Agro-biochemical, microbiological parameters and economics of mustard (Brassica juncea L.) as influenced by nutrient sources under semi-arid environment

An experiment was carried out during rabi 2019-20 and 2020-21 to assess the impact of nutrient sources on agronomic, biochemical, microbiological parameters and economic of mustard. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design with three replications. The treatment comprised of 100% RDF through chemical fertilizers, 100% RDN through vermicompost, 100% RDN through FYM, 100% RDN through mushroom compost, 100% RDN through biogas slurry, 100% RDN through improved FYM, 50% RDF through chemical fertilizers, 50% RDN through vermicompost +50%RDF, 50% RDN through FYM +50%RDF, 50% RDN through mushroom compost +50%RDF, 50% RDN through biogas slurry +50%RDF, 50% RDN through improved FYM +50%RDF. Application of 100% RDF resulted in the highest seed yield, which was similar to 50% RDN through improved FYM +50% RDF through chemical fertilizers but was significantly higher than all rest treatments. The lowest values of yield attribute and yield was recorded with 50% RDF through chemical fertilizers. However, different nutrient sources could not cause any significant variation in the protein and nutrient content in seed and stover. The higher value of dehydrogenase activity was found with the application of manures or their combination with lower doses as compared to sole application of chemical fertilizers.