Interactive effect of nitrogen and sulphur on growth and yield of rape-seed-mustard (Brassica juncea L. Czern. and Coss. and Brassica campestris L.) genotypes

A simple randomized field experiment was conducted to assess the growth and yield of rape-seed-mustard in relation to sulphur and nitrogen interaction. Three levels of sulphur (0, 40 and 60 kg ha(-1)) in combination with three levels of nitrogen (60, 100 and 150 kg ha(-1)) were tested as treatments, T-1, T-2, T-3, T-4, and T-5. Results indicated significant favourable effects of sulphur and nitrogen, when applied together, on yield components, seed and oil yield. Maximum response was observed with treatment T-3 (having 8 and N of 40 and 100 kg ha(-1), respectively). Percentage oil content of seed was maximal at T-4 (having S and N of 60 and 100 kg ha(-1)) in both cultivars. The increase in N dose from 100 to 150 kg ha(-1) without any change in applied S, i.e. 60 kg ha(-1) (T-5), decreased the percentage oil content. The seed and oil yield, however, were similar to T-3. Favourable responses of S and N interaction on leaf area index, rate of photosynthesis and biomass production were also observed.