Nitrogen, sulphur and calcium relationship in sustainable production of Indian Mustard (Brassica juncea) on denuded land

Abstract

A relationship of nitrogen, sulphur and calcium for sustainable production of lndian mustard [Brassica juncea (L.) Czemj. & Cosson] on denuded sandy-loam soils was investigated, during winter seasons of 1993-94 and 1994-95. Varuna lndian mustard was tested under 5 levels of nitrogen (0, 40, 80, 120 and 160 kgl ha) and 3 levels of sulphur + calcium (So+ Ca, S,, + Ca, and S, + Ca, kgha). Use of nitrogen in nutrients denuded soils established a strong relationship for grain production of lndian mustard. Branches, pods, pod weight, seeds weight/ plant and 1,000-grain weight increased significantly with each successive increase in the level of N from 0 to 160 kg and S from 0 to 50 + Ca from 0 to 100 kglha. The increase in the yield after 120 kg N/ha was significant by a margin of 3.79 @ha or 13.07% with higher dose of 160 kg N/ha. The use of 50 kg S + 100 kg Cdha also increased grain yield by a margin of 1.99 @ha or 8.35 % and 3.33 qlha or 14.75% over 25 kg S + 50 kg Cdha and the control respectively. The significant maximum yield by 34.87 @ha was reaped with the use of 160 kg N + 50 kg S + 100 kg Cdha.