Effect of phosphorus and sulphur levels on growth, yield and quality of Indian mustard (Brassica juncea) cultivars

A field experiment was conducted during the two consecutive winter (rabi) seasons of 2000-01 and 2001 -02 at Agronomy Research Farm of NDUAT, Faizabad to find out the optimum dose of phosphorus and sulphur for Indian mustard [Brassicajuncea (L.) Czernj. & Cosson] cultivars. The treatment consisted of four levels of P (0, 13.1, 26.1 and 39.3 kglha) and four levels of sulphur (0, 15, 30 and 45 kglha) applied though diammonium phosphate and el- emental sulphur in split-plot design replicated thrice. A significant response of crop was observed up to 26.2 kg P and 30 kg Slha in seed and stover yields.. Nutrient uptake was also highest under these treatments. The optimum dose of S and P was computed as 47.5 and 40.2 kg, and 44.0 and 40.2 kg for the first and second years respec- tively. Highest net returns of Rs 12.729 and 13,734lha were recorded with the application of 39.3 and 45 kglha P and S respectively. However, net returns of Rs 1 .I0 and I .18/ha/Re invested were highest at 26.2 and 30 kg P and S respectively. 'NDR 8501' recorded the highest seed yield of 2.01 and 2.00 Vha, and stover yield of 6.03 and 5.90 Vha during 2000-01 and 2001 -02 respectively, followed by 'Varuna'.