Impact of NPKS and Foliar Nano Fertilizer Application of Indian Mustard (Brassica juncea L.) Growth in Himachal Pradesh’s Mid Hill Region

Abstract

The present study was performed during Rabi season of 2022-23 at Research Farm, School of Agriculture, Abhilashi University, Chail Chowk, Mandi (H.P.) India. The experimental design utilized a Randomized Block Design (RBD) with eight different treatments, replicated three times. T1 was the absolute control with no fertilizers or chemicals. T2 used 100% NPK and sulfur (S) with zinc (Zn) at 5 kg ha⁻¹. T3 included 100% NPK and S with bio stimulants. T4 applied 100% NPK and S with Nano Zn spray at 40 days after sowing (DAS). T5 used 75% NPK and S with NPK consortia. T6 applied 75% NPK and S with Nano nitrogen (N) spray at 40 DAS. T7 combined 75% NPK and S with both Nano N and Nano Zn sprays at 40 DAS. T8 used 75% NPK and S with NPK consortia and Nano Zn spray at 40 DAS. The highest values of growth attribute viz. [highest plant height (cm), and dry matter accumulation (g m-2)], yield attributes and yield viz. [Number of siliquae plant-1, Siliquae length (cm), Number of seed siliquae plant-1, 1000 seed weight, weight of siliquae plant-1, seed yield (q ha-1), stover yield (q ha-1) and biological yield (q ha-1) was found with application of 100% NPK and S with Nano Zn spray at 40 DAS. While, some attributes namely- test weight (g), number of seed siliquae plant-1, harvest index (%) was found non-significant. However, the lowest values for all parameters were observed under treatment T1 (absolute control). Therefore, using nanofertilizers to accelerate plant growth and production can lead to new developments in agricultural practice. However, the kind of plant species, stage of growth, and type of nanomaterial all affect how plants react to nanofertilizers.