Effect of Nutrient Management on Crop Moisture Utilization and Water Use Efficiency in Indian Mustard

Abstract

Improving agricultural water use efficiency is a major concern, particularly in areas affected by drought, as it significantly limits grain production worldwide. Efficient water management techniques are essential for crop production in water-scarce regions. Enhancing crop water use efficiency and drought tolerance through genetic improvement and physiological regulation can contribute to more effective water utilization. A field experiment was conducted during Rabi season 2017-18 at Agriculture Farm, Bhagwant University, Ajmer to study the “Effect of nutrient management on growth, yield and quality of mustard” to evaluate the effect of nutrient management on crop moisture utilization and moisture use efficiency. The experiment comprising of 10 treatments replicated three times, was laid out in randomized block design. The treatments are Control (T1), Water Spray (T2), 2% urea spray (T3), 100% RDF (T4), 50% RDF + 2% urea spray (T5), 50 % RDF + 2% Multiplex spray (T6), 50% RDF + 2% urea + 2% Multiplex spray (T7), 100% RDF + 2% urea spray (T8), 100 % RDF + 2% Multiplex spray (T9), 100% RDF + 2%urea + 2% Multiplex spray (T11). The results indicated that the application of 100% RDF (Recommended Dose of Fertilizer) along with 2% urea and 2% Multiplex spray improved crop moisture utilization and moisture use efficiency.