Comparative effect of irrigation systems and nitrogen fertigation on growth, productivity and water-use efficiency of Indian mustard (Brassica juncea) under semi-arid conditions of Rajasthan

An experiment on standardization of micro-irrigation and fertigation methods for Indian mustard [Brassica juncea (L.) cernj. & Cosson] crop under semi-arid conditions of Rajasthan was undertaken during the winter (rabi) seasons of 2009–10 and 2010–11. The treatments consisted of 5 irrigation systems in main plot, viz. micro-sprinkler system (MS), micro sprinkler followed by check basin (MS+CB), drip irrigation system, drip system followed by check basin (DS+CB) and check basin (CB) alone. In sub-plots, 4 treatments of N doses, viz. control (0 kg/ha N), 40, 80 and 120 kg N/ha, were taken. Pressurized irrigation through micro-sprinkler, drip system and their combination with check basin method resulted in significantly higher growth attributes like plant height, above-ground dry matter and chlorophyll concentration than check basin alone. Similar trend was observed for biological, seed and oil yields. Other parameters like water-use efficiency and production efficiency were the highest under pressurized irrigation systems. Among the sub-plots, growth parameters and yield attributes improved with increasing dose of nitrogen up to 120 kg/ha. The enhanced yield under 120 kg N/ha also resulted in higher production efficiency and water-use efficiency.