Browsing by Author "Sujatha, S."

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    Arecanut - based cropping system fetches more return
    (2014) Ravi Bhat; Sujatha, S.; Chowdappa, P.
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    Arecanut and Cocoa
    (2017) Sujatha, S.; Ravi Bhat; Chowdappa, P
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    Arecanut based cropping systems
    (2014) Sujatha, S.; Ravi Bhat
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    Assessing soil fertility of a laterite soil in relation to yield of arecanut (Areca catechu L.) in humid tropics of India
    (2012) Ravi Bhat; Sujatha, S.; Jose, C.T.
    The purpose of the study was to determine optimum nutrient norms for laterite soils (Ultisols) and to assess quantitative relationship of soil fertility, leaf nutrients and nutrient uptake with yield of arecanut. At 0–30 cm soil depth, optimum nutrient concentration for P, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn and B was established as 15, 192, 925, 179, 37, 88, 26, 5.5 and 1.4 mg kg−1, respectively. Optimum ranges for different nutrients were found out from second degree polynomial equations. Optimum nutrient values were higher for laterite soils in arecanut tract than generalized guidelines for interpretation of soil analysis data. Multivariate analysis of nutrient data indicated that nutrient uptake/removal would explain the variability in yield more than actual nutrient concentrations in soil and leaf with high degree of relation (R2=0.92–0.98). Stepwise regression analysis identified the soil and leaf nutrient variables with a significant influence on the kernel yield of arecanut. The loadings of principal component analysis were in confirmation with the correlations among the nutrient variables and yield. The study clearly establishes the direct and significant relationship between soil nutrient status/nutrient uptake and yield. The findings of the study give scope for precision agriculture and judicious use of inputs.
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    Benefits of Drip Fertigation in Arecanut
    (2006) Ravi Bhat; Sujatha, S.; Balasimha, D.
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    Cost-Benefit analysis of ferti-drip irrigation in arecanut
    (2006) Ravi Bhat; Sujatha, S.
    The experiment on ferti-drip irrigation was conducted at Central Plantation Crops Research Institute, Regional Station, Vittal, Kamataka, India during December 1996 to May, 2006 with four levels offertilizers viz., 25, 50, 75 and 100percent of recommended fertilizer dose (100:40:140 g N: P20,: ~O/palmlyear), three frequencies offertigatioo viz., 10,20 and 30 days in 4x3 factorial RBD with two additional controls io two year old arecanut plantation (cv. Mohitnagar). The cost of cultivation during bearing stage in conventional method of arecanut cultivation was Rs. 60,242, while with fertigation it reduced to Rs. 26,377. The increase in net returns with 75 % NPK fertigation at 10 days interval over absolute control was 149%. Mean data of four years (2002-2005) indicated that 75% NPK fertigation at 10 days interval was highly profitable with highest net returns per rupee investment of 4.57 followed 75% NPK fertigation at 20 days interval (4.44). The study revealed that ferti-drip irrigation is highly profitable in arecanut. With adoption of ferti-drip irrigation the advantages accrued were reduced labour charges 00 fertilizer application, weeding and irrigation and diesel charges due to less operational hours.
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    Crop diversification in arecanut plantation through intercropping of medicinal and aromatic plants
    (2006) Sujatha, S.; Ravi Bhat; Balasimha, D.; Kannan, C.
    The experiment was conducted in 2004 to 2006 in 18 year old arecanut plantation at Central Plantation Crops Research Institute, Regional Station, Villal, Kamataka. with intercropping of medicinal plants like Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus). Vetiver (Vetilcrzizanoides), Long pepper (Piper longum), Brahmi (Bacopa monllieri). Nilagirianthus ciliatus. periwinkle (Catharanthus roSCllS), Aloe (Aloe vera or barbadensis), Aswagandha (WithalJia sonUlifera), senna (Cassia anguistifolia) and safed musH (ChlorophytulIl borivillial1l1m) and aromatic plants like lemon grass (Cymbopogon jle_tIlOlls). Palmarosa (Cymbopogoll marrillii), Basil (Ocimlllll basilicum). Davana (Artemisia pallens) and Patchouli (Pogostemon cablin) and geranium. All the medicinal and aromatic plants tried in arecanut plantation except senna, safed musli and geranium performed better. Shatavari produced fresh root yield of 14.3 tlha of arecanut garden and contributed maximum chali equivalent yield (2045 kg ha·l ). The net return accrued by intercropping of shatavari per ha of arecanut plantation was highest (Rs. 80,000) followed by Nilagirianthus ciliatus (Rs. 42.000) bramhi (Rs. 39.380) and vetiver (Rs. 31,000). Aromatic plants like lemon grass. patchouli, davana, palmarosa and basil performed better with chali equivalent varying between 406 kg ha·l in case of basil to 1286 kg hal in lemon grass. All medicinal and aromatic crops contributed to productivity increase of 10.7% in basil to 53% in shatavari in terms of chali equivalent per hectare of arecanut garden. Aromatic plants like lemon grass, patchouli davana and palmarosa found highly profitable with net returns of Rs. 22700·58387 per hectare of arecanut plantation. In terms of net profit per rupee investment, all medicinal and aromatic plants were found superior
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    Efficient recycling of organic wastes in arecanut (Areca catechu) and cocoa (Theobroma cacao) plantation through vermicomposting
    (1999-08) Chowdappa, P.; Biddappa, C.C.; Sujatha, S.
    The possibility of converting available organic wastes in arecanut (Areca catechu L.) and cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.) gardens into vermicompost by using African night crawler (Eudrilus eugeniae) was studied during 1994-95. The result indicated that the organic wastes could be efficiently converted into vermicompost with a recovery of 74.65-87.75 % in a composting period of 3 months. Earthworm biomass doubled irrespective of organic waste used in a period of two months. Major nutrient (NPK) and micronutrient (Cu, Zn, Fe and Mn) contents were slightly higher in all the vermicompost samples than in normal compost. Vermicompost had lower C:N ratio andpH than normal compost irrespective of the source of organic waste. Microbial population was considerably higher in vermicompost than in normal compost. Economics of vermicompost production revealed that the profit of Rs 1.51-1.69 could be realized from 1 kg of the compost. Estimated cost of commercial vermicompost production showed that a profit of Rs 11 114/could be obtained from the vermicompost production from organic wastes available in 1 hectare of arecanut plantation.
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    Fertigation of arecanut (Areca catechu L.) during pre-bearing stage
    (2007-02) Sujatha, S.; Balasimha, D.; Ravi Bhat
    A long term experiment on ferti- drip irrigation was initiated in December, 1996 in a two year old arecanut (Areca catechu L.) garden at Central Plantation Crops Research Institute, Regional Station, Vittal with an objective to evaluate the feasibility of supplying fertilizers through drip irrigation and economising the input cost on labour, fertilizers and energy. The treatments comprised of four fertilizer levels (25%, 50%, 75% and 100% of recommended dose), three frequencies of fertigation( 10, 20 and 30 days) and two controls ( absolute control and 100 % NPK soil application). Drip irrigation was given daily from December to May equivalent to 100 % ET. After four years of experimentation, different fertilizer levels significantly influenced girth and trunk elongation. Percentage of flowering was maximum with 75 % fertilizer level followed by 50 % fertilizer level. Four year average otphysiological parameters indicated that different fertilizer levels have maintained more or less same amount of net photosynthesis, transpiration, stomatal conductance etc. Fertilizer levels significantly influenced crop growth rate (CGR). Based on growth observaions and photosynthetic parameters, it was observed that all fertilizer levels were good and 50 % of the standardised fertilizer dose wasfound sufficient for pre-bearing arecanut palms through ferti-drip irrigation thus saving considerable fertilizer dose. Annual maintenance cost could be reduced considerably through saving in labour and fertilizer input to the tune of Rs. 14, 450/ ha over normal practice of basin application of fertilizers and irrigation.
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    Impact of drip fertigation on arecanut–cocoa system in humid tropics of India
    (2013) Sujatha, S.; Ravi Bhat
    A 5-year field trial was conducted on a laterite soil to evaluate the effects of organic and inorganic fertigations in arecanut sole and arecanut–cocoa land use systems at Vittal, India. Arecanut registered similar yield levels in sole and arecanut–cocoa cropping situations (3,022–3,117 kg ha-1). Fertigation of 75 % NPK, vermicompost extract (VCE) 20 % N and VCE (10 and 20 % N)+25 % NPK registered the same yield levels (3,029–3,375 kg ha-1). Dry bean yield of cocoa was at par with fertigation of 75 % NPK and 20 % N VCE + 25 % NPK (291–335 kg ha-1). Fertigation @ 75 % NPK increased the yield of cocoa by 52 % over VCE alone. The productivity per unit area (kg ha-1) was significant and higher by 12 % in arecanut–cocoa system (3,450) than arecanut sole (3,090). Productivity was similar to fertigation of 75 % NPK, 20 % N VCE and VCE (10 or 20 % N) + 25 % NPK (3,316–3,665 kg ha-1). Leaf nutrient status of arecanut and cocoa indicated lower levels of N and K and above normal levels of Ca, Mg and micronutrients. The results indicate that drip fertigation increases the productivity, but precision application of N and K is required for sustaining the yields.
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    Impact of drip fertigation on productivity of arecanut (Areca catechu L.)
    (2007-05) Ravi Bhat; Sujatha, S.; Balasimha, D.
    The present invstlgahon was conducted at Vittal, Karnataka. India during December 1996 to May 2006 to evaluate the effect of four fertigation levels (25, 50, 75 and 100% of recommended fertilizer dose, 100:18:117 gN:PK palm three frequencies of fern- gatian (10, 20 and 30 days) and two controls (control 1, i.e., dfip imgation without fenilizer application and control 2, i.e., drip with la)100%NPK soil application) on productivly and resource use efficiency of arecanut The enpenment was laid out in RBD incorporating factorial component (4 x 3 + 2) in 2-year-old arecanut plantation. Pooled analysis of 4-year data indicated thesignificantinfluence ofboth fenilizer dose and frequencyofiertigation on kernel yield of arecanul. Amongferugahon levels, the kernel yield was significantly higher in 75% NPKfertigation. ie.. 75.13.5:87.7g. N.P.K application per year (3721 kg ha)than in other levels (3083-3121 kgha-). The yields observed in 10 (3431 kgha-) and 20 days frequentiff (3382 kg ha1) were at par and significantly superior to monthly femganon frequency (2952 kgha I). Fertigahon of 75% NPK at 10 days frequency registered maximum yield (4017 kg ha1), wh:ch was closely Iollowed by fertlgation of 75% NPK at 20 days frequency (3924 kg ha-) and fertiganon of 100% NPK at 20 days frequency (3579 kg ha-). The yield increase with 75% NPK fertigated at 10 days interval was 100% over control 1 12008 kglra-I). Different fertigation levels registered higher dry matter partitioning to kernel, i e, 6.7-7 4% of the total biomass than no ierhlizer application (5.6%). A significant correlationbetweenbiomass accumulation in different parts and fertiganon levels indicates the importance of efficient application of nutrients at corr~ct time and quantity Leaf water potential increased significantly with increasein frequency of fedgation from 10 to 30 days interval.A strong linear correlation was observed between fertigation level and total root biomass. The root biomass increased considerably from 3.23 (no iertilizer) to 7.99 kg per palm (75% NPK). Significant relation between root biomass and organic carbon content in sail based on palynamial resession (R = 0.769) was also noticed Water use efficiency was significantly superior at 75% NPK applied at 10 days interval over 100% NPK appliedat sameinternal. However,it was atparwith 75 and 100% NPK applied at 20 days interval Agronomic nutrient use efficiency (ANUE) was significantly higher at 25% NPK (14.9 kg kernel produced per kg nutrient applied). Fertigation up to 75% NPK provided a higher ANUE than the combination of dnp itrigation and soil application of 100% NPK indicating greater producnon at lesser application rates. The 11-year study indicated that adoption of iertigation not only increaaesproductivlq, but also ensures higher efficiency of the two most critical inputs, ie., water and nutrients in mop production.
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    Impact of intercropping of medicinal and aromatic plants with organic farming approach on resource use efficiency in arecanut (Areca catechu L.) plantation in India
    (2011) Sujatha, S.; Ravi Bhat; Kannan, C.; Balasimha, D.
    The present investigation was conducted at Vittal, Karnataka, India during 2004–2007 to study the feasibility of intercropping of medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs) in arecanut plantation. The results revealed that MAPs can be successfully grown as intercrops in arecanut plantation with increased productivity and net income per unit area. Kernel equivalent yield of MAPs varied between 272 kg ha−1 in case of Piper longum to 1218 kg ha−1 in Cymbopogon flexuosus. Pooled data indicated that Asparagus racemosus produced fresh root yield of 10,666 kg ha−1 of arecanut plantation and contributed to maximum kernel equivalent yield of 1524 kg ha−1 among all medicinal and aromatic plants. Intercropping of MAPs in arecanut was found economical. The net return per rupee investment was highest in C. flexuosus (4.25) followed by Bacopa monnieri (3.64), Ocimum basilicum (3.46) and Artemisia pallens (3.12). The total system productivity of arecanut +MAPs intercropping system varied from 2990 to 4144 kg ha−1. Arecanut + O. basilicum intercropping system registered significantly higher production efficiency 8.2 kg ha−1 day−1 than other systems. Intercropping of MAPs had more positive effect on soil pH in arecanut based cropping system. The soil pH was 5.6 in 2004 and it was 0.3–0.9 units higher in 2007. Soil organic carbon (SOC) content varied significantly due to intercropping of MAPs at the end of experiment. The SOC content increased in Aloe vera, A. pallens, P. longum and B. monnieri, while it depleted in grasses and rhizomatic MAPs. Based on demand and marketing opportunities for MAPs, farmers are advised to grow aromatic plants in large areas on a community basis to meet huge industrial demand and variety of medicinal crops in small areas to meet the requirement of traditional systems of medicine.
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    Impacts of Vermicompost and Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium Application on Soil Fertility Status in Arecanut Grown on a Laterite Soil
    (2012) Sujatha, S.; Ravi Bhat
    A field experiment (1998 to 2010) investigated the effects of vermicompost (VC) and chemical fertilizer (CF) application alone or in combination on soil fertility status in arecanut. Vermicompost significantly increased the soil pH (6.3) over CF and integrated treatments (5.7–5.8). Greater soil organic carbon was noticed with VC (2.85–3.00%) than with CF (1.72–1.89%) and VC + CF (1.89–2.55%) in 2009. Soil test phosphorus (P) (mg kg–1) significantly increased with VC 200% nitrogen (N) equivalency (35.3) compared to other treatments (8.5–23.3) at the 0- to 30-cm depth in 2009. In 2003, soil test potassium (K) (mg kg–1) was significantly greater with CF at depths of both 0–30 cm (162–187) and 30–60 cm (172–214) than VC and control. Soil test K depleted with VC application in 2009. Application of VC significantly improved soil test calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) compared to CF, CF + VC, and control at 0–30 cm deep. Soil test values for micronutrients increased in 2009 compared to initial status.
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    Influence of Biomass Partitioning and Nutrient Uptake on Yield of Arecanut Grown on a Laterite Soil
    (2012) Ravi Bhat; Sujatha, S.
    The present investigation was conducted on a laterite soil to study biomass partitioning and nutrient-uptake pattern in the aboveground parts of arecanut palm and their relationships to yield. Total biomass production was significantly greater in high-yielding plants (43.6 kg palm−1) than in low-yielding plants (30.8 kg palm−1). Total standing biomass of trunk accounted for 69–74% of the total aboveground biomass in arecanut palm. Dry-matter partitioning to kernel was only 4–10% of the total biomass. The uptake of major nutrients varied significantly between low- and high-yielding plants. Calcium (Ca) uptake was greater by trunk than by other parts, while magnesium (Mg) accumulation was similar in trunk and leaf. The uptake of micronutrients by aboveground parts except leaf was significantly different between low- and high-yielding plants. The present study indicated that combined effect of greater biomass production and nutrient uptake had direct impact on marketable yield of arecanut.
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    The Influence of Drip Irrigation and Fertilizer Levels on Yield and Photosynthetic Characteristics of Cocoa in Mixed Cropping System with Arecanut
    (2007-02) Abdul Haris, A.; Balasimha, D.; Sujatha, S.; Ravi Bhat; Abdul Khader, K.B.
    A study was carried out to determine the influence of drip irrigation and fertilizer levels on the bean yield and photosynthetic characteristics of cocoa mixed cropped in arecanut. The trial was laid out in a split plot design with three irrigation levels as main plot and four fertilizer levels as sub-plot treatments. Four year data after yield stabilization revealed that drip irrigation @ 20 litres of water per tree per day and a fertilizer dose of 100 g N:40 g P2O5: 140 g K2O per tree per year would be optimum for cocoa. This was also supported by better photosynthetic characteristics.