SHER-E-h3ANGLA AGRICULTURAL UNIVERSITY

EFFECTS OF VERMICOM POST AND INORGANIC FERTILIZERS ON GROWTh, YIELD AND OIL CONTENT OF MUSTARD

(SAL sharisha-1 & 3)

SYDA NAYMA ZARIN

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN

AGRICULTURAL CHEMISTRY

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURAL CIIEMJSTRY

SHER-E-h3ANGLA AGRICULTURAL UNIVERSITY

DHAKA-1207 NOVEMBER, 2011

EFFECTS OF VERMICOM POST AND INORGANIC FERTILIZERS ON GROWTH, YIELD AND OIL CONTENT OF MUSTARD

(SAU sharisha-! & 3)

BY

SYDA NAYMA ZARIN

REGISTRATION NO: 08-03221

A Thesis

Submitted to the Faculty of Agriculture, Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural Lniversity,Dhaka, In partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN

AGRICULTURAL CHEMISTRY

SEMESTER. JULY-DECEMBER, 2009 APPROVED BY:

Dr. Rokeya egum Md. Tazul Islam Chowdhury

Professor Assistant Professor

Department of Agricultural CheTnistry Department of Agricultural Chemistry Sher-eBangla Agricultural University Sher-eBangla Agricultural University

Supervisor Co-supervisor

Or. Rokeya Begum Chairman Examination Committee

"

I U -lm1tN17

!iI

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURAL CHEMISTRY

a1

Sher-e-Ban&a Agricultural University

1

Sher-c-Bangla Nagar, Dhaka-1207

Memo No: SAulAgricultiiral Chemistry/

CERTIFICATE

This is to certify that the thesis entitled, "EFFECTS OF VERMICOMPOST AND INORGANIC FERTILIZERS ON GROWTH, YIELD, AND OIL CONTENT OF MUSTARD (SItU SHARISHA-I & 3)" submitted to the faculty of Agriculture, Shcr-e- Bangla Agricultural University. Dhaka, in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of MASTER OF SCIENCE IN AGRICULTURAL CHEMISTRY, embodies the result of a piece of bona tide research work carried out by SYDA NAYMA ZARIN, REG!STRA11ON No. 08-03221 under my supervision and guidance. No part of the thesis has been submitted for any other degree or diploma in any other institutes.

I further certify that such help or sources of information, as has been availed of during the course of this investigation have been duly acknowledged by her.

'C5

Dated:

Dhaka, Bangladesh

(Dr. Rokeya Begum)

Professor,

Department of Agricultural Chemistry Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University

S U ptfl'

iso r

.': ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

N. V

All praises are due to the Almighty Allah, the Supreme ruler of the universe Who enables the author to complete this present piece of work.

The author would like to express her sincere and deepest gratitude, honest appreciation to her respected supervisor Professor Dr. Rokeya Begum. Chairman, Department of Agricultural Chemistry, Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University (SAU), Dhaka, Bangladesh, for her helpful guidance and direction, support, encouragement and endeavor in conducting and completing the research work and in the preparation of the manuscript.

The author also expresses her appreciation and best regards to respected Co-Supervisor, Md. Tazul Islam Chowdhury, Assistant Professor, Department of Agricultural Chemistry, Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka for his scholastic guidance, helpful suggestions, comments and constant inspiration throughout the research work and preparation of the thesis.

The author expresses heartfelt thanks and gratitude to esteemed teachers Md. Azizur Rahman Mazumder, Professor, Dr. Md. Abdur Razzaque, Associate Professors, Dr.

Noorjahan Begum, Assistant Professors, Md. Sirajul Islam Khan, Assistant Professor, Dr.

Sheikh Shawkat Zamil, Assistant Professor, Department of Agricultural Chemistry and Sheikh Muhammad Masum, Lecturer, Department of Agronomy, Sher-e.Bangla Agricultural University for their constant cooperation, advice, encouragement and good wishes during the work. The author also expresses heartfelt thanks to all the teachers of the Department of Agricultural Chemistry, SAU, for their valuable suggestions and encouragement during the period of the study.

The author must give special thanks to Dr. Md. Shahidur Rashid Bhuiyan, Professor, Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, Sher-e-l3angla Agricultural University, for his help and inspiration.

v

Heartiest thanks and gratitude are expressed to all the members of the staff of the Department of Agricultural Chemistry, especially Lab technician and assistants of the department.

The author thanks the authority of BARI for allowing her conducting the research at Oil Research centre. Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute. Dhaka.

The author thanks all her friends especially Toufica, Chitra, Sumi and Faisal for their help in preparing the thesis.

The author expresses her indebtedness to her beloved parents, brothers, sisters, relatives, for their inspiration, help and encouragement throughout the study.

Dated: December' 09 The Author

Place: SAU. Dhaka

vi

EFFECTS OF VERMICOMPOST AND INORGANIC FERTILIZERS ON GROWTH, YIELD, AND OIL CONTENT OF MUSTARD

(Brassica cainpestris

var. SAU sharisha-1&3)

By

SYDA NAYMA ZARIN ABSTRACT

A field experiment was conducted at Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University Farm, Dhaka during the Rabi season of 2010-2011 to study the effects of vermicompost and inorganic fertilizers on the growth, yield, and oil content of mustard. Two varieties such as Variety-

ISAU Sharisha-1 & Variety-2SAU Sharisha-3 and 3 levels of each of vermicomposts viz. F0, F, F2 =(0, 1.5, 2.5) t ha" and inorganic fertilizers (N, F, K, 5, Zn, B)viz. F3 F4 F5

= (40-80-120,15-3045,2040-60,10-20-30,I.2-2.4-3.6,I-2-3) kg ha" were used. The results demonstrated that medium doses (80-3040-20-2.4-2) kg/ha of inorganic fertilizers increased seed yield of mustard significantly. Considering the varietal effect the highest seed yield ((.64 t ha") was found in variety-I and the lowest seed yield (1,53 (hi') was observed in variety-2. The highest number of siliquae (165.33) was obtained from variety-I and on the other hand the lowest number of siliquae (131.12) was obtained from variety-2. Variety-2 showed the highest oil content (44.02%) and variety-I gave the lowest oil content (43.02%). Effects of fertilizer showed that the highest seed yield (2.2 ha") was found from medium fertilizer (80-3040-20-2.4-2) kg/ha and the lowest seed yield (1.07 t ha") was obtained from control treatment (F0). The highest number

^of

siliquae (180.8) was obtained from high fertilizer (120-45-60-30-3.6-3) kg/ha and on the other hand the lowest number

^of

siliquae (124.55) was obtained from low fertilizer (40-

15-20-10-1.2-1) kg/ha. Medium fertilizers (80-30-40-20-2.4-2) kg/ha showed highest oil content (44.5%) and low fertilizers (40-15-20-10-I .2-1) kg/ha give lowest oil content (42.65%). The interaction effect showed that maximum significant seed yield (2.4 It ha") was obtained from variety-I by the application

of

medium fertilizer (80-3040-20-2.4-2) kg/ha but percentage oil content (45.4%) was maximum at Variety-2 by the application of medium fertilizer (80-3040-20-2.4-2) kg/ha. The highest number

^of

siliquae (196.7) was obtained from the high fertilizer doses (12045-60-30-3.6-3) kg/ha. The oil content was not significantly influenced by the difference of treatments.

vii

CONTENTS

Chapter Topics Page

no.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT v-vi

ABSTRACT vii

LIST OF CONTENTS viii-x

LIST OF TABLES xi

LIST OF FIGURES xii

LIST OF APPENDIX xiii

LIST OF PLATES xiv

LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS xv-xvi

INTRODUCTION

1-4

H REVIEW OF LITERATURE 549

2.1 Effect of inorganic fertilizers on mustard 5-38

2.2 Effect

of

vermicompost on mustard 3840

2.3 Effect of vermicompost on other crops 40-46

III

MATERIALS AND METHODS

47-57

3.1 Soil and site 47

3.2 Climate 49

3.3 Variety used 49

3.4 Fertilizer treatments under investigation 49-50

3.5 Layout

of

the experiment 51

3.6 Land preparation 53

3.7 Application of vermicompost and inorganic fertilizers 53

3.8 Sowing

of

seeds 53

3.9 Intercultural operations 54

3.9.1 Irrigation 54

3.9.2 Weeding and thinning 54

3.9.3 Insect and pest control

54

3.10 Sample collection and harvesting and threshing 54

Chapter Topics Page

3.11 Collection of experimental data 55

A. Groh data

Plant height (cm) 55

Number of branches per plant

55

B. Yield data

Number of siliquae per plant 56

Length of siliquae (cm) 56

Number of seeds per siliquae 56

Seed yield per plant (g) 56

3.12 Seed yield (t hi') 56

3.13 Oil content of seed (%) 56

3.14 Vermicompost

57

3.15 Statistical analysis 57

IV RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

58-74

4.1 Plant height 58

4.1.1 Varietal effects on plant height 58

4.1.2 Effects of vermicompost and inorganic fertilizers 58 4.1.3 Effects of vermicompost and inorganic fertilizers on the 59

varieties of mustard

4.2 Number of primary branches per plant 60

4.2.1 Varietal effects on number of primary branches per plant 60 4.2.2 Effects of vermicompost and inorganic fertilizers 60 4.2.3 Effects of vermicompost and inorganic fertilizers on the 61

varieties of mustard

4.3 Number of secondary branches per plant 62

4.3.1 Varietal effects on number of secondary branches per plant 62 4,3.2 Effects of vermicompost and inorganic fertilizers 62 4.3.3 Effects between varieties and fertilizers 63

4.4 Number of siliquae per plant 64

Ix

Chapter Topics Page no.

4.4.1 Varietal effects on number of siliquae per plant 64 4.4.2 Effects of vermicompost and inorganic fertilizers 64 4.4.3 Effects between varieties and fertilizers 65

4.5. Number of seeds per siliquae 66

4.5.1 Varietal effects on number of seeds per siliquae 66 4.5.2 Effects of vermicompost and inorganic fertilizers 66

4.5.3 Effects between varieties and fertilizers 67

4.6 Length of siliquae 68

4.6.1 Varietal effects on the length of siliquae 68 4.6.2 Effects of vermicompost and inorganic fertilizers 68 4.6.3 Effects between varieties and fertilizers 69

4.7 Seed yield 70

4.7.1 Varietal effects on seed yield 70

4.7.2 Effects of vermicompost and inorganic fertilizers 70 4.7.3 Effects between varieties and fertilizers 71

4.8 Oil content 72

4.8.1 Varietal effects on oil content in mustard seed 72 4.8.2 Effects of vermicompost and inorganic fertilizers 72 4.8.3 Effects between varieties and fertilizers 73

V SUMMARY AND CONCLUTION 75-77

VI REFERENCES 78-89

x

LIST OF TABLES

Table no. Titles Page

no.

MnmhnlnQicaI characteristics of exnerimental field 48

2 Physical and Chemical properties of the experimental soil 48

3 The effect of different vermicompost and inorganic fertilizer 66 doses on the number of siliquae per plant of mustard varieties

(SAU sharisha-I& 3)

4 The effect of different vermicompost and inorganic fertilizer 68 doses on the number of seeds per siliquae of mustard varieties

(SAU sharisha-1& 3)

5 The effect of different vermicompost and inorganic fertilizer 70 doses on the length of siliquae of mustard varieties (SAU

sharisha-l& 3)

6 The effect of different vermicompost and inorganic fertilizer 72 doses on the seed yield of mustard varieties (SAU sharisha-l& 3)

7 The effect of different vermicompost and inorganic fertilizer 74 doses on the oil content of mustard varieties (SAU sharisha-l&

3)

xi

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure J Titles I Page

Layout

2 The effect of vermicompost and inorganic fertilizer doses on 59 plant height of mustard

3 The effect of different vermicompost and inorganic fertilizer 60 doses on the plant height of mustard varieties (SAU sharisha-I&

3)

4 The effect of different doses of vermicompost and inorganic 61 fertilizers on the number of primary branches per plant of mustard

5 The effect of different vermicompost and inorganic fertilizer 62 doses on the the number of primary branches per plant of mustard varieties (SAU sharisha-l& 3)

6 The effect of different doses of vermicompost and inorganic 63 fertilizer on the number of secondary branches per plant of mustard

7 The effect of different vermicompost and inorganic fertilizer 64 doses on the the number of secondary branches per plant of mustard varieties (SAU sharisha- I & 3)

S The effect of different doses of vermicompost and inorganic 65 fertilizer on the number of siliquae per plant of mustard

9 Effects of different vermicompost and inorganic fertilizer doses 67 on the number of seeds per siliquae of mustard

10 Effects of different doses of vermicompost and inorganic 69 fertilizer on the length of siliquae of mustard

11 Effects of different vermicompost and inorganic fertilizer doses 71 on the seed yield (1./ha) of mustard varieties

12 Effects of different doses of vermicompost and inorganic 73 Fertilizer on the oil content of mustard seed

XII

LIST OF APPENDICES

Appendix Titles Page

no. I I no.

I Effects on Plant height (cm). Number of primary branches per 90 plant, number of secondary branches per plant. Number of

siliquae per plant, number of seeds per siliquae, length of siliquae (cm), seed yield (tlha) and oil content of mustard

Varietal effects on plant height (cm), number of primary 91 branches per plant, number of secondary branches per plant,

number of siliquae per plant, number of seeds per siliquae, length of siliquae (cm), seed yield (tiha) and oil content of mustard

III Effects of fertilizers on plant height (cm), number of primary 91 branches per plant, number of secondary branches per plant,

number of siliquae per plant, number of seeds per siliquae, length of siliquae (cm), seed yield (t/ha) and oil content of mustard

xflI

LIST OF PLATES

Plate no. Titles Page

Agroecological zone of Bangladesh 92

xiv

LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS Abbreviation Full word

DDE Dichioro-diphenyl-ethane

FAO Food and Agriculture Organization

BBS Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics

WB World Bank

BCSIR Bangladesh Council of Scientific &

Industrial Research

mt Metric-ton

Micro liter

Pg Microgram

ng Nanogram

OP organophosphorus

Op Orthopara

pp Parapara

ppb Parts per billion

ppm Parts per million

PR Pesticide residue

LSD Least significant difference

ai Active ingredient

t Ton

cm2 Square centimeter

yr Year

df Degrec of freedom

ha Hactare

SE Standard error

() Log of hydrogen ion concentration

xv

Abbreviation Full word

Yd Yard

wk Week

A Acre

xvi

I

N

u m ludutt- Dt

CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION

Brassica is a genus of plants in the mustard family (l3rassiceae) that encompasses a large number of species which may be classed into three groups, viz. (I) the mustard. (2) the rape seed and (3) the cole. The cole group is grown for vegetables and other two groups the mustard and the rape seed are grown for sources of the valuable edible oils. Among the species, Brassica napuc and Bracsica campestries are regarded as 'rape seed' while Brassicajuncea is regarded as 'Mustard'.

Brassica napus (rape seed) is a high yielding species recently adopted but shattering occurs at its ripening, while Brassica campestries is comparatively low yielding but very familiar in Bangladesh. Brassica juncea has comparatively high yield potentiality and stable yield when it is late planted. It is non shattering type and can tolerate drought and salinity; but it is a long duration species. Morphological traits and their associations influence yield, resistance or tolerance to biotic and abiotic stresses under varied environmental conditions.

This genus is remarkable for comprising more important agricultural and horticultural crops than any other genus does. Mustard (Brassica spp) is one of the most important oil seed crops throughout the world after soybean and groundnut (FAO, 2004). It has a great demand for edible oil in Bangladesh. Mustard is tops of the list among the oil crops grown in this country in respect of both production and acreage (BBS, 2004).

Bangladesh is predominantly an agricultural country. Oil seed crops have always been occupying an important segment in Bangladesh Agriculture. But the country is facing increasing deficiency in oil seed production and consequently her import cost is increasing. Moreover the area of oil seed crops including mustard and rape seed is also decreasing. On the other hand; high population growth rate is also putting increasing pressure on the per capita consumption of oils.

So to nourish the people of our county adequately, we should develop varieties with higher seed yield with more oil percentage in seed, tolerant to biotic and abiotic stress.

The improved variety should also fit well into T. aman-Mustard.Boro cropping pattern.

Oils in our diets are mostly needed for calories and vitamin absorbent. It produces a large amount of calorie 9 kcal energy from 1gm of oil in comparison with other dietary components e.g. - carbohydrate and protein. In a balance diet for human health, 20-50%

of calories should come from fats and oils. The mustard oil is not only used for cooking purpose but also for hair dressing, body massing, and different types of pickles' preparation. It is also used for its medicinal value. Oil cake is prepared from oil seeds and is valuable feed for livestock and is also used as in organic manure. Mustard seeds contain 4045% oil and 20-25% protein (Mondal and Wahhab. 2001).

The per capita consumption of edible oil in our country is 8 g/ day compared to a need of 40W day (Kaul and Das, 1978). The shortage of edible oil has become a chronic problem for the nation. Bangladesh requires 0.29 million tons of oil equivalent to 0.8 million tons of oil seeds for nourishing her people but oil seed production is about 0.254 million tons.

This covers only 40% of the domestic need (FAO, 2001). One third of the total requirement of oil is met by local production of rape seed and mustard (BBS, 2004). In Bangladesh two third of the total annually consumed edible oil is imported. In 2003, the import cost was 690 million U.S. dollar (BBS. 2004).

Vermicompost is organic manure produced by the activity of earthworms. It is a mixture ot'worm casts, which is rich in macro and micronutrients. vitamins, growth hormones and immobilized micro flora. The average nutrient content of vermicompost is much higher than that of Farm Yard Manure (FYM). Vermicompost contains 2.29 folds more organic carbon, 1.76 times total nitrogen, 3.02 folds phosphorus and 1.60 times potassium than the respective amounts contained in normal compost. Earthworms decrease the C: N ratio from 14.21 to 10.11 and an average 56.03% of organic waste can be converted into vermicompost by the activities of earthworms in short time (Sohrab and Sarwar, 2001).

Application of vermicompost facilitates easy availability of essential plant nutrients to crops.

In the year of 2003-04 mustard covered 1.79 lakh hectares of land and the production was 2.11 lakh metric tons (mt), whereas the total oilseed production was 4.07 lakh mt and total area covered by oilsced crops was 3.89 lakh hectares. In the year of 2004.05 it covered 3.95 lakh hectares of land and the production was 3.79 lakh (mt) (BBS, 2005).

This skewed distribution, and the high cost of fertilizer in most parts of the world, emphasizes the need for increasing the efficiency of their use, and many researchers look forward to the combination of organic with inorganic sources of nutrient as the best route for this purpose. Vermicompost can be an important tool to the combination of organic and inorganic sources of nutrient.

Bangladesh Agriculture Research Institute (BAR!) and Bangladesh Institute of Nuclear Agriculture (BINA) have released a number of new high yielding varieties (HYV) of these crops for farmer's cultivation. The yield of HYV cultivars ranges from 1.4 to 2.1 ¹ ha (BARI, 2002a). However, the yields in fanner's fields are still low due to imbalanced

fertilizer application and deterioration of soil quality day by day.

In Bangladesh some promising varieties of mustard have been released and those are being cultivated under inorganic fertilization. Such promising mustard (Brassica campestris) cv. SAU Sharisha-1 and SAU Sharisha-3 were used in this experiment with application of vermicompost and inorganic fertilizers. SAU Sharisha-1 & 3 is the newly released varieties of Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University. It is a short term and high yielding variety of sharisha. It is under yellow sarson group of the species of campestris.

From the fertilizer recommendation given in the leaflet of SAU Sharisha-1 it is found that sulphur and phosphorous is the important two nutrients affecting yield contributing characters of this variety. SAU Sharisha-3 is under black sarson group of the species of campestris. It contains higher amount of oil in comparison with SAU Sharisha- I.

This experiment was undertaken keeping the following objectives in mind:

To evaluate the growth and yield performance of SAU Sharisha- I & 3 by the application of vermicompost and inorganic fertilizers.

To find out the oil content of SAU Shauisha-I & 3.

97 n

I- III&

N t i

1

CHAPTER II

REVIEW OF LITERATURE

A number of research works on the response of crops, especially rapeseed-mustard to different fertilizer and manures have carried out in Bangladesh and other oil seeds crops growing countries of the world. Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University has already developed new varieties (SAU Sharisha-1, 3, and 4) which belong to the group of rapeseed. The farmers are also advised to use manures and fertilizers irrespective of crops, seasons and soils for boosting up yields, but information on the effect of combined application of fertilizers and oil content of mustard and on soil properties are very limited in our country. However, some of the works done in our country and elsewhere in the world are briefly reviewed here.

2.1 Effect of inorganic fertilizers on rapeseed-mustard:

Kumar and Kumar (2007) conducted a field experiment to study the Growth potential of Indian mustard var. Vardan to varying levels of nitrogen and sulphur. The present investigation was carried out on Indian mustard var. Vardan during November, 2003 to March, 2004 to find out the growth potential with varying levels of nitrogen (0, 60, 80, 100, 320 and 140 kg/ha) and sulphur (0, 20, 40 and 60 kg/ha). It was observed that nitrogen application had significantly increased all the growth characters of the plant (height, number of branches, number of leaves, leaf area and number of primary secondary and tertiary branches). The application of sulphur up to 20 kg/ha had significant effect in increasing the growth characters, over the control.

Varun

a

aL (2007) conducted a field experiment to study the effect of phosphorus and sulphur levels on growth and yield of mustard (Brassicajuncea Coss) variety 'Varuna'. A field study was conducted during winter 2003-04 in Uttar Pradesh, India to evaluate the effect of p (0, 20, 40 and 60 kg/ha) and S (0, 15, 30 and 45 kg/ha) levels on the performance of Indian mustard cv. Varuna. Six yield components were evaluated: final plant height, number of functional leaves/plant, siliquaeiplant, seed yield, total dry matter content and stover yield. A linear increase in all the traits was observed up to 60 kg P/ha and 45 kg S/ha. Results obtained under IS kg S/ha was non-significantly higher than those under 30 kg S/ha.

Sankaran and Ebbs (2008) observed that the accumulation of excess Cd in the seeds of cereal and other crops compromises their commercial value and presents a potential risk to human health. Indian mustard [Brassicajuncea (L.) Czem.] is a moderate accumulator of heavy metals such as Cd and Zn, and the seeds are consumed throughout the world, particularly in the Indian subcontinent. The study here examined the transport of Cd into Indian mustard plants and to seeds as a function of external Cd and the stage of the life cycle (vegetative growth, flowering and seed set) to identif' critical developmental windows where transport from roots to seeds was the greatest. Plants were also treated simultaneously with Zn to determine if Zn fertilization mitigated the transport of Cd to seeds. Plants treated with Cd during the seed set accumulated the highest concentrations of Cd, exceeding 8mg kg-1 dry weight in some instances. Cadmium accumulated during vegetative growth was not highly redistributed to seeds. No effects of Zn were observed with regard to Cd redistribution to seeds. This may be because of the relatively small Zn:Cd ratios tested. However, the results suggest that if Zn fertilization is to be used to

reduce the Cd accumulation in seeds of this species, the plants should be treated during the seed set stage. As the seeds of Indian mustard consistently accumulated Cd to concentrations that exceed acceptable limits for food crops, additional study of Cd redistribution in this species is warranted.

Kovacs el aL (2007) conducted a field experiment to study the effects of nitrogen and different N: S ratio on yield and nutrient uptake of mustard (Sinapis a/ba L.). A greenhouse pot experiment was conducted to determine the effects of different N rates (0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 g/pot) and N:S ratios (8,4 and 2) on the yield and nutrient (N, S. K, Ca, Mg, Mn and Zn) uptake of mustard (Sinapis alba). N fertilizer application significantly improved both the grain and straw yields of mustard. Seed yield increased significantly with decreasing N: S ratio (with increasing S application rate). Maximum grain yield of 24.7 g/pot was observed when full rates of N and S were applied, while the lowest (8.7 g/pot) was observed in plots treated with the lowest N rate and N:S ratio. The highest straw yield (59.2 g/pot) was recorded in the treatment with the combination of 2 g N/pot and N: S ratio of 2. N application increased the accumulation of all nutrients (except Ca) in straw and increased the quantity of most nutrients except for Ca and K in seed. S application also increased the concentrations of most nutrients but this effect was not as significant as the effect of N application. N, 5, Mg, Mn and Zn concentrations in grain were higher than in the vegetative parts of mustard. K and Ca were accumulated in the straw.

Kumar and Yadav (2007) conducted a field experiment to study the effect of phosphorus and sulphur levels on growth, yield and quality of indian mustard (Brassica juncea)

cultivars in the two consecutive winter (rabi) seasons of 2000-01 and 2001-02 at Agronomy Research Farm of NDUAT, Faizabad experiments were setup to find out the optimum dose of phosphorus and sulphur for Indian mustard [Brassicajuncea ( L) Czernj.

& Cosson] cultivars. The treatment consisted of four levels of P (0, 13.1, 26.1 and 39.3 kg/ha) and four levels of sulphur (0, 15, 30 and 45 kg/ha) applied though diammonium phosphate and elemental sulphur in split-plot design replicated thrice. A significant response of crop was observed due to and up to 26.2 kg P and 30 kg S/ha, in seed and stover yields. Nutrient uptake was also highest under this treatment. The optimum dose of S and P was computed as 47.5 and 40.2 kg, and 44.0 and 40.2 kg for the first and second years respectively. 1-lighest net returns of Rs 12.729 and 13 734/ha were recorded with the application of 39.3 and 45 kg/ha P and S respectively. However, net returns of Rs 1.10 and I .1 8/ha/Reinvested were highest at 26.2 and 30 kg P and S respectively. 'NDR 8501' followed by 'Varuna' recorded the highest seed yield of 2.01 and 2.00 tlha, and stover yield of 6.03 and 5.90 t/ha during 2000-01 and 2001-02 respectively.

Sudhir ci aL (2007) conducted a field experiment to study the effect of plant density and nitrogen level on growth performance of mustard [Brassicajuncea (L.) Czem & Coss] to determine the effects of plant density (166xl03, 222xl03 and 333x103) and N level (0, 40. 80 and 120 kg/ha) on the growth performance of mustard (Brassica juncea). ^Plant stand/m2 decreased with the decrease in plant density, but was not affected by varying N levels. Plant height decreased with the decrease in plant density, while number of branches per plant, number of leaves per plant, leaf area index, dry matter accumulation per plant and growth rate were increased significantly with the increasing level of N up to

120 kg N/ha. Crop maturity was delayed for 5 days with the application of 0-120 kg N/ha at 166x 103 plantslha.

Poonam ^ci aL (2007) conducted a field experiment to study the effect of S and Zn nutrients on growth, seed yield and quality of Indian mustard [Brassicajuncea (L.) Czern and Coss.] varieties. Indian mustard cultivars Vaibhav. Rohini, Varuna, Kranti and Urvashi were treated with S (20. 40 and 60 kg/ha) and Zn (2.5, 5.0 and 7.5 kg/ha) during the 2003-04 and 2004-05 rabi seasons in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh. India. Among cuitivars, Varuna gave the highest performance regarding seed yield per plot and per hectare with maximum number of siliqua and 1000-seed weight with higher amount of oil content (4 1.28%). Urvashi performed next to Varuna in terms of seed yield per plot and per hectare, having the highest number of primary and secondary branches but oil content was slightly low (40.70%). The highest oil content was yielded by Rohini (4 1.50%) and Kranti (4 1.52%). Application of 60 kg S and 7.5 kg Zn/ha gave maximum seed yield and quality, but benefits of S was more than Zn application, i.e. 79.29 kg in seed yield/ha and 0.56% in oil content. Urvashi and Kranti were most responsive to nutrient application.

Santosh

a

aL (2007) conducted a field experiment to study the effect of organic manure based on distillery compost, farmyard manure and inorganic fertilizer on the yield.

quality of Indian mustard (Brassica juncea L.). An experiment was carried out with Indian mustard during the crop season of 2004-05 and 2005-06 in Bagpat, Uttar Pradesh, India, comprising 10 treatments: control, farmyard manure (FYM) at ⁵ t/ha, distillery effluent and press mud compost (DEPC) at 1. 2 and 3 tlha, FYM, DEPC at 3 tlha, FYM,

DEPC at 2 t/ha, FYM. DEPC at I tlha, and N at 40 and 60 kg/ha. The DEPC, FYM, combinations of DEPC, FYM and inorganic fertilizer signiticantly increased the seed yield, biological yield and quality content of Indian mustard. Among the various treatments, application of FYM. DEPC at 3 tIha recorded the highest seed yield, biological yield and all the quality contents (oil, protein, nitrogen and sulfur contents in seeds, and N content in seed and stover) in both years.

Lone and Khan (2007) conducted a field experiment to study the effects of rate and

timing of N fertilizer on growth. photosynthesis, N accumulation and yield of mustard

(Brassicajuncea)

subjected to defoliation. Mustard

(Brassicajuncea

L.) is characterized

by large number of broad oblong shaped leaves in the lower layers. Our earlier studies

have shown that removal of these shaded lower leaves on mustard plant axis enhanced

growth, photosynthetic capacity and yield of the crop. We now present evidence that soil-

applied nitrogen (N) at pit- or post-flowering stage following defoliation of lower leaves

influences plant growth, photosynthesis and assimilation balance. Following defoliation

at pit-flowering, i.e. 40 days after sowing (DAS) and N applied at the rate of 100 kg ha'

at the time of sowing and 50 kg had at post-flowering (60 DAS) enhanced the

characteristics maximally. The defoliation treatment together with N combinations and

the time of its application, N at 150 kg ha' applied as single dose at the time of sowing or

N applied in split; 100 kg ha' at the time of sowing and 50 kg had at 40 DAS or 75 kg

ha' at the time of sowing or 75 kg ha1 at pre- or post-flowering time proved less

effective. The plants which were not defoliated and received 75 kg N ha' at the time of

sowing and 75 kg ha' at 60 DAS showed lowest values. Furthermore, N assimilation was

more efficient in plants following defoliation at 40 DAS. The results suggest that split N

application (100 kg ha1 at sowing and 50 kg hit at post-flowering) enhances substantially growth, photosynthesis. N assimilation and yield of mustard following defoliation. This management practice could be adopted in mustard culture for increasing seed yield together with minimizing N loss.

Meena ci at (2006) carried out a field experiment to study the effect of Zn and Fe enriched FYM on mustard yield and micronutrient availability in loamy sand soil (Typic Haplustept) of Anand. On loamy sand soil (Typic Haplustept) to study the effect of Zn and Fe enriched FYM on soil properties, available nutrient status and yield of mustard during 2002-03. The seed. straw and total yield of mustard was increased due to Zn and Fe enriched FYM application by 184, 356 and 539 kg hi', respectively over no FYM.

The Zn and Fe enriched FYM improved average mustard seed yield by 20% over control whereas it was higher by 11% over straight Zn and Fe application. The Zn and Fe enriched FYM enhanced DTPA-extractable Zn and Fe contents of soil.

Nathawat ci at (2007) conducted a field experiment to study the interactive effect of nitrogen source and salinity on growth indices and ion content of Indian mustard. The interactions between salinity and different nitrogen (N) sources nitrate (NOç), ammonium (NH4), and (NO3 +NH4 ), were investigated on Indian mustard (Brassica juncea cv. RH30). Treatments were added to observe the combined effect of two salinity levels (8 and 12 ds m') and three nitrogen sources (NO3-+NH4). and (NO3 +NH4t) on different growth parameters and mineral composition in different plant pans, i.e., leaves, stem, and root. Salinity has been known to affect the uptake and assimilation of various essential nutrients required for normal growth and development. Different growth

parameters, i.e., leaf area. dry weight of different plant parts, absolute growth rate (AGR).

relative growth rate (RGR), and net assimilation rate (NAR) declined markedly by salinity at preflovering and flowering stages. All growth indices were less sensitive to salinity (12 d sm4) with the nitrate form of nitrogen. It is pertinent to mention that a high dose (120 kg ha4) of nitrogen in ammonium form NH4 , acted synergistically with salinity in inhibiting growth. Plants fed with combined nitrogen (NO3'+NH4) had an edge over individual forms in ameliorating the adverse effects of salinity on growth and yield. Under salt stress. different nutrient elements such as N, phosphorus (P), potassium (K), and magiesium (Mg21) were decreased in different plant parts (leaves, stem, and root). The maximum and minimum reduction was observed with ammoniacal and combined form of nitrogen, respectively, while the reverse was true of calcium (Ca21), sodium (Na'), chloride (Cl), and sulfate (SO4-) at harvest. Nitrogen application (120 Kg hi') in combined form had been found to maintain highest concentrations of N, P. Mg2 ^, and Ca2 along with reduced concentrations of Nat, Cl', and SO4 . However, reverse was true with ammoniacal form of nitrogen.

Rana cx aL(2007) observed that direct and cumulative residual effect of phosphorus and sulphur on yield trend, system productivity, economics and balance sheet of Indian mustard (Brassica

juncc'a)-sun

flower

(Heliant

bus annuus)-urd bean

(Vigna inungo)

cropping system. A field study was conducted during the winter (rabi), spring (mid) and rainy (kharif) seasons of 1999 to 2003, in New Delhi, India, to evaluate the direct, residual and cumulative effect of recommended doses of phosphorus (40 kg P20sJha) and sulfur (30 kg S/ha), applied alone and in combination, on the Indian mustard-sunflower- urdbean annual crop rotation, repeated continuously on the fixed plot for three and half

years. Main plot treatments to Indian mustard were control. 40 kg P205 30 kg S and 40kg PiOs. 30 kg S/ha and same treatments were applied to succeeding sunflower by dividing main.plots into 4 sub-plots. Urdbean, the third crop of the sequence, was grown on residual fertility. Recommended dose of 4 kg P205 and 30 kg S/ha alone and in combination significantly increased the seed yield of Indian mustard and sunflower over the control. Direct effect of phosphorus on the seed yield of Indian mustard and sunflower was more pronounced than direct effect of sulfur. Based on three years average. Indian mustard recorded 32.8, 23.9 and 43.2% increase in seed yield due to P, S and P. S combined application over the control respectively. In case of sunflower, corresponding increase in seed yield was 42.0, 22.4 and 54.2%. Residual effect of P alone and in combination with S on Indian mustard become visible during third year only while in sunflower, these were found perceptible during second and third year. Cumulative residual effect of S application was not observed both on Indian mustard and sunflower.

Residual effect of P applied to Indian mustard became visible on urdbean after 2 applications while residual effect of S application to same crop did not cause marked increase in the seed yield of urdbean. On the contrary residual effect of P and S applied to sunflower induced significant increase in seed yield of urdbean. Annual system productivity in term of mustard seed equivalent recorded increasing trend due to P and S application across the years. On an average P and S application alone and in combination either to Indian mustard or sunflower recorded net returns of Rs. 31881, Rs. 28242 and Rs. 34935/ba respectively. Available P in the soil recorded perceptible build up after 3 years when both the crop received recommended dose of P. Available P remained at initial level when P was applied either to Indian mustard or sunflower. Indian mustard-

sunflower urdbean crop sequence recorded slight improvement in available 5, where S was applied to both the crop.

Mehdi and Singh (2007) observed that the effect of various levels of sulfur fertilization on growth and yield of Indian mustard (Brassicajuncea L.) under subtropical conditions.

A field experiment was conducted during the winter season of 2002-03, on Genetic alluvial soil, in Uttar Pradesh, India, to study the growth and yield attributes of Indian mustard (Brassica juncea) under various levels of sulfur (0, 20, 40, 60 and 80 kg/ha).

Sulfur fertilization significantly increased the growth attributes, i.e. plant height, dry matter. leaf area index, relative growth rate (at initial vegetative growth stage), primary and secondary branches. Marked improvement was also observed in all yield contributing characters, i.e. wi. of 1000-seeds, seed weight per plant, number of siliquae per plant, siliqus length, seed and straw yield as a result of S application up to 40kg/ha. Seeds per siliqua and harvest index were improved with application of only 20 kg S/ha. Thus, to obtain higher growth and seed yield of Indian mustard under subtropical western tract of Uttar Pradesh, application of 40 kg S/ha together with recommended doses of other major nutrients was found to be the most appropriate fertilizer combination.

Milap ci aL (2006) observed that fertilizer recommendations based on soil tests for yield targets of mustard and rapeseed and their validations under farmers' field conditions in Punjab. Soil test crop response correlations studies conducted with mustard and rapeseed on a Typic Haplustept soil at Punjab Agricultural University farm, Ludhiana provided correlations of high predictability between grain yield and soil available nutrients and fertilizer nitrogen. Based on yield target, fertilizer adjustment equations for situation and

site-specific fertilizer recommendations for mustard and rapeseed have been evolved. The reproducibility of these recommendations has been verified by undertaking follow-up trials under thrmers' field conditions. The results showed that fertilizer application based on yield target gave higher yields, net benefit and B/C ratio over the farmers' practice.

The target yield approach was also found superior to fertilizer doses prescribed by the soil testing laboratories.

Issa-Piri and Sharma (2007) observed the effect of sulphur on yield attributes and yield of Indian mustard

(Brassica juncea)

as influenced by irrigation. A field experiment was conducted during the rabi season of 2003-04 and 2004-05 in New Delhi. India to investigate the effects of irrigation and sulfur (5) on the yield attributes and yield of Indian mustard cv. Pusa Jagnnath. The treatments comprised of 3 levels of irrigation (no irrigation, one irrigation at 45 days after sowing (DAS) and 2 irrigations at 45 and 90 DAS) and four levels of S (0, 15, 30 and 45 kg/ha). Both irrigation and S significantly increased the yield attributes and seed and straw yield of Indian mustard. The crop responded to S differentially under different irrigation regimes. Without irrigation, the seed yield of Indian mustard increased when the S level was increased from 0 to 45 kg S/ha, whereas with I or 2 irrigations, the seed yield increased with 30 kg S/ha.

Issa-Piri and Sharma (2006) observed the effect of levels and sources of sulphur on yield

attributes, yield and quality of Indian mustard

(Brassicajuncea). A

field experiment was

conducted during the winter season of 2003/04 and 2004/05 in New Delhi, India, to study

the effect of 4 levels of Sulfbr (0, 15. 30 and 45 kg S/ha) and 2 sources (gypsum and

cosavet) of sultlir on yield attributes, yield and quality of Indian mustard. Yield attributes,

seed and straw yields, oil content and oil yield, and sulfur content and uptake in both seed and straw increased significantly with increasing level of sulfur up to 45 kg S/ha. S at IS.

30 and 45 kg/ha increased seed yield over the control by 9, 16 and 23%; oil yield by 13, 22 and 33%; and sulfur uptake by 25,48 and 65%, respectively. Sources of sulfur did not differ significantly with regard to yield and sulfur uptake but cosavet recorded significantly higher sulphur-use efficiency and sulphur-uptake efficiency than gypsum.

Reager a at. (2006) reported about the yield attributes, yield and nutrient uptake of Indian mustard (Brasskajuncea) as influenced by nitrogen levels and its split application in and western Rajasthan. A field experiment was conducted during the winter season of 2002/03 and 2003/04, to determine the effect of N levels and its split application on yield attributes and yield of Indian mustard. The increasing levels of N from 40 to 100 kg/ha significantly enhanced siliquae per plant, seeds per siliqua, siliqua length, test weight, seed yield and NPK uptake of Indian mustard. However, significant increase in stover and biological yields was recorded up to 120 kg N/ha. Further, application of one-third N as basal + one-third at first irrigation + one-third at second irrigation being statistically at par with half basal + one-fourth at first irrigation + one-fourth at second irrigation brought a substantial improvement in siliquae per plant, seeds per siliqua, siliqua length, test weight, seed, stover and biological yield and NPK uptake compared to 2 equal splits, namely half at basal + half at first irrigation, days after planting basal + half of rest at first irrigation + half rest at second irrigation and l00% basal.

If,

Nagdive ci aL (2007) conducted a field experiment in Akola, Maharashtra. India, to study the effect of irrigation and nutrient management on yield, quality and uptake of nutrients by mustard (Brassicajuncea L.). During the winter season of 2004-05 the seed yield, oil yield, protein content and nutrient uptake by Indian mustard (Brassicajuncea) is influenced by irrigation and nutrient management treatments. The results indicated that among irrigation treatments, application of irrigation at branching, flowering and siliquae development stages recorded maximum seed yield, protein content, oil percentage and oil yield. The same treatment also enhanced the nitrogen and phosphorus uptake. Among nutrient management treatments, application of 75% recommended dose of NPK (45:22.5:22.5 kg NPK ha"), FYM at 5 t ha", Azotobacter, P513 recorded significantly highest seed, protein and oil yield. Nitrogen, phosphorus and sulfur uptake as well as protein content than 50% (30:15:15 kg NPK ha") and 75% (45:22.5:22.5 kg NPK ha") RDF alone.

Singh ci at (2007) studied the effect of industrial waste on the nutrient uptake (P. S and Mn) and yield of mustard crop. Field experiments were conducted in Madhya Pradesh.

India, during the 2000/01 rabi season, to determine the effect of industrial wastes on the phosphorus (P). sullbr (S) and manganese (Mn) uptake of mustard. Results revealed that an increase in yield (grain and straw) of mustard was obtained with a profitable cost benefit ratio by the application of Mn through industrial waste (byproduct) and as Mn sulfate. A similar result was also obtained with increase in Mn, P and S uptake with the application of these products. Highest grain and straw yields and net income were observed with the application of industrial waste at ISO kg/ha as Mn supplements.

17

Dharvendra and Vet-ma (2007) observed the Indian mustard (Brassicajuncea) seed yield and oil yield as affected by sulphur and nitrogen fertilization. A field experiment was conducted during winter (rabi) seasons of 1992-93 and 199394 to study the effect of graded levels of sulfur and nitrogen on Varuna Indian mustard (Brassica juncea), grown in pearl millet-mustard cropping system. Seed yield (16.4 q ha") was significantly increased with S application ® 90 kg ha", but application of 60 kg S ha" appeared economically better than other levels of S. Similar increases in mean seed yield with N application @ 120 kg over 80.40 and 0kg levels was 3-8, 29.2 and 117.6%. respectively.

A significantly positive interaction between the two nutrients (S & N) in increasing seed yield was observed, giving the highest seed yield (19.18 q ha") due to combined application of N. S. An improvement in oil yield was noticed significantly upto 60 kg S ha" and appeared a reasonable level of S. Similarly, 80 kg N ha" was noticed quite advantageous for production of oil ha" in mustard. They also stated that the mean seed yield of Indian mustard cv. 1-59 (Varuna) was highest (18.80 quintal ha") with gypsum at 40 kg S ha", followed by ammonium sulfate (16.99 quintal ha'), along with 80 kg N and 60 kg P205ha". The lowest yield (14.68 quintal ha") was recorded for elemental sulfur. [1.0 quintal100.0 kg.

Maurya ci aL (2004) conducted a field experiment in Bahraich, Uttar Pradesh, India, during the 2000/01 and 2001/02 winter seasons to study the effect of N fertilizer (0, 50, 100 and 150 kg/ha) on high-yielding Indian mustard cultivars Vardan, Varuna and Pusa Bold. Pusa Bold, 150 kg N/ha gave the highest germination percentage while Vardan, 150 kg N/ha gave the maximum plant height, number of branches per plant, number of

siliqua per plant. number of grains per plant, 1000-grain weight, grain yield and straw yield.

Amar and Meena (2004); A field experiment was conducted during the winter season of 1996-97 and 1997-98 in Rajasthan, India to study the effect of N and S on seed yield, plant height, primary and secondary branches and dry-matter accumulation of Indian mustard (Brassicajuncea). Nitrogen at 80 kg/ha, S at 60 kg/ha significantly increased siliquae per plant, seeds per siliqua, length of siliqua and test weight of seeds and also resulted in highest seed (2109 kg/ha) yield on pooled basis. On pooled basis, optimum dose of N and S was 88.24 and 74.86 kg/ha respectively. N at 80 kg/ha resulted in net income and benefit: cost ratio of Rs 15 799/ha and 2.69, respectively, during the first year and Rs 18M 193/ha and 2.87 during the second year. Sulfur at 60 kg/ha gave a net income of Rs 14774/ha and benefit: cost ratio 2.95 during the first year and Rs 17 058/ha and 2.76 during the second year. The increase in N uptake under 40, 60, and 80 kg N/ha was 30. 57 and 74% respectively, over the control (20 kg N/ha), whereas it was 17, 28 and 34% under 20. 40 and 60 kg S/ha. Content (%) of N and S. in seed stalk increased with the increase in N and S levels. The residual available N and S also improved with the increasing N and S application.

Thanki es aL (2004); A field experiment was conducted to study the effect of nitrogen,

phosphorus and farm yard manure on growth, yield, quality and nutrient uptake of Indian mustard. Brassica juncea (1.) Czern and Coss. Indian mustard cv. Ciujarat Mustard-I

plants were supplied with 25, 50 or 70 kg N/ha, 0, 25 or 50 kg P/ha and 0 or 10 farmyard manure/ha in a field experiment conducted in Gujarat, India during the rabi

seasons of 1995-98. Plant height, number of branches per plant. number of siliqua per plant, 1000-seed weight. seed yield, oil yield and net returns increased, whereas oil content decreased with increasing rates of N. The values for all the parameters measured were highest with the application of 50 kg P/ha and 10 kg farmyard manure/ha. N, P and K uptake increased with increasing rates of N, P and farmyard manure rates.

Kamta ci ciL (2003) conducted an experiment in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh. India, to study the effect of N, F, S and Zn nutrition on nutrient uptake, quality and yield of rainfcd Indian mustard. The effects of N. P. S and Zn fertilizers on the nutrient uptake, quality and yield of Indian mustard (cv. Vaibhav) were studied during the rabi seasons of 1997/98 and 1998/99. The treatments consisted of 60kg N/ha singly or in combination with 30 kg P. 20 kg 5, 5 kg Zn, 30 kg P. 20 kg S, 30 kg F; 5 kg Zn, 20 kg S; 5 kg Zn, or 30 kg P 20 kg S 5 kg Zn/ha. N. P. S and Zn were applied through urea, diammonium phosphate, gypsum and zinc oxide, respectively. The application of 60 kg N 30 kg P 20 kg S ; 5 kg Zn and 60 kg N ; 30 kg F; 20 kg S gave the highest mean stick ± straw yield (43.58 and 42.51 quintal/ha), N uptake by seed (35.64 and 34.26 kg/ha) and stover (34.14 and 33.08 kg/ha). P uptake by seed (11.35 and 10.77 kg/ha) and stover (8.72 and 8.47 kg/ha), K uptake by seed (6.04 and 5.85 kg/ha) and stover (54.23 and 52.79 kg/ha), S uptake by seed (16.55 and 15.92 kg/ha), oil content (39.98 and 39.90% in 1997-98 and 39.90 and 39.80% in 1998-99), oil yield (483.0 and 467.05 kg/ha in 1997-98 and 466.02 and 450.46 kg/ha in 1998-99) and seed yield (13.55 and 13.13 quintal/ha). The former treatment recorded the greatest Zn uptake by seed (72.5 g/ha) and stover (185.8 g/ha), and net return (6084 rupees/ha). [I quintal100 kg].

Raju and Sinsinwar (2006) conducted an experiment during the winter (rabi) seasons of 2001-02 and 2002-03 in Sewar. Bharatpur. Rajasthan. India, on sandy-loam soil to study the effect of integrated nutrient management on the growth, yield, oil content and nutrient uptake by Indian mustard (Brassica juncea cv. RH 30) under 2 levels of farmyard manures (2.5 and 5 t/ha) and inorganic N (0, 40 and 80 kg/ha) in combination with

Azotohactc'r chroococcum and Azospirillum as biofertilizers. The number of branches,

1000-seed weight, and oil content of indian mustard, and yields of seed and straw increased significantly with the application of farmyard manure at S tlha + Azotobacter

chroococcum + Azospirillurn over the control. The application of nitrogen resulted in a

linear increase in the aforementioned parameters up to 80 kg/ha.

Manoj et at (2005) conducted a field experiment to evaluate the effect of saline water irrigation and phosphorus levels (0, 20, 40, 60 kg P205/ha) on phosphorus content and uptake of mustard cv. RH30. The saline irrigation treatments in the main plots consisted of four combinations of non-saline water (two irrigations with non-saline water, first non- saline and saline irrigation, first saline and second non-saline irrigation and two irrigation with saline water). Phosphorus uptake was highest under non-saline irrigation than that of other saline irrigation. Application of 60 kg P205/ha recorded the highest total phosphorus uptake. Among the mustard constituents, seed had the maximum uptake of phosphorus followed by husk and straw.

Rana ci al. (2005) conducted a field experiment during the 2001-03 winter seasons in

New Delhi. India, to study the effects of 3 phosphorus levels (0. 25 and 50 kg P205/ha), 3

sultbr levels (0, 20 and 40 kg S/ha) and 2 boron levels (control and 0.2% spray of borax

at 50% flowering) on rainfed Indian mustard (Brassica juncea cv. Pusa Barani).

Progressive increase in P and S levels increased the yield attributes and seed yield, but the increase in seed yield was significant only up to 25 kg P205/ha and 20 kg S/ha. Indian mustard removed more S than P. Owing to P and S levels, P. S and B uptake was significant only up to 25 kg P705and 20 kg S/ha. The seed yield response to tested levels of P and S was quadratic. Based on the response equation, optimum dose of P205^, response/kg P and returns/reinvestment on P2O5 were 45.4 kg P205, 10.8 kg and Rs 4.82, respectively. Corresponding figures for S application were 30.9 kg S/ha, 13.3 kg seed/kg S and Rs. 5.63/Reinvestment on S. Net returns were maximum with 50 kg P205 Tha (Rs.

19 214/ha) and 40kg S/ha (Rs. 17 664/ha), whereas benefit: cost ratio was highest with 25 kg P205 (3.30) and 20 kg S/ha (3.35). Boron application also recorded a marked improvement in seed yield (10.6%). uptake of P (8.3%), S(7.30%) and B (14.3%), and net returns (13.9%) and benefit: cost ratio (4.8%).

Athokpam et aL (2005) conducted a field experiment where thirty-seven bulk surface soil samples (0-I5 cm) collected from different districts of Manipur, India, were selected to investigate the critical sulfur (S) in mustard plant. The physical and chemical properties of these soils were determined. Available S in the soil sample was extracted using 13 different extractants. Significant difference was observed in mustard dry yield. S content, S uptake and Morgan's exnclant S parameters across the soil. A value of 40 ppm S in soils was found critical for soil-S. Based on Morgan's extractable S and dry matter yield of mustard, soils were divided into two: deficient (<40 ppm 5) and marginal (>40 ppm 5). Data on dry matter yield indicated that all the soils responded to the application of S fertilizer.

Mohammad and Naseem (2006) conducting a sand culture experiment on mustard (Brassicajuncea L. Czern. & Coss) cv. Varuna, reported that all tested characteristics at 60 days stage and yield characteristics at harvest were enhanced by K application as its levels increased from 5 to 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30mM K. with 20mM K proving best.

Dinesh

a

aL (2006) conducted an experiment during the rabi season of 1997-98 in Varanasi. Uttar Pradesh, India, to study the growth and nutrient uptake patterns of Indian mustard (Brassica juncea) at various levels of N. P and S. Plant height and primary branches per plant increased significantly up to 80 kg N/ha, while secondary branches, dry matter per plant and leaf chlorophyll content increased up to 120 kg N/ha.

Application of Pup to 60kg/ha significantly enhanced dry matter per plant. On the other hand, plant height, branches per plant and leaf chlorophyll content increased significantly only up to 40 kg P/ha. All growth attributes increased significantly only up to 40 kg S/ha.

The results showed that the uptake of NPK and S by both seed and stover increased significantly with successive increase in nitrogen levels up to 120 kg N/ha, sulfbr levels up to 60 kg S/ha, and phosphorus levels up to 60 kg P/ha.

Bandopadhy and Bose (2004) conducted a study during the rabi season of 2002 on sandy loam soil in West Bengal. India, to determine the effects of irrigation and phosphorus fertilizer on Indian mustard cv. B-85. Treatments comprised: three P rates (0, 40 and 80 kg/ha) along with constant N and K rates (60 and 30 kg/ha, respectively); and four irrigation levels (no irrigation, one irrigation at branching stage, two irrigations at branching and flowering stages, and three irrigations at branching. flowering and siliqua

t

development stages). Phosphorus application increased the oil content. Increasing irrigation level gradually increased the oil content. No significant differences in crop growth rates due to increase in irrigation level were observed, except at 45-60 days after sowing. The highest crop growth rate was recorded upon treatment with three irrigations, and with 80 kg P/ha concentration at 45-60 days after sowing. At all irrigation levels, phosphorus significantly increased seed yield over the control, except in twice irrigation+80 kg P/ha treatment combination.

Firoz a aL (2005) studied the effect of basal N (80 and 60 kg/ha) and p (28 and 30 kg/ha) with and without supplemental foliar N (0 and 20 kg/ha), P (0 and 2 kg/ha) and S (0 and 2 kg/ha) on yield characteristics and fatty acid composition of oil of Brassica juncea cv.

Rohini studied in a two-year field experiment in Aligarh, India. The data revealed that, of the six treatments, inclusion of N, 'P and S in the spray, particularly in the form of commercial grade fertilizers, had a significant ameliorating effect on all yield characteristics as well as erucic acid content of the oil. This indicates the feasibility of the technique for increased productivity of the crop as well as improved quality of oil for human consumption.

Li-Juan a aL (2005) carried out an investigation on the effects of N (at 10.3, 100. 200 and 300 kg/rn2) and S (at 0 and 50 kg/m2) on the growth and nutritional quality of 2 cultivars (Xuelihong and Baobao Qingcai) of leaf mustard (Brassicajuncea). Increasing N application increased the shoot height, shoot fresh mass, yield as well as contents of chlorophyll, beta -carotene, free amino acids, total N and S in shoots of both cultivars, and nitrate content in Xuelihong, but decreased the dry matter and soluble sugar contents

in both cultivars. The soluble protein content in the 2 cultivars was significantly increased when 100 kg N/rn2 was applied. The nitrate content in Baobao Qingcai was not significantly affected by increasing N application when KCI (non-S) was applied;

however, it increased significantly when K2SO4 was applied. S application significantly increased the soluble protein content in Xuelihong. the nitrate content in Baobao Qingeai and the shoot S content in both cultivars.

Jakhar and Singh (2004) conducted a field experiment at the agronomy farm of the SKN College of Agriculture. Jobner, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India, during the rabi seasons of 2000- 01 and 2001-02 to study the residual influence of graded levels of FYM (0, 5 and 10 tonnes hi) phosphorus

(b,

20, 40 and 60 kg P205 hi') and zinc (0, 5 and JO kg ZnSO4

—2

ha1) on growth, yield and quality of mustard [Brasska junceal. The mean plant height, number of siliquae per plant, test weight, seed and stover yield. protein and oil content and oil yield increased significantly due to the residual effect of 10 t FYM ha1 Residual effect of 40 kg P205 ha' significantly increased the pooled mean plant height, number of siliquae per plant, test weight, seed yield, stover yield. 10 kg Zn ha4 which was applied do

00 to preceding crop, recorded perceptible improvement in plant height, number of siliquae per plant, test weight, seed and stover yields, protein and oil content and oil yield.

Jagvir et aL (2004) conducted a field experiments during the kharif and rabi seasons of 1998-99 and 1999-2000. in Sirsa, Haryana. India, to study the direct and residual effects of sulfur (5) application in cotton-mustard cropping system. Cotton dry matter and seed yield, mustard stover and seed yield, and S and protein contents in seeds of both crops increased significantly with the application of recommended NPK with S at 30 kg/ha

applied to both crops over NPK alone (no sulfur). Pooled data revealed significant increases in seed cotton (22.5%), mustard seed (31 .4%), protein content in seeds of cotton (4%) and mustard (3.4%) and oil content in mustard seed (5.3%) by the application of NPK with S over NPK alone to both the crops. Yield and yield components of mustard were also increased by residual S applied in the preceding crop. However, marginal increase in oil content of cotton seed was observed by S application. Monetary gross returns calculated on mean yield basis indicated higher values of returns in treatments NPK+S where S was applied to both crops. Direct application of S at 30 kg/ha gave additional returns of Rs. 5569/ha from cotton and Rs. 3888/ha from mustard with total net returns of Rs. 9457/ha in cotton-mustard cropping over the control.

Saxena et at (2005) conducted an experiment during the rabi season of 2002-03 in Uttar Pradesh. India to determine the effects of phosphorus and iron on the growth, yield and oil content of Indian mustard (Brassicajuncea) cv. Varuna at 30, 60, 90 and 120 days after sowing (DAS). Treatments comprised: 0 and 40 kg P/ha; and 0, IS and 30 kg Fe/ha.

Treatment with 40 kg P/ha recorded higher leaf area per plant, chlorophyll content, dry matter per plant, number of branches per plant, siliquae per plant, seed yield per plant and oil content than treatment without P. Dry matter accumulation increased as time progressed. Iron promoted leaf area index, chlorophyll content, dry matter at 60, 90 and 120 DAS, branches and seed yield per plant, while si!iquae per plant, oil percentage and dry matter at 30 DAS were not significantly affected. There was no marked distinction between 15 and 30 kg Fe/ha, although both were superior to the control (0 kg Fe/ha).

Interaction effect of phosphorus and iron was not significant.

Dinesh ci al. (2005) conducted a field experiment in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India.

during the rabi seasons of 1997-98 and 1998-99 to study the effect of N (at 40, 80 and 120 kg/ha), P (at 20, 40 and 60 kg/ha) and S (at 20, 40 and 60 kg/ha) on yield and yield attributes of Indian mustard. Siliquac per plant, siliqua length and seed yield per plant increased significantly up to 120 kg N/ha and seeds per siliqua and 1000-seed weight up to 80 kg N/ha. The seed yield increased significantly up to 120 kg N/ha, whereas the harvest index only up to 80 kg N/ha. The yield attributes and yields increased significantly with the increasing levels of P and S up to 40 kg/ha. A non-significant effect on harvest index was recorded with the application of P and S.

Dongarkar ci ciL (2005) conducted a field experiment at Nagpur. Maharashtra, India, during the rabi season of 2003-2004 to study the effect of four levels of nitrogen (0, 25, 50, 75 kg ha") and three levels of sulfur (0, 20, 40 kg ha") on growth, yield attributes and yield of mustard (Brassicajuncea). The application of nitrogen and sulfur significantly influenced the growth and yield of mustard. Plant height, number of branches, dry matter production, number of siliquae, test weight, seed yield and stover yield ha" were significantly superior with the application of 75 kg N ha" over 25 kg N ha" and control but at par with 50 kg N ha" and 40 kg S ha" over 20 kg S ha" and control. The interaction effect of nitrogen and sulfur levels at 75 kg N x 40 kg S ha" in respect to number of siliquae plant", seed yield plant" and seed yield ha" was found significantly superior.

Gudadhe ^L's al. (2005) conducted a field experiment during rabi season of 2003-2004 at College of Agriculture. Nagpur, Maharashtra, India. The mustard (Brassica juncea) variety Pusa bold was grown in clayey soil with pH 7.8. The effect of two strains of bacteria, Azotobacier chroococcum (N fixing) and Pseudomonas striata (phosphorus solubilizing bacteria, PSB), along with recommended dose fertilizer (RDF) were investigated. There were eleven treatment combinations. Seed inoculation with Azo:obacter or/and PSB along with 100% RDF (40:20:00 NPK kg hi) significantly increased plant height, number of branches, dry matter and leaf area plani', number of siliquae plant4, number of seeds siliqui', test weight, seed and straw yield hi'. The inoculation of Azosobacter + PSB along with 100% RDF recorded the highest seed yield (1266 kg ha') and straw yield (2982 kg hi) followed by 75% RDF ⁺ Azotobacter + PSB, which recorded seed yield of 1227 kg hi' and straw yield of 2918 kg ha'. Both treatment combinations resulted to significantly more yield than the 100% RDF. The increase in seed yield with application of 100% RDF +tosobacger + PSB and 75% RDF + Azotohacter + PSB were 11.18 and 8.38%, respectively, more as compared to recommended dose of fertilizers. Thus, with 25% saving in RDF, more yield than 100%

RDF could be achieved with the use of Azosobacter and PSB in mustard.

Gundalia et al. (2005) conducted a field experiment during 1991-94 on a medium black calcareous soil (Typic Ustochrepts) to study the response of mustard (Brassicajuncea cv.

Varuna) to different carriers of S (applied at 30 kg/ha) and K (at 75 kg/ha) along with farmyard manure (FYM. at 25 tTha). There were 9 treatments, consisting of a control (Ti), FYM (T2), recommended dose of N,P; (through urea and diammonium phosphate;

T3), T3+S through elemental S (T4), 13+S through gypsum (T5), T3+S (N and S through

2o

ammonium sulfate and P through KH2PO4 ,T6), T3+S (N through urea, P through dianimonium phosphate and S through single superphosphate; 17), 13+S (S through K2SO4 18) and T3+K (K through KCI equal to K in K2SO4 T9). The highest grain yield was recorded in 18 (1102 kg/ha). 12 (1084 kg/ha) and 19 (1073 kg/ha), which were at par with each other but significantly superior to the control (738 kg/ha). Gypsum and elemental S were also found superior to the control. The stover yield also increased significantly with NP, NPS and K additions. The availability of P. K and S in the soil after harvest of the crop increased significantly with all the treatments, whereas the organic C content increased significantly with FYM only. The S contents in grain and stover increased significantly with the different treatments. Significantly the highest total uptake of P, K and S was noticed with K2504 only.

Ghadge ci al. (2005) conducted a field experiment on mustard cv. Pusa Bold on a clay loam soil in Akola, Maharashtra, India, during the rabi season of 2002-03. The treatments consisted of 3 irrigation levels, i.e. irrigation at 0.40 and 0.60 IW/CPE ratio, as well as irrigation at flowering (55 days after sowing, DAS) and grain filling (70 DAS) stages, 3 P levels (20, 40 and 60 kg/ha), and 3 S levels (0. 20 and 40 kg/ha). Five irrigations applied as pit-sowing and at 0.60 1W: CPE ratio recorded significantly the highest seed yield (18.19 q/1ta). Application of P and S at 60 and 20 kg/ha, respectively, recorded significantly the highest seed yield of 17.38 and ^17.59 q/ha, respectively. Consumptive use of water increased with the increase in irrigation frequency. A similar trend was observed in the case of relative and absolute water use rates. Water use efficiency (WUE) was highest with 3 irrigations applied as pit-sowing and at 0.40 IW/CPE ratios. The

consumptive use, relative and absolute water use rates increased with the increase in the levels of P and S. The WUE was highest with 60 kg P and 20 kg S/ha. Five irrigations applied as pre-sowing and at 0.60 1W: CPE ratio recorded the maximum values for protein and oil percentages. The highest protein and oil percentages were recorded with 60 kg P and 20 kg S/ha.

Khan et al. (2005) have reffered to earlier research to state that exogenous gibberellic acid (GA3)application increases shoot growth, photosynthesis and soil nitrogen (N) utilization in mustard (Brassicajuncea L. Czem & Coss.). Mustard has a high sulfur (5) requirement. Its assimilatory pathway is well coordinated with N and dependent on photosynthesis. Thus, the higher photosynthate production and an efficient use of N with the use of GA could result in an increase in S-use efficiency of the crop. The research was, therefore, carried out to study the effects of 10 micro GA spray on specific leaf area, plant dry mass, leaf carbon dioxide exchange rate (CER), plant growth rate (PGR), relative growth rate (RGR), net assimilation rate (NAR) and S-use efficiency (SUE) of mustard treated with 0, 100 or 200 mg S kg' soil levels. Plants treated with TOO mg S kg

soil and receiving GA treatment showed increased specific leaf area and dry mass accumulation compared to the control. At 0 mg S kg' soil. N and S concentrations were reduced. They increased with increasing S supply. GA application significantly increased N and S concentrations further. A two-fold increase in SUE in GA treated plants at 100 mg S kg' soil was noted in comparison to the control. SUE was not increased under excess S conditions beyond TOO mg S kg' soil. The increase in SUE was through increase in the growth, CER and use efficiency of N by the crop due to GA3 application.

Naresh et at (2006) conducted a field experiment during winter seasons (rabi) of 1999- 2000 and 2000-01 in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India, to study the effect of graded levels of ir