Effect of irrigation and sulphur on growth and yield of Indian mustard (Brassica juncea)

An experiment on indian mustard was conducted during 1999-2001 to study the effect of 3 irrigation levels based on the ratio of irrigation water depth: cumulative pan evaporation (IW : CPE) and 4 sulphur levels [(Brassicajuncea (L.) Czernj. & Coson at Pusa, Bihar. The seed yield increased significantly up to an IW : CPE ratio of 0.8 (1.59 tonnes/ha) with 2 irrigations each of 5 cm depth. However water-use efficiency was higher at 0.4 ratio with 1 irrigation. Response to sulphur was recorded up to 30 kg S/ha which was at par both with 15 and 45 kg S/ha. Plant height, dry matter/plant and length of siliqua increased significantly up to 0.4 IW : CPE ratio and 15 kg S/ha. Total sulphur uptake was highest at 0.8 IW: CPE ratio, whereas significant increase in net returns was only up to 0:4 ratio and 15 kg S/ha. Soil-moisture depletion was higher from 0-60 cm layer with 2 irrigation, whereas relative depletion in lower soil profile (60-90 cm) was more in rainfed control.