Quality and Productivity of Mustard (Brassica juncea L.) through Optimum Sowing Dates with Sulphur Management under Open and Mango-based Agroforestry Systems

Abstract

The current study was conducted to assess their effects on mustard growth, productivity and quality under open and mango-based agroforestry systems. A field experiment was conducted during the rabi season of 2024–25 at the AICRP Research Farm, Department of Forestry, College of Agriculture, Jawaharlal Nehru Krishi Vishwa Vidyalaya, Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, to evaluate the effects of sowing date and sulphur level on Indian mustard (Brassica juncea L.) under open and mango (Mangifera indica L.)-based agroforestry systems. The factorial randomised block design comprised two cropping systems, three sowing dates (15 October, 5 November and 25 November), four sulphur levels (0, 20, 30 and 40 kg S ha⁻¹) and three replications. The open cropping system produced higher seed, straw and biological yields than the mango-based agroforestry system and also recorded greater oil and protein attributes. Sowing on 15 October resulted in the highest seed yield (1032.99 kg ha⁻¹), whereas delayed sowing reduced yield and quality attributes. Sulphur application progressively improved crop performance, with 40 kg S ha⁻¹ recording the highest seed yield (1108.72 kg ha⁻¹), oil content (34.70%), oil yield (386.20 kg ha⁻¹), protein content (17.54%) and protein yield (194.89 kg ha⁻¹). Harvest index was not significantly affected by cropping system, sowing date or sulphur level. Under the study conditions, timely sowing and adequate sulphur nutrition improved the productivity and quality of Indian mustard in both open and mango-based agroforestry systems.