Effect of fertilizer and moisture conservation on productivity, economics and water use efficiency of rainfed Indian mustard (Brassica juncea)

An experiment was conducted at Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh during rabi 2005–06 and 2006–07 on alluvial soil to study the performance of Indian mustard [Brassica juncea (L.) Czern & Coss.)] in relation to fertilizer application and moisture conservation practices under rainfed condition. Application of 80 kg N + 40 kg P₂O₅ ha⁻¹ improved primary branches plant⁻¹, siliquae plant⁻¹, seed weight plant⁻¹, 1000-seed weight, roots plant⁻¹, dry weight of roots plant⁻¹ and seed and oil yield. It also improved water use efficiency (WUE, 7.41 kg seed ha⁻¹ mm⁻¹), net return (22387 ha⁻¹) and benefit: cost ratio (2.88). Application of organic residue as mulch at 4 t ha⁻¹ in between rows after 30 days of sowing was superior to other moisture conservation practices