 recorded the highest B:C ratio (2.46) followed by T6 (2.45) while highest net profit (Rs.18460) was obtained in T6, The present study revealed that application of 380:115:600 g NPK plant-1 in six splits was beneficial for better growth, yield and quality of fruits in ‘Nendran' banana.
Performance of chilli (Capsicum annuum L.) as influenced by NK Ratio, biofertilizer and shade.
(Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2003) Sreeja, M; Shahul Hameed, S M
The experiments on the ‘Performance of chilli (Capsicum annuum L.) as influenced by NK ratio, biofertilizer and shade’ was conducted at the Instructional Farm, College of Agriculture, Vellayani during January to May 2003. The experiment was laid out in factorial RBD with two factors, in six treatment combinations and replicated thrice. The factors included were NK ratio viz., 1:1, 2:1 and 3:1 and biofertilizer treatment viz., Azospirillum inoculation and control. Three separate experiments were carried out in open, 25 and 50 per cent shade. Artificial shade was provided using high density polyethylene shade nets. Results of the experiment revealed that the NK ratio as well as Azospirillum inoculation had positive influence on plant height, number of branches, stem girth, DMP and leaf area index. The growth parameters showed an increasing trend with increase in level of shade, while stem girth reduced with shade. Yield parameters like number of flowers plant-1and number of fruits plant-1 vary significantly with NK ratio and Azospirillum inoculation. With regard to days for flower initiation and 50 per cent flowering, higher NK ratio hastened this phyto phase. Shading prolonged vegetative phase and delayed flowering. Yield in open and 25 per cent shade were on par but NK ratio did not significantly influence the yield. Quality parameters of chilli significantly improved as a result of Azospirillum inoculation and shade. Plants treated with 2 : 1 NK ratio and Azospirillum was found to be significantly superior in ascorbic acid and capsaicin. There was significant reduction in incidence of leaf curl and wilt under shade. The nutrient uptake showed a significant increase with increase in dose of NK, Azospirillum inoculation and shade. Combined application of biofertilizer with higher NK ratio increased the N and K status of soil after the experiment while P status of soil decreased with increase in shade. Lower levels of shade with higher dose of nitrogen and potassium registered highest benefit cost ratio. However upto 25 per cent shade economic yield was obtained.
Phosphorus use efficiency and productivity as influenced by microbial inoculants in vegetable Cowpea
(Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 1999) Meena Mary Mathew; Shahul Hameed, S M
An experiment was conducted at the Instructional Farm attached to the College of Agriculture, Vellayani during December 1998 - April 1999 with the objectives of finding out the role of bioinoculants viz. arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and phosphate solubilising microorganisms (PSM) in improving the phosphorus use efficiency and productivity in vegetable cowpea var. Sharika. The experiment was laid out in 3 x 4 + 2 factorial randomised block design with three replications. The treatments included three levels of microbial inoculants and four levels of phosphorus along with two control treatments. The study revealed that crop failed to show a significant response to the use of bioinoculants and phosphorus levels in a soil with low available nitrogen and medium phosphorus status. Biometric characters except length of vine at vegetative stage was influenced by phosphate solubilising microorganisms as well as dual application of PSM and AMF. Phosphorus application as well as interaction effect did not show a positive response on growth parameters except LAI at harvest stage where in interaction effect was significant. Bioinoculants and phosphorus application exerted a profound influence on root length and volume. Dual inoculation of AMF and PSM significantly improved root length and volume. Phosphorus application at all levels improved root mass where as maximum root length and volume were reco;ded at P2 level. Interaction effects were significant only with respect to root volume and root mass. Mycorrhizal colonisation percent was highest with M3P2 (AMP + PSM + 15 kg P20S ha-I) and showed a decreasing trend with higher doses of phosphorus. Microbial inoculants showed only limited role in improving yield and yield attributes. In general, crop responded positively to phosphorus application only up to 30 kg P20S ha-I but it was on par with 15 kg P20S ha-I. Among the interaction effects, dual application of AMP + PSM along with 30 kg P20S ha-1 gave the highest yield. The effect of microbial inoculants in promoting growth and yield of crop was found to decline in the presence of higher doses of applied phosphorus. Quality characters of pod viz. protein and fibre content were significantly improved by bioinoculants and graded doses of phosphorus. Dual inoculation of AMP and PSM significantly increased protein content as well as reduced fibre- content of pod . . Available nitrogen content in soil after harvest did not show any significant variation among treatments but bioinoculants significantly improved residual K20 content in soil. Available P20S content at vegetative, flowering and harvest stages recorded higher values compared to initial status. Treatments M3 and P2 recorded the maximum available P20S content at vegetative and flowering stages. But at harvest stage, lowest residual P20S content was recorded at P3 level indicating higher uptake by the crop at later stages. Interaction effects were significant with respect to P20S content only at vegetative stage. The results of economic analysis revealed that the net income and benefit-cost ratio was maximum by dual inoculation of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and phosphate solubilising microorganisms along with a phosphorus level of30 kg P20S ha-I.
Sulphur-zinc interaction in integrated nutrient supply system of wetland rice ( Oryza sativa L.)
(Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2007) Vipin, K S; Shahul Hameed, S M
An experiment was conducted at Cropping Systems Research Centre (CSRC), Karamana, Thiruvananthapuram during rabi season of 2005-06 to study the response of wetland rice to sulphur and zinc under integrated nutrient condition using the variety Aiswarya. The experiment was laid out in factorial randomized block design with three replications. The treatments consist of combinations of two levels of nitrogen (N), three levels of sulphur (S) and two levels of ZnSO4 (Z) along with two controls (zero level of fertilizer treatment and Package of Practice recommendation treatment). Recommended dose of nitrogen applied as 100 per cent inorganic (N1) and 50 per cent N applied equally as organic-inorganic integration (N2) constitutes the N levels. Sulphur applied @ 10 kg ha-1 (S1), 20 kg ha-1 (S2) and 30 kg ha-1 (S3) were the three sulphur levels. The two ZnSO4 fertilizer levels are10 kg ZnSO4 ha-1 (Z1) and 20 kg ZnSO4 ha-1 (Z2) and farmyard manure @ 5 t ha-1 was applied uniformly to all treatments. Results of the experiment revealed that the main effects of nitrogen, sulphur and ZnSO4 as well as their combinations exerted positive significant influence on the growth and yield attributing characters of rice. Organic- inorganic integration (N1) significantly influenced growth characters like plant height, tiller number hill-1, leaf area index and dry matter production and yield character like number of panicles hill-1 and yield while higher sulphur (S3) level upto 30 kg ha-1 were found significantly superior in influencing all growth, yield attributing characters and yield of rice to lower level (S1). ZnSO4 @ 20 kg ha-1 (Z1) recorded significantly higher plant height, tiller number hill-1 leaf area index, number of panicles hill-1, weight of panicle, filled grains panicle-1 and yield of rice. Treatment combinations also significantly influenced most of the growth, yield attributing characters and yield of rice compared to controls. Chlorophyll content was significantly influenced by S application only. Nutrient uptake was also influenced by treatments and their combinations. Organic- inorganic integration (N1) significantly favoured the uptake of N, P, K, S and Zn while S application at higher levels contributed significantly to uptake of N, S and Zn. Uptake of N, S and Zn was significantly influenced with higher level of ZnSO4 @ 20 kg ha-1 (Z2). Combination of S @ 30 kg ha-1 along with ZnSO4 @ 20 kg ha-1 produced highest uptake of Zn. Available N and K exhibited significant variation with combined use of both organic and inorganic source of nitrogen. Available nutrient status of N, K, S and Zn was significantly increased by S application at higher levels. Again, there was increase in availability of S and Zn content of the soil with higher level of ZnSO4 (20 kg ha-1) application. N X S and S X Zn interactions also played significant role in increasing available N and S content of soil. Treatment combinations recorded significantly better results in uptake and availability of nutrients compared to control treatments. Highest benefit cost ratio was recorded by a combination of S @ 30 kg ha-1 + ZnSO4 @ 20 kg ha-1 along with full recommended dose of N as inorganic fertilizer.
Yield maximisation of banana through organic and inorganic manuring
(Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 1998) Baiju, B R; Shahul Hameed, S M
. An experiment was conducted at the Instructional farm attached to College of Agriculture, Vellayani during January 1995 to November 1995 with the objective of finding out the different sources of organic and inorganic nutrients for increasing the productivity of Nendran banana, the effect of post shooting application of urea and growth regulators on the bunch weight and to work out the benefit cost ratio by the integrated use of organic and inorganic fertilizers. Four levels of manures and three levels of post shooting treatments were tried in RBD with 3 replications. The results of the study revealed that application of poultry manure at the rate of five kg plant-1 increased total crop duration. Farm yard manure at the rate of 10 kg plant-1 and 2,4-D 10 ppm spray recorded maximum height at all stages. Bunch yield was maximum of (11.39 kg) with poultry manure at 5 kg plant-1, Highest bunch weight was recorded by 2,4-D 10 ppm spray and total number of fingers with urea 1 per cent spray. Among the ripe fruit characters, highest pulp / peel ratio was with poultry manure at the rate of five kg plant-1 even though higher finger weight, pulp weight and lower peel weight were recorded with poultry manure at the rate of five kg plant-1. Application of urea one per cent spray increased weight of finger. Among the quality attributes, higher values for TSS were noticed with level M1. Lowest value for acidity was observed for five kg poultry manure and tying urea 15 g. Total sugar was high with 10 kg farm yard manure and 2,4-D 10 ppm spray and non reducing sugar was high with level farm yard manure at 10 kg plant-1. Sugar-acid ratio was low for vermicompost at the rate of five kg plant-1. Sensory evaluation revealed that all treatments produced fruits with similar taste, flavour and colour. N content of index leaf showed significant variation at harvest with maximum value recorded with neem cake at the rate of five kg plant-1. P content of leaf was maximum with level neem cake five kg plant-1 and minimum with level farm yard manure 10 kg plant-1. The K content of leaf was maximum with neem cake level five kg plant-1 among manurial treatment. When the economics of production was worked out, it was observed that a combination of farm yard manure at 10 kg plant-1 and 2,4-D 10 ppm spray (M1P1) recorded the highest benefit cost ratio. The highest net profit of Rs. 1,49,045 was realised per hectare in farm yard manure at 10 kg plant-1 and 2,4-D 10 ppm spray. The present study revealed that application of poultry manure at five kg plant-1 and 2,4-D 10 ppm spray was beneficial for better growth, yield and quality of fruit in 'Nendran' banana.