Best Fertilizer for Mustard in India
Mustard (sarson, rapeseed-mustard) is a major rabi oilseed and is not a legume, so it does need nitrogen, unlike pulses. The most important special nutrient is sulphur, because mustard is a
Overview
Mustard (sarson, rapeseed-mustard) is a major rabi oilseed and is not a legume, so it does need nitrogen, unlike pulses. The most important special nutrient is sulphur, because mustard is a sulphur-loving crop where sulphur raises oil content and seed yield significantly. Balanced nitrogen, phosphorus, potash and sulphur together give the best results, with split nitrogen for irrigated crops. Phosphorus and potash and all the sulphur go as a basal dose, while part of the nitrogen is top dressed. Always base your dose on a soil test or Soil Health Card and confirm local rates with your KVK, as needs vary by soil, irrigation and variety.
Recommended NPK dose for Mustard
For irrigated mustard a typical dose is 32 kg N, 16 kg P2O5, 16 kg K2O and 16 kg sulphur per acre, which is about 80 kg N, 40 kg P2O5, 40 kg K2O and 40 kg sulphur per hectare. Under rainfed conditions a lower dose of about 50:25:25 kg NPK per hectare is used. Note the higher nitrogen, since mustard is not a legume, and the heavy sulphur for this oilseed. These are general ranges only. Get a soil test or Soil Health Card done and follow the dose advised by your KVK.
Application schedule
For irrigated mustard, apply half the nitrogen plus all the phosphorus, potash and sulphur as a basal dose at sowing. Top dress the remaining half of the nitrogen at 30 to 45 days after sowing, along with the first irrigation. Under rainfed conditions where only residual moisture is available, apply the entire dose as a basal dose at sowing. Always place the basal fertiliser near the seed, and ensure all the sulphur goes in early as the crop needs it from the start.
Organic & bio-fertilizers
Mix 4 to 5 tonnes of well rotted FYM or compost per acre, about 10 tonnes per hectare, into the soil before sowing; FYM also supplies some sulphur. Integrated nutrient management combining 2.5 tonnes vermicompost per hectare with reduced fertiliser, plus zinc and boron, has been shown to raise mustard yield. Mustard is not a legume, so it does not use Rhizobium, but treating soil and seed with PSB helps phosphorus availability. Use a fungicide seed treatment against root and seedling diseases.
Micronutrients & deficiency signs
Sulphur is the key nutrient for mustard; apply about 16 kg per acre through gypsum, bentonite sulphur or single super phosphate, as it can raise oil content by up to 2 percent and yield by up to 25 percent. Sulphur deficiency shows as pale, cupped younger leaves with a reddish tinge. Zinc deficiency, seen as yellowing between veins, is corrected with 10 kg zinc sulphate per acre. Boron deficiency causes poor flowering and pod set; apply borax at 4 to 5 kg per acre only if a soil test confirms a shortage.
Tips & cautions
Never skip sulphur, as it directly raises oil content and is the single most rewarding input in mustard. Split nitrogen in irrigated crops, with half basal and half at first irrigation. Use single super phosphate to supply phosphorus and sulphur together at low cost. Do not overdose nitrogen as it delays maturity and invites aphids. Test your soil every two to three years and follow your KVK for the dose suited to your irrigation and variety.
These are general recommendations. For the exact dose, follow your Soil Health Card / soil test and local KVK, and avoid over-applying urea.
FAQs
Why is sulphur so important for mustard?
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Does mustard need Rhizobium like pulses?
When should I top dress nitrogen in mustard?
Mustard pests & diseases
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