Package Of Practices Research Articles

Effect of biochar on soil physical properties and growth parameters of ginger cv. Karthika

A field study was undertaken to compare the effectiveness of paddy husk biochar (PHB) and coconut frond biochar (CFB) on soil physical properties and growth and productivity of the dual-purpose ginger variety Karthika. Three different rates of PHB and CFB at 10, 20 and 30 t ha-1 along with NPK as per KAU package of practices (POP) recommendation (KAU, 2016) (30 t FYM + 75: 50: 50 kg NPK ha-1), KAU POP alone and absolute control were applied to a sandy soil. Characterization of biochar revealed that specific surface area (68.74 and 2.56 m2 g-1, respectively) and water holding capacity (276.33 and 256.51%, respectively) were higher for PHB compared to CFB, whereas bulk density was lower for PHB (0.27 mg m-3) compared to CFB (0.35 mg m-3). The physical properties of the soil were significantly improved by the application of the biochars compared to FYM as per KAU POP. The highest ginger yield was obtained for PHB @ 30 t ha-1 (12,858.3 kg ha-1), which was at par with CFB @ 30 t ha-1 (12,675.0 kg ha-1). From the investigations, it can be concluded that applying PHB or CFB @ 30 or 20 t ha-1 along with NPK as per KAU POP produces a significantly higher yield than the recommended dose of FYM as per KAU POP, hence can be regarded as an economically feasible option for sandy soil.

Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria Bio Capsules: Enhancing Ginger Growth and Yield

The study aimed to assess the impact of plant growth promoting rhizobacteria capsules on the growth and yield of ginger. PGPRs known for their role in nitrogen fixation, phosphate solubilization, and hormone secretion. These PGPR’s tested at the Turmeric Research Station, Kammarpally across three consecutive years (2018-2021) in combination with three ginger varieties (Mahima, Maran, Local type) and five different treatments T1-POP + Trichoderma (Talc formulations) + GRB 35 (Talc formulations), T2- POP + Trichoderma capsules + GRB 35 capsule, T3- POP + Trichoderma capsules, T4- POP + GRB 35 capsule, T5- POP (Recommended package of practices). The treatment T4V1 (POP + GRB 35 capsule with Mahima variety), produced the highest fresh rhizome yield with 6.28 kg plot-1 and 21.53 t ha-1 followed by T4V2 (POP + GRB 35 capsule with Maran variety) at 6.16 kg plot-1 and 20.15 t ha-1. These results suggest that GRB 35 capsules significantly enhance ginger yield, offering a sustainable approach to ginger cultivation.

Field Efficacy of Insecticides for Management of Lepidopteran Pests in Cashew

Efficacy of different insecticides against lepidopteran pests of cashew were tested at Dr. YSRHU- Cashew Research Station, Bapatla, AICRP on Cashew during 2015-16 to 2021-22. Among the insecticides lamda-cyhalothrin 5 EC @ 0.6 ml/l was found effective in managing the foliage and floral pests such as, leaf and blossom webber, leaf miner, shoot tip caterpillar, apple and nut borer followed by Dr. YSR Horticultural University package of practices (POP) i.e. monocrotophos 36 SL @ 1.6 ml/l during the flushing stage, chlorpyrifos 20 EC @ 2.0 ml/l during the flowering stage and profenophos 50 EC @ 1.0 ml/l during the apple and nut development stage. Further, the spider population was observed to be highest in untreated check and Beauveria bassiana treatments compared to insecticidal treatments.

Effect of Application of Secondary Nutrients on Growth, Yield and Quality of Maize (Zea mays L.)

A field experiment was conducted during Rabi 2022 at the Agriculture and Horticulture Research Station, Honnavile, Shivamogga on sandy clay loam soil to study the response of maize to secondary nutrients application. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) and consisted of nine treatments replicated three times. The treatments consisted of package of practice (POP) (T1), POP + soil application of two levels of calcium, i.e., 25 and 50 kg ha-1 through lime (T2 and T3), dolomite (T4 and T5, which amount to 15.02 and 30.04 kg ha-1 of magnesium, respectively) and gypsum (T6 and T7, which amount to 19.96 and 39.91 kg ha-1 of sulphur, respectively). Treatments T8 and T9 consisted of POP + combined application of all three secondary nutrients through lime, magnesium sulphate and bentonite sulphur to meet the same level of nutrient as treatments T2 to T7. Among the treatments, application of POP + calcium @ 25 kg ha-1 through lime + 15.02 kg ha-1 of Mg + 19.6 kg ha-1 of S (T8) showed significantly higher values for growth parameters viz., plant height (196.65 cm), leaf area (4804.70 cm2), leaf area index (5.55) total dry matter (273.80 g plant-1) and yield parameters viz., cob length (16.93 cm), number of grains cob-1 (511.08), kernel yield (6772 kg ha-1) and stover yield (8221 kg ha-1). Similarly the same treatment recorded significantly higher grain protein content (8.99%) compared to other treatments. However the test weight, harvest index and oil content of maize remained unaffected due the applied secondary nutrients.

Effect of Mulberry Stalk Biochar, FYM and Humic Acid on Growth, Yield and Quality of Mulberry (Morus alba L.)

A field experiment was conducted in a mulberry crop to investigate the impact of soil application of mulberry stalk biochar with FYM and foliar spray of humic acid on the growth, yield and quality of mulberry at a farmer's field in Mylandlahalli Village, Chintamani Taluk, Chikkaballapura District. The experiment was set up in a randomized complete block design with eight treatments, each replicated thrice. Result of the experiment revealed that among the various treatments applied, the combined application of biochar with FYM and humic acid (T8: Soil application of biochar @ 10 t ha-1 + FYM @10 t ha-1 + 2% Humic acid foliar spray) had significant effect on plant height (196.10 cm), number of shoots per plant (15.06), number of leaves per shoot (31.78), leaf yield (26.22 t ha-1), crude protein (20.28%) and lower crude fibre (1.56%). The next best treatments were T7 (Soil application of biochar @ 7.5 t ha-1 + FYM @10 t ha-1 + 1% foliar spray of humic acid) and T6 (Soil application of biochar @ 5 t ha-1 + FYM @10 t ha-1 + 0.5% Humic acid foliar spray) and these treatments were statistically comparable but significantly superior to the package of practice (POP).

Effect of Crop Specific Blended Fertilizers on Growth and Yield of Maize (Zea mays L.)

A Field experiment was conducted during Rabi 2022-23 at Agricultural and Horticultural Research Station, Kathalagere, KSNUAHS, Shivamogga, to study the effect of crop specific blended fertilizers on the growth and yield of maize. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design with ten treatments replicated thrice. Nutrient composition of blended fertilizer used for basal application was 16:18:11:4:1 N:P2O5:K2O:S:Zn and for top dress was 27: 0:13 N:P2O5:K2O. The treatments T1, T2, T3 consisted of application of basal blended fertilizer @ 312.5, 412.5 and 515 kg ha-1, respectively and top dress blended fertilizer @ 237.5, 312.5 and 390 kg ha-1, respectively. Basal blended fertilizer @ 412.5 kg ha-1 + top dress of urea at 30 and 45 DAS (T4), Package of practice (PoP) through straight fertilizer (T5), PoP through complex fertilizer (T6), recommended dose through Urea, DAP, MOP and ZnSO4 + top dress of nano urea @ 0.4% at 30 and 45 DAS (T7), physical blending of Urea, SSP, MOP and ZnSO4 (16:18:11:4:1 N:P:K:S:Zn) for basal and Urea and MOP (27:0:13 N:P:K) for top dress (T8), farmers' practice (T9) and absolute control (T10). Among all treatments, the application of basal blended fertilizer @ 515 kg ha-1 + Top dress of blended fertilizer @ 390 kg ha-1 recorded the maximum plant height (222.4 cm), number of leaves (10.3 plant-1), total dry matter accumulation (285.86 g plant-1), cob length (21.31 cm), cob girth (18.31 cm), number of kernels per cob (516.57) and test weight (24.22 g) at harvest as compared to PoP through straight and complex fertilizer and absolute control. The same treatment recorded significantly higher kernel and straw yield (69.51 and 89.36 q ha-1, respectively) in comparison to other treatments but it was on par with T2, T5 and T6. The treatment T3 recorded 27.8 % higher yield compared to T9. In study area the application of basal blended fertilizer @ 515 kg ha-1 + Top dress of blended fertilizer @ 390 kg ha-1 is recommended to achieve higher growth and yield of maize.

Growth and Yield of Grain Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata sub sp. cylindrica) in Response to Foliar Nutrition and Graded Levels of Phosphorus and Potassium

Aim: To assess the growth and yield of grain cowpea in response to varied doses of phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) supplemented with foliar application of nano diammonium phosphate (DAP) and potassium salt of active phosphorus (PSAP).
 Study Design: The field experiment was a factorial experiment, laid out in randomised block design with two levels of P, three levels of K and two sources of foliar nutrition, compared against a control, with three replications.
 Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted at the Integrated Farming System Research Station, Karamana, Nedumcaud, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India, during the period from December 2022 to February 2023.
 Methods: The study utilized PGCP-6 cowpea variety and adopted fertilizer recommendations as per KAU POP (Package of Practices Recommendations of the Kerala Agricultural University). The entire dose of FYM, P and K and half dose of nitrogen (N) were applied as basal dose. The remaining half dose of N was applied at 15 days after sowing (DAS). Additionally, foliar application of nano DAP and PSAP (each @ 0.4 %) was done at 20 DAS and 40 DAS.
 Results: The results of the study revealed that the treatment combination, p2k1f2 and p2k1f1 had comparable leaf area per plant and leaf area index (LAI) (at 60 DAS). The highest seed yield (1642 kg ha-1) was recorded with p2k1f2. Higher dose of P and K along with foliar application of nano DAP (0.4 % at 20 DAS and 40 DAS) had significant effect on the total DMP and haulm yield.
 Conclusion: Combined application full dose of N, half dose of P, full dose of K and foliar application of PSAP (0.4 %) at 20 DAS and 40 DAS could be recommended as the best treatment combination for yield enhancement in grain cowpea.

Crop–weed dynamics, nutrient uptake, and soil microclimate in elephant foot yam under conservation agriculture

Conservation agriculture (CA) is a sustainable option to adapt to climate change. Weed management is one of the most important challenges faced by CA. Information on CA in cropping systems involving elephant foot yam (Amorphophallus paeoniifolius (Dennst.) Nicolson), an important tuber crop, is lacking. Hence, this study aimed to determine the effect of CA in elephant foot yam on crop–weed dynamics, nutrient uptake, and soil microclimate. Field experiments were conducted in randomized block design over two seasons at ICAR-Central Tuber Crops Research Institute, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India, in elephant foot yam (var. Gajendra) intercropped with banana (var. Robusta) with five treatments viz., conservation organic, conservation chemical, conventional chemical, existing conventional [package of practices (POP) as control], and existing organic package. The weed flora was dominated by broad-leaved weeds. By the fourth month, conservation chemical practice reduced the weed density by 58.8% and weed biomass by 55% over existing POP. The total biomass production and its partitioning to corms, uptake of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K), crop growth rate, corm bulking rate, and harvest index of elephant foot yam did not differ significantly under conservation or conventional practices but were higher in conservation chemical practice. The N, P, and K physiological efficiencies were higher in conventional chemical treatment. The soil microclimate was improved, with higher soil CO2 flux and soil moisture in conservation organic or organic plots. The study proved that conservation practices involving reduced tillage, residue retention, and use of herbicides was a viable alternative in banana + elephant foot yam system.

Acidity and nutrient management practices for enhancing soil nutrient availability, nutrient uptake and grain yield of rice in Vaikom kari soils in Kuttanad, Kerala

A field investigation was conducted during August to December 2015 and 2016 in farmers` fields in Thalayazham panchayat in Kottayam district. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design having 16 treatments in three replications with rice (Oryza sativa L.) var. Uma. The treatments were dolomite, lime + MgSO4 or RHA (rice husk ash) + MgSO4 along with 100% package of practice (POP) alone or with 100% POP + foliar spray of 13-0-45 N-P-K (KNO3) (1%) or borax (0.5%) or 13-0-45 + borax at PI (panicle initiation) stage. Lime + MgSO4 + 75% POP + 13-0-45 + borax as well as lime without MgSO4 + 100% POP combined with 13-0-45 or borax or both were also included as treatments. Higher grain yield of 5.42 and 5.57 t ha-1 during 2015 and 2016 respectively were produced by dolomite + POP + 13-0-45 followed by dolomite + POP + 13-0-45 + borax and lime + POP + MgSO4 + 13-0-45. The treatments involving dolomite and lime with or without MgSO4 produced taller plants, higher tiller number m-2 and higher Leaf Area Index during both the years. Dolomite + POP + 13-0-45 produced the highest number of panicles m-2. Higher test weight and lower percentage of unfilled grains were observed with dolomite + POP + 13-0-45 and dolomite + POP + 13-0-45 + borax. Lime and dolomite treatments were more effective in reducing soil acidity and improving dehydrogenase activity and nutrient availability in the soil than RHA treatments during both the years. However, the effect of liming materials applied as basal and at 30 DAS diminishes after the crop and this necessitates application of liming materials in every crop season. Availability of soil N improved by treatments involving lime + POP without MgSO4 at PI and harvest stages. The treatments involving dolomite + POP and lime + POP with or without MgSO4 recorded higher available P during PI stage. In general, higher status of available K was registered by the treatments involving dolomite or lime application and lower K status registered by the treatment with 75% POP fertilizer. All treatments involving lime or dolomite registered higher soil available Ca and those involving dolomite or lime + MgSO4 showed higher availability of Mg in the soil. The treatments involving dolomite registered lower status of soil available Fe and higher status of available B. Higher status of available Zn was registered by the treatments involving dolomite or lime + MgSO4. Soil pH was significantly and positively correlated with available P, Ca and Mg and significantly and negatively correlated with available Fe in the soil. In general, higher uptake of macronutrients was observed with dolomite or lime + MgSO4 treatments along with 100% POP during both the years. Foliar spray of 13-0-45 recorded higher N and K uptake. Significant and positive correlation of grain yield with uptake of macro nutrients was also observed.

Influence of farming systems on management of major pests and disease of groundnut

A field experiment was conducted during the summer 2019 to manage significant pests and diseases of groundnut. Four farming methods were evaluated against Aphis craccivora, Scirtothrips dorsalis, Spodoptera litura andearly leaf spot (Cercospora arachidicola). Among the different farming methods, Natural farming (NF) (neemastra @ 625 lit/ha) significantly reduced the Aphis craccivora (3.92 aphids /plant) and Scirtothrips dorsalis (11.80%) at one week after spray followed by organic farming (OF) and a package of practice (POP). Similarly, S. litura (0.44 % leaf damage) infestation was significantly lower at two weeks after spray compared to other treatments. Botanical decoctions were found safer to Coccinella transversalis in natural farming plot. The experiment also evaluated the effective farming methods against early leaf spot of groundnut and among the different methods, the minimum per cent disease index (6.26) was recorded in POP (hexaconazole 5EC @ 500ml/ha) followed by OF (azadirachtin 10000 ppm @ 600ml/ha) (7.02) and NF (fermented buttermilk @ 12.50 lit/ha) (7.19). All the farming methods were statistically at par in recording pod yield however, the highest pod yield was recorded in POP (20.07 q/ha) followed by organic farming (19.50 q/ha). The present investigation has found natural farming to be an effective system against the management of pests and disease in groundnut.

Tuberisation Pattern of Tannia (Xanthosoma sagittifolium (L.) Schott) in Response to Crop Management Practices in the South Central Laterites (AEU 9) of Kerala, India

The study was conducted to outline the rooting and tuberisation pattern of tannia (Xanthosoma sagittifolium (L.) Schott) as influenced by different crop management practices. As an underutilised crop, it was uncertain as to the management techniques which would increase tuberisation and productivity levels of tannia. Hence the study was to promote tuberisation in tannia with a focus on the underground portions of the plant. The variation in rooting pattern was studied in terms of root number, root weight and root volume and the tuberisation pattern as number of cormels per plant, corm weight per plant, cormel weight per plant and rate of tuber bulking. The study was conducted in Kollam district under AEU (Agro Ecological Unit) 9 during the period from Feb 2021- Dec 2021. The experiment comprised three treatments in completely randomised design with six replications. The treatments were t1 - KAU POP (Kerala Agricultural University Package of Practices Recommendations), t2 - farmers’ practice and t3 - absolute control. The results revealed that, the root number (43.29), root weight (32.74 g plant-1) and the root volume (38.22 g plant-1) were significantly the highest in t1 (KAU POP) at harvest followed by farmers’ practice and absolute control. When considering the percentage increase in root production, KAU POP recorded 19.22 per cent, 8.79 per cent, 11.04 per cent and 15.66 per cent more number of roots at 4 MAP, 6 MAP, 8 MAP and harvest than farmers’ practice. The number of cormels per plant (12.16), corm weight per plant (563.16 g), cormel weight per plant (439.16 g) at harvest and the rate of tuber bulking (1.27 kg ha-1 d-1) at 4 to 5 MAP were found to be the highest with t1 followed by t2 and t3.

Effect of Different Rate and Time of Application of Slag based Gypsum on Nutrient Use Efficiency, Quality and Yield of Groundnut

Background: Slag based gypsum (SBG) is a value-added product of iron and steel industry. Application of gypsum as source of calcium and sulphur for groundnut cultivation is common practice and mainly applied during peg initiation stage of groundnut. However, its effect is mainly influenced by the type of soil and dissolution of gypsum, which facilitates the yield and quality of groundnut. Hence, field experiments were conducted to know the effect of application of different rates of SBG as basal and split application on soil properties, yield, quality, nutrient use and uptake efficiency of groundnut in acidic soil. Methods: This study contains of seven treatments which includes recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) with three levels of SBG (375, 500 and 625 kg ha-1) was applied as basal and split and 500 kg natural gypsum (NG) ha-1 was applied as basal dose according to package of practice (POP) of University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore by using randomly complete block design (RCBD) at Agricultural Research Station, Balajigapade during kharif 2018 and 2019. Result: The pooled data of two field experiments on groundnut revealed that application of RDF + 625 kg SBG ha-1 as 50% at sowing + 50% at peg initiation stage recorded higher pod (28.01 q ha-1), haulm (54.46 q ha-1), kernel (20.59 q ha-1), protein (89.70 q ha-1) and oil (7.06 q ha-1) yield when compared to other treatments. There was an increase in pod, haulm and oil yield of groundnut by 11.62, 20.59 and 17.99%, respectively with the split application of 625 kg SBG ha-1 (50% at sowing + 50% at 30 DAS) over NG applied treatments. Split application of SBG significantly increased the availability of nutrients in post harvest soils than basal application. Significantly higher S and Ca nutrient use efficiency (33.98 and 28.93 kg produce/kg S and Ca utilized, respectively) and uptake efficiency (0.39 and 1.29 kg kg-1, respectively) was recorded with the split application of SBG @ 375 kg ha-1.

Technology Intervention in CFLD on Chickpea (Cicer Arietinum Linn) in Alwar district of Rajasthan, India

The present investigation was carried out to evaluate the performance of improved variety with the scientifi c package of practices (POP) on production, productivity and profi tability adoption and horizontal spread of chickpea. Three hundred CFLDs were conducted in 120 ha area with active participation of farmers and scientifi c staff of KVK. According to data analysis, the highest grain yield was obtained in demonstrated practices (DP) with an average of 2093 kg/ha as compared to farmer practice (FP) with an average of 1769 kg/ha, The average net return (Rs 662631 /ha) was obtained in the DP and Rs 528941 that was in FP. The most important factor B:C ratio indicates that whether CFLD technology is profi table or not. The average benefi t cost ratio was recorded higher in CFLDs (3.36) as compared to FP (3.08) during the period of investigation. An average seedling, maturity and total wilt complex disease occurrence only 14.66, 11.79 and 26.45, respectively showed wilting symptoms in DP as compared to 18.48. 14.69 and 33.18, respectively in FP. Thus, the result undoubtedly indicates that the use of improved variety and POP with scientifi c interventions under CFLDs program contribute to increase the production, productivity and profi tability of chickpea.

Management of Fruit Flies in Guava Through Male Annihilation Technique

Study on the management of fruit flies through male annihilation was undertaken on guava in five farmers’ orchards. Three orchards were installed with methyl eugenol traps @ 10, 20 and 40 traps/ ha. One orchard with 25 methyl eugenol traps/ ha as per the recommended package of practices (POP) of TNAU and without any trap was used as control. Significantly maximum catch of 178.83 males/ trap/ fortnight was caught with 40 traps, followed by the one with TNAU POP traps (100.25/ trap/ fortnight). The least fruit damage was (6.14%) in orchard where 40 traps were placed. TNAU POP traps placed orchard revealed the least fruit damage (10.71%).

Yield and Fruit Quality of Banana Musa (AAB) Nendran as Influenced by Nutrient Sources

The present study was conducted at Banana Research Station, Kannara, Kerala Agricultural University Thrissur, Kerala, India during 2017-2018. Evaluation was conducted by raising the crop under different manurial combinations. Banana yield and fruit quality characters were found to be influenced by the different treatments. Analysis was conducted for the biochemical constituents of mature and ripe Nendran banana fruits. Maximum starch (99.61 mg), protein (5.53 mg), crude fibre (3.95%) and tannin content (0.81 g) in mature fruits were obtained in Treatment-8 (FYM @ 29 kg, lime @ 0.5 kg and wood ash @ 4 kg plant-1 as basal dose+fertigation with extract of 14 kg FYM till one month after bunch emergence, once in four days+in situ green manuring). This treatment also recorded lowest titrable acidity (0.38%), highest β-carotene content (595.67 µg) in ripe banana fruits. Maximum TSS content (26.23 obrix) was obtained in Treatment-6 in which fertilizers applied as modified package of practices (POP) recommendation of KAU as per soil test). Maximum yield (160.88 kg plot-1) and fruit quality parameters; maximum total sugars (17.55%) and reducing sugars (11.38%), sugars/acid ratio (45.07) of ripe banana fruits were obtained in Treatment-3 where 15 kg FYM and 0.5 kg lime as basal+Poultry manure @ 14 kg plant-1+ash @ 4 kg plant-1 applied in two splits i.e. one as basal and one 3 MAP+in situ green manuring practised. It was evident from the study that application of organic manures improved fruit quality characters in Nendran banana.

PROSPECTS AND POTENTIALITY OF LENTIL IN NEPAL: FOOD SECURITY AND TRADE PERSPECTIVE

Lentil (Lens esculenta) is considered a major food crop in terms of food and nutrition security in Nepal and is primarily grown in the lowland Terai and hilly region of Nepal. This study aimed to evaluate prospects and potentiality of lentil focusing on nutrition and trade perspectives. Secondary data was used for assessing the area of production, yield, coefficient of variation, instability index, and trade specialization index. The area for lentil production increased slightly in one decade, however its production has increased significantly during this period (2009-2019) The import value has soared at the rate of 22.7% per annum whereas the export value has decreased with 17% per annum. The trade specialization index was discovered 0.13, which indicates that the lentil is in the growth phase. The study provides sufficient information that it is necessary to surge the production and productivity to decrease the escalating imports while making the country independent in lentil production with an increased investment in research and development. Additionally, it is suggested to strength the Research and Development (R & D) in order to improve the productivity of lentil. More focus should be given in disseminating packages of Practices (POP). More focus needs to be given to develop policies and implement to encourage commercialization of lentil in order to meet the domestic demand and increase export.

Effect of technology transfer through frontline demonstrations on yield and economics of safflower in scarcity area of Western Maharashtra

A total of 790 frontline demonstrations were conducted on farmers’ field during last three decades (1987-88 to2018-19) in scarcity zone of Maharashtra state. The components viz., whole package, thinning, improved variety,recommended dose of fertilizers, plant protection measures and intercropping were tested with local package ofpractices. The intercropping of gram and safflower (6:3) and use of RDF under rain fed conditions were the mosteconomical component which increased monetary returns by 46 and 40 per cent over local practice. The results also revealed that awareness in respect of use of improved varieties, balanced fertilization, IPM module adoption and précise use of component technologies brought a significant change in their livelihood through additional income.

English

Field experiments were conducted at Cropping Systems Research Centre, Karamana, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala during summer/third crop/puncha season in 2007 and 2008 to find out the effect of nutrient sources under different management systems. The experiment was laid out in split plot design with four replicates. The treatments consisted of four management systems, viz., System of Rice Intensification SRI (M1), Integrated Crop Establishment Method (ICM) (M2), Package of Practices (PoP) (M3) of Kerala Agricultural University and Conventional Management Practices (M4) in main plot. Nutrient sources, such as organic sources (S1), integrated nutrient sources (S2) and inorganic sources (S3) were the sub plot treatments. Conventional management practices (M4) recorded higher values of growth (height of plants, number of leaves hill-1, leaf area index (LAI) and number of tillers per unit area) and yield attributes (No. of productive tillers m-2, grain and straw yield). Sources of nutrients did not influence growth characters in Njavara. Among the nutrient sources, higher number of grains panicle-1, filled grains panicle-1 and crop yield (grain and straw) were recorded under integrated nutrient source than organic and inorganic sources. The maximum net return (30,562 Rs ha-1) and B:C ratio of 2.40 were also noted under the conventional management practices with integrated nutrient source. Key words: Rice establishment techniques, economics, productivity, Njavara rice.

MANAGEMENT PRACTICES TO MINIMISE CALF MORTALITY IN BUFFALOES (BUBALUS BUBALIS)

The data on mortality of buffalo calves were collected by random survey methods from 100 farmers from thirteen villages. . The data were classified according to land and animal holding, educational level, duration of colostrum feeding after birth, age and sex of calf, parity of dam and causes of mortality. The highest mortality in buffalo calves was recorded due to gastroenteritis (34.68%), followed by worm infestation (24.06%). On the basis of the various causes of mortality observed in the survey work, a package of practices was developed and applied to minimize the calf mortality in buffaloes. It was observed that in the treatment group (10 buffalo calves), where the package of practices was applied, no death was observed during entire period of experiment , whereas in control group out of 10 buffalo calves, 3 calves (two due to enteritis and one due to worm infestation) were died.

Root Growth, Nutrient Uptake and Yield of Medicinal Rice Njavara under Different Establishment Techniques and Nutrient Sources

Field experiments with medicinal rice Njavara were conducted at Cropping Systems Research Centre, Karamana, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala during summer of 2007 and 2008. The experimental design was split plot with three replications. The treatments consisted of four establishment techniques viz., System of Rice Intensification SRI (M1), Integrated Crop Establishment Method (ICM) (M2), Package of practices (PoP) (M3) of Kerala Agricultural University and Conventional Management Practices (CMP) (M4) in main plot. Three nutrient sources viz., (1) organic, 2) integrated use of organic and inorganic, 3) chemical fertilizers only) were used under different establishment techniques. Root dry matter production was determined at weekly intervals and plant nutrients uptake was determined by calculating from the product of dry matter, straw dry weight, grain yield and percentage of nutrients. Results revealed that at early stages (4-6 WAT/WAS) (Weeks after transplanting/Weeks after sowing), root dry matter production hill-1 was in the order of SRI > ICM > CMP > PoP which changed to SRI > ICM > PoP > CMP from 7th week onwards. Maximum root dry matter (at 9th WAS/WAT) was recorded in SRI (0.51/0.50 g.hill-1 in 2007/2008). The total nutrients uptake (N, P, K, Fe, Mn and Zn) in conventional management practices was significantly higher than other establishment techniques. Among the nutrient sources, higher total (N, P, K, Fe, Mn and Zn) uptake by crop was recorded under integrated nutrient source than organic and inorganic sources.