Impact of various sowing environment and nutrient sources on growth performance of Indian mustard (Brassica juncea)

A field study was carried in 3 time replicated split-plot design at Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, during the winter (rabi) seasons of 201516 and 201617, to find out the effect of sowing dates and nutrient sources on the performance of Indian mustard [Brassica juncea (L.) Czernj. J.]. The sowing dates (17 November, 27 November and 7 December) were assigned in main plots and 8 nutrient sources [Control (zero fertilizer), 100% recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF), 100% RDF + Azotobactor, 100% RDF + phosphorus solubilizing bacteria (PSB), 100% RDF + Azotobactor + PSB, 75% RDF + 25% N through pressmud + Azotobactor, 75% RDF + 25% N through pressmud + PSB, 75% RDF + 25% N through pressmud + Azotobactor + PSB] were allocated to subplots. Among the sowing dates, the maximum values of growth parameters, economic yield and economics were recorded when the crop raised 17 November in pooled analysis. Application of 75% RDF + 25% N through pressmud + Azotobactor + PSB significantly improved the plant height, number of primary branches/plant, number of secondary branches/plant, dry-matter accumulation, leaf-area index and chlorophyll content, economic yield and economics than the other nutrient sources in the pooled analysis. Thus, crop sowing on 17 November with 75% RDF + 25% N through pressmud + Azotobactor + PSB proved beneficial in improving the growth parameters in Indian mustar