Optimizing mustard crop productivity through combined application of organic and inorganic nutrients in Chitrakoot (MP)

Abstract

The present investigation trough field experiment at Rajoula Agriculture farm, of Mahatma Gandhi Chitrakoot Gramodaya Vishwavidyalaya Chitrakoot, Satna (M.P.) during Rabi season of 2022-23 to assessed the optimizing mustard crop productivity through combined application of organic and inorganic nutrients on Pusa Mahak variety mustard in Chitrakoot (MP). Crop with different nine treatments combinations and three replicated in RBD (Randomized block design). The results indicated that all growth and yield parameters significantly improved with increasing levels of nutrient application through inorganic fertilizers and integrated nutrient management (IPNS). Among the treatments, T6 (40:20:10 NPK + FYM @ 5 t ha⁻¹) consistently produced superior results. Maximum plant height at 30, 60 and 90 DAS, highest number of branches per plant (7.36), siliqua per plant (176.9), and 1000-seed weight (4.75 g) were recorded under this treatment. Similarly, the highest seed yield (2.334 kg plot⁻¹) and Stover yield (6.148 kg plot⁻¹) were also achieved with T6, followed by T3 and T5. In contrast, the untreated control recorded the lowest values for all attributes. The enhanced performance under IPNS may be attributed to the balanced supply of nutrients, improved soil structure, better nutrient retention and sustained nutrient availability throughout crop growth. The study concludes that integrated application of NPK fertilizers along with FYM is an effective strategy for improving growth, yield attributes and productivity of mustard crop.