Effect of nitrogen and sulphur on growth, yield attributes and seed yield of mustard (Brassica juncea) in eastern plains of Rajasthan

A field experiment was conducted during the winter season of 1996-97 and 1997-98 at Agricultural Research Sub Station, Kumher (Bharatpur), to study the effect of N and S on seed yield, plant height, primary and secondary branches and dry-matter accumulation of Indian mustard [Brassica juncea (L). Czernj. & Cosson]. Nitrogen @ 80 kg/ha + S @ 60 kg/ha significantly increased siliquae/plant, seeds/siliqua, length of siliqua and test weight of seeds and also resulted in highest seed (2,109 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 @ 80 kg/ha resulted net income and benefit : cost ratio of Rs 15,799/ha and 2.69, respectively, during the first year and Rs 18,193/ha and 2.87 during the second year. Sulphur 60 kg/ha gave a net income of Rs 14,774/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 increas in N and S levels. The residual available N and S also improved with the increasing N and S application.