Effect of integrated nutrient management (INM) modules on late sown Indian mustard [B. juncea (L.) Cernj. Cosson] and soil properties

A field experiment was conducted to assess the effect of integrated nutrient management (INM) modules on yield and soil properties in late sown Indian mustard [Brassica juncea (L.) Czernj. & Cosson.]. In this study, 16 INM module combinations of organic (Farm yard manure and vermicompost), inorganic and biofertilizers were used. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design (RBD) with three replications. The numbers of secondary branches were conspicuously higher than primary and tertiary branches and these also bear higher number of siliquae/branch. The contribution of secondary branches was highest in seed yield of mustard. Integrated use of 100% recommended fertilizer dose (RDF) along with organic sources of nutrients resulted in significantly higher number of branches/plant, siliqua/branch, seeds/siliquae and seed yield of mustard as compared to application of 100% RDF (NPK) alone. The total N, P and K uptake by the crop ranged between 76.1 kg/ha in control and 187.2 kg/ha in 100% recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF) + FYM 5 t/ha + vermicompost (VC) 2.5 t/ha + Azotobacter. Integration of inorganic and organic sources of nutrients improved the soil organic carbon (SOC) content, availability of soil nutrient status (N, P and K), microbial biomass carbon (MBC) and dehydrogenase activity (DHA) in soil, whereas the use of chemical fertilizer alone showed a pronounced decline of these parameters. Key words: Integrated nutrient management, Indian mustard, seed yield, oil content, soil health.