Response of Indian Mustard to Different Levels of Nitrogen and Sulphur under Irrigated Conditions in Agra Region

Abstract

Nitrogen is the most critical macronutrient influencing plant growth and development. It is a primary constituent of chlorophyll, amino acids, nucleic acids, and plant hormones. The availability of nitrogen directly affects photosynthetic efficiency, cell division, and protein synthesis, all of which cumulatively determine the vegetative vigor and reproductive success of a crop. The present investigation was conducted during the rabi season of 2024–25 at the Agricultural Research Farm, R.B. (PG) College, Agra (U.P.) in irrigation condition, using a Factorial Randomized Block Design (FRBD) with nine treatment combinations, involving three nitrogen levels (0, 60, and 80 kg ha-1) and three sulphur levels (0, 30, and 40 kg ha-1), replicated thrice. The objective was to study the impact of different nitrogen and sulphur combinations on growth, yield and yield attributes, of mustard. The results revealed that the treatment comprising 80 kg N and 40 kg S ha-1 (T8) significantly enhanced plant height, number of branches and leaves, and reduced days to flowering and maturity. Yield-contributing traits such as number of siliqua per plant (331.97), seeds per siliqua (83.20), and test weight (5.000 g) were highest in T8, resulting in the maximum seed yield (41.582 q ha-1). Thus, the integrated application of nitrogen and sulphur at 80:40 kg/ha-1 proved to be the most productive and productivity efficient treatment for mustard cultivation in India.