Direct and Residual Effect of Sulphur Fertilization on Yield, Uptake and Use Efficiency in Indian Mustard and Succeeding Rice Crop

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted on Indian mustard (Brassica juncea) with five levels of sulfur (S), 0, 15, 30, 45, and 60 kg S ha⁻¹ in sub-tropical Inceptisol of Jammu, North India. The residual effect of S on rice crop was evaluated. The seed and stover yield of mustard increased in the linear order up to 60 kg S ha⁻¹ but significant yield increase was obtained up to 30 S kg ha⁻¹ which was 21.4 percent higher in comparison to the yield obtained in control. The uptake of S at maturity was significantly affected with all the levels of S application. The seed S uptake increased significantly up to 30 kg S ha⁻¹ and stover 45 kg S ha⁻¹. The residual effect of S was convincing in enhancing the rice yield to the tune of 5.3% over control, but was statistically non-significant. The S uptake was also favourably influenced by the residual S which was evidenced through increased S use efficiency. Agronomic and physiological efficiency as well as S recovery were all greatly influenced by direct and residual effect of S. Apparent S recovery was higher at 30 kg S ha⁻¹ in mustard (12.06%).

Keywords:

• agronomic efficiency
• mustard
• residual effect
• rice
• S recovery
• sulfur