Yield attributes, yield and nutrient uptake of Indian mustard (Brassica juncea) as influenced by nitrogen levels and its split application in arid western Rajasthan

Abstract

A field experiment was conduced during the winter season of 2002-03 and 2003-04, to find out the effect of ni- trogen levels and its split application on yield attributes and yield of Indian mustard [Brassica juncea (L.) Czernj. & Cosson]. Application of increasing levels of nitrogen from 40 to 100 kg/ha significantly enhanced siliquae/plant, seeddsiliqua, siliqua length, test weight, seed yield and NPK uptake of lndian mustard. However, significant in- crease in stover and biological yields was recorded up to 120 kg N/ha. Further, application of one-third N as basal + one-third at first irrigation + one-third at second irrigation being statistically at par with half basal + one-fourth at first irrigation + one-fourth at second irrigation brought a substantial improvement in siliquae/plant, seeddsiliqua, siliqua length, test weight, seed, stover and biological yield and NPK uptake compared to 2 equal splits, viz. half at basal + half at first irrigation, DAP basal + half of rest at first irrigation + half rest at second irrigation and 100% basal.