Integrated Application of Micronutrients Improves Productivity and Seed Quality of Canola Crop under Conventional Tillage System

Abstract

Micronutrient application rate and tillage practices are considered important factors in triggering the productivity of oilseed crops, especially canola (Brassica napus L.). The soil in the area is deficient in available zinc (Zn) and sulfur (S), which necessitates the supplementary application of these nutrients for sustainable crop development. The following study was conducted to evaluate the interactive effect of tillage and micronutrient on the growth, quality, and yield of canola and weed density. The present study was executed consisting of two tillage systems along with four treatments of micronutrients application including control, soil application of recommended doses of zinc (10 kg ha⁻¹), soil application of a recommended dose of sulfur (45 kg ha⁻¹), and combined application of a recommended dose of Zn + S (10 kg + 45 kg ha⁻¹) during the crop growing seasons of 2019–2020 and 2020–2021. The results showed that the combined use of Zn and S under different tillage systems significantly affected crop growth, yield, and quality parameters. An increase of 0.99% in plant height, 6.33% in number of branches, 33% in silique length, 6.25% number of siliques per plant, 10% in number of seeds per silique, 4.64% in thousand seed weight, 0.74% in grain yield, and 0.42% in biological yield was recoded under conventional tillage practices as compared to zero tillage. In crux, the combined application of Zn and S at 10 and 45 kg ha⁻¹ respectively, to canola crops under conventional tillage practices could be a sustainable option to improve canola crop growth, yield, and productivity.