Response of rainfed Indian mustard to varying fertilizer levels under different land configurations

Aim: To study the effect of different land configurations and nutrient management practices on various yield attributes, yield and economics of Indian mustard (Brassica juncea L.). Methodology: A field experiment was carried out at CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Regional Research Station, Bawal, laid out in split plot design during rabi 2020-21 and 2021-22 to study the effect of land configuration viz. Broad Bed (90 cm) and sowing was done in furrow); Ridge (90 cm) and sowing was done on ridge) and Conventional sowing in main plot and four nutrient management viz. 100% RDF (Recommended dose of fertilizers) + Biofertilizers (PSB + Azotobacter); 75 % RDF + FYM @ 10 t ha-1; 75% RDF + FYM @ 10 t ha-1 + Biofertilizers (PSB + Azotobacter) and 125% RDF + Biofertilizers (PSB + Azotobacter) under rainfed condition in Indian mustard. Results: The present study revealed that among land configurations significantly higher seed (20.03 q ha-1) and stover yield (48.54 q ha-1) were recorded in broad bed and furrow as compared to ridge and furrow and conventional sowing. Among the nutrient management practices, significantly higher seed yield (20.89 q ha-1 and 19.93 q ha-1) were observed with the application of 125% RDF + Biofertilizers (PSB + Azotobacter) and 100% RDF + Biofertilizers (PSB + Azotobacter), respectively, over other treatments. These treatments were best in terms of yield and economics. Interpretation: The results indicate that for better yield of Indian mustard, farmers should prefer broad bed (90 cm) and sowing should be done in furrow with an application of 125% RDF + Biofertilizers (PSB + Azotobacter) under rainfed conditions. Key words: Biofertilzers, Indian mustard, Land configuration, Nutrient management