Effect of levels and sources of sulphur on growth, yield, nutrient removal and relative economics of Indian mustard [Brassica juncea (L.)] varieties under irrigated conditions

A field experiment was conducted at Varanasi during winter (rabi) season of 2015 to evaluate the effect of levels and sources of sulphur on growth, yield, removal of Nitrogen, Phosphors and Sulphur (NPS) and relative cultivation economics of Indian mustard [Brassica juncea (L.) Czern. and Cosson.] varieties under irrigated conditions. Eighteen treatment combinations comprising three mustard varieties (Maya, Giriraj and NRCHB-506), 3 levels of sulphur (0, 30 and 60 kg S ha⁻¹) and two sources of sulphur (elemental sulphur (80% WD) and bentonite sulphur (90% G) were laid out using splitsplit plot design with three replications. Among Indian mustard varieties, ‘Giriraj’ recorded higher growth parameters, yield attributes, seed and stover yield and removal of nitrogen, phosphorus and sulphur than ‘NRCHB-506’ and ‘Maya’. Increasing levels of sulphur improved the growth parameters, yield attributes, seed and stover yield and NPS removal by the crop. Further, between sources of sulphur, elemental sulphur recorded higher growth and yield attributes, seed and stover yield and nutrient removal by mustard crop over bentonite sulphur application. Relative economic analysis for crop cultivation indicated that the maximum net return (Rs. 38153 ha⁻¹) and benefit: cost ratio (1.74) was found with Indian mustard variety ‘Giriraj’ under no sulphur application while the maximum gross income (Rs. 64560 ha⁻¹) was registered when it was fertilised with 60 kg S ha⁻¹ through elemental sulphur.