Effect of Zn and Fe Enriched FYM on Yield and Removal of Nutrients under Mustard-Sorghum (Fodder) Cropping Sequence in Semi Arid Region of Gujarat

A field experiment was conducted during rabi season of 2002–03 to study the comparative efficiency of Zn and Fe enriched FYM on crop yield, quality and nutrient uptake by mustard. The enriched FYM was used for field experiment on pre-identified Zn and Fe deficient sandy loam soil (TypicHaplustept) at Anand. The treatments of Zn and Fe enriched FYM were evaluated as against straight Zn and Fe application through inorganic fertilizers in conjunction with FYM. The Zn and Fe enriched FYM improved average mustard seed yield by 20 per cent over control whereas it was 11 per cent over straight Zn and Fe application. The Zn and Fe enriched FYM enhanced uptake of N, S and micronutrients by mustard, and improved oil and protein content of mustard seed. The yield of subsequent sorghum (fodder) increased by 11 per cent due to residual effect of FYM over control. Such improvement due to Zn and Fe enriched FYM was about 9 per cent over straight Zn and Fe application. Post-harvest soil (after mustard) showed enhanced availability of N, S and DTPA- micronutrients due to the enriched FYM.