Effect of plant density, N levels and moisture conservation practices on the performance of Indian mustard (Brassica juncea) and available N status of soil

A field experiment was conducted in the winter (rabi) seasons of 2007–08 and 2008–09, to study the effect of plant geometries, nitrogen levels and application of anti-transpirants on the growth, yields, economics, N-uptake soil N-status and N-balance of Indian mustard (Brassica juncea L. Czernj & Cosson), Indian mustard sowing in paired row of 30 + 60 × 10 cm spacing gave 0.17 t/ha extra seed yield of mustard without reducing growth attributes, yield components, economics, WUE, oil content and soil N-status. Growth and yield attributes and maximum increment in seed and stalk yields of mustard were recorded with 80 kg N/ha and it were 8.54% and 14.26% higher over the control, respectively. The spraying of PMA + kaolin (6%) at 45 and 90 DAS increased the seed and stalk yields by 9.41 and 15.17% respectively over rest of treatments. The highest dose of nitrogen @ 80 kg/ha with paired row spacing of 30 + 60 × 10 cm planting along with combined spray of PMA @ 250 ppm + kaolin (6%) at 45 and 90 days after sowing increased production and quality of mustard and improved N status of soil.