Influence of spacing and nitrogen levels on quality parameters and nutrient dynamics in mustard (Brassica juncea L.) in the north part of Gujarat

Abstract

To reduce intraspecific competition for essential resources, including sunlight, water, and nutrients, mustard (Brassica juncea L.) agriculture must optimise plant spacing and nitrogen levels. Additionally, increasing crop output and boosting soil nutrient usage efficiency depend on figuring out the right amount of nitrogen fertiliser (urea). Both oil yield and the uptake of nutrients by mustard seed and straw are strongly influenced by plant geometry and nitrogen application rates. Additionally, increasing crop output and boosting soil nutrient usage efficiency depend on figuring out the right amount of nitrogen fertiliser (urea). Both oil yield and the uptake of nutrients by mustard seed and straw are strongly influenced by plant geometry and nitrogen application rates. Consequently, adopting the optimum spacing and nitrogen dosage can substantially improve nutrient uptake, oil yield and overall crop performance. Thus, in Rabi 2024–2025, a field experiment was carried out on loamy sand soil at the Agronomy Instructional Farm, C.P. College of Agriculture, Sardarkrushinagar Dantiwada Agricultural University, Sardarkrushinagar. Three spacing levels (S1: 30 cm × 15 cm, S2: 30 cm × 30 cm, and S3: 45 cm × 15 cm) and four nitrogen levels (N1: 37.5 kg N/ha, N2: 50 kg N/ha, N3: 75 kg N/ha, and N4: 100 kg N/ha) comprised the twelve treatment combinations used in the Split Plot Design experiment. The findings showed that the oil output (829.1 kg/ha) and nitrogen uptake by seed (52.82 kg/ha) of mustard grown at 45 cm × 15 cm spacing were significantly greater. Straw absorbed the most nitrogen in a spacing of 30 cm × 15 cm (27.51 kg/ha) because there were more plants there than at any other spacing.However, spacing and nitrogen levels revealed that the nitrogen content of seed and straw, as well as the available soil N, P2O5, and K2O after harvest, were not significant.