Effects of sulphur fertilization on yield, S uptake and quality of Indian mustard under varied irrigation regimes

Abstract

Field experiment was conducted on clay loam soil during winter season of 2010–2011 and 2011–2012 at the Research Farm, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, West Bengal to study the influence of sulphur (S) levels and irrigation on quality and yield of mustard (cv. Varuna, T-59). Results revealed that yield attributes and yield of crop were highest with 60 kg S/ha, mostly at par with 45 kg S/ha. Double irrigation at flower initiation (30 days after sowing (DAS)) and siliqua development stages (60 DAS) was best with respect to growth, yield attributes, yield, S uptake and oil percent in seed. Effects of both S levels and irrigations on glucosinolate and fatty acid content were non-significant except on progoitrin. The erucic:oleic acid ratio was inversely related to the subsequent increase in S doses, thereby suggesting the qualitative improvement of oil with S application. Oil percent has a negative correlation with sinigrin and gluconapin content. The uptake of S was positively correlated with oleic acid content but showed lower or even negative correlation with other fatty acids. Therefore, irrigation (twice at 30 DAS and 60 DAS) in combination with 45 kg S/ha are recommended for improving yield attributes, yield, oil percent and S uptake of Indian mustard.