Influence of fertility-salinity interactions on growth, water status and yield of indian mustard (Brassica juncea)

The present investigation was carried out with Brassica juncea cv. RH-30 to study the effect of salinity on various physiological characteristics and use of phosphatic and sulphur fertilizer to mitigate the salinity effects. Under saline irrigation, plant height and dry weight of leaves declined over non-saline control. Fertilizer applied in combined form (60 kg P ha⁻¹ + 30 kg S ha⁻¹) exhibited maximum alleviation of the adverse effects of salinity. Salt stress showed significant reduction in plant water status in terms of relative water content, water potential and osmotic potential. Application of both phosphorus and sulphur improved the water status but the higher level of sulphur (30 kg S ha⁻¹) showed poor response. Yield and its attributes adversely affected by salinity. Both phosphorus and sulphur improved the yield under salinity up to some extent however the combination of two fertilizers proved better in reviving the yield characters.