Impact of Nutrient Management on Soil Properties in Indian Mustard (Brassica juncea L.) Cultivation

Abstract

A field study was carried out during the rabi (winter) seasons of 2022–23 and 2023–24 at the Instructional Farm of Banda University of Agriculture & Technology, Banda, to evaluate the impact of integrated nutrient management on soil fertility in Indian mustard (Brassica juncea L.). The experiment employed a split-plot design, with four fertility levels (50%, 75%, 100%, and 125% of the recommended NPKS) assigned to the main plots, and four sub-plot treatments involving different combinations of micronutrients (Zn and B) and enriched vermicompost. Each treatment was replicated three times. Results showed that application of 100% and 125% of the recommended NPKS significantly increased the post-harvest availability of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, sulphur, and zinc compared to lower application rates. Among the sub-plot treatments, the combinations of 2.5 kg Zn + 0.5 kg B + 500 kg enriched vermicompost (S3) and 5 kg Zn + 1 kg B + 250 kg enriched vermicompost (S4) consistently enhanced nutrient availability in the soil. However, the interaction effects between fertility levels and micronutrient-organic combinations were found to be statistically non-significant for all measured nutrients. The study concludes that integrated nutrient management, especially using either 100% or 125% of the recommended NPKS along with micronutrients and organic amendments, effectively improves soil fertility and supports sustainable mustard production under semi-arid conditions.