Effect of nitrogen and phosphorus on growth, nutrient content, seed yield and quality of mustard

A pot experiment was conducted to study the effect of three levels of nitrogen and phosphorus combinations, i.e. N₆₀ P₃₀ kg ha⁻¹, N₈₀ P₄₀ kg ha⁻¹ and N₁₀₀ P₅₀ kg ha⁻¹ on growth, yield and quality of two cultivars of mustard (Brassica juncea). The data revealed that cultivar Pusa Bold gave higher plant height, leaf number, leaf area, number primary branches and plant dry weight than Kranti. Application of higher dose of NP fertilizers, i.e. N₁₀₀ kg ha⁻¹ proved significantly better in improving all these parameters. Higher fertilizer dose also resulted in a significant increase in number of siliqua plant⁻¹, length of siliqua and number of seeds siliqua⁻¹, which consequently resulted in a marked increase in harvest index and seed yield of both the cultivars. N₁₀₀ P₅₀ kg ha⁻¹ also resulted in an over all increase in leaf N, P and K contents and seed protein content. Oil content was found to be decreased with increased dose of NP fertilizers, however, extent of decrease in seed oil content was lower than increase in seed yield and thus total edible oil production was still higher with higher fertilizer dose as compared to the normal recommended dose.