Enhanced oil quality, yield, economics, and nutrient uptake in Indian mustard (Brassica juncea L.) varieties via sulphur management

Abstract

India mustard (Brassica juncea L.) is an essential oilseed crop that offers important nutrients to human beings. However, the concurrent micronutrients deficiencies including sulphur (S) and other nutrient could pose a significant important to public health. Therefore, a field experiment was conducted at agronomy Research farm of Acharya Narendra Deva University of Agriculture and Technology, Ayodhya (Uttar Pradesh) during the rabi of 2010-11. Twelve treatments comprised of four levels of sulphur (0, 20, 40, and 60 kg S ha-1) and three varieties (Varuna, Vardan and Ashirwad) were arranged in randomized block design with three replication. The soil of experimental field was silty loam in texture slight alkaline in reaction having low organic carbon and available nitrogen and medium in phosphorus and high in potash. The crop recorded normal recommended cultural and plant protection measures. Application of 60 kg S ha-1 produced significantly higher values of plant, high primary and secondary branches plant-1, leaf area index, number of siliqua plant-1, length of siliqua, number of seeds siliqua-1, harvest index and oil content. However, dry matter accumulation plant-1, 1000-seeds weight, biological yield, seed yield, stover yield and protein content was significantly increased with increasing dose of sulphur upto 40 kg ha-1. Varuna fertilized with 40 kg S ha-1 gave highest yield, net return and highest benefit cost ratio (1.10) against lowest net return obtained from unfertilized Vardan.