Moisture use, Root Development and Yield of Mustard (Brassica junceaL.) in Relation to Nutrient Management and Moisture Conservation Practices under Rainfed Conditions

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted on light textured soil at Kanpur during rabi 2000-2001 and 2001-2002 to study the performance of mustard variety ‘Basanti’ in relation to nutrient management and moisture conservation practices under rainfed conditions. Application of 60 kg N + 30kg P205 + 20 kg S/ha gave significantly higher seed and stick + straw yields in comparison to other treatments. In addition, the total moisture use, moisture use efficiency, root development and net return were also noticed more. Mulching of paddy straw @ 3t/ha on soil surface in between the crop rows after 15 days of sowing gave higher yields, moisture use efficiency and net return over other moisture conservation practices.