Response of mustard (Brassica juncea) to nitrogen and sulphur under dryland conditions

A field experiment was conducted during winter seasons of 2000 2001 and 2001 2002 to study the response of lndian mustard [Brassica juncea (L.) Czernj Cosson] cv. Pusa Barani to nitrogen and sulphur levels. Applica tion of 60 kg Nfha and 40 kg S/ha significantly increased the seed yield with concomitant increase in yield at tributes.The per cent increase in seed yield at 60 kg Nfha over 40, 20 and the control was 12.6, 23.8 and 79.8 and at 40 kg Sfha over 20 and control was 12.7 and 32.5 respectively. Each higher level of nitrogen and sulphur appre ciably improved the growth and yield attributes (brancheslplant, siliquaefplant, seed yieldfplant, 1,000 seed weight and harvest index. The seed yield response to tested levels of N and S was found quadratic. Based on response equation optimum dose of N and S for Indian mustard cv. Pusa Barani was found to be 70.8 and 51 kglha, respec tively. The uptake of N and S increased sign icantly up to 80 and 40 kg Nfha, respectively, while sulphur applica tion resulted.in marked increase in N and S uptake only up to 40 kg Sfha. Maximum net returnsfha was recorded with 80 kg N (Rs 10,538fha) and 60 kg Slha (Rs 9,176fha).