Effect of moisture conservation and sulphur sources on productivity and water use efficiency of Indian mustard (Brassica juncea) under rainfed conditions

A field experiment was conducted during rabi 2008–09 and 2009–10 at Aklera, Jhalawar to find out the best moisture conservation practice and sulphur source for increasing productivity, profitability and water use efficiency (WUE) of Indian mustard [Brassica juncea (L.) Czern. & Coss] under rainfed conditions. Straw mulch @ 4 t/ha applied at 21 DAS + kaolin 6% spray at 60 DAS significantly increased the growth, yield attributes, seed (1.65 t/ha), oil yield (629.3 kg/ha), nutrients (NPS) uptake and net return ( 20,197/ha) compared to other moisture conservation practices. Amongst the sulphur sources, bentonite sulphur gave significantly higher growth, yield attributes, seed yield (1.50 t/ha), oil yield (568.3 kg/ha), nutrients (NPS) uptake, net return ( 18,948/ha) and B: C ratio (1.18) than other sources of sulphur. Maximum production and economic efficiencies, consumptive use (212 mm), rate of moisture use (1.55 mm/day) and water use efficiency (7.80 kg/ha-mm) were with straw mulch 4 t/ha + kaolin 6% spray over no mulch. Application of bentonite sulphur gave higher production and economic efficiencies, consumptive water use (208 mm), rate of moisture use (1.52 mm/day) and water use efficiency (7.22 kg/ha-mm) than to gypsum and wettable sulphur.