Explore essential knowledge about effective nutrient management in mustard cultivation for healthy yields and sustainable farming. Learn best practices and common misconceptions in mustard nutrient care.
When is the best time to apply nitrogen fertilizer for optimal mustard plant growth in a typical crop cycle?
Explanation: Splitting nitrogen application, with half at sowing and half around 30 days after sowing, ensures steady nutrient availability and reduces losses. Applying all at harvest, only at the flowering stage, or only before seedling emergence does not effectively meet the crop's nutrient demands during critical growth phases.
What visible symptom typically indicates a sulfur deficiency in mustard plants?
Explanation: Sulfur deficiency in mustard is often seen as yellowing of new, young leaves. Reddish spots on old leaves are more typical of potassium issues, purple stems may indicate phosphorus deficiency, and wilting is commonly linked to water stress, not sulfur.
How does excess nitrogen affect mustard yields if phosphorus is insufficient?
Explanation: Excess nitrogen without enough phosphorus can promote leafy growth but may reduce seed yield and overall productivity. Dramatic boost in both is unlikely without balanced nutrients, having no impact is inaccurate, and immediate plant death is not a typical outcome.
Which micronutrient is especially important for the proper oil content and seed development in mustard?
Explanation: Boron is particularly vital for seed setting, oil content, and reproductive growth in mustard. Iron and zinc are essential for general plant health but play less direct roles in oil content, and manganese mainly aids enzyme activities.
What is the ideal soil pH range for mustard to ensure the best nutrient uptake?
Explanation: A neutral to slightly alkaline pH of 6.0–7.5 optimizes nutrient availability for mustard. More acidic (4.0–5.5 or 5.0–5.3) or alkaline (8.0–9.5) soils can cause nutrient lock-up or toxicity issues, hampering healthy growth.