Effect of Paddy Straw Incorporation and Nitrogen Levels on Yield and Nutrient Uptake by Mustard (Brassica juncea L.)

Abstract

Burning of crop residues results in immense loss to soil fertility, in addition to this burning causes greenhouse gas emissions into atmosphere thereby disturbs the environment.  A Field experiment was conducted to ascertain the crop residue and fertilizer management practices on yield and nutrient uptake of mustard at Regional Agricultural Research Station (RARS), Polasa, Jagtial situated in Northern Telangana Zone of Telangana State during rabi, 2020-21. Grain yield, nutrient content and nutrient uptake were significantly influenced by crop residue and fertilizer management practices. Highest grain and stover yield of 1194 and 2654 kg ha-1 were recorded, when 20 % excess nitrogen was applied than RDN along with residue incorporation. Nutrient uptake was significantly higher in burning treatment during initial stages of crop growth later more uptakes were observed in residue incorporation treatments. Among the treatments lowest yields and nutrient contents (N and P) were recorded in residue burning treatments. This study concluded that, instead of burning, paddy straw was to be incorporated along with 20% excess nitrogen to obtain better yields and nutrients uptake in succeding mustard crop.