Agricultural and Biological Sciences, Agronomy and Crop Science, Agronomy and Crop Science, Agronomy and Crop Science
15
Scopus Publications
202
Scholar Citations
8
Scholar h-index
8
Scholar i10-index
Scopus Publications
Optimization of irrigation and nitrogen for sustainable rice cultivation: emissions and yield impact S Ashwini, N Sakthivel, S Pazhanivelan, K Ramah, P. Janaki, et al. Plant Science Today, 2025 Rice cultivation is integral to global food security and exports but contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions, mainly methane (CH?) and nitrous oxide (N?O), exacerbating climate change. This study evaluates the effects of three irrigation practices-conventional flooding (CF), alternate wetting and drying (AWD) and the modified system of rice intensification (MSRI) on CH? and N?O emissions and rice yields over two seasons (Kar 2022 and Samba 2023). A split-plot design with five nitrogen management strategies was employed, with weekly gas sampling and yield measurements at harvest. Among the treatments, the MSRI method, combined with 75% of the recommended nitrogen dose and a 0.4% foliar nano-urea spray (M3S5), recorded the lowest CH? emissions at 50-60 mg CH?/m²/day, compared to 120-130 mg CH?/m²/day under CF. In contrast, N?O emissions under MSRI peaked at 11-13 µg N?O/m²/day, higher than CF (5-7 µg N?O/m²/day). MSRI also achieved the highest rice yields, averaging 6029 kg/ha in Kar 2022 and 6018 kg/ha in Samba 2023, compared to 5500-5700 kg/ha under AWD. These findings highlight the potential of MSRI with optimized nitrogen management as a sustainable alternative, balancing high productivity with reduced CH? emissions and offering a pathway for climate-resilient rice farming.
Agroforestry - An elixir for soil health management and carbon sequestration K Sivakumar, G Manimaran, M Tilak, K Ramah, P Sivasakthivelan, H B Rogan, R Vishal Plant Science Today, 2025 Intensive agricultural practices have resulted in in significant soil degradation, nutrient imbalances and the decline of vital ecosystem services, thereby necessitating the adoption of i sustainable land-use strategies. Agroforestry, an integrated land management system that combined with crops and livestock, played a key role in restoring soil health and increasing carbon sequestration. This review discussed the mechanisms through which agroforestry improved soil nutrient cycling, enhanced the accumulation of organic matter and strengthened soil structure, thereby reducing erosion and improving water retention. The roles of tree litter decomposition, deep-rooted species and microbial interactions in increasing soil fertility and biodiversity were also highlighted. Furthermore, the review examined agroforestry’s potential for carbon sequestration, with estimates indicating that such systems could sequester 0.29 to 15.2 Mg C ha-1 year-1. Above Ground Biomass (AGB) accumulation and Below Ground Biomass, (BGB) root inputs contributed significantly to long-term soil carbon stabilization. Agroforestry also aided in greenhouse gas mitigation by enhancing nitrogen use efficiency, facilitating methane oxidation and regulating CO₂ flux. Various agroforestry models, including silvopastoral systems, alley cropping were explored for their applications in both degraded and saline soils. Additionally, the review addressed challenges such as economic and policy barriers, the need for secure land tenure and advancements in carbon monitoring technologies. This findings underscored the necessity for stronger policy support, financial incentives and large-scale adoption of agroforestry to enhance soil health, mitigate climate change and promote sustainable agriculture.
Application of fulvic acid in agriculture: An overview P Pavadharini, N Sakthivel, K Ramah, P Sivasakthivelan, P Senthilvalavan, M Kabilan, V Vasumathi Plant Science Today, 2025 Fulvic acids, an essential fraction of soil organic matter, have emerged as influential agents in enhancing soil fertility and boosting crop productivity. This review compiles and analyzes recent scientific literature to clarify the diverse roles fulvic acids play within soil ecosystems and their subsequent effects on plant growth and agricultural yield. The methodology involved a comprehensive review of 150 relevant articles, including 100 peer-reviewed studies from databases such as Web of Science, ResearchGate, PubMed and Google Scholar. Initially, the interactions between fulvic acids and various soil components are discussed, demonstrating their ability to improve soil structure, increase nutrient retention and enhance nutrient availability across a range of soil types. The review further evaluates the outcomes of fulvic acid application on crop growth in different agricultural systems under varying environmental conditions. In addition, the potential of fulvic acids to act synergistically with other soil amendments and fertilizers is explored, offering insights into integrated strategies for sustainable agricultural management. Collectively, the findings highlight fulvic acids as multifunctional agents that improve soil quality and contribute to increased crop resilience and sustainability in modern farming systems.
Assessing designer seed and pink pigmented facultative microbes mitigating drought on cotton yield under rainfed condition S Subbulakshmi, B Venudevan, A Selvarani, A Solaimalai, M P Kavitha, K Ramah, P Sivasakthivelan, S Rathika Plant Science Today, 2025 Fifty-one percentage of India’s net sown area comes under rainfed agriculture which contributes to nearly 40% of total food production. But constant fluctuations in total rainfall and its distribution severely affect the yield of rainfed crops. Such uncertainty in crop production necessitates the need to enhance the productivity from rainfed areas to meet the growing population demand by adapting suitable technologies. Considering these constraints, a field trial was carried out during 2022-23 at Agricultural Research Station (ARS), TNAU, Kovilpatti, India to evaluate the impact of drought mitigation technology on sustainable yield and economics of cotton grown in dryland situations. The trial conducted in Factorial Randomized Block Design (FRBD), treatment comprised of sowing of hardened seed (1% KCl) and designer seed in factor A and 6 different drought mitigation technologies viz., Pusa hydrogel at 2.5 kg ha-1 as basal, Mepiquat chloride spray at 250 ppm at 45 and 60 DAS, Cycocel at 250 ppm as foliar spray at 45 and 60 DAS, Cotton plus at 6.25 kg/ha as foliar spray at flowering and boll development stage, Pink Pigmented Facultative Methylotraphs (PPFM) spray at 500 mL/ha at square formation, flowering and boll enlargement stage along with control (no soil/foliar application) in Factor B and simulated thrice. Sowing designer cotton seed along with spraying PPFM at 500 mL ha-1 at square growth, flowering and boll enlargement stages recorded higher growth attributes, yield attributes and yield of cotton under rainfed conditions. Hence, farmers can get a higher percentage of the total (gross) income (13.5 and 31), net income (return) (28 and 62) and B:C value (12 and 23) when adopting sowing of designer cotton seed with spraying PPFM at 500 mL/ha respectively.
Advancements in the realm of calcium nanoparticles: An in-depth exploration of synthesis, characterization and multifaceted applications in agriculture M Kabilan, N Sakthivel, S K Rajkishore, K Ramah, R Rajeswari, A Surendrakumar, K Srimathi, V Vasumathi Plant Science Today, 2025 An extensive overview of nano calcium is given in this article, with particular attention paid to its synthesis methods, characterization techniques and agricultural applications. It highlights the unique properties of nano calcium and its potential as a promising nanomaterial in agriculture. The synthesis section discusses various methods to produce nano calcium, including sol-gel, precipitation, hydrothermal synthesis and green synthesis approaches and it highlights the nuances involved in tailoring nano calcium particles for agricultural purposes. The article also emphasizes the significance of characterization techniques in understanding the physicochemical attributes of nano calcium by using tools such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). It explores the agricultural applications of nano calcium, particularly its role in enhancing nutrient uptake, soil fertility and crop yield. The impact of nano calcium on plant growth, stress tolerance and disease resistance is discussed, offering a comprehensive perspective on its potential benefits for sustainable agriculture. The article also highlights how nano calcium can be an eco-friendly alternative by reducing dependence on traditional fertilizers and minimizing environmental harm. In conclusion, it combines existing research on nano calcium synthesis, emphasizing its potential to transform modern agriculture and support global food security.
Role of organic and inorganic nutrients in enhancing the production of soybean: a review Anbhazhagan A., Ramah K., Sakthivel N., Sivasakthivelan P. Journal of Plant Nutrition, 2024 Soybean (Glycine max L. Merrill) is a versatile crop that holds a high level of protein and fatty acid-rich oil. It plays a vital role in global exchange and the demand for soybean is increasing globally owing to its multiple uses, especially for de-oiled cakes. Therefore, improving the soybean crop productivity helps to acquire additional revenue for the nation. This review highlights the significant role of macro and micro-nutrients in soybean crop. Using different components of crop nutrient inputs like inorganic fertilizers, organic manures and biofertilizers in an integrated manner paves the way for proper utilization of applied nutrients by soybean leading to higher yield. Additionally, it offers soil fertility enhancement by creating positive effects on soil profile compared to the use of synthetic fertilizers alone. The article also discusses the role of different kinds of nutrient inputs in soybean and offers insights into integrated nutrient management practices that can be used to promote sustainable soybean production.
Crop geometry and dripper spacing in turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) raised with single bud transplants Kandasamy Ramah, T Selvakumar, R Chitra, M P Kavitha, S Subbulakshmi Plant Science Today, 2024 Field experiments were conducted to study the effect of dripper spacing and plant spacing on growth, yield and WUE of turmeric (Curcuma longa) raised with rhizome bud seedling at Agricultural Research Station, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Bhavanisagar, Erode Dt., Tamil Nadu, India. The treatment structure includes two dripper spacing viz., 60 cm and 40 cm with combination of four plant spacing viz., 30 cm x 15 cm, 30 cm x 20 cm, 30 cm x 25 cm and 45 cm x 15 cm and with conventional (furrow / surface) irrigation method as control. The trials were laid out in randomized block design and replicated thrice. The irrigation is being applied once in three days through drip at 80 per cent PE which is common for all the treatments except the conventional method. The fertigation is being given once in ten days by following the fertigation schedule of turmeric. The results revealed that drip irrigation at 80 per cent Pan Evaporation (PE) with 60 cm dripper spacing and crop spacing of 30 cm x 20 cm recorded higher rhizome yield as well as high income and B:C ratio. Significantly lowest yield was observed in the control treatment (conventional method). Turmeric cultivated under drip irrigation system resulted in saving of 48 per cent of water when compared to conventional method with a WUE ranging from 19.4 to 26.5 kg ha-1mm-1
Evaluating rice yield and resource efficiency: DSSAT analysis of conventional vs. AWD techniques in Coimbatore Ashwini S, N Sakthivel, S Pazhanivelan, K Ramah, P Janaki, V Ravichandran, NS Sudarmanian Plant Science Today, 2024 Rice cultivation is a key activity of Indian agriculture, contributing significantly to global rice production and exports. Optimal yield is crucial and influenced by various agronomical and environmental factors. For the experiment, the decision support system for agrotechnology transfer (DSSAT) of the rice crop model is utilized to validate the grain and straw yield in addition to resource productivity metrics and leaf area index. The study was conducted during the Zaid season from January to May in both 2022 and 2023 at the Thensangampalayam village, Coimbatore district, Tamil Nadu. The CO-55 rice variety was used for 2 cultivation methods i.e., conventional and alternate wetting and drying (AWD), along with drone spray of nano urea. The model was calibrated and validated with the input of comprehensive datasets of soil profile, meteorological parameters, crop-specific cultivation methods, agronomic practices and genetic coefficients. AWD consistently outperformed the conventional method in both grain and straw yields. DSSAT simulations achieved a high accuracy of 99.78 % in grain yield and 91.67 % in straw yield between the 2 cultivation methods. The AWD also outperformed in water use efficiency with 2.3 kg/m3 compared to conventional at 1.8 kg/m3. Leaf Area Index was recorded high in the conventional method at heading stage with 6.96 and AWD at 6.46. The study provides valuable information on adaptive farming practices and climate-resilient crop management strategies.
MICROBIAL POPULATION ECOLOGY UNDER TEAK (TECTONA GRANDIS LINN. F.) FERTIGATION RESEARCH TRIAL IN FARM CONDITIONS OF WESTERN TAMIL NADU K.S. ANJALI, A. BALASUBRAMANIAN, S. RADHAKRISHNAN, K. RAMAH, P. BOOMINATHAN, C.N. HARI PRASATH Applied Ecology and Environmental Research, 2023 A field study was established in farmer's field at Coimbatore district of Tamil Nadu to study the impact of fertigation on growth and productivity of teak (Tectona grandis Linn.f.).The irrigation treatments were scheduled according to the crop water requirement based on climatological approach and the fertigation treatments are imposed as per the reference fertilizer dosage of 150:100:100 kg NPK/ha.The chemical fertilizers applied may have an impact of the physiobiochemical properties on the soil.Based on these assumptions the current study deals with the comparison of microbial populations under different fertigation regimes recorded terms of Total Bacterial Count (TBC), Total Fungal Count (TFC) and Total Actinoimycetes Count (TAC) in two-year-old teak plantations.The maximum value for TBC (6.69 cfu g -1 ), TFC (3.60 cfu g -1 ) and TAC (5.19 cfu g -1 ) is observed in I1F2 (50% PE 100% RDF).The karl Pearsons correlation analysis and canonical correlation analysis conducted infers correlation between soil physiochemical factors such as pH, electrical conductivity, organic carbon, total nitrogen and carbon:nitrogen(C:N) with soil microbial populations.The current study regsitered a decrease in microbial count at higher fertilizer levels with altered soil parameters corresponding to the microbial population.
VARIATION IN ANATOMICAL PROPERTIES OF FARM GROWN PTERYGOTA ALATA IN THE SEMI-ARID REGION OF SOUTHERN INDIA N.B. RAJPUT, I. SEKAR, M.P. DIVYA, A. BALASUBRAMANIAN, K. RAMAH, M. PACKIALAKSHMI Applied Ecology and Environmental Research, 2023 The study was conducted at the Forest College and Research Institute, Mettupalayam, during 2019-2022, to explore new alternative pulpwood species with good paper-making potential. The samples were collected from seeds origin Pterygota alata which were farm grown in Pollachi, India. A total of 12 trees were removed with a specification of four different girth classes (30-45, 45-90, 120-150, 150-180 cm), from that 6 samples were collected from three different radial positions (pith, middle, and periphery) with the dimension of 222 cm 3 . Then samples were subjected to microtomy, maceration, and optical analysis. Fibre, vessel, and ray anatomy were studied in the current investigation. Results revealed that the maximum value of fibre length (1458.963.47 m), fibre diameter (25.501.29 m), vessel diameter (74.940.13 m), vessels area (47723.47359.67 m 2 ), ray height (1731.8946.89 m) ray width (165.071.41 m) and ray frequency (5.510.02 ray/mm 2 ) were identified at the peripheral region at the girth of 150-180 and 120-150 cm. The study suggested that Pterygota alata could be the prominent alternate species for pulp and paper production.
Histopathological study on the effect of rice herbicides on grass carp (Ctenopharyngodan idella) African Journal of Biotechnology, 2011
RECENT SCHOLAR PUBLICATIONS
Strategic application of nano sulphur and nano calcium for groundnut growth and yield response: A multivariate approach M Kabilan, N Sakthivel, R Rajeswari, K Ramah, SK Rajkishore, ... Plant Science Today 12, 9963 , 2025 2025
Impact of biostimulants on crop growth and soil health-A review T Kaviya, K Ramah, N Sakthivel, P Sivasakthivelan, P Senthilvalavan 2025 Citations: 2
Advancements in the realm of calcium nanoparticles: An in-depth exploration of synthesis, characterization and multifaceted applications in agriculture M Kabilan, N Sakthivel, SK Rajkishore, K Ramah, R Rajeswari, ... 2025
Optimization of irrigation and nitrogen for sustainable rice cultivation: emissions and yield impact S Ashwini, N Sakthivel, S Pazhanivelan, K Ramah, P Janaki, ... PLANT SCIENCE , 2025 2025
Assessing designer seed and pink pigmented facultative microbes mitigating drought on cotton yield under rainfed condition S Subbulakshmi, B Venudevan, A Selvarani, A Solaimalai, MP Kavitha, ... 2025
Agroforestry-An elixir for soil health management and carbon sequestration K Sivakumar, G Manimaran, M Tilak, K Ramah, P Sivasakthivelan, ... 2025 Citations: 3
Application of fulvic acid in agriculture: An overview P Pavadharini, N Sakthivel, K Ramah, P Sivasakthivelan, ... 2025 Citations: 2
Variations in the light interception and associated physiological traits of cowpea and fodder sorghum grown under different Agroforestry system K Ramah, P Hemalatha, P Radha, M Tilak, P Boominathan 2024
Analysing Efficacy of Chemical and Mechanical Weed Control Methods to Growth and Quality Enhancement in Grapes (Vitis vinifera). PGRJ M.P.Kavitha, J.Rajangam, C.Parameswari, K.Ramah, G.Sudhakar, M.Madhan Mohan Journal of Experimental Agriculture International, 46 (11), 219-230 , 2024 2024
Evaluating rice yield and resource efficiency: DSSAT analysis of conventional vs. AWD techniques in Coimbatore. VRNSS Ashwini S, N Sakthivel, S Pazhanivelan, K Ramah, P Janaki Plant Science Today 11 (4), 450-462 , 2024 2024 Citations: 3
Role of organic and inorganic nutrients in enhancing the production of soybean : a review. P Anbhazhagan, A., Ramah, K., Sakthivel, N. and Sivasakthivelan Journal of Plant Nutrition 47 (19), 3999 – 3792 , 2024 2024 Citations: 3
Crop geometry and dripper spacing in turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) raised with single bud transplants. K. Ramah, T. Selvakumar, R. Chitra, M.P. Kavitha and S. Subbulakshmi. Plant Science Today 11 (3), 210-215 , 2024 2024
Impact of Abiotic Factors on Population Dynamics of Leaf Miner, Aproaerema modicella D. and Its Natural Enemies in Groundnut SV Sangeetha, K Ganesan, RP Soundararajan, I Johnson, K Ramah, ... International Journal of Environment and Climate Change 13 (9), 2697-2706 , 2023 2023
Economic Viability of Drip Fertigation in Maize (Zea mays L.) Based Cropping System K Ramah, P Santhi, K Ponnuswamy Madras Agricultural Journal 97 (jan-mar), 1 , 2023 2023
Anatomical properties of Pterygota alata: an alternate tree species for sustainable production of wood. NB Rajput, I Sekar, MP Divya, A Balasubramanian, K Ramah, ... Applied Ecology & Environmental Research 21 (3) , 2023 2023 Citations: 4
Microbial population ecology under teak (Tectona grandis Linn. F.) fertigation research trial in farm conditions of western Tamil Nadu. KS Anjali, A Balasubramanian, S Radhakrishnan, K Ramah, ... Applied Ecology & Environmental Research 21 (3) , 2023 2023
Variation in anatomical properties of farm grown Pterygota alata in the semi-arid region of southern India. NB Rajput, I Sekar, MP Divya, A Balasubramanian, K Ramah, ... Applied Ecology & Environmental Research 21 (2) , 2023 2023
Linear forecasting nutrient uptake model for teak (Tectona grandis) in early developmental stages (seedling stages) under fertigation system A Balasubramanian, KS Anjali, CN Hari-Prasath, G Swathiga, ... Journal of Tropical Forest Science 35 (2), 211-220 , 2023 2023
Enhancement of fodder productivity through Melia based silvipastoral system KTPIS K. Ramah, K. Sivakumar, R. Jude Sudhagar Indian Journal of Agroforestry 2 (24), 65-71 , 2022 2022
Evaluation of shade tolerant fodder crops in Melia dubia based silvipastoral system ISPR K. Ramah, K.T. Parthiban, K. Sivakumar Range Management and Agroforestry 1 (43), 74-79 , 2022 2022
MOST CITED SCHOLAR PUBLICATIONS
Economic viability of drip fertigation in maize ( Zea mays L.) based cropping system. K Ramah, P Santhi, K Ponnuswamy 2010 Citations: 27
Histopathological study on the effect of rice herbicides on grass carp ( Ctenopharyngodan idella ) K Ramah African Journal of biotechnology 10 (7), 1112-1116 , 2011 2011 Citations: 26
Integration of azolla, fish and herbicides for rice weed management. RM Kathiresan, K Ramah, C Sivakumar 2001 Citations: 18
Study on drip irrigation in maize (Zea mays L) based cropping system K Ramah Ph. D., Thesis , 2008 2008 Citations: 17
Irrigation scheduling and water use efficiency in maize ( Zea mays L.) based cropping system under drip fertigation. K Ramah, P Santhi, K Ponnuswamy 2009 Citations: 15
Moisture distribution pattern in drip irrigated maize based cropping system. PSGT Ramah, K. Madras Agricultural Journal 98 (1-3), 51-55 , 2011 2011 Citations: 13
Study on drip fertigation in maize based cropping system K Ramah Ph. D. dissertation, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore , 2008 2008 Citations: 13
Automation in micro-irrigation D Rajakumar, K Ramah, S Rathika, G Thiyagarajan Science Tech Entrepreneur 1, 1-8 , 2008 2008 Citations: 13
Assessment of compatibility of intercrops in Dalbergia sissoo based Hortisilvicultural system in Mondipatty, Manapparai block of Trichy district, Tamil Nadu RKKMJ Sivakumar, K., K. Ramah, U. Surendran Journal of applied and Natural Science 14 (1), 94-101 , 2022 2022 Citations: 8
Impact of weed management in Rice-Fish Farming Systems. RM Kathiresan, K Ramah 2000 Citations: 8
Enhancing the productivity of maize-blackgram cropping system through drip fertigation K Ramah Plants Environ 1 (1), 1-4 , 2019 2019 Citations: 7
Economic feasibility of drip fertigation in maize-sunflower-beeroot cropping system PSKP Ramah, K. International Journal of Tropical Agriculture 27 (1-2), 131-136 , 2009 2009 Citations: 7
Influence of drip fertigation levels on water saving and water use efficiency in Maize (Zea mays L.) based cropping system PSKP Ramah, K. Journal of Water Management 16 (2), 106-113 , 2008 2008 Citations: 7
Anatomical properties of Pterygota alata: an alternate tree species for sustainable production of wood. NB Rajput, I Sekar, MP Divya, A Balasubramanian, K Ramah, ... Applied Ecology & Environmental Research 21 (3) , 2023 2023 Citations: 4
Heat unit requirement of field grown groundnut varieties C Babu, K Ramah, R Selvaraju The Madras Agricultural Journal 91, 184-189 , 2004 2004 Citations: 4
Agroforestry-An elixir for soil health management and carbon sequestration K Sivakumar, G Manimaran, M Tilak, K Ramah, P Sivasakthivelan, ... 2025 Citations: 3
Evaluating rice yield and resource efficiency: DSSAT analysis of conventional vs. AWD techniques in Coimbatore. VRNSS Ashwini S, N Sakthivel, S Pazhanivelan, K Ramah, P Janaki Plant Science Today 11 (4), 450-462 , 2024 2024 Citations: 3
Role of organic and inorganic nutrients in enhancing the production of soybean : a review. P Anbhazhagan, A., Ramah, K., Sakthivel, N. and Sivasakthivelan Journal of Plant Nutrition 47 (19), 3999 – 3792 , 2024 2024 Citations: 3
Impact of biostimulants on crop growth and soil health-A review T Kaviya, K Ramah, N Sakthivel, P Sivasakthivelan, P Senthilvalavan 2025 Citations: 2
Application of fulvic acid in agriculture: An overview P Pavadharini, N Sakthivel, K Ramah, P Sivasakthivelan, ... 2025 Citations: 2
