Humic acid and sulfur integration enhance growth and yield-related traits of Brassica napus L

Abstract

Humic acid and sulfur play an important role in enhancing the growth and yield-related traits of Brassica napus L. The objectives of our study to evaluate the effect of different levels of S and HA on the yield of rapeseed (Brassica napus L.). Demonstrative plots were sown for two consecutive seasons and treated with five levels of Sulfur (S) i.e., 0, 30, 45, 60, and 75 kg ha−1 and four levels of humic acid (HA), 0, 5, 10, and 15 kg ha−1. Factorial combination of S and HA levels was engaged in a randomized complete block design using three replications. Results indicated that higher plant height and siliques plant−1 were documented upon S (45 kg ha−1) application. On the other hand, 60 kg S ha−1 treatments resulted in higher siliques m−2, grains per silique, 1000-seed weight and seed yield. However, the highest biological yield was produced with 75 kg S ha−1. Among HA levels, the tallest plants, more siliques plant−1, maximum grain yield and HI were recorded with 15 kg HA ha−1 application. Conclusively the response of rapeseed was significant to combine application of S and HA and the highest seed yield and HI was higher with the integration of 45 kg S ha−1and 10 kg HA ha−1. It could be concluded that rapeseed should be treated with sulfur and humic acid at the rate of 45 and 10 kg ha−1 for higher yield, yield components, and quality of rapeseed under the northern climatic scenario.