Effect of Levels and Sources of Sulphur on Yield, Quality and Nutrient Uptake by Mustard (Brassica Juncea)

A field experiment was conducted during winter season of 2006–07 and 2007–08 at Research Farm, College of Agriculture, Gwalior to study the four levels (0, 20, 40 and 60 kg S/ha) and four sources of sulphur (ammonium sulphate, gypsum, single super phosphate and pyrite) on the yield, quality and nutrient uptake of mustard (Brassica juncea). Seed and straw yields, oil content and protein content increased significantly with increasing level of sulphur up to highest level of 60 kg S/ha. Application of 20, 40 and 60 kg S/ha increased the seed yield over the control by 13.95, 28.11 and 28.47%. While, the difference between 40 and 60 kg S/ha was found at par. Application of 60 Kg S/ha significantly increased the N,P,K and S uptake of seed and also S use efficiency and S uptake efficiency over other treatment of S. However, the net return (Rs.25098/ha) and benefit:cost ratio (3.73) was recorded at 40 KgS/ha). The highest seed and straw yields, oil content and protein content were observed with use of ammonium sulphate which was significantly higher over other sources under consideration. The maximum seed and straw yields (1.71 and 5.7 t/ha) were recorded with the application of ammonium sulphate followed by gypsum, single super phosphate and pyrite, respectively. The highest oil and protein content of seed (39.25% and 22.43%) was also recorded due to ammonium sulphate. Higher N,P,K and S uptake and S use efficiency and S uptake efficiency of mustard were also obtained with ammonium sulphate. The ammonium sulphate produced maximum net return (Rs.23469/ha) and benefit: cost ratio (3.58).