Effect of mustard oilcake integration in organic nutrient management on the performance of wheat during conversion period

An experiment was conducted in the Upper Gangetic Plain zone to study the effects of mustard oilcake (MC) application in combination with farm yard manure (FYM) and vermicompost (VC) on wheat growth, yield, and economics in organic farming. Results showed that mustard oilcake significantly improved wheat growth, yield attributes, and productivity. Plant height and tiller number increased by 20.1-44.8% and 22.8-64.9%, respectively, compared to the control. Mustard oilcake application also increased spike weight, number of grains per spike, and for MC treatments 1000-grain weight in wheat. Grain yield was highest with inorganic management, followed by mustard oilcake + biofertilizer, and the lowest in control. Mustard oilcake application improved wheat grain yield by 31.0-136.5% compared to the control. The treatment with a 50% recommended dose of nutrients (RDN) through FYM + 50% RDN through MC + biofertilizer showed the highest net return and benefit-cost ratio. Positive correlations were found between different growth and yield parameters of wheat with mustard oilcake application. Results inferred that integrating mustard oilcake with bulky organic manure can be an effective strategy to improve productivity and profitability in organic farming in the Upper Gangetic Plain zone.