Influence of sowing window, irrigation and fertilizer levels on growth and yield of late sown Indian mustard

Abstract

A study was conducted in the Rabi seasons of 2018-19 and 2019-20 to assess the effect of date of sowing, irrigation and
fertility levels on growth and productivity of Indian mustard (Brassica juncea) under late sown condition. Treatments
imposed were sixteen combinations of two sowing dates viz. 2nd week of November and 4th week of November; two
irrigation levels viz. no post-sown irrigation and one irrigation at flowering stage in main plots and four fertilizer levels
viz. 87.5% RDF, 100% RDF, 112.5% RDF and 125% RDF in sub-plots with three replications. Sowing of mustard crop in
2nd week of November recorded significant increase in plant height, dry matter accumulation, number of primary and
secondary branches over the 4th week of November sown crop. On an average, 2nd week of November sowing recorded
significantly higher seed yield (75.63%) and stover yield (74.50%). Application of one irrigation at flowering stage
recorded a significant increase in plant height, dry matter accumulation, number of primary and secondary branches over
the no post-sown irrigation. Seed and stover yields were recorded significantly higher with one irrigation by 11.95 and
14.84%, respectively over the no post-sown irrigation. The increased doses of fertilizers also increased the growth, yield
pamperers, and seed yield as well as stover yield responded significantly up to 125% RDF