Effect of integrated plant nutrient management on productivity, economics and uptake of sulphur by mustard (Brassica juncea L.)

Field experiments were conducted during two consecutive rabi seasons of 2010–11 and 2011–12 at Research Farm, Kulbhaskar Ashram P.G. College, Allahabad (Uttar Pradesh). Results revealed that the addition of compost + PSB to all the three levels of P and S (P₄₀S₃₀, P₆₀S₄₅ and P₈₀S₆₀) recorded significant increase in seed yield over P and S levels alone during both the years of study. The yield varied from 1211 to 2611 kg ha⁻¹ and 1190 to 2656 kg ha⁻¹ during first and second year, respectively and maximum yield was recorded with P₈₀S₆₀ + Compost + PSB. Treatment P₈₀S₆₀ + compost + PSB increased yield by 119.4% over the control and 85.2% over simulated farmers’ practice. The similar trend was observed in case of straw yield during both the seasons. The effect of increasing levels of P and S were linear and significant. The sulphur content was fairly high in seed during both the years and the variations due to different treatments were significant. It varied from 0.61–1.23% and 0.59–1.23% during first and second year, respectively. Sulphur content in stover varied from 0.21–0.25% during first year and 0.20–0.26% during second year. All the treatments were significantly superior over the control except the farmers’ practice which was at par with the control. However, P₈₀S₆₀ + compost + PSB recorded the maximum sulphur content. Similarly, treatment P₈₀S₆₀ + compost + PSB gave the highest sulphur uptake. Further, the combined use of compost + PSB gave significant increase in uptake values over P and S levels.