Dr. Asha K. Raj

Reasearch Areas

Agronomy, Agroforestry, Silvopasture systems, Forest soils, Fodder production

Specialisation

Agronomy

Courses handled

UG courses

1. MDS1101 Farming based livelihood systems 3 (2+1)

2. SSA1101 Fodder production strategies in Agroforestry

3. Safo 1102 Introduction to Agronomy and Horticulture 3 (2+1)

 

PG courses

SAF 513 Nutrient and Weed management in Production Forestry (1+1)

PGS 504  :  Basic concepts in laboratory techniques (0+1)

SAF 514 Crop and Livestock Management in Agroforestry (2+0)

 

Ph.D courses

SAF 609  Advances in Forest Soil Management (1+1)

SAF 611 Agroforestry for Sustainable Agriculture (0+1)

SAF 602 Agroforestry Research and Management(2+0)

 

Research highlights

 

• High-density silvopasture systems developed for quality forage production in humid tropics.
• Homegarden revitalization through fodder-based agroforestry models to support livestock.
• Fodder bank management techniques with Calliandra, Mulberry, and Subabul in coconut gardens to address protein deficit in livestock diets.
• Tree-based green manuring practices introduced in wetland paddy systems.
• Goat farm agroforestry models and development of tree-leaf based Total Mixed Rations  (TMR) for goats.
• Bamboo biochar applications demonstrated for soil, crop and tree improvement.
• Vegetative propagation techniques standardized for Calliandra.
• Alternate agroforestry systems for clear-felled rubber plantations of farmers. (Teak/Macaranga/Rambutan + Pineapple; Ailanthus + Turmeric + Black Pepper).
• Agrotechniques for growth enhancement of Ailanthus in nursery and plantations   
• Carbon sequestration potential assessed across diverse agroforestry systems.
• Bamboo (Dendrocalamus stocksii) based agroforestry practices
• Provenance evaluation of Teak and Acacia mangium.

 

Selected Publications: 

Asha K Raj, Reshma M Raj, T K Kunhamu, V Jamaludheenand A R Chichaghare. 2023. Management of tree fodder banks for quality forage production and carbon sequestration in humid tropical cropping systems – An overview. Indian Journal of Animal Sciences 93(1): 10–22.

Shahina, N.N., Asha, K. Raj, Kunhamu, T.K. and Jamaludheen, V. 2023. Shade tolerance, yield, and nutritive value of selected forage crops in typical homegarden of central Kerala. Range Management and Agroforestry Journal Vol.44 No.1. 175-182

Asha K. Raj, Kunhamu T.K., Jamaludheen V. and Chichaghare A.R. 2022.    Upscaling fodder tree integration in humid tropical agroforestry systems–Prospects and constraints. Indian Journal of Agroforestry Special Issue. Vol. 24 No.1:37-46

Susmita Shil, Asha K Raj, TK Kunhamu, V Jamaludheen, Divya Vijayan V, Binu N Kamalolbhavan and Ankita. 2025. Soil microbial dynamics and enzymatic activity under boundary plantation of green manure trees in wetland paddy system of Kerala. International Journal of Research in Agronomy 2025; 8(6): 473-478

Aiswaryalakshmi AR, Asha K Raj, Abhin M Sunil, Aqueala Carmel PT, D Suwethaasri, Karthick Mani Bharathi B and M Ashwin Niranjan. 2025. A review on Calliandra calothyrsus: A potential fodder trees species. International Journal of Research in Agronomy 2025; 8(1): 423-430

Lalitkumar maurya, V Jamaludheen TK Kunhamu, , Asha K Raj and AV Santhoshkumar. 2024. Soil physicochemical properties and growth of Dendrocalamus stocksii under different spacings in Kerala. Indian Journal of Agroforestry Vol. 26(2):101-111

Ankita, TK Kunhamu, V Jamaludheen, Asha K Raj, AV Santhoshkumar, Gopakumar S and Susmita Shil. 2024. Growth performance of black pepper raised on Artocarpus heterophyllus planted at variable stand densities. International Journal of Research in Agronomy 2024; 7(12): 451-458

Susmita Shil, Asha K Raj, Manish Kumar Mankur and Lalitkumar L. Maurya.  2024. Agroforestry: an approach for food security. In Advances in Forestry and Agro-Forestry Volume 2. Amlani Maulik Harishbhai, Dr. Dayanand Sai Painkra, Dr. Akshay F Madiwalar, Pratiksha Patil (EDs). Stella International TM Publication. 1781-3, U.E., Kurukshetra Haryana 136118 (India):1-32

A.R. Chichaghare, Asha K. Raj, T.K. Kunhamuand Jamaludheen V. 2023. Early growth and productivity of fast-growing foddertrees for integration in smallholding farm boundaries of Central Kerala. Indian Journal of Agroforestry Vol. 25(2):75-81.

Aiswaryalakshmi A.R., Asha K. Raj , Kunhamu T. K. and Jammaludheen V. 2023. Standardization of vegetative propagation of fodder calliandra (Calliandra calothyrsus) using coppice cuttings in humid tropics of south India. Indian Journal of Agroforestry Vol. 25(2):40-48

Shahina, N.N., Asha, K. Raj, Kunhamu, T.K. and Jamaludheen, V. 2022. Shade tolerance, yield, and nutritive value of selected cereal and grass fodders in a coconut garden of Central Kerala. Journal of Agroforestry Vol. 24 (2): 46-51