Effect of sulphur and zinc levels on the growth of Indian mustard (Brassica juncea L.)

Abstract

A field experiment entitled “Effect of Sulphur and Zinc Levels on the Growth, Yield, and Quality of Indian Mustard [Brassica juncea L.]” was conducted during the Rabi season of 2024-25 at the Agronomy Research Farm, Rama University. The investigation was undertaken to identify the optimum rates of sulphur and zinc for Indian mustard and to evaluate their individual as well as combined effects on crop growth, yield performance, quality parameters, and economic returns. The trial was laid out in a Factorial Randomized Block Design comprising 16 treatment combinations formed by four sulphur levels (0, 20, 40, and 60 kg ha⁻¹) and four zinc levels (0, 2.0, 4.0, and 6.0 kg ha⁻¹), with three replications. Increasing doses of sulphur and zinc significantly enhanced growth attributes such as plant height, number of primary and secondary branches, leaf area index, and dry matter production, with maximum values recorded at 60 kg S ha⁻¹ and 6.0 kg Zn ha⁻¹.