Effect of zinc and iron fertilization on yield potential, soil fertility status and economics of mustard (Brassica juncea L.) in sandy loam soil

A field experiment was conducted on Indian mustard during rabi season of 2021-22 at Sardarkrushinagar, Gujarat in loamy sand soil. Total eight treatments were laid out in randomized block design with four replications. Gujarat Dantiwada Mustard 4 was sown at a distance of 45 cm × 15 cm. Seed yield (2324 kg/ha) and stover yield (5381 kg/ha) were recorded significantly maximum with the application of treatment RDF + 4.0 kg ZnSO4/ha and 7.5 kg FeSO4/ha soil application as basal + 0.5% ZnSO4 and 0.5% FeSO4 foliar spray at 30 and 45 DAS (T8). Nutrient status in soil after harvest viz., available nitrogen, phosphorus and potash were not affected significantly but sulphur (12.7 ppm), zinc (0.448 ppm) and iron (4.52 ppm) status were found significantly higher with the application of RDF + 8.0 kg ZnSO4/ha and 15.0 kg FeSO4/ha soil application as basal (T2). Similarly, maximum benefit cost ratio (3.85) was also found with application of RDF + 8.0 kg ZnSO4/ha and 15.0 kg FeSO4/ha soil application as basal (T2).