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Research on Crops

Enhancing growth and productivity of mustard (Brassica juncea L.) through balanced nitrogen and sulphur fertilisation


DOI: 10.31830/2348-7542.2026.ROC-1300    | Article Id: ROC-1300 | Page : 248-255
Citation :- Enhancing growth and productivity of mustard (Brassica juncea L.) through balanced nitrogen and sulphur fertilisation. Res. Crop. 27: 248-255
DEEPANSHU, PALVI DOGRA, VINAY KUMAR, AMITA MAHAJAN AND K. S. CHANDEL palvidogra444@gmail.com
Address : University School of Agriculture Sciences, Rayat Bahra University, Kharar-140301, Punjab, India
Submitted Date : 7-03-2026
Accepted Date : 17-04-2026
Online Published:

Abstract

Indian mustard is a major rabi oilseed crop in India with significant nutritional and economic importance, yet its productivity remains insufficient to meet the growing demand for edible oils. This gap is largely attributed to imbalanced nutrient management, particularly deficiencies of nitrogen, sulphur, and micronutrients, highlighting the need for improved and sustainable fertilisation strategies to enhance yield and reduce import dependence. Based on this, a field experiment was conducted during the Rabi seasons of 2023–24 and 2024–25 at the Crop Research Farm, Division of Agronomy, University School of Agricultural Sciences, Rayat Bahra University, Punjab, India, to study the effect of different nitrogen and sulphur levels on the growth and yield of mustard. The experiment consisted of five nitrogen levels (0, 40, 80, 120 and 160 kg N/ha) and five sulphur levels (0, 25, 35, 45 and 55 kg S/ha) arranged in a suitable experimental design with replications. Results indicated that growth parameters such as plant height, dry matter accumulation, leaf area index, and number of branches per plant increased significantly with increasing nitrogen and sulphur levels. Yield attributes, including number of siliquae per plant, seeds per siliqua, siliqua length, and test weight, also improved with higher nutrient application. Seed yield, stover yield, and biological yield increased progressively with increasing nitrogen and sulphur levels, with maximum values recorded under 160 kg N/ha and 55 kg S/ha. The improvement in growth and yield may be attributed to enhanced photosynthetic activity, improved nutrient utilisation, and better translocation of assimilates. The study suggests that balanced application of nitrogen and sulphur is essential for improving mustard productivity under Punjab conditions.

Keywords

Brassica juncea L. fertiliser growth attributes mustard nitrogen oil content sulphur yield

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