Growth, yield and profitability of Indian mustard [Brassica juncea (L.) Czern & Coss] with different weed control measures and sulphur levels

A field experiment was conducted during rabi season of 2004–2005, to study the effect of weed control measures and sulphur levels on growth, yield and profitability of Indian mustard [Brassica Juncea (L.) Czren & Coss]. Treatments of the experiment consisted of six weed control measures [weedy check, hand weeding at 30 DAS, Oxyflurofen @ 0.125 kg a.i./ha (PPI), Fluchloralin @ 1.0 kg a.i./ha (PPI), Metribuzin @ 0.175 kg. a.i./ha (PE) and Pendimethalin @ 0.75 kg a.i./ha (PE)] and four levels of sulphur viz. 0, 15, 30 and 45 kg/ha. The weed control using Metribuzin resulted in minimum weed competition because of least weed density and weed biomass production thus producing significantly higher crop LAI, dry matter, siliquae/plant, test weight and seed yield (q/ha) over other weedicides. Application of sulphur @ 45 kg/ha increased number of siliquae/plant, test weight (g), seed yield (q/ha), straw yield (q/ha) and oil content (%). Fertilization of 45 kg S/ha produced the highest seed yield of 19.23 q/ha in comparison to 13.29 q/ha realized in control. Among weed control treatments, maximum net returns and B:C ratio of Rs. 24830/ha and 3.78 were achieved under Metribuzin. Application of 45 kg S/ha gave maximum net returns (Rs. 255599/ha) and maximum B:C ratio of 3.89.