Effect of integrated nutrient management on productivity, quality, nutrient uptake and economics of mustard (Brassica juncea)

A field experiment was carried during winter season of 2005-06 and 2006-07 to study the effect of integrated nutrient management on productivity, quality, economics and nutrient uptake of mustard [ Brassica juncea (L.) Czernj & Cosson] in Indo-Gangetic plains of India. The plant height, total dry matter accumulation, leaf area index and seed and stover yields were recorded significantly higher when recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF) i.e.120:17.6:16.6:40, N:P:K:S kg/ha was applied along with FYM 10t/ha, 25kg ZnS0 /ha and seed treatment with 4 Azotobacter. On an average, seed yield of mustard increased by 41.2 % over alone application of RDF. Applica- tion of either FYM or Zn or seed treatment along with RDF enhanced the mustard seed yield by 12.0, 11.5 and 13.0%, respectively over RDF alone. The inorganic fertilization had adverse effect on oil as well as glucosinolate contents and highest values were recorded at 50% RDF. Additional application of either of FYM or Zn further in- creased the oil and glucosinolate contents. Azotobacter seed treatment reduced the glucosinolate but improved the oil content. The highest values of N, P, K, S and Zn content and its uptake were recorded with combined appli- cation of RDF with FYM, Zn and Azotobacter.