Interactive effect of sowing dates and nutrient sources on dry matter accumulation of Indian mustard (Brassica juncea L.)

Abstract

A field study was conducted during 2015 and 2016 to evaluate the response of the nutrient sources and sowing dates on
dry matter accumulation pattern of the Indian mustard (Brassica juncea L.). The treatments consisted three sowing
dates (November 17, November 27 and December 7) and eight nutrient sources (Control, 100% RDF, 100% RDF +
Azotobactor, 100% RDF + PSB, 100% RDF + Azotobactor + PSB, 75% RDF + 25 % N through Pressmud+ Azotobactor,
75% RDF + 25 % N through PM + PSB, 75% RDF + 25 % N through PM + Azotobactor + PSB). Results revealed that
interaction effect of sowing dates and nutrient sources was observed significant on dry matter accumulation. The
application 75% RDF and 25% N through pressmud + Azotobactor + PSB on November 17 highest dry matter was
recorded at 45 DAS (14.1, 13.4 and 13.8 g plant-1), 90 DAS (49.2, 45.3 and 47.3 g plant-1) and at harvest (53.9, 48.9 and 51.4
g plant-1), during both the years and in pooled analysis, respectively. Moreover, higher dry matter accumulation was
observed at the time of harvesting (59.7, 62.5, 61.1 per cent) on 17 November sowing with the application of 75% RDF and
25% N through pressmud + Azotobactor + PSB over control of all three sowing dates during both the years, respectively.
The present study highlighted the practical importance of the sowing dates and nutrient sources combination effect on
dry matter accumulation of Indian mustard.