Physiological studies and nutrient accumulation in mustard varieties in response to fertilizer doses under saline condition in semi-arid region of northwestern Haryana

Abstract

The present study was conducted to find out the salt tolrant mustard variety for semi-arid region because this region has higher amount of poor quality water for irrigation and nutrient accumulation under saline environment is the most limiting factor in the sustainable crop production. For this four mustard varieties in main plots (Kranti, Giriraj, CS-54, and CS-58) and three fertilizer doses in sub-plots (100, 125 and 150% RDF). During the experimentation, saline water irrigation (7 dS m^-1) was applied. The physiological parameters like RWC (75.54 to 80.34 %), total chlorophyll content (1.60 to 1.91 mg g^-1 FW), and photosynthetic rate (10.09 to 14.79 µmol CO₂ m^-2s^-1) were significantly increased with increasing dose of fertilizers. Yield stability index was highest with the application of 150% RDF. HI index showed a decline trend with the increasing dose of fertilizers, whereas oil content decreased non-significantly. Irrespective of fertilizer doses, variety CS-58 recorded maximum seed yield (22.89 q ha^-1), biological yield (11.22 q ha^-1); and other physiological parameters followed by CS-54, Giriraj, and Kranti mustard varieties. Variety CS-58 had the highest nutrient content (N, P, and K) in straw, with reaching to 125% RDF being at par with 150% RDF, followed by CS-54, Giriraj, and Kranti, respectively. The salt ratio (Na⁺:K⁺) decreased non-significantly with fertilizer doses, its mean value was however lowest in CS-58.