Effect of Sulphur and Zinc application on Growth and Nutrient uptake by Gobhi Sarson (Brassica napus L.) under Central Plain Region of Punjab, India

Background: Zinc (Zn) and Sulphur (S) play critical roles in enhancing plant growth, nutrient uptake and productivity. Despite their importance, there is limited understanding of their combined impact under field conditions in Punjab, India. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of varying levels of zinc and sulphur application on growth, chlorophyll content and nutrient uptake in plants to optimize their agricultural use. Methods: A two-year field experiment (2022–2023 and 2023–2024) was conducted at the Agronomy Research Field, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab, India. The experimental design included four zinc application treatmentsviz., Z0-Control, Z1-1 appl. (one spray @ 15 DAS), Z2-2 appl. (two spray @ 15 + 45 DAS) and Z3-3 appl. (three spray @ 15 + 45 + 75 DAS) and four sulphur application treatments viz., S0-Control, S1 (10 kg ha-1), S2 (20 kg ha-1) and S3 (30 kg ha-1). The plant height (cm), fresh weight (g), dry weight(g), number of leaf/plant, chlorophyll content (mg/g), number of primary leaf and number of secondary leaf was recorded maximum under Z3-3 appl. (three spray @ 15 + 45 + 75 DAS) and which was at par with Z2-2 appl. (two spray @ 15 + 45 DAS) and similar trend were also found in N, P, K, S and Zn uptake by stover and seed. Result: In sulphur levels highest plant height (cm), fresh weight (g), dry weight(g), number of leaf/plant, chlorophyll content (mg/g), number of primary leaf and number of secondary leaf, N, P, K, S and Zn uptake by stover and seed were found under S3 (30 kg ha-1). These findings highlight the synergistic effect of higher zinc and sulphur applications on plant growth and productivity.