Yield, quality and nutrient uptake of mustard (Brassica juncea) with organic and inorganic fertilization

Field experiments were carried out at Research Farm of A.S. (P.G.) College, Lakhaoti, Bulandshahar (Uttar Pradesh) during rabi season of 2005–06 and 2006–07 to study yield, seed quality and nutrient uptake of mustard (Brassica juncea L. Czern & Coss.) in response to organic and inorganic fertilizer application. Mean plant height, total dry matter accumulation, leaf area and seed yield were higher when 100% recommended fertilizers (120: 40: 20: 40:: N: P₂0₅: K₂0: S kg ha⁻¹) were applied along with Farmyard manure (FYM) at 10 t ha⁻¹, ZnS0₄ (25 kg ha⁻¹) and seed treatment with Azotobacter. Mean seed yield of mustard with this treatment increased by 41.2% over application of recommended fertilizers. More application of fertilizer increased protein content but reduced the glucosinolate content in seed. Oil content decreased at higher inorganic fertility levels but application of FYM and Azotobacter improved it. The recommended fertilizers combined with application of FYM + ZnS0₄ + seed treatment gave the highest N, P, K, S and Zn content as well as their uptake in seed and stover.