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Item Seed invigouration and weed management for enhancing productivity in aerobic rice (Oryza sativa L.)(Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture , Vellayani, 2025) Aswin Mohan; Sheeja, K RajThe experiment entitled “Seed inviguoration and weed management for enhancing productivity in aerobic rice (Oryza sativa L.) was conducted at College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Kerala during the period 2022-2024. The investigation pertaining to the study comprised two experiments. A pot culture experiment was conducted to assess the seed invigouration potential of liquid organic manures and field experiment to study the effect of seed invigouration and weed management regimes for higher productivity in aerobic rice. Pot culture experiment was conducted in September 2023 at the College of Agriculture, Vellayani. The experiment followed a completely randomized design (CRD) with 18 treatments in three replications. Treatments included beejamrit, jeevamrit, panchagavya, and vermiwash at 2.5 per cent, 3 per cent, 5 per cent, and 6 per cent concentrations, along with hydropriming and no priming. Seeds of Prathyasa variety were primed for 16 h and dried to original moisture before sowing. Seed priming with liquid organic manures significantly influenced seed germination parameters, seedling attributes, and vigor indices in rice. Among the treatments, beejamrit at 6 per cent concentration recorded higher germination percentage (90.0%), while beejamrit 5 per cent achieved the highest germination rate index (21.6). However, vermiwash 5 per cent proved superior in terms of overall germination performance, registering the highest germination index (125.3), greater speed of germination, and mean daily germination (2.1 no. d-1). In addition, the coefficient of rate of germination was higher in vermiwash 3 per cent (21.4). The shortest mean germination time (5.2 d) was observed with panchagavya 3 per cent. Beejamrit 6 per cent resulted in higher seedling vigor index I (3123) which was statistically on par with vermiwash at 3 per cent, 5 per cent, and 6 per cent, as well as panchagavya 5 per cent. In terms of seedling vigor index II, the higher value was observed with vermiwash 6 per cent (6.64), and was on par with vermiwash 5 per cent(6.49). Based on the total scores, seed priming with 5 per cent and 3 per cent vermiwash concentrations which scored the highest scores of 253 and 237, respectively, were selected for further evaluation under field condition The field experiment was conducted at the organic farm of Department of Agronomy from January to May 2024, in randomized block design (RBD) with three factors. The first factor was two levels of seed priming [vermiwash 3 per cent (p1) and vermiwash 5 per cent (p2)] and a control (unprimed seeds). The second factor consisted of various weed management regimes [wheel hoe weeding (WHW) performed three times at 15, 30, and 45 DAS (r1), live mulching with cowpea followed by WHW at 45 DAS (r2), Gliricidia maculata leaf mulching at 10 t ha-1 followed by WHW at 30 and 45 DAS (r3), hand weeding (HW) thrice at 15, 30, and 45 DAS (r4), and weedy check (r5)]. The Prathyasa variety of rice was used for the study. Seeds were sown using a seed drill, and cowpea seeds were sown for live mulching at 7 DAS of rice and was uprooted and spread at 45 DAS during wheel hoe weeding. Similarly, Gliricidia maculata leaf mulching was also done on 7 DAS. At 15, 45, and 60 DAS, the treatment combination p2r5 resulted in taller plants. However, at 30 DAS and harvest, p1r3 and p2r3 produced taller plants, respectively. Tillers m² were higher in p2r1 at 30 and 60 DAS, though it was on par with p2r3 at 30 DAS and p2r4 at 60 DAS. At 45 DAS, p2r4 produced a greater number of tillers m², and at harvest, p2r3 had a greater number of tillers m². Dry matter production per plant was found to be higher in p2r4 at 15 DAS, and at the remaining stages, p2r3 resulted in higher DMP per plant. The treatment combination p2r1 exhibited higher LAI at 30, 45, and 60 DAS. The chlorophyll content was higher in p2r1 at 15 DAS, p1r2 at 30 DAS, and in treatments p1r3, p2r1, p2r2 and p1r3 at 60 DAS. At 30 DAS - 45 DAS and 60 DAS - harvest, p2r3 resulted in higher crop growth rate (CGR) (4.74 g m² d⁻¹ and 11.96 g m² d⁻¹, respectively). However, at 45 DAS - 60 DAS, p3r3 exhibited the highest CGR (10.85 g m² d⁻¹). For 15 DAS - 30 DAS, p1r1 resulted in higher relative growth rate (RGR) (0.228 g g⁻¹ d⁻¹). However, at 45 DAS - 60 DAS, p3r3 resulted in significantly higher RGR (0.063 g g⁻¹ d⁻¹), and from 60 DAS - harvest, p1r5 showed the highest RGR (0.038 g g⁻¹ d⁻¹). The number of days to 50 per cent flowering ranged between 54 and 59 days across treatments, with the earliest flowering in seeds primed in p2r4 (vermiwash 5% + hand weeding thrice) (54 days). The treatment combination p2r2 had greater number of panicles m-2 (236 no. m-2) and 1000 grain weight, whereas, p2r4 had greater number of grains per panicle and p2r3 had higher panicle weight. The treatment combination, p2r3 resulted in significantly higher grain yield (2625 kg ha-1), straw yield and harvest index. Compared to p2r4 (unprimed seeds + hand weeding thrice), the percentage increase in grain yield observed in p3r3 (seeds primed in vermi wash 5 per cent concentration + G. maculata green leaf mulching with 10 t ha-1 fb WHW at 30 and 60 DAS) was 48.8 per cent. Weed infestation significantly reduced grain yield in aerobic rice. Among the treatment combinations, p3r5 recorded the highest weed index of 71.5 per cent. Among the quality parameters, the treatment combination, p3r1 resulted in higher starch content and was on par with all treatments except p1r1 and p3r4. At 15 DAS, p1r3 resulted in lower absolute density of BLW, however at 30 DAS, 45 DAS and 60 DAS, p2r4 registered lower absolute density of BLW. The absolute density of grasses was found to be lower in p2r2 and p3r5 at 15 DAS, p1r1 at 30 DAS, p2r1 at 45 DAS and p2r1 and p3r3 at 60 DAS. However, p1r3 resulted in lower total density of weeds at 15 DAS and p2r4 at the remaining stages. Weed dry weight was observed to be lower in p1r3 at 15 DAS and p2r4 at 30 DAS, 45 DAS and 60 DAS. Weed control efficiency also followed the same trend as that of weed dry matter. Nitrogen and P removal by weeds were observed to be lower in p2r4 at 30 DAS and 60 DAS. However, p2r4 showed lower K removal at 30 DAS and p3r4 at 60 DAS. The treatment combination, p2r2 resulted in higher N uptake by aerobic rice (72.6 kg ha-1) and it was followed by p2r3. However, p2r3 and p2r2 resulted in higher P uptake by aerobic rice (12.0 kg ha-1) and K uptake by p2r3 (48.4 kg ha-1). Interaction between seed priming and weed management regimes had significant effect only on organic carbon content and the treatment combination, p3r2 resulted in higher OC content (0.91%) and was on par with p2r3. Available P content of post experiment soil was found to higher in p2r2. The treatment combination, p2r3 resulted in higher gross return, net return (₹ 97070 ha-1) and B: C ratio (2.20) and it was followed by p2r2. The study demonstrated that seed priming with liquid organic manures— particularly vermiwash at 5 and 3 per cent concentrations—significantly enhanced germination, seedling vigour, and early growth parameters in rice. Both seed priming and weed management practices had a substantial impact on crop growth, physiological traits, nutrient uptake, yield, weed suppression, and economic returns. Among all treatments, seed priming with 5% vermiwash combined with green leaf manuring using Gliricidia maculata (10 t ha⁻¹), followed by wheel hoe weeding at 30 and 45 DAS, emerged as the most effective strategy for maximizing yield and profitability under aerobic rice cultivation.Item Conservation tillage and nano nitrogen nutrition in Chinese potato (Plectranthus rotundifolius (poir.) spreng.)(Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2024-04-27) Gopika, K T; Sheeba Rebecca IsaacThe study entitled "Conservation tillage and nano nitrogen nutrition in Chinese potato [Plectranthus rotundifolius (Poir.) Spreng]" was conducted at College of Agriculture, Vellayani during 2021-2023. The objective of the study was to assess the impact of conservation tillage and nano nitrogen nutrition on the growth, tuber yield and quality in Chinese potato, and carbon build up in the soil. The field experiment was executed during December 2022 to May 2023 at College of Agriculture, Vellayani. The experiment was laid out in split plot design with three methods of tillage [c1: Conventional tillage, c2: Reduced tillage (RT)+ surface incorporation of green manure (GM) cowpea and c3: RT+ surface retention of GM cowpea] as main plot treatments, and four N management practices [n1: 100% recommended dose of nitrogen (RDN) + nano urea, n2: 75% RDN+ nano urea, n3: 50% RDN+ nano urea and n4: 100% recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF)] as sub plot treatments, in three replications. In RT treatments, fodder cowpea variety Aiswarya was raised as green manure crop @ 20 kg seeds ha-1 and incorporated/ surface retained as mulch at flowering stage (45 DAS). Secondary ploughing in c2 and c3 plots was confined to the row zone alone. Cuttings of Chinese potato variety Suphala were planted at a spacing of 30 cm x 15 cm in all the plots. The NPK recommendation followed was 60: 60: 100 kg ha-1 (KAU, 2016). Nano urea (@ 0.4%) was sprayed 20 and 40 days after planting (DAP) as per treatments fixed. Other cultural operations were done in accordance with the KAU package recommendation for the crop. The treatment, c2 resulted in significantly taller plants at 90 and 120 DAP, higher number of branches per plant at 120 DAP and superior leaf area per plant at 30, 60 and 120 DAP. Among the subplot treatments, the significantly taller plants at 30 and 60 DAP, plant spread at 30, 60 and 90 DAP and number of branches at 30 DAP were recorded in n3. The treatment n1 recorded the highest leaf area at all the growth stages. Among the interactions, plants in c2n3 were significantly taller at 30 and 60 DAP, with the highest plant spread and leaf area at all stages of observation. The yield attributes and yield, number of tubers per plant (21.59), average tuber weight (12.13g) and marketable tuber yield (130.67 g per plant) were significantly the highest in c2. Tuber yield (16.20 t ha-1) was significantly higher in c3 and comparable with c2. In N management, n3 (50% RDN + nano urea) resulted in highest number of tubers and yield, and were the lowest in n4. Among the c x n interactions, c2n3 produced the highest tuber yield (17.74 t ha-1). Significantly higher chlorophyll contents were observed in c2 and was on par with c3. The chlorophyll content in n1 and n3 remained similar at 30 DAP and at 60 DAP, n1 was superior. The treatment combination c2n3 recorded the highest chlorophyll content at 60 DAP. Crop growth rate computed until 90 DAP, were significantly higher in c2 and during 90-120 DAP, in c3. It remained the highest in n1 upto 60 DAP and thereafter, n3 and n2 recorded the higher values. Leaf Area Index was higher in c2 but on par with c3. The highest LAI was recorded in c2n1 at all growth stages. No significant variations were found in days to start of senescence and biomass partitioning at the start of senescence due to tillage methods and interactions. Biomass accumulation followed the order tuber > stem > leaf, in all treatments. In tubers, significantly the highest biomass (66.4%) was recorded in n3. Nutrient uptake was higher for N and K in c2 and P uptake, in c3. With respect to N management, significantly higher N uptake was computed in n1 while P and K uptake were the highest in n3. Among interactions c2n3 was superior. Quality of tubers in terms of vitamin C and protein contents remained on par in c3 and c2 and among N management treatments, superior vitamin C content was observed in n3, and protein in n1. Starch content was the highest in n1 on par with n2. Among the treatment combinations, the highest starch and protein contents were observed in c2n1, and vitamin C in c2n3. The methods of tillage, N management and their interaction showed varied effects on soil nutrient status and were more pronounced for P, S and Zn. Conservation tillage methods (c2 and c3) elicited significant variations in soil C status. The highest TOC (11.80 g kg-1) and labile C (4.94 g kg-1) were recorded in c2 while non labile C (7.64 g kg-1) was the highest in c3. The C stock (5093 g m-2) was the highest in c3 and among interactions, c2n3 recorded the highest TOC. Soil microbial population and dehydrogenase activity were the highest in c2 and among c x n interactions, the combinations including c2 was superior. Economic analysis revealed c2n3 as the most profitable treatment combination for Chinese potato cultivation. The net income and BCR computed were ₹429657 ha-1 and 2.54 respectively. Based on the results of the study, in Chinese potato, the practice of raising GM cowpea sown @ 20 kg seeds ha-1, incorporation of biomass at flowering, planting stem cuttings in reduced tilled beds and nutrient management with 30 kg N (50% RDN), 60 kg P2O5, 100 kg K2O ha-1 + nano urea foliar spray (0.4%) at 20 DAP and 40 DAP, can be recommended as the most suitable conservation agriculture strategy. The C stock in soil was found to improve with conservation tillage practices.Item Performance of Maize (Zea mays L.) intercropping systems in lowlands(Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture ,Vellayani, 2024-02-26) Meera, L Raj; Jacob JohnThe study entitled “Performance of maize (Zea mays L.) intercropping systems in lowlands” was undertaken at the College of Agriculture, Vellayani during 2021-2023. The objective was to evaluate different maize based intercropping systems in the summer fallow of double cropped lowland rice field in terms of weed dynamics, biological efficiency and economics. The field experiment was carried out at the Integrated Farming System Research Station (IFSRS), KAU, Karamana from January to May 2023 in Randomized Block Design with 10 treatments and three replications. The treatments comprised of T1: maize + bush cowpea (1:2), T2: maize + green gram (1:2), T3: maize + black gram (1:2), T4: maize + fodder cowpea (1:2), T5: sole crop of maize, T6: sole crop of bush cowpea, T7: sole crop of green gram, T8: sole crop of black gram, T9: sole crop of fodder cowpea and T10: fallow. Maize (var. TNAU maize hybrid Co-6) was raised as main crop and bush cowpea (var. PGCP-6), green gram (var.TM 96-2), black gram (var. VBN-6) and fodder cowpea (var. Aiswarya) were raised as intercrops. Maize was raised as per the recommendations of TNAU (CPG, 2005) and the intercrops as per KAU Package of Practice Recommendations (KAU, 2016). The results revealed that intercropping had significant effect on the growth and yield of the main crop and intercrops. Growth attributes of maize viz. plant height, number of leaves per plant, leaf area per plant and leaf area index (LAI) showed significant variation with intercropping. The treatment T5 resulted in taller plants, highest number of leaves per plant, leaf area per plant and LAI and it was followed by T1. Seed weight per cob (63.02 g), grain yield (4566 kg ha-1) and stover yield (13122 kg ha-1) were also highest in T5, which was followed by T3. Growth and yield attributes of intercrops were significantly reduced under intercropping systems. Sole crop of bush cowpea (T6), green gram (T7) and black gram (T8) recorded greatest plant height, number of branches per plant, leaf area per plant and LAI. Yield attributes like number of pods per plant, grain yield and haulm yield were also higher in sole cropping system. The plant height, number of branches per plant, leaf area per plant, leaf area index, leaf stem ratio, green fodder yield and dry fodder yield were higher in the sole crop of fodder cowpea (T9). Intercropping with maize profoundly reduced the weed count, weed dry matter production (DMP) and NPK removal by weeds. The lowest weed count was recorded in T9 at 30 DAS. At 60 DAS, lowest weed count was recorded in T3 and T1. The highest weed count was recorded in T10, both at 30 and 60 DAS. Lowest weed DMP was recorded in T1, 30 and 60 DAS. The weed smothering efficiency of maize + bush cowpea system was the highest among the different intercrops at 30 and 60 DAS (41.46 % and 59.04 % respectively). The N removal by weeds was lowest in T1(1.15 kg ha-1), which was on par with T4 (1.54 kg ha-1) at 30 DAS. At 60 DAS the lowest N removal was recorded in T1 (5.58 kg ha-1). P removal by weeds was lowest in T1 (0.62 kg ha-1, 0.64 kg ha-1) which was on par with T3 (1.78 kg ha-1,1.85 kg ha-1) both 30 DAS and 60 DAS respectively. K removal by weeds was lowest in T1 at 30 DAS (0.92 kg ha-1) and 60 DAS (2.22 kg ha-1). All the crops recorded higher values of NPK uptake under sole cropping of main crop and intercrops. The dehydrogenase activity was the highest in the maize + bush cowpea (T1) (175.52 µg TPF g-1 soil d-1) system compared to the others. The highest amount of available N in the soil found after the experiment was in T8 (472.29 kg ha-1) which was on par with T7 (397.23 kg ha-1) and T9 (397.23 kg ha-1). The highest amount of available P was found in T9 (71.00 kg ha-1) while available K was higher in T8 (168.64 kg ha-1). Analysis of the competitive indices of the intercropping system revealed that the land equivalent ratio (LER), monetary advantage index (MAI) and maize equivalent yield (MEY) were highest in the maize + black gram system (T3). The highest relative crowding coefficient and positive aggressivity value of maize indicated the dominance and competitive nature of maize over intercrops. The maize + black gram (T3) intercropping system recorded the highest net income (₹ 102262 ha-1) and B:C ratio (2.15). From the present study, it is inferred that in summer fallows of double cropped lowland, maize + black gram (1:2) system was more suitable in terms of maize equivalent yield, land equivalent ratio, monetary advantage index, net income and benefit cost ratio. Based on weed dry matter production, weed smothering efficiency and nutrient removal by weeds, the maize + bush cowpea (1:2) system was the best.Item Standardization of spacing and nitrogen management of multicut fodder sorghum(Sorghum bicolor x Sorghum sudanense)(Department of Agronomy,College of Agriculture , Vellayani, 2024-07-05) Bukke Sathish Kumar Naik; Usha, C ThomasThe study entitled “Standardization of spacing and nitrogen management of multicut fodder sorghum (Sorghum bicolor x Sorghum sudanense)” was undertaken at Instructional Farm, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, during 2021 to 2023. The key objective was to assess the influence of row to row spacing and nitrogen application on growth, yield, and quality aspects of multicut fodder sorghum. The field experiment was carried out at Instructional Farm, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, from November 2022 to August 2023. It was laid out in randomized block design with (3 x 3) + 1 treatments, replicated thrice. The treatment combinations included three levels each of row spacing (R) (r1- 20 cm, r2- 30 cm, r3- 40 cm) and nitrogen application (N) in seven equal splits (n1- 315 kg ha-1, n2- 245 kg ha-1, n3- 175 kg ha-1), compared against the control treatment (30 cm row spacing, nitrogen application- 315 kg ha-1 in seven equal splits, and MgSO4- 80 kg ha-1). Nitrogen was applied in seven splits- as basal, 20, and 40 days after sowing and after each cut. The variety used for the study was COFS-31, released from Tamil Nadu Agricultural University. A total of five cuts were taken during the study period. The treatment, r2 (30 cm row spacing) resulted in significantly taller plants with more leaves at harvest, the longest and broadest leaves, the highest leaf stem ratio, LAI at harvest, LAD, CGR, and RGR (at 30-60 DAS). The treatment, r3 (40 cm row spacing) resulted in the highest stem girth, and SLA (at harvest). Among the levels of nitrogen application, 315 kg N ha-1 (n1) recorded significantly taller plants with more leaves at harvest, the highest leaf length, leaf breadth, leaf stem ratio, stem girth, LAI, and SLA (at harvest), LAD, CGR, and RGR (at 30-60 DAS). Among the treatment combinations, r2n1 (30 cm row spacing + 315 kg N ha-1) resulted in taller plants (235.78 cm), with the highest CGR (30-60 DAS). It resulted in a higher leaf stem ratio (0.55) and was on par with r3n1 (0.53). The treatment combination, r1n1 resulted in the highest LAI (6.19) at harvest. The treatment combination, r3n1 resulted in the highest SLA at harvest. The control treatment was superior over all the treatment combinations concerning growth attributes. The treatments, r2 (30 cm row spacing), and n1 (315 kg N ha-1) resulted in the highest total green fodder yield (148.09 t ha-1 and 159.87 t ha-1 respectively) and dry fodder yield (34.56 t ha-1 and 37.36 t ha-1 respectively). Among the treatment combinations, r2n1 (30 cm row spacing + 315 kg N ha-1) resulted in the highest total green fodder yield (172.58 t ha-1) and dry fodder yield (40.60 t ha-1). The control treatment was superior over all the treatment combinations concerning green fodder yield (175.8 t ha-1) and dry fodder yield (41.52 t ha-1). The treatment, r2 (30 cm row spacing) significantly produced the highest chlorophyll content (1.94 mg g-1) at harvest. Among the levels of nitrogen application, 315 kg N ha-1 (n1) recorded significantly the highest chlorophyll content (1.95 mg g-1), and crude protein percent (9.03 %) at harvest. The control treatment did not show any significant influence on chlorophyll content and crude protein content over all the treatment combinations. The treatments, r2 (30 cm row spacing), and n1 (315 kg N ha-1) resulted in the highest NPK uptake. Among the treatment combinations, r2n1 (30 cm row spacing + 315 kg N ha-1) resulted in the highest NPK uptake. The control treatment was superior to all the treatment combinations concerning NPK uptake. The treatment, r3 (40 cm row spacing) resulted in significantly the highest soil available P and K, higher soil available N, and Mg which were on par with the treatment r1 (20 cm row spacing). The treatment, n3 (175 kg N ha-1) resulted in the highest soil available P, K, and Mg, with higher soil available N, and was on par with the treatment n2 (245 kg N ha-1). Among the treatment combinations, r3n3 (40 cm row spacing + 175 kg N ha-1) resulted in the highest soil available P, K, and higher soil available N which was on par with the treatment combinations r1n1, r1n2, r3n2. Among the treatment combinations, r3n3 (40 cm row spacing + 175 kg N ha-1) resulted in higher soil available Mg which was on par with the treatment combinations r1n3, and r3n2. The treatments, r2 (30 cm row spacing), and n1 (315 kg N ha-1) resulted in the highest benefit cost ratio (2.09 and 2.23 respectively). Among the treatment combinations, r2n1 (30 cm row spacing + 315 kg N ha-1) resulted in a higher benefit cost ratio (2.52) which was comparable with r3n1 (2.32). The control treatment was superior over all the treatment combinations in terms of benefit cost ratio (2.77). Based on the study, it could be inferred that multicut fodder sorghum is suitable for cultivation in Kerala when grown at a row spacing (30 cm) and nitrogen dose of 315 kg ha-1 y-1 (seven equal splits) along with FYM- 10 t ha-1, P2O5- 40 kg ha-1 y-1, K2O- 40 kg ha-1 y-1, and MgSO4- 80 kg ha-1 y-1.Item Conservation tillage and nano nitrogen nutrition in Chinese potato (Plectranthus rotundifolius (poir.) spreng.)(Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2024-04-27) Gopika, K T; Sheeba Rebecca IsaacThe study entitled "Conservation tillage and nano nitrogen nutrition in Chinese potato [Plectranthus rotundifolius (Poir.) Spreng]" was conducted at College of Agriculture, Vellayani during 2021-2023. The objective of the study was to assess the impact of conservation tillage and nano nitrogen nutrition on the growth, tuber yield and quality in Chinese potato, and carbon build up in the soil. The field experiment was executed during December 2022 to May 2023 at College of Agriculture, Vellayani. The experiment was laid out in split plot design with three methods of tillage [c1: Conventional tillage, c2: Reduced tillage (RT)+ surface incorporation of green manure (GM) cowpea and c3: RT+ surface retention of GM cowpea] as main plot treatments, and four N management practices [n1: 100% recommended dose of nitrogen (RDN) + nano urea, n2: 75% RDN+ nano urea, n3: 50% RDN+ nano urea and n4: 100% recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF)] as sub plot treatments, in three replications. In RT treatments, fodder cowpea variety Aiswarya was raised as green manure crop @ 20 kg seeds ha-1 and incorporated/ surface retained as mulch at flowering stage (45 DAS). Secondary ploughing in c2 and c3 plots was confined to the row zone alone. Cuttings of Chinese potato variety Suphala were planted at a spacing of 30 cm x 15 cm in all the plots. The NPK recommendation followed was 60: 60: 100 kg ha-1 (KAU, 2016). Nano urea (@ 0.4%) was sprayed 20 and 40 days after planting (DAP) as per treatments fixed. Other cultural operations were done in accordance with the KAU package recommendation for the crop. The treatment, c2 resulted in significantly taller plants at 90 and 120 DAP, higher number of branches per plant at 120 DAP and superior leaf area per plant at 30, 60 and 120 DAP. Among the subplot treatments, the significantly taller plants at 30 and 60 DAP, plant spread at 30, 60 and 90 DAP and number of branches at 30 DAP were recorded in n3. The treatment n1 recorded the highest leaf area at all the growth stages. Among the interactions, plants in c2n3 were significantly taller at 30 and 60 DAP, with the highest plant spread and leaf area at all stages of observation. The yield attributes and yield, number of tubers per plant (21.59), average tuber weight (12.13g) and marketable tuber yield (130.67 g per plant) were significantly the highest in c2. Tuber yield (16.20 t ha-1) was significantly higher in c3 and comparable with c2. In N management, n3 (50% RDN + nano urea) resulted in highest number of tubers and yield, and were the lowest in n4. Among the c x n interactions, c2n3 produced the highest tuber yield (17.74 t ha-1). Significantly higher chlorophyll contents were observed in c2 and was on par with c3. The chlorophyll content in n1 and n3 remained similar at 30 DAP and at 60 DAP, n1 was superior. The treatment combination c2n3 recorded the highest chlorophyll content at 60 DAP. Crop growth rate computed until 90 DAP, were significantly higher in c2 and during 90-120 DAP, in c3. It remained the highest in n1 upto 60 DAP and thereafter, n3 and n2 recorded the higher values. Leaf Area Index was higher in c2 but on par with c3. The highest LAI was recorded in c2n1 at all growth stages. No significant variations were found in days to start of senescence and biomass partitioning at the start of senescence due to tillage methods and interactions. Biomass accumulation followed the order tuber > stem > leaf, in all treatments. In tubers, significantly the highest biomass (66.4%) was recorded in n3. Nutrient uptake was higher for N and K in c2 and P uptake, in c3. With respect to N management, significantly higher N uptake was computed in n1 while P and K uptake were the highest in n3. Among interactions c2n3 was superior. Quality of tubers in terms of vitamin C and protein contents remained on par in c3 and c2 and among N management treatments, superior vitamin C content was observed in n3, and protein in n1. Starch content was the highest in n1 on par with n2. Among the treatment combinations, the highest starch and protein contents were observed in c2n1, and vitamin C in c2n3. The methods of tillage, N management and their interaction showed varied effects on soil nutrient status and were more pronounced for P, S and Zn. Conservation tillage methods (c2 and c3) elicited significant variations in soil C status. The highest TOC (11.80 g kg-1) and labile C (4.94 g kg-1) were recorded in c2 while non labile C (7.64 g kg-1) was the highest in c3. The C stock (5093 g m-2) was the highest in c3 and among interactions, c2n3 recorded the highest TOC. Soil microbial population and dehydrogenase activity were the highest in c2 and among c x n interactions, the combinations including c2 was superior. Economic analysis revealed c2n3 as the most profitable treatment combination for Chinese potato cultivation. The net income and BCR computed were ₹429657 ha-1 and 2.54 respectively. Based on the results of the study, in Chinese potato, the practice of raising GM cowpea sown @ 20 kg seeds ha-1, incorporation of biomass at flowering, planting stem cuttings in reduced tilled beds and nutrient management with 30 kg N (50% RDN), 60 kg P2O5, 100 kg K2O ha-1 + nano urea foliar spray (0.4%) at 20 DAP and 40 DAP, can be recommended as the most suitable conservation agriculture strategy. The C stock in soil was found to improve with conservation tillage practices.Item Management of submerged aquatic weeds by pond liming(Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, Vellanikkara, 2024-04-15) Sajjana Gandla GowthamThe aquatic weed infestations are proliferating at an alarming rate resulting in various adverse effects such as the water quality degradation, water flow disruption, reduced water storage capacity, and the establishment of habitats for vectors. Though physical or mechanical measures can be adopted for their control, it is not feasible due to practical difficulty or cost and drudgery involved. There is no registered herbicide for effectively managing aquatic macrophytes. Hence, a study entitled “Management of submerged aquatic weeds by pond liming” was conducted at the Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, Vellanikkara, Kerala Agricultural University, during 2022-23. The objective was to assess the efficiency of different liming materials against three common submerged aquatic weeds (Cabomba furcata, Lymnophila heterophylla, and Hydrilla verticillata), and its effects on water and sediment quality. The impact of different liming doses on phytotoxicity, chlorophyll degradation, water, and sediment quality over time was analysed through ANOVA, and the significant differences between treatments were studied using TUKEY's test. Correlation and regression studies on percentage control, phytotoxicity, chlorophyll degradation, water, and sediment quality were conducted to elucidate the trends over time. The experiment consisted of three tank studies and one field study. The tank studies were conducted to standardize the doses of various liming materials. The treatments in the first tank study were three different liming materials (calcite, quicklime, and dolomite) at varying doses of 50, 100, 200, 400, and 600 mg L-1. As these doses were found ineffective, in the second tank study, treatments included higher concentrations (0.8, 1.0, 1.2, and 1.4 g L-1) of calcite, quicklime, and dolomite. Only CaO was found effective in the second tank study. Hence varied doses of CaO @ 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 g L-1 were included in the third tank study and higher doses were found more effective. In field study, varying doses of quicklime @ 2, 4, and 6 g L-1 was tested in lined irrigation channels of Kole lands infested with limnophila during May 2023.The total quantity of CaO to be applied was arrived at based on quantity of water in the waterbody. From the first and second tank studies, it was revealed that, calcite and dolomite were not effective in controlling the weeds whereas quicklime at 1.0 g L 1 and above was effective. However, there was a noticeable influence on pH and EC of water when calcite and dolomite was used. Conversely, the higher dose of quicklime resulted in considerable effect on both water and sediment quality. From the third experiment, the efficacy of quicklime on weeds was evident across all liming doses (2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 g L-1). Notable impacts on chlorophyll content and phytotoxicity were observed from 7 days after application. More than 50 per cent reduction in chlorophyll content was noted at higher doses after 14 days of liming. By 21 days, a substantial decrease from 0.98 mg g-1 to 0.07 mg g-1 was observed in cabomba and from 1.65 mg g-1 to 0.07 mg g-1 in hydrilla, achieving 85 per cent control. Similarly, in limnophila, chlorophyll content reduced from 0.83 mg g-1 to 0.15 mg g-1 with a 75 per cent control. In the field experiment, when applied in lined channels, quicklime applied @ 6 g L-1 of water in the channel resulted in complete weed control (100 %), while 4 g L-1 resulted in 50 per cent control only. The water quality parameters like pH, EC, carbonates, bicarbonates, alkalinity, total hardness, calcium, and Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) were positively correlated with increasing doses of quicklime. However, all parameters except COD were in the acceptable range by 30 days after liming. pH values were in the range of 9.27-9.71 by 30 days at higher doses. Alkalinity, total hardness, carbonates, bicarbonates, and calcium increased by 15 days after application and thereby, a slight reduction was observed. Bicarbonates ranged from 2.83 meq L-1 to 9.0 meq L-1. Alkalinity was within the permissible limit (600 mg L-1) and ranged from 53.33 mg L-1 to 266.66 mg L-1 in treated tanks. In all the treatments COD was above the acceptable limit of 1 mg L-1. By 30 days after liming, nutrient content in both water and sediment parameters showed a negative correlation with the increasing dose of quicklime. In field study pH was within a narrow range of 6.47 to 6.87 by 21 days. The pH, EC, organic carbon, and calcium content of sediment were positively correlated with doses of quicklime. Whereas the available N, P, K, magnesium, iron, and manganese were negatively correlated. Organic carbon content linearly increased with increasing quicklime concentration in all the treatments and was in the medium range (0.50 % to 0.75 %). The current study revealed that the quicklime can effectively control submerged aquatic weeds with no regrowth. In tank study, chlorophyll degradation progressed with time and complete chlorophyll degradation was observed by 21 days after liming in higher doses starting from 6 g L-1 and by 30 days complete control was observed even at lower doses. However, in the field study, the lower doses of 2 and 4 g L-1 were less effective and the higher dose of 6 g L-1 resulted in complete chlorophyll degradation and death of weeds by 21 days. When quicklime was applied, there was an immediate hike in water quality parameters and over time, followed by a gradual decline and reached the acceptable range by 21 days after liming. Similarly, no adverse effects on aquatic fauna such as fishes and snails were observed. Hence, the study indicates the possibility of CaO application as an eco friendly and effective means for managing submerged freshwater aquatic weeds. However, the size and nature of the waterbody, weed density and volume of water contained are the three important factors which decides the practical feasibility of the technology. The present technology has to be extended to ponds and crop lands for a comprehensive investigation and validation of its effectiveness in managing submerged aquatic weeds and algae.Item Integrated weed management in foxtail millet [Setaria italica(L.)P. Beauv.](Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture,Vellanikkara, 2025) Shafna, P H.; Syama, S MenonMillets serve as a vital staple food in Asia and Africa, ensuring food security and nutrition. Millet cultivation is found to be increasing due to its climate resilience and nutraceutical importance. Foxtail millet (Setaria italica (L.) P. Beauv) locally known as thenai, is one of the oldest cultivated millets in India. However, millets also face challenges from weeds, especially in rainfed conditions, causing drastic yield reduction. The present study entitled “Integrated weed management in foxtail millet [Setaria italica (L.) P. Beauv.]” was carried out at the Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, Vellanikkara, from January 2024 to April 2024. The objective of the experiment was to develop economically viable integrated weed management practices for foxtail millet. The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design with eight treatments and three replications. The variety used for the experiment was DHFT-109-3, released from UAS, Dharwad. The crop was sown at a spacing of 30 cm x 10cm. The eight treatments were T1- stale seedbed technique, T2- straw mulching in the interspaces, T3 – pre-emergence application of oxyfluorfen @ 0.10 kg/ha (at 0-3 DAS) followed by hand weeding at 25-30 DAS, T4 - pre-emergence application of pretilachlor 30% + pyrazosulfuron ethyl 0.75% WG (premix) @ 0.10 kg/ha (at 0-3 DAS) followed by hand weeding at 25-30 DAS, T5 - Live mulching with green gram @25 kg ha-1, T6 - Brown manuring with green gram @ 25 kg ha-1, T7 - Handweeding at 25 and 45 DAS, T8 - Unweeded control. In the stale seedbed technique, after land preparation, weeds were allowed to germinate for 15 days before sowing the crop, and the emerged weeds were destroyed using non-selective herbicide glufosinate ammonium @ 0.5 kg ha-1. In straw mulching (T2), rice straw (@ 5t ha-1) was spread in the interspaces of the crop to prevent weed germination. In live mulching(T5), green gram grown in the interspaces of the crop was uprooted at 15 DAS and spread in between rows. Similarly in brown manuring, 2,4-D @ 0.5 kg ha-1 was sprayed 15 days after the establishment of green gram. Weed management had no significant effect on plant height within the treatments throughout the crop growth period. The number of tillers and productive tillers was higher in weed managed plots compared to unweeded control, and all the tillers were found to be productive irrespective of the treatments. The highest grain yield (1655 kg ha-1) was recorded in hand-weeded control, which was followed by straw mulching in the interspaces (1516 kg ha-1). The highest straw yield (3620 kg ha-1) was obtained from hand-weeded control, which was on par with straw mulching in the interspaces (3466 kg ha-1). Hand-weeded control (5275kg ha-1) resulted in higher drymatter production, and it was followed by straw mulching in the interspaces (4983 kg ha-1). Hand weeding twice at 25 and 45 DAS reduced the weed density and weed dry matter which in turn increased the yield. Straw mulching in the interspaces of foxtail millet increased the moisture availability to crop and weed suppression due to the unavailability of sunlight, which ensured healthy growth of the crop and ultimately enhanced grain production. High soil moisture, smaller grain size, and selective nature of the pre-emergence herbicides (oxyfluorfen and pretilachlor +pyrazosulfuron ethyl) resulted in phytotoxicity causing 66 per cent reduction in foxtail millet population though they were effective in weed control. Weed density and weed dry matter accumulation at 15 DAS were lowest in herbicide-applied treatments (T3 and T4), while unweeded control and hand weeding showed higher values. At 25 DAS, hand weeding twice at 25 and 45 DAS showed lower weed density and weed dry weight, and it was statistically on par with herbicide applied treatments (T3 and T4), followed by straw mulching (T2). At 45 and 75 DAS, hand weeding twice (at 25 and 45 DAS) recorded as the lowest weed dry weight and highest weed control efficiency, followed by herbicide-applied treatments (T3 and T4). There were no significant differences among treatments with respect to soil physiochemical properties after the experiment. The highest net returns and B: C ratio were realized in treatment brown manuring with green gram (Rs. 17330/- and 1.26 respectively) followed by straw mulching in interspaces (Rs. 11930/- and 1.17 respectively). Increased net returns and benefit-cost (B: C) ratio obtained from brown manuring with green gram can be due to the reduced labour cost compared to other treatments, and it was lower in straw mulching due to the increased cost of straw. Eventhough hand weeding at 25 and 45 DAS was found to be the best and efficient method of weed control in foxtail millet, it is economically not feasible. Straw mulching in the interspaces of foxtail millet was economically effective for summer rice fallows in terms of easiness in straw availability as well as soil moisture conservation. Pre-emergence application of herbicides (oxyfluorfen, pretilachlor + pyrazosulfuron ethyl) is not suitable for weed management in direct sown foxtail millet due to the small grain size of crop and non-selective action of the herbicides, which inhibited the germination of the crop along with weed seeds.Item Weed management in semi-dry rice of semi-dry rice Onattukara sandy plains(Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2024-03-14) Rachana, V R; Jacob, DThe study entitled “Weed management in semi-dry rice of Onattukara Sandy Plains” was conducted at College of Agriculture, Vellayani during 2021-2023. The objective of the study was evaluation of ready-mix pre-emergence and post-emergence herbicides for weed management and their effect on growth and yield of semi-dry rice in Onattukara region. The field experiment was carried out in farmer’s field at Onattukara Sandy Plains (AEU 3) during kharif season 2023. The experiment was laid out in RBD with eight treatments and three replications. The treatments comprised pre-emergence (PE) pendimethalin + pyrazosulfuron ethyl 787 g ha-1 followed by (fb) post-emergence (PoE) triafamone + ethoxysulfuron 60 g ha-1 (T1), PE pendimethalin + pyrazosulfuron ethyl 787 g ha-1 fb PoE penoxsulam + cyhalofop butyl 135 g ha-1 (T2), PE pendimethalin + pyrazosulfuron ethyl 787 g ha-1 fb PoE bispyribac sodium 25 g ha-1 (T3), PE pendimethalin + pyrazosulfuron ethyl 787 g ha-1 fb mechanical weeding at 25 DAS (T4), PE pendimethalin 770 g ha-1 fb mechanical weeding at 25 DAS (T5), mechanical weeding twice at 15 and 30 DAS (T6), hand weeding twice at 15 and 30 DAS (T7), and weedy check (T8). Ready-mix formulations of pendimethalin + pyrazosulfuron ethyl, triafamone + ethoxysulfuron and penoxsulam + cyhalofop butyl were used in the study. Pre-emergence herbicides were applied on the next day after sowing and post emergence herbicides were applied at 25 DAS. Mechanical weeding was done with wheel hoe weeder. The short duration rice variety ‘Bhagya’ was used in the study. Weed management practices significantly influenced the growth parametres such as plant height, number of tillers per square metre, and dry matter per hill. In comparison to other weed management treatments, treatments (T1, T2, T3, and T4) that recieved PE pendimethalin + pyrazosulfuron ethyl had taller plants and more tillers per square metre at 20 DAS. PE pendimethalin + pyrazosulfuron ethyl fb PoE penoxsulam + cyhalofop butyl (T2) recorded significantly higher plant height (64, 92, and 106 cm), more number of tillers per square metre (486, 552, and 515) and dry matter production per hill (8.08, 14.47, and 17.70 g) at 40 DAS, 60 DAS and harvest. 98 Leaf area index (LAI) was higher in T1, T2, T3, and T4 at 20 DAS. Treatment T2 resulted in higher LAI at 40 DAS (3.27) and 60 DAS (6.23). Crop growth rate (CGR) observed in T2 during 20-40 DAS (18.20 g m-2 d-1) was higher and showed an increase during 40-60 DAS (21.29 g m-2 d-1). Relative growth rate (RGR) was higher in T2 during 20-40 DAS (0.057 g g-1 d-1) than T1, T3, T4, T5, and T6. During 40-60 DAS, RGR in T2 was comparable. Weed management practices significantly influenced the yield attributes of rice. Treatment T2 resulted in higher number of productive tillers per square metre (462), greater number of spikelets (120) and filled grains per panicle (108), heavier grains per panicle (3.09 g), and the lowest sterility percentage (10.40 %). The combination of PE pendimethalin + pyrazosulfuron ethyl fb PoE penoxsulam + cyhalofop butyl (T2) resulted in significant increase in grain yield (4960 kg ha-1), straw yield (6175 kg ha-1), and harvest index (0.45). Compared to treatment T7 (hand weeded twice at 15 DAS and 30 DAS) treatment T2 exhibited about a 40 per cent increase in grain yield. Treatment T2 had the lowest weed index (0.00 %), followed by T1 (7.63 %). Highest weed index in weedy check indicated that presence of weed resulted in 56.32 % yield reduction. Treatment T2 had the lowest weed index (0.00 %), followed by T1 (7.63 %). Highest weed index in weedy check indicated that presence of weed resulted in 56.32 % yield reduction. The major weed species observed in the experimental field were categorised in to grasses, sedges and broad leaf weeds. Oryza sativa f. spontanea, Isachne miliacea Roth ex Roem et Schult, Eleusine indica (L.) Gaertn, Echinochloa colona L., Sacciolepis interrupta (Wild). Stapf, and Paspalum distichum L. were the major grasses. Cyperus iria L., Cyperus difformis L., and Fimbristylis miliacea (L.) Vahl were the major sedges. Ludwigia perennis L., Melochia corchorifolia L., Marsilea quadrifolia L. and Monochoria vaginalis (Burm. f.) C. Presl ex Kunth were the major broad leaf weeds observed in the experimental field. Weed management practices significantly reduced the absolute density of weeds. The treatments T1, T2, T3, and T4 exhibited lower absolute densities of grasses, sedges, and broad leaf weeds at 20 DAS. Whereas, T2 resulted in lower absolute density at 40 99 DAS and 60 DAS. At 40 DAS, the relative densities of grasses (34.95%), sedges (33.73%), and broad-leaf weeds (31.21%) in T2 indicating a larger proportion of grasses in total weed population. Compared to other treatments, T2 significantly lowered weed dry weight at 40 DAS (14.68 g m-2) and 60 DAS (26.14 g m-2) which resulted in higher weed control efficiency of 82.83 %, and 80.77 % at 40 DAS and 60 DAS. The treatment T2 resulted in higher nitrogen (140 kg ha-1) uptake by crop at harvest and it was on par with T1. The phosphorus uptake was highest in T2 (34 kg ha 1). The higher potassium (118 kg ha-1) uptake was recorded in treatment T2 and was comparable with T1, T3 and T4. The treatment T2 recorded lower weed removal of N, P, and K at 40 DAS and 60 DAS. The post-experimental soil available NPK were also observed to be higher in T2. The soil enzyme activity was significantly influenced by weed management treatments. Among the treatments, T2 recorded higher dehydrogenase activity at 40 DAS and 60 DAS. Urease activity at 40 DAS and 60 DAS were higher in T2 and was comparable with T1 and T3. Considering the treatments, PE pendimethalin + pyrazosulfuron ethyl fb PoE penoxsulam + cyhalofop butyl (T2) resulted in highest gross income (₹ 204488 ha-1), net income (₹ 58943 ha-1) and Benefit: Cost ratio (1.41). It could be concluded from the study that, the pre-emergence application of ready-mix pendimethalin + pyrazosulfuron ethyl 787 g ha-1 at 0-3 DAS followed by post emergence application of ready-mix penoxsulam + cyhalofop butyl 135 g ha-1 at 25 DAS can be recommended as a cost-effective weed management practice for better weed control, higher yield and net income in semi-dry rice at Onattukara Sandy Plains.Item High density planning and use of nutrient stick for enhanced productivity in tissue culture (TC) banana (Musa AAB) cv. nendran(Department of Agronomy, College of Agricullture, Padannakkad, 2025) Sajith Sajeev.; Sajitha Rani, TAn investigation entitled “High density planting and use of nutrient stick for enhanced productivity in Tissue Culture (TC) banana (Musa AAB) cv. Nendran” was carried out at Instructional farm II, Nileshwar during 2023 to 2024 to analyse the productivity of TC Nendran banana supplemented with nutrient stick under high density planting. The field experiment was laid out in a randomized block design with nine treatments and three replications. The experiment had two main factors (i) planting density D1: One sucker per hill (2m x 2m), D2: Two suckers per hill (2m x 3m), D3: Three suckers per hill (2m x 3m) and (ii) fertilizer schedule, F1: KAU POP, F2: KAU POP + 10 nutrient sticks per hill each at 2 MAP and 4 MAP, F3: KAU POP + 10 nutrient sticks per hill each at 2 MAP, 4 MAP and 6 MAP. Results of the field experiment showed significant changes in the growth attributes, yield attributes, leaf nutrient content, fruit quality and chemical properties of soil. Pseudostem height was highest for D1 in initial stages but at harvest D3 produced maximum height while in case of pseudostem girth, D1 had the highest value till harvest. Number of functional leaves, total leaves, leaf length, leaf breadth was highest for D1 and corresponding LAI was the highest in D3. D3 recorded maximum crop duration and more days to bunch emergence while it took minimum days to ripening. D3 produced maximum number of suckers per pit while D1 produced maximum number of suckers per plant. Yield attributes like bunch weight, number of hands per bunch, number of fingers per hand, average weight of fingers, finger length, finger breadth was the highest for D1 but bunch weight per pit and yield per hectare were the highest for D3. Fertilizer schedule and their interaction with planting density did not produce any significant influence on growth and yield attributes Soil analysis reported that EC was the highest for D3 and F3 and also for their interaction d3f3, which was on par with d3f1 and d3f2. Organic carbon, Ca, Mg and B were the highest in D1 while available N, P and K were significantly higher for D3. Leaf nutrient analysis showed significantly higher concentration of nitrogen, potassium, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium and boron in D1. Fruit analysis revealed that TSS, reducing sugar, non-reducing sugars and shelf life were significantly higher for D1 while titrable acidity was the highest for D3. Nutrient uptake of nitrogen, potassium, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium and boron were significantly higher for D3. The highest gross income, net income and benefit cost ratio were obtained from D3. Net income and benefit cost ratio were the highest for F1 The present investigation revealed that high density planting of Tissue Culture banana @ three suckers per hill (2m x 3m) is beneficial for getting higher yield and maximum economic return.Item 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, GThe 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.