Effect of foliar application of micronutrient grade II on yield and micronutrient uptake of mustard (Brassica juncea L.) in vertisol

Abstract:

A field experiment was conducted during the rabi season of 2025-26 at the Research Farm, AICRP, Mustard, College of Agriculture, Nagpur, to assess the response of mustard (Brassica juncea L.) to foliar application of micronutrient Grade II with respect to nutrient uptake and yield under Vertisol conditions. The experiment comprised seven treatments, viz., absolute control (T₁) RDF + ZnSO₄ + FeSO₄ + borax @ 2 g L^-1 (farmers’ practice) (T₂) RDF + two foliar sprays of micronutrient grade II @ 5 ml L^-1 (T₃) RDF + two foliar sprays @ 7.5 ml L^-1 (T₄) RDF + two foliar sprays @ 10 ml L^-1 (T₅) RDF + one foliar spray @ 12.5 ml L^-1 (T₆) and RDF + one foliar spray @ 15 ml L^-1 (T₇), arranged in a randomized block design with four replications. Treatments included the recommended fertilizer dose was 50:40:0 N:P₂O₅: K₂O kg ha^-1. Micronutrient Grade II contained Fe 2.5%, Zn 3.0%, B 0.5%, Mn 1.0%, Cu 1.0% and Mo 0.1%. The two sprays of Grade II at 10 ml L⁻¹ with RDF (T₅) produced the highest seed yield (14.43 q ha⁻¹) and stover yield (40.39 q ha⁻¹). It also resulted in the highest Fe, Mn, Zn and Cu concentrations in seed and stover and maximum total uptake of Fe (5141.75 g ha⁻¹), Mn (2803.70 g ha⁻¹), Zn (1778.33 g ha⁻¹) and Cu (601.41 g ha⁻¹). Relative to the absolute control, total uptake increased by 25.9, 32.4, 32.8 and 26.8% for Fe, Mn, Zn and Cu, respectively. The findings indicate that, foliar application of Grade II, particularly two sprays at 10 ml L⁻¹, improved micronutrient accumulation and productivity of mustard under Vertisol conditions.