Impact of improved forms of sulphur on NPK status of soil under mustard (Brassica juncea L.) cultivation

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted at Agriculture Research Farm, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Banaras Hindu University during rabi season of 2016-17 to evaluate the effect of improved sulphur (S) formulations on the status of available macronutrients in soil at various growth stages of mustard. Results revealed that the nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) content of soil decreased with increasing the dose of Gromor Rapid Blue® from 5 to 7.5 kg acre-1. Residual N and K status of the soil were found highest when Micronized S was applied @3kg acre-1, whereas application of Gromor Sulphamax @10kg acre-1 gave better results in increasing the P content of soil. At vegetative stage, maximum increase in NPK level over control was recorded, i.e. 34.4, 49.0, and 11.6% with application of Micronized S @3kg acre-1, Gromor Sulphamax @10kg acre-1, and Gromor Rapid Blue® 7.5 kg acre-1, respectively. During this study, the available nutrient content of soil was in decreasing trend as the crop progressed and maximum available nutrient content was observed at vegetative stage.