Efficacy of Fungicides and Optimization of Application Timing for the Management of Sclerotinia Rot of Mustard Caused by Sclerotinia sclerotiorum

Sclerotinia rot of rapeseed-mustard caused by Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (Lib.) de Bary has gained significant importance in Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana and other major rapeseed-mustard growing areas of India in recent years. Fungicides are extensively used for the control of this disease since no commercial cultivars have been found resistant to S. sclerotiorum and other management practices have not been found very effective. Therefore, the present investigations were carried out to evaluate the efficacy of fungicides and to optimize application timing for the effective management of Sclerotinia rot of mustard. Among 08 fungicides tested in vitro, Carbendazim 50% WP and Propiconazole 25% EC were found most efficient at completely inhibiting the mycelial growth of S. sclerotiorum at all the concentrations tested. In an in vitro sclerotial (carpogenic) germination test, Carbendazim 50% WP completely inhibited sclerotial germination at 100, 250 and 500 ppm. Under artificial inoculation conditions in the field, Propiconazole 25% EC @0.1% was found most effective in reducing Sclerotinia rot incidence (87.04%) followed by Carbendazim 50% WP (83.33%) and Tebuconazole 25.9% EC (75.93%). Similarly, under natural epiphytotic conditions in field, Propiconazole 25% EC @0.1% was found best in disease incidence reduction (85.34%) with increased yield (40.00%) followed by Carbendazim 50% WP (81.25% & 38.09%) and Tebuconazole 25.9% EC (79.72% & 35.24%) in disease reduction and increased yield respectively. Differential time and frequency of application of Propiconazole @0.1% were tested and found that 02 applications i.e. 1st spray at 4.2 flowering stage i.e. 30% bloom stage (70 DAS) and 2nd spray at 4.3 flowering stage i.e. 50% bloom stage (85 DAS) was equally effective in disease incidence reduction (82.70%) with 03 applications i.e. 1st spray at 4.1 flowering stage i.e. 10-20% bloom stage (55 DAS), 2nd at 4.2 flowering stage (70 DAS) and 3rd at 4.3 flowering stage (85 DAS). Therefore, the optimization of fungicide application timing and the number of sprays with adequate concentrations is advisable to increase the cost-effectiveness of crop production while controlling the disease.

Phenological and Metabolic Study of Mustard (Brassica juncea L. Czern. & Coss.) as Affected by Sulphur and Zinc Levels

The Field experiment was carried out during rabi season of 2021-22 and 2022-23 at Students Instructional Farm, Chandra Shekhar Azad University of Agriculture & Technology, Kanpur. The experiment consist of 14 treatments combinations in factorial randomized block design with three replications consisted of 7 fertility levels (including sulphur and zinc) and two varietal factors (i.e. Rohini & Maya). Mustard varieties Rohini & Maya were grown with the recommended agronomic practices. On the basis of results emanated from investigation it can be concluded that among the metabolic studies the maximum chlorophyll content at pre and post anthesis are 46.70 and 48.88 SPAD were recorded in the treatment T14 [Var. Maya with Sulphur @900 ppm] during the first year (2021-22). Maximum rate of photosynthesis at pre and post anthesis are 25.97 and 33.29 µmole m-2/ s-1 respectively, during 1st years of experimentation were associated with the treatment T14 [Var. Maya with Sulphur @900 ppm]. Similarly during 2nd year of experimentation the maximum pre and post anthesis chlorophyll content (47.27 and 49.45 SPAD) and pre and post anthesis rate of photosynthesis (26.32 and 34.50 µmole m-2/ s-1) was found in the treatment T14 [Var. Maya with Sulphur @900 ppm]. Along with this, among the phenological studies minimum number of days taken to anthesis, number of days taken to 50 % flowering and number of days taken to maturity, was also found in the treatment T14 [Var. Maya with Sulphur @900 ppm].

Effect of Trap Cropping of Brassica juncea (Linn.) on the Management of Lipaphis erysimi (Kalt.) on B. oleracea var. capitata (Linn.)

During the rabi of 2022-23, Indian mustard cv. Laha 101 was used as a trap crop to manage the mustard aphid, Lipaphis erysimi (Kalt.) on cabbage cv. K-1. The results showed that trap cropping ratios significantly lowered aphid densities compared to the sole crop (cabbage). The lowest density of aphids (4.60 aphid/plant) was recorded in cabbage under the trap cropping ratio of 3:2. On the other hand, the peak infestation (19.05 aphid/plant) occurred on the mustard of the same trap cropping ratio (3:2) when compared with other trap cropping ratios on 7th SMW (February 11th). Even though the sole crop (cabbage) had the highest aphid density (28.13 aphid/plant), it yielded 49.23 t/ha and had a benefit cost ratio of 2.07 due to two sprays of insecticide (Malathion 50 EC), which was not done in the trap cropping ratios. Thus, the trap cropping ratio of 3:2 (2.31) had the best cost benefit ratio followed by the trap cropping ratio of 1:1 (2.19), which recorded produce of 42.61 t/ha and 41.29 t/ha respectively. Overall, the use of Indian mustard cv. Laha 101 has been shown to be effective as a trap crop in managing mustard aphid on cabbage cv. K-1 during the rabi season. By using the correct trap cropping ratio, farmers can maximize their produce while minimizing the use of insecticides, which can be beneficial both economically and environmentally.

Study of the Most Suitable Combination of Intercropping Systems of Indian Mustard (Brassica juncea L.) with Chickpea, Lentil, Linseed and Field Pea

Abstract: Intercropping system enhances crop productivity and profitability by growing different species together on the same piece of land in distinct row combinations. Hence, a field experiment was conducted to study the most suitable combination of mustard based intercropping with different crops at students’ instructional farm, C. S. Azad University of Agriculture & Technology, Kanpur (U.P.) during Rabi season 2021-22. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design with nine treatment combinations viz., T1 Sole Mustard, T2 Mustard: Chickpea (1:1), T3 Mustard: Chickpea (2:1), T4 Mustard: Lentil (1:1), T5 Mustard: Lentil (2:1), T6 Mustard: Linseed (1:1), T7 Mustard: Linseed (2:1), T8 Mustard: Field Pea (1:1) and T9 Mustard: Field Pea (2:1) with replicated thrice. The results revealed that the significant impact of intercropping system on the growth, yield attributes, and overall yield of mustard when intercropped with chickpea, lentil, linseed, and pea. Plant population of intercrops showed non-significant differences, but at later stages, a 1:1 ratio consistently led to higher plant populations. Plant height, primary branches, and dry weight were generally higher in the 1:1 ratio compared to the 2:1 ratio in all intercrops. Yield attributes, including the number of pods or capsules and seeds per pod or capsule, favoured the 1:1 ratio. The highest yield was observed in the 1:1 ratio, contrasting with the minimum in the 2:1 ratio of mustard + intercrops. Overall, the 1:1 ratio demonstrated superior performance in terms of growth, yield attributes and yield, emphasizing the importance of intercrop ratio in optimizing crop growth and productivity.

Assessing the Efficacy of Bio-rational Insecticides for Controlling Lipaphis erysimi (Kaltenbach) Infestations on Mustard Crops

Among the various treatments evaluated for their bio-rational effect against mustard aphid on Indian mustard during year- 2021-22 at C. S. Azad University of Agriculture & Technology Kanpur Uttar Pradesh, the descending order are the followed treatments are NSKE @10% > NSKE @5% > Cow Urine @ 10% > Verticillium lecanii @ 1.5kg/ha. > Lantana leaf extract @ 10 % > Castor leaf extract @ 10% > Lantana leaf extract @ 5 % > Castor leaf extract @ 5% > Cow Urine @ 5%. India, the spray of NSKE 10% @ 60 lit/ha followed by NSKE 5 % @ 30 lit/ha was proved to be the best treatments with pooled mean aphid population of 5.42, 5.10, 4.96, 4.85, 5.39, 5.26, 5.42, 5.23, 5.13, and 7.29 aphid/pant in the control after 1, 3, 5 and 7 days of treatment, respectively. The treatment NSKE 10 % was proved best and significantly superior over all treatments with highest reduction of Infestation of Lipaphis erysimi kalt. in both the years.

Productivity and Profitability of Sesame / Green Gram / Urdbean – Mustard Based Cropping Systems under Moisture Conservation Practices

A field experiments was conducted on sandy loam soil during 2016 -17 and 2017 -18 at M.G. chitrakoot Gramodaya Vishwavidyalaya, Chitrakoot, Satna (M.P.) to find out the most productive and profitable mustard based cropping system under different moisture conservation practices. Treatment consisted three cropping systems viz. Sesame –mustard, green gram-mustard and urdbean –mustard and four moisture conservation practices (no irrigation, life saving irrigation, straw mulch @4 t/ha and kaolin 5% spray). Results revealed that on pooled basis of two years mulching @4 t/ha produced significantly higher grain yield of sesame (512 kg/ha), green gram (1023 kg/ha) urdbean (2349 kg/ha) and mustard (2558kg/ha) than no irrigation while numerical enhancement were recorded under life saving irrigation and kaolin 5 % spray treatment in seed yield of sesame, green gram, urdbean and mustard crop. The maximum mustard equivalent grain yield of 3759 kg/ha, system production efficiency of 33.52 kg/ha/day and system profitability of 339.00 Rs/ha/day was recorded under green gram – mustard system. Among the moisture conservation practices, straw mulch treatment had highest mustard equivalent grain yield of 4021 kg/ha, production efficiency of 35.83 kg/ha/day and system profitability (35.83 Rs/ha/day). The gross returns (Rs 182764/ha), net returns (Rs 139644/ha) and benefit: cost ratio (3.24) were maximized under green gram- mustard system x straw mulch @4 t/ha treatment on pooled basis.

Rapeseed-Mustard Farming in Begusarai, Bihar, India: A Holistic Exploration of Growth, Economic Viability, and Hindrances

The present study conducted a comprehensive analysis of the rapeseed-mustard sector's economic dynamics in India, with a focus on Bihar's Begusarai district. The study has been carried out with the objectives of analyzing the trend in area, production and productivity along with the cost and return from rapeseed-mustard production. Further the constraints faced by the famers were also documented and ranked. Primary data was collected from 120 rapeseed-mustard growers of District from a cluster of three villages each from two blocks through SRSWOR Technique and secondary data were collected from different published sources. A negative growth rate (CGR) in area (-0.05%) was observed while the growth in production and productivity of Rapeseed-Mustard during 1998-99 to 2018-19 in Bihar was positive and significant. Districts wise analysis in entire period together there was positive Growth in the area, production and productivity. The average cost of cultivation per hectare was ? 63,873.1, while the gross income stood at ? 83,746.92, yielding a favourable return-to-cost ratio of 1:1.39, implying that rapeseed–mustard fetched an additional return of 39 paisa on each rupee spent. Primary constraints identified included the absence of high-quality seed varieties and elevated transportation expenses, both warranting attentions. To bolster the future of rapeseed-mustard, widespread dissemination of advanced farming techniques and the establishment of processing facilities among smallholders is recommended.

Investigation of Physical and Frictional Properties of Mustard Seed Varieties to Design inclined Plate Metering Mechanism

The physical and frictional properties were studied for three distinct mustard seed varieties: RLC-1, GSC-7, and PBR-91, with the primary objective of designing an efficient inclined plate seed metering mechanism for agricultural seeders. Mustard, a globally significant oilseed crop, plays a vital role in both agriculture and industry. Our comprehensive analysis encompassed various properties, including seed dimensions, test weight (1000 seed), moisture content, geometric mean diameters, surface area, bulk density, true density, sphericity, angle of repose, and coefficients of friction on plywood and GI sheet surfaces.The results revealed significant variations among the mustard seed varieties. For instance, RLC-1 seeds exhibited lengths of 4.029 ± 0.37 mm, widths of 2.210 ± 0.31 mm, and thicknesses of 0.851 ± 0.19 mm, whereas GSC-7 displayed lengths of 4.110 ± 0.42 mm, widths of 2.300 ± 0.35 mm, and thicknesses of 0.910 ± 0.24 mm. Additionally, GI sheet surfaces exhibited a lower coefficient of friction compared to plywood.This comprehensive dataset informs the design of tailored seed metering mechanisms, optimizing seed handling, minimizing damage and losses, and reducing blockage during seeding operations, thereby enhancing overall efficiency in mustard crop cultivation and seeding technology.

Efficacy of Sesame Oil and mustard Oil Formulations against Red Spider Mite of Tea

Crude formulations of sesame and mustard oil at 0.5%, 0.75% and 1% concentration with or without the addition of cow urine were assessed against red spider mite, Oligonychus coffeae (Nietner) in the laboratory. Efficacy tests on oviposition rate, egg hatchability, mortality of nymph and adult mites proved that sesame oil 1%, with or without the addition of cow urine was found to be effective in reducing the rate oviposition and egg hatchability of mites and was at par with the formulation prepared from commercial neem (1 : 1500). Formulations of sesame oil at the rate of 0.75% and 1% with or without cow urine were found to be highly effective for mortality of nymphs and adults of red spider mite respectively which were at par with the formulation prepared from commercial neem.

Correlation and Path Analysis for Seed Yield and Its Component Traits in Indian Mustard (Brassica juncea L. Czern and Coss.)

A study for 17 agronomic traits was conducted to evaluate correlation and path analysis in Brassica juncea L. Czern and Coss. Ten lines with diverse genetic makeup and their crosses which were performed in half diallel fashion were grown in Randomized Block Design in three replications during rabi season (2021-22). At phenotypic and genotypic level, seed yield per plant exhibited significant positive correlation and positive direct effect on seed yield via plant height, total siliqua per plant and biological yield per plant in both F1 and F2 generations, while number of primary branches, seeds per siliqua and oil content showed negative direct correlation with seeds yield per plant at genotypic and phenotypic level in both F1 and F2 generations. The results of the study concluded that plant height, total siliqua per plant and biological yield per plant exerted high correlation and direct effect on seed yield per plant generations. Hence, these characters might be considered for selection and in improvement of seed yield of mustard genotypes.

Effect of Potassium on the Growth and Yield of Different Varieties of Mustard (Brassica juncea L.) under Poplar (Populus deltoides) Based Agroforestry System

A field experiment was conducted to find out the "Effect of potassium on the growth and yield of different varieties of Mustard (Brassica juncea L.) under Poplar (Populus deltoides) based agroforestry system" at Forestry Nursery, the research farm of the College of Forestry, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj, U.P., India. Experiment was laid out in randomized block design with 3 different varieties of Mustard viz. T59-Varuna, Pioneer 45s 42s, and Jugni in 3 replications and 5 levels of Potassium per variety (50% kg/ha), (75% kg/ha), (100% kg/ha), (125% kg/ha) and (150% kg/ha) as of total 15 treatments in all. The result shows that the application of increased levels of potassium fertilizers showed high growth and yield of Mustard. It was recorded from the application of potassium fertilizers in treatments applied with (MOP @ 150% kg/ha) resulted in increased pre-harvest observation viz., plant height (cm), dry weight (g/plant), crop growth rate (g/m2/day) and increased relative growth rate (g/g/day). It was also concluded from the trail that the application of fertilizers in treatment with (MOP @ 150% kg/ha) was found in increasing post-harvest observations viz., number of siliqua/plants, number of seeds/siliquas, test weight (g), seed yield (t/ha), stover yield (t/ha), harvest index (%). Also, after the economic analysis, the returns as compared to investment were found to be more profitable.

Effect of Botanical Extracts and Essential Oils on Alternaria brassicae (Berk.) Sacc. of Mustard (Brassica juncea L.)

Mustard is an important oilseed crop in India. Alternaria leaf blight caused by Alternaria brassicae is an economically important disease of oilseed brassicas as it reduces the quality and quantity of the seeds. Botanical extracts and essential oils were tested on Alternaria brassicae at different concentrations to evaluate the effect in vitro by poison food technique in Completely Randomized Design (CRD). The study was done at the Department of Plant Pathology laboratory, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences during 2021-2022. The results revealed that all the botanical extracts and essential oils tested significantly inhibited the mycelial growth of Alternaria brassicae. Among the botanical extracts, the highest mycelial growth inhibition was found in garlic bulb extract @ 15% (93.11%), followed by garlic bulb extract @ 10% (87.33%). Among essential oils the maximum mycelial growth inhibition per cent was observed in eucalyptus oil @ 3% (95.77%), followed by eucalyptus oil @ 2% (88.22%). The higher concentration of all the botanical extracts and essential oils shows significantly higher per cent mycelial growth inhibition as compared to their lower levels.

Agronomic Evaluation of Mustard (Brassica juncea l.) Hybrids under Agro-climatic Conditions of Prayagraj (U.P), India: Experimental Investigation

A field experiment was carried out at the Crop Research Farm, Department of Agronomy, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj during Rabi season 2022 on Mustard crop. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with ten treatments and three replications. The soil of experimental plot was sandy loam in texture, nearly neutral in soil reaction (pH 7.1), low in organic carbon (0.36%), available N (171.48 kg/ha), available P (15.2 kg/ha) and available K (232.5 kg/ha). The maximum plant height (175.97 cm), primary branches (8.85), secondary branches (18.85/plant), plant dry weight (40.97 g/plant) at 100 DAS in hybrid M-155 was recorded. Maximum Crop growth rate (CGR) recorded at 60-80 DAS (10.24 g/m2 /day), number of siliqua/plant (466.27), number of seeds/siliqua (13.63), test weight (5.40 g) and seed yield (2.40 t/ha) were observed in hybrid M-155. In terms of economics, highest gross returns (Rs 130905.7/ha), net returns (Rs 81592.73/ha) and B:C ratio (1.65) were observed in hybrid M-155.

Effect of Bio-Agents and Elicitors on Alternaria brassicae of Mustard (Brassica juncea L.)

Rapeseed-mustard is one of the major oilseed crops cultivated in India. Alternaria brassicae is the most destructive pathogen of oilseeds. The present study aims to evaluate the effect of bio-agents and elicitors on Alternaria brassicae of mustard in vitro using dual culture technique and poison food technique in completely randomized design (CRD). The study was conducted at the Department of Plant Pathology Laboratory, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology And Sciences, Prayagraj. The results revealed that among bio-agents, Trichoderma viride + Pseudomonas fluorescens (87.70mm) recorded the maximum per cent inhibition of mycelial growth of Alternaria brassicae, followed by Trichoderma viride (82.60mm). Among elicitors, the maximum per cent inhibition of the pathogen was recorded by salicylic acid at 150 ppm (75.33%), followed by salicylic acid at 100 ppm (58.69%).

Stability Analysis for Seed Yield Trait in Indian Mustard (Brassica juncea L. Czern & Coss.)

Present study was undertaken to estimate the magnitude of genotype × environment interaction (GEI) and to identify stability of improved and high-yielding varieties of Indian mustard (Brassica juncea L. Czerns & coss.). The 57 Indian mustard genotypes were evaluated in RBD along with three replications during Rabi crop seasons in three environments. Analysis of variance on 14 traits was carried out individually as well as pooled over environments. Yield stability was analysed employing Eberhart and Russell’s model [1] which revealed highly significant differences among genotypes and environments. Mean squares due to environment + genotype x environment interactions (E + G x E) indicated that genotypes interacted considerably with environmental conditions. Further, partitioning of E+G x E effects indicated that E (linear), G x E (linear) components were highly significant for grain yield. Genotypes RH-749, DRMR 1165-40 X RH-406, DRMR IJ-31 X RH-749 had high mean than general mean coupled with regression coefficient close to unity bi = 1 and S2di = 0 and are identified as most stable and desirable Indian mustard genotypes.

Growth and Yield Attributes of Mustard as Influenced by Mustard – Based Vegetable Intercropping Systems

The study was conducted at Agricultural Research Station, Adilabad, Professor Jayashankar Telangana State Agricultural University (PJTSAU), Rajendranagar, Hyderabad, from November, 2022 to March, 2023 to identify the best intercropping system in mustard intercropped with different root vegetable crops. The treatments include, T1: Mustard sole crop; T2: Radish sole crop; T3: Beetroot sole crop; T4: Carrot sole crop; T5: Potato sole crop; T6: Mustard + Radish (2:2); T7: Mustard + Beetroot (2:2); T8: Mustard + Carrot (2:2); T9: Mustard + Potato (2:2); T10: Mustard + Radish (3:3); T11: Mustard + Beetroot (3:3) ;T12: Mustard + Carrot (3:3); T13: Mustard + Potato (3:3). Results indicated that, mustard sole crop performed significantly better in terms of growth and yield parameters. However, among the intercropping systems, mustard + radish showed higher plant height (179 and 174 cm), significantly higher plant drymatter accumulation (2478, 2456 kg/ha), number of siliqua (1689 and 1675), grain yield (972 and 950 kg/ha) and stalk yield (2267 and 2242 kg/ha) in both 3:3 and 2:2 row proportions, respectively. Moreover, all the root vegetable crops, namely radish, beetroot, carrot and potato, showed better results in terms of growth and yield parameters as sole crops compared to when grown in intercropping systems. Considering the row proportions the performance was better in 3:3 than 2:2 but not statistically significant. The study concludes that, mustard +radish in both 3:3 and 2:2 row proportions can be a better intercropping system for Telangana.

Effect of Row Ratio on Growth and Yield of Wheat (Triticum aestivum) and Mustard (Brassica nigra) Intercropping System

A field experiment was conducted during Rabi 2022 at Crop Research Farm, Department of Agronomy, SHUATS, Prayagraj (U.P) on the topic “Effect of row ratio on growth and yield of wheat and mustard intercropping system”. To study treatments consisting with row Proportions with wheat and mustard intercropping. The soil of experimental plot was sandy loam in texture, nearly neutral in soil reaction (pH 8.0), low in organic carbon (0.28 %), available N (225 kg/ha), available P (19.50 kg/ha) and available K (92 kg/ha). There were 8 treatments each being replicated thrice and laid out in Randomized Block Design. The results revealed that treatment 1 (Sole wheat cropping) recorded significantly higher Plant height (89.4 cm), plant dry weight (16.15 g), number of effective tillers/m2 (634.01), number of grains/spike (52.80), grain yield (4.02 t/ha), straw yield (6.73 t/ha) of wheat and treatment 2 (Sole mustard cropping) recorded significant and higher Plant height (120.50 cm), plant dry weight (34.18 g), number of siliqua/plant (210.47), number of seeds/siliqua (22.90), test weight (3.66 g), seed yield (1.27 t/ha), stover yield (2.65 t/ha) and Harvest index (32.33 %) in mustard.

Cultivation of Hybrids Mustard (Brassica juncea L.) in the Pedo- Climatic Conditions of paryagraj Sangam Region (U.P), India

The field experiment was carried out at the Crop Research Farm, Department of Agronomy, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj during Rabi season 2021-22 on Mustard crop. The experiment was performed in randomized block design with ten treatments and three replication. The soil of experimental plot was sandy loam in texture, nearly neutral in soil reaction (pH 7.1), low in organic carbon (0.36%), available N (171.48 kg/ha), available P (15.2 kg/ha) and available K (232.5 kg/ha). The maximum plant height (171.76 cm), primary branches (6.5/plant), secondary branches (16.20/plant), plant dry weight (43.43 g/plant) at 100 DAS in hybrid ADV 4029 was recorded. Maximum Crop growth rate (CGR) recorded at 40-60DAS (20.32 g/m2 /day), number of siliqua/plant (457.27), number of seeds/siliqua (13.55), test weight (4.73 g) and seed yield (2.51 t/ha) were observed in hybrid ADV 4029. In terms of economics, highest gross returns (Rs 136660.90/ha), net returns (Rs 87347.93/ha) and B:C ratio (1.77) were observed in hybrid ADV 4029.

Unveiling the Impact of Integrated Nutrient Management on Soil Health and Microbial Dynamics in Mustard Cultivation

During the Rabi season of 2020-21, an investigation was carried out at College Farm, Agricultural College, Polasa, Jagtial, under the supervision of Professor Jayashankar Telangana State Agricultural University. The primary aim of the research was to assess the influence of integrated nutrient management on the organic carbon content, enzyme activity and microbial population in the mustard (Brassica juncea L.) crop. The experiment was conducted in soil with a sandy clay loam texture and followed a randomized block design, consisting of nine distinct treatments, each of which was replicated three times. These treatments includes: T1: 100% Recommended Dose of Fertilizer (RDF), T2: 100% RDF + FYM, T3: 100% RDF + FYM + Biofertilizer consortium, T4: 75% RDF, T5: 75% RDF + FYM, T6: 75% RDF + FYM + Biofertilizer consortium, T7: Soil Test Based NPK, T8: 75% STB NPK + FYM and T9: 75% STB NPK + FYM + Biofertilizer consortium. The results revealed that the organic carbon, dehydrogenase activity and microbial population of soil were significantly enhanced by the application of combined use of organic, inorganic fertilizers and biofertilizers. All the parameters were recorded higher with the integrated application of 75% STB NPK+ FYM + Biofertilizer consortium which was on par with 100 % RDF + FYM + Biofertilizer consortium, 75 % RDF + FYM + Biofertilizer consortium, 75 % STB NPK + FYM, 100 % RDF + FYM, 75 % RDF + FYM. The population of bacteria and fungi, organic carbon content and dehydrogenase were recorded lower in the treatments receiving sole application of inorganic fertilizers.

Effect of Integrated Nutrient Management on Dynamics of Nutrient Availability at Various Intervals in Mustard (Brassica juncea L.) Crop

A field experiment was conducted at College Farm, Agricultural College, Polasa, Jagtial, Professor Jayashankar Telangana State Agricultural University. The study was aimed at identifying the effect of integrated nutrient management on nutrient availability in soil. The field experiment was laid out in a randomized block design with nine treatments replicated thrice. The treatments includes T1: 100% Recommended dose of Fertilizer (RDF), T2: 100% RDF + FYM (Farm Yard Manure), T3: 100% RDF + FYM + Biofertilizer consortium, T4: 75% RDF, T5: 75% RDF + FYM, T6: 75% RDF + FYM + Biofertilizer consortium, T7: Soil Test Based (STB) NPK, T8: 75% STB NPK + FYM and T9: 75% STB NPK + FYM + Biofertilizer consortium. The results of the experiment revealed that integrated nutrient management significantly influenced the availability of various nutrients at different stages of the crop. Significantly higher nitrogen and its inorganic fractions, phosphorous, potassium and sulphur availability was recorded with the integrated application of 75% STB + FYM + Biofertilizer consortium which was comparable with an application of Soil Test Based NPK, 100 % RDF + FYM + Biofertilizer consortium, and 75% STB NPK + FYM. The lower available nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, sulphur, ammonical and nitrate nitrogen were recorded under the treatment of 75 % RDF.