Effect of organic and inorganic sources of nitrogen on productivity, profitability and soil fertility status after harvest of mustard (Brassica juncea L)

Abstract

The field experiment was conducted from 2018-19 to 2020-21 to study the effect of organic and inorganic sources of nitrogen on growth, yield and soil fertility status after harvest of Indian mustard (Brassica juncea L.). The experiment encompassed six treatments viz., 100% recommended dose of nitrogen (RDN) through inorganic fertilizers, 75% RDN through inorganic fertilizers + 25% RDN through FYM, 75% RDN through inorganic fertilizers + 25% RDN through mustard cake, 75% RDN through inorganic fertilizers + 25% RDN through vermicompost, 50% RDN through FYM + 50% RDN through vermicompost and 50% RDN through FYM + 50% RDN through mustard cake. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design with four replications. The experimental results revealed that improved growth parameters (plant height, branches/plant), yield attributes (length of siliqua, no. of siliquae/plant, no. of seeds/siliqua and test weight), yield (grain and stover) and quality parameter (oil content) of mustard were recorded significantly higher with the application of 50% RDN through FYM + 50% RDN through mustard cake or vermicompost. Maximum gross returns and net returns were recorded with the application of 50% RDN through FYM + 50% RDN through mustard cake, however B: C ratio was higher with the application of 75% RDN through inorganic fertilizers + 25% RDN through mustard cake. Whereas, application of RDN through FYM and vermicompost improved the organic carbon content and decreased the electrical conductivity substantially.