Effect of Sulphur Levels on Mustard (Brassiaca juncea) yield in Muzaffarpur District of Bihar

Application of varying sulphur levels to optimize its dose to achieve better performance of mustard (Brassica juncea) under participatory research mode in Muzaffarpur district of North Bihar K. Singh1, Rajeev Kumar Srivastava2, K. M. Singh3, A. K. Singh4, Ranjan Kumar5 and J. Prasad6   Krishi Vigyan Kendra (Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University), Saraiya, Muzaffarpur , Bihar (INDIA)     e- mail: raj_agronomy@rediffmail.com   ABSTRACT               An on farm trial was conducted consequently two years in Rabi seasons of year 2011-12 and 2012-13 to optimize dose of sulphur to achieve markedly higher growth attributes, yield attributes and yield of mustard (Brassica juncea L.) cv, ‘Rajendra suflam’. Results of the trial revealed that growth & yield attributes like plant height, no. of branches plant-1, no. of siliqua plant-1and test weight were recorded significantly higher with application of 40 kg Sulphur ha-1 but it was statistically at par with the 30 kg Sulphur ha-1. The significantly higher seed (13.93 and 13.98 q ha-1) and stover yield was recorded with the application of sulphur @ 40 kg Sulphur ha-1 which was at par with 30 kg Sulphur ha-1, whereas lowest seed yields (10.13 and 10.14 q ha-1) was associated with farmers’ practice i.e. no sulphur during both the years of experimentations. However, the highest gross return (Rs. 51541 and Rs.51736 ha-1), net return (Rs.31923 and Rs. 31311 ha-1) and B: C ratio (2.63 and 2.53) was recorded @ 40 kg S ha-1 and lowest economics parameters were recorded with no sulphur application. Key words: Mustard, Sulphur, Silique, Yield attributes, Yield, Net Return, B:C ratio       1 Soil Scientist, Krishi Vigyan Kendra (Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University), Saraiya, Muzaffarpur, Bihar 2Agronomist, Krishi Vigyan Kendra (Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University), Khodawandpur Begusarai – 848 202 (Bihar) 3Director of Extension Education, Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa, Samastipur – 848 125 Bihar 4Agronomist, Krishi Vigyan Kendra (Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University), Piparakothi, East Champaran (Bihar) 5Scientist, Krishi Vigyan Kendra (Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University), Saraiya, Muzaffarpur, Bihar 6Programme Coordinator, Krishi Vigyan Kendra (Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University), Saraiya, Muzaffarpur, Bihar