Performance of Indian Mustard cv. Kesari Gold under different Sowing Method and Nutrient Management

Performance of Indian Mustard cv. Kesari Gold under different Sowing Method and Nutrient Management

Chandana Biswas¹ , Kalipada Pramanik^1* , Binoy Kumar Saren¹ , Sananda Mondal² , Sandip Kumar De¹

¹Department of Agronomy, Palli Siksha Bhavana (Institute of Agriculture), Visva-Bharati, Sriniketan, West Bengal 731236 India

^{2INTRODUCTION These days, aside from the coronavirus, the cost of edible oil in India has climbed snappily in recent months. In the past five years, India’s production of oilseed has expanded by more than 44 percent, from about 25.3 million tonnes in 2015-16 to near 36.6 million tonnes in 2020-21. Nevertheless, even this fulfils less than half India’s edible oil demand. Based on annual per capita consumption figures—19 kg per year—India has an annual demand of 25 million tonnes of edible oil, of which only 10.5 million tonnes are provided with domestic production. The remaining 60 per cent is replenished by imports [1]. At the moment, the prices of oilseeds and edible oil in the international are at record highs, therefore affecting domestic prices. A cut in import duties is generally seen as the immediate option to provide quick relief in the prices of import-dependent goods. But, to mitigate this issue, the only alternative is to enhance domestic production and productivity of edible oils. However, in Indian context, yield obtained from oilseeds especially mustard is low due to adoption of poor agronomic practices, of which nutrient management and planting methods are most important. Repeatedly the farmers have to sow the mustard crop late mostly because of delayed harvesting of kharif crops concluding in inadequate yield because of its depressing effect on the plant growth, flowering duration, seed formation and productivity. The late sown mustard has the shorter growing period due to the high temperature during the reproductive phase which led to concomitant deduction in yield. Planting methods and nutrient management are the most crucial components in improving the productivity of crop plants. Planting methods depend heavily on the farmer's resources, management conditions and soil conditions and thus transplanting, broadcast, line sowing and broad bed are common planting methods for rapeseed-mustard. In an experiment on toria (Brassica rapa var. toria), broadcast method was found to be more profitable and higher seed yield was gained in broadcast planting method. Several studies have been done on the impact of nutrients on the performance of the mustard plants [2-3]. Lateritic soils in West Bengal are not only thirsty but also hungry. Nitrogen and phosphorus are the important nutrients which influence a significant role in crop production. The nitrogen recognized as bigwig to the fertilization programme for higher yield. Nitrogen is a valuable constituent of chloroplast which plays in important part in photosynthesis. Phosphorus improves the root length and root branching which in turn enhances moisture utilization under dryland conditions. Nitrogen and phosphorus are involved in wide range of plant processes from allowing cell division to the growth of plant. Potassium is necessary for enriching the productivity and quality of different crops because of its effect on photosynthesis, water use efficiency and plant tolerance to diseases, drought and cold as well for bringing the symmetry between protein and carbohydrates and deposition of oil. Hence, early method of sowing through transplanting technique could be a satisfactorily option to minimize the yield loss in mustard. The transplantation method can also increase the crop intensity as interval of crop in the field is reduced by at least a fortnight without hampering the productivity. It is also advantageous to the farmers who take second crop as mustard just after harvesting of paddy or others kharif crops. Farmers can adopt this technique to accept a second crop where time is restricted for sowing mustard to indemnify 12-15 days’ nursery time period [4]. The present experiment was performed to find the appropriate fertilizer dose and best planting method for yield and yield components of Brown sarson (Brassica rapa L.). MATERIALS AND METHODS Description of the study area: The field trial was conducted during the rabi season of 2019-2020 at Agricultural Farm, Palli Siksha Bhavana (Institute of Agriculture), Visva-Bharati, Sriniketan, Birbhum, West Bengal situated at a latitude of 20039/N and longitude of 87042/E with an average altitude of 58.9 meters above mean sea level (Fig 1).}Department of Crop Physiology, Palli Siksha Bhavana (Institute of Agriculture), Visva-Bharati, Sriniketan, West Bengal 731236 India

Corresponding Author Email: kalipada.pramanik@visva-bharati.ac.in

DOI : http://dx.doi.org/10.53709/ CHE.2022.v03i01.001

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INTRODUCTION

These days, aside from the coronavirus, the cost of edible oil in India has climbed snappily in recent months. In the past five years, India’s production of oilseed has expanded by more than 44 percent, from about 25.3 million tonnes in 2015-16 to near 36.6 million tonnes in 2020-21. Nevertheless, even this fulfils less than half India’s edible oil demand. Based on annual per capita consumption figures—19 kg per year—India has an annual demand of 25 million tonnes of edible oil, of which only 10.5 million tonnes are provided with domestic production. The remaining 60 per cent is replenished by imports [1]. At the moment, the prices of oilseeds and edible oil in the international are at record highs, therefore affecting domestic prices. A cut in import duties is generally seen as the immediate option to provide quick relief in the prices of import-dependent goods. But, to mitigate this issue, the only alternative is to enhance domestic production and productivity of edible oils.

However, in Indian context, yield obtained from oilseeds especially mustard is low due to adoption of poor agronomic practices, of which nutrient management and planting methods are most important. Repeatedly the farmers have to sow the mustard crop late mostly because of delayed harvesting of kharif crops concluding in inadequate yield because of its depressing effect on the plant growth, flowering duration, seed formation and productivity. The late sown mustard has the shorter growing period due to the high temperature during the reproductive phase which led to concomitant deduction in yield. 

Planting methods and nutrient management are the most crucial components in improving the productivity of crop plants. Planting methods depend heavily on the farmer’s resources, management conditions and soil conditions and thus transplanting, broadcast, line sowing and broad bed are common planting methods for rapeseed-mustard. In an experiment on toria (Brassica rapa var. toria), broadcast method was found to be more profitable and higher seed yield was gained in broadcast planting method. Several studies have been done on the impact of nutrients on the performance of the mustard plants [2-3].

Lateritic soils in West Bengal are not only thirsty but also hungry. Nitrogen and phosphorus are the important nutrients which influence a significant role in crop production. The nitrogen recognized as bigwig to the fertilization programme for higher yield. Nitrogen is a valuable constituent of chloroplast which plays in important part in photosynthesis. Phosphorus improves the root length and root branching which in turn enhances moisture utilization under dryland conditions. Nitrogen and phosphorus are involved in wide range of plant processes from allowing cell division to the growth of plant. Potassium is necessary for enriching the productivity and quality of different crops because of its effect on photosynthesis, water use efficiency and plant tolerance to diseases, drought and cold as well for bringing the symmetry between protein and carbohydrates and deposition of oil.

Hence, early method of sowing through transplanting technique could be a satisfactorily option to minimize the yield loss in mustard. The transplantation method can also increase the crop intensity as interval of crop in the field is reduced by at least a fortnight without hampering the productivity. It is also advantageous to the farmers who take second crop as mustard just after harvesting of paddy or others kharif crops. Farmers can adopt this technique to accept a second crop where time is restricted for sowing mustard to indemnify 12-15 days’ nursery time period [4]. The present experiment was performed to find the appropriate fertilizer dose and best planting method for yield and yield components of Brown sarson (Brassica rapa L.).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Description of the study area: The field trial was conducted during the rabi season of 2019-2020 at Agricultural Farm, Palli Siksha Bhavana (Institute of Agriculture), Visva-Bharati, Sriniketan, Birbhum, West Bengal situated at a latitude of 20⁰39^/N and longitude of 87⁰42^/E with an average altitude of 58.9 meters above mean sea level (Fig 1).

Fig 1. The study locations: India map-highlighting West Bengal; West Bengal map highlighting Birbhum the study area.

Experimental setup: The field experiment was laid out in split plot design. The treatment comprised three method of sowing (transplantation, broadcasting and line sowing) as main plot and four nutrient managements [Nutrient management 1= 60:30:30 (N:P₂O₅:K₂O kg ha^-1), Nutrient management 2 = 70:35:35 (N:P₂O₅:K₂O kg ha^-1), Nutrient management 3= 80:40:40 (N:P₂O₅:K₂O kg ha^-1), Nutrient management 4= 90:45:45 (N:P₂O₅:K₂O kg ha^-1)] as sub plot, replicated thrice. There were twelve treatments combination and total of 36 plots, each measuring 4.5 m x 4.5 m area. The Indian mustard variety Kesari Gold was grown as experimental material. 

The micro-pots for seedling raising are made up of PVC pipe materials. The micro-potting materials were composed of soil and vermicompost in the ratio of 2:1. These pots were filled with mixture of soil and vermicompost. One to two seeds were sown in each pot and covered the seeds with vermicompost. Micro-pots were watered regularly in the morning and in the evening until the seeds germinate. Frequent sprinkling of water also was given after emergence of seedlings. Seedlings were raised in pots for 14 days. Step wise seedling raising and main field preparation (Fig 2):

Fig 2. Stepwise seedling raising in seed tray, main field preparation and mustard at flowering stage

The full dose of P₂O₅ and the three fourth of K₂O and half of N were applied as basal during the time of transplanting as band placement in hole made by hole making implement. The one fourth of N was applied as first top dressing at 40 DAT, and the rest of one fourth of N and K₂O were applied as second top dressing at 60 DAT. 

Sampling and measurement: Five plants from each plot were randomly chosen and noted for recording their plant height at 20 DAT/DAS and at harvest, dry matter accumulation and leaf area at 20 and 80 DAT/DAS and average of the values for each plot were determined. The crop from each plot was harvested when 90% of the siliquae turned yellow to avoid shattering. Before harvesting the whole plot, 10 plants were randomly selected from each plot for obtaining data on yield. The seed and biological yields were measured from the plot after harvesting, cleaning and drying the plants from the whole plot. To assess the economic suitability of each treatment, the B:C ratio were worked out. 

Statistical analyses: Analysis of variance was done with the help of computer package MS Office Excel 2016 and mean differences were adjusted by the multiple comparison test [5].  Correlation and regression studies were taken up between seed yield and other yield attributing parameters that may contribute to ultimate yield. Analysis was made using the statistical analysis system, general linear model procedure. 

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

GROWTH ATTRIBUTES

The treatments of method of sowing in main plots and nutrient management practices in sub-plots brought significant effect on different growth parameters, viz. plant height, dry matter accumulation (DMA) and leaf area index (LAI) of mustard. The observations on plant height (cm) recorded (Table 1) at 20 days after transplanting (DAT) / days after sowing (DAS) and at harvest. The maximum plant height was recorded with transplanting method (22.24 and 156.09 cm) and it was significantly higher than broadcasting (13.78 and 141.58 cm) and line sowing method (14.6 and 145 cm) at 20 DAT/DAS and at harvest, respectively. Favourable plant height under transplanting method of sowing is higher might be due to early transplanting of mustard seedling (15 days early than broadcasting and line sowing) coupled with congenial weather condition [6-7]. The plant height was differed significantly due to nutrient management at 20 DAT/DAS and at harvest. Mustard crop receiving 90 kg N, 45 kg P₂O₅ and 45 kg K₂O ha^-1 recorded significantly tallest plant (18.47, 160.9 cm) over 80 kg N, 40 kg P₂O₅ and 40 kg K₂O ha^-1 (17.1, 151 cm), 70 kg N, 35 kg P₂O₅ and 35 kg K₂O ha^-1 (16.81, 141.6 cm) and 60 kg N, 30 kg P₂O₅ and 30 kg K₂O ha^-1 (15.05, 136.7 cm) at 20 DAT/DAS and at harvest, respectively. The initial soil N status being low, addition of supplementary N enhanced the meristematic activity leading to cell multiplication, cell elongation and ultimately, increased the plant height. These results corroborate the findings of Kumar and Yadav [8] and Cheema et al. [9].

Table 1: Effect of method of sowing and nutrient management on plant height of mustard at different growth stages

At 20 DAT/DAS maximum dry matter accumulation was recorded (Fig 3) with transplanting method of sowing. Then, in all different methods of sowing dry matter accumulation gradually increased towards maturity. The transplanting method of sowing recorded significantly highest dry matter accumulation at 80 DAT/DAS. Mustard cultivated with 90 kg N, 45 kg P₂O₅ and 45 kg K₂O ha^-1 recorded significantly highest dry matter accumulation over other nutrient managements at 20 and 80 DAT/DAS. The increasing trend in dry matter accumulation towards maturity also found in all nutrient managements. The transplanted crop took significantly more time to mature as compared to the conventional crop which might be due to more dry matter production and more vigorous growth of transplanted crop [6-7].

Fig 3: Effect of method of sowing and nutrient management on dry matter accumulation of mustard at different growth stages

Observation on leaf area plant^-1 recorded (Fig 4) at 20 and 80 DAT/DAS. The observation showed that the leaf area plant^-1 of the mustard crop increased steadily from 20 to 40 DAT/DAS and 40-60 DAT/DAS but at 80 DAT, there was very small number of leaves in transplanted mustard crop and few numbers of leaves in broadcasting and line sowing method. Method of sowing played very vital role in regulating leaf area plant^-1 of mustard crop under study. At 20 DAT/DAS, transplanting method recorded significantly maximum leaf area plant^-1. But, at 80 DAT/DAS, line sowing method recorded maximum leaf area plant^-1. At 80 DAT/DAS, transplanted mustard crop recorded significantly higher leaf area plant^-1 irrespective to the treatments. This could be due to early sowing of mustard crop under optimum weather condition resulting in a greater number of leaves coupled with a greater number of primary branches plant^-1 that led to higher leaf area plant^-1. The reduction in leaf area plant^-1 at broadcasting and line sowing method might be due to delay sowing of crop and shorter duration of crop due to increase temperature during the latter phase of crop growth. Similarly, at 80 DAT/DAS, transplanting method of sowing recorded lower leaf area plant^-1 over broadcasting and line sowing method might be due to early sowing. Similar result was reported by Halder [7]. At 20 and 80 DAT/DAS, the crop rising with 90 kg N, 45 kg P₂O₅ and 45 kg K₂O ha^-1 recorded the highest leaf area plant^-1 over other nutrient managements. 

Fig 4: Effect of method of sowing and nutrient management on leaf area plant^-1 of mustard at different growth stages 

Simple regression between seed yield and yield attributes of mustard

It was revealed that stover yield (kg ha^-1), number of primary branches plant^-1, number of siliquae plant^-1, length of siliqua (cm), number seeds siliqua^-1, test weight (g) and harvest index (%) were having significant positive association with seed yield of mustard (Fig 5). The increase in seed yield (kg ha^-1) with increasing stover yield (kg ha^-1), number of primary branches plant^-1, number of siliquae plant^-1, length of siliqua (cm), number seeds siliqua^-1, test weight (g) and harvest index (%) was linear in fashion. The present study showed that stover yield exerted 84.61% (Y = 0.5288X₁ – 213.69, R² = 0.8461) effect on seed yield. Similarly, number of branches plant^-1 (Y = 135.69X + 618.62, R² = 0.6615) accounted for 66.15% variability, number of siliqua plant^-1 (Y = 1.518X + 823.14, R² = 0.4506) explained 45.06% variability, length of siliqua (Y = 523.2X – 1100.8, R² = 0.3225) attributed 3   2.25% variability, number seeds siliqua^-1 (Y = 187.19X – 818.56, R² = 0.5309) gave an explanation for 53.09% variability, test weight (Y = 1227.1X – 3766.2, R² = 0.5601)  elucidated 56.01% variability and harvest index (Y = 116.44X – 2221.1, R² = 0.4710) explained 47.10% effect on seed yield. Hence, increasing stover yield (kg ha^-1), number of primary branches plant^-1, number of siliquae plant^-1, length of siliqua (cm), number seeds siliqua^-1, test weight (g) and harvest index (%) has direct effect for increasing the seed yield (kg ha^-1) of mustard.

Fig 5: Relationship between seed yield and other yield attributes of mustard

Seed and stover yield

The significantly highest seed yield (1586 kg ha^-1) was recorded (Table 2) from crop grown under transplanting method. The second highest seed yield (1340 kg ha^-1) was recorded from crop grown under line sowing method.  The lowest seed yield (1294 kg ha^-1) was obtained from crop grown under broadcasting method. The transplanted crop got the longest reproductive period and resulted in better yield of early crop, while in delayed sowing there was drastic reduction in yield due to shorter reproductive period [10]. Higher seed yield under transplanting system in mustard is also reported by many researchers [11, 12, 6, 13, 7]. The crop receiving 90 kg N, 45 kg P₂O₅ and 45 kg K₂O ha^-1 recorded significantly higher seed yield (1883 kg ha^-1) over other nutrient managements. Highest biological yield (4784 kg ha^-1) was found (Table 2) under transplanting method of sowing. Lowest biological yield was observed in broadcasting method of sowing. The mustard crop rising with 90 kg N, 45 kg P₂O₅ and 45 kg K₂O ha^-1 recorded biological yield (5909 kg ha^-1) that was significantly higher than other nutrient managements.

Table 2: Effect of method of sowing and nutrient management on yield and economics of mustard 

Economics

The crop grown with line sowing method recorded (table 2) highest cost of cultivation ha^-1 (₹24979 ha^-1) over broadcasting method of sowing (₹23559 ha^-1) and transplanting method of sowing (₹23059 ha^-1). The crop rising with 90 kg N, 45 kg P₂O₅ and 45 kg K₂O ha^-1 recorded highest cost of cultivation ha^-1 (₹24582 ha^-1) followed by 80 kg N, 40 kg P₂O₅ and 40 kg K₂O ha^-1 (₹24105), 70 kg N, 35 kg P₂O₅ and 35 kg K₂O ha^-1 (₹23627 ha^-1) and 60 kg N, 30 kg P₂O₅ and 30 kg K₂O ha^-1 (₹23150 ha^-1).

The crop grown with transplanting method incurred maximum B:C ratio ha^-1 (3.28) (Table 2). The crop grown with line sowing method recorded significantly lowest B:C ratio (2.57). The crop grown with 90 kg N, 45 kg P₂O₅ and 45 kg K₂O ha^-1 recorded the highest B:C ratio (3.70) over other nutrient managements. The increase in crop yield increases the net profit which finally results in higher B: C ratio. Similar findings are in agreement with Chaudhary et al. [14]; Tyagi et al. [15] and Halder [7].

CONCLUSION

Based on the research accomplished, it may be concluded that the transplanting method of sowing with 90 kg N, 45 kg P₂O₅ and 45 kg K₂O ha^-1 may be encouraged for augmenting the productivity as well as profitability of the mustard crop in the lateritic soil of West Bengal.

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