Productivity and nutrient uptake of mustard (Brassica juncea) influenced by land configuration and residual and directly applied nutrients in mustard under limited moisture conditions

A field experiment was conducted to study the productivity and nutrient uptake of mustard [Brassica juncea (L.) Czernj. & Coss.] influenced by land configuration and preceding and directly applied nutrients in greengram [Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek]–mustard cropping system under limited irrigation conditions on a sandy loam soil at research farm of Indian Agricultural research institute, New Delhi, during 2010-11 and 2011-12. The treatment comprised of four land configuration (Flat bed, flat bed with mulch, ridge and furrow and broad bed and furrow methods) and three preceding fertility levels (Control, 15 kg N + 30 kg P2O5 + PSM and 15 kg N + 30 kg P 2 O 5 /ha) as main plot and three directly applied fertility levels (Control, 30 kg N + 30 kg P 2 O 5 and 60 kg N + 60 kg P 2 O 5 /ha replicated thrice in split plot design. Flat bed with mulch was significantly superior over other land configuration system in terms of growth parameter, yield attributes and yield as well as nutrient uptake. The residual nutrient management showed a positive response on influencing the growth attributes, yield attributes and yield of mustard. Application of 15 kg N + 30 kg P 2 O 5 + PSM/ha to greengram as residual nutrients for next season significantly made the difference in terms of productivity, profitability and nutrient uptake. The direct applied nutrients to the mustard at the rate of 60 kg N + 60 kg P2O5 was significant over other fertility levels in terms of growth parameters, yield attributes and yield. Application of 60 kg N + 60 kg P 2 O 5 /ha increased the mean net returns and B: C ratio by 59 and 16.8% and 26 and 4.5% over control, 30 kg N + 30 kg P 2 O 5 /ha, respectively.