Influence of Organic and Inorganic Nutrient Sources on Growth and yield attributes of Mustard in Semi-arid Region

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted during the rabi season of 2024–25 at the Organic Research Farm, Bundelkhand University, Jhansi (U.P.), India, to study the effect of organic and inorganic nutrient sources on growth and yield of mustard (Brassica juncea L.). The soil of the experimental site was sandy loam, alkaline, low in organic carbon, nitrogen, and zinc, and medium in phosphorus and potassium. The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design with 11 treatment combinations of rock phosphate, sulphur, farmyard manure (FYM), vermicompost, and recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF), replicated thrice. Results revealed significant differences in growth and yield attributes and yield of mustard due to nutrient sources. The application of 100% RDF through chemical fertilizers (T₀) recorded the maximum plant height (27.78, 111.35, and 142.68 cm), dry matter accumulation (2.60, 9.07, and 13.43 g plant⁻¹), number of leaves (36.80 plant⁻¹), and branches (9.46 plant⁻¹) at different growth stages. Similarly, the highest yield attributes, viz., siliquae plant⁻¹ (220.93) and test weight (4.52 g), and yield were also obtained with 100% RDF, which remained statistically at par with integrated treatments involving FYM, vermicompost, sulphur, and rock phosphate (T₇, T₆, and T₅). The lowest growth and yield parameters and yield were consistently recorded under sulphur + RDF (T₁). The improvement in growth and productivity with integrated nutrient sources was attributed to better nutrient availability, enhanced root growth, and prolonged photosynthetically active leaf area. Overall, the study indicated that although 100% RDF through chemical fertilizers produced the highest yield, integrated nutrient management involving FYM, vermicompost, sulphur, and rock phosphate performed equally well, suggesting their potential for sustaining mustard productivity under semi-arid conditions.