Cultivating Success: Your Go-To Guide for Mustard Farming
The cultivation of mustard is one of the best business interests of the farmer
who wants to engage in production of a crop that can be used for a variety of
functions for the human body. It is therefore important to know certain
practices to avail great germination, growth, yield and quality in mustard
irrespective of being a novice or an experienced farmer. Through this guide,
you will learn of the most effective ways of maximizing on the yields from
your mustard crop.
Step 1: Learning About Facts About Mustard
It is important to know what mustard basically is or requires before you
venture in to growing it. Mustard belongs to the category of cool season
vegetation and grows well in well drained soils and moderate temperature.
The seeds and leaves of this plant are widely used in different meals and as
seasoning since they are admired for their great taste. Under favourable
conditions it is fast growing and takes between 90 to 120 days for the plant
to mature depending on the type.
The Mustard plants have broad lobed leaves with golden yellow flowers. The
crop is divided into three primary varieties: Some of these ‘mustards’
include: the white/yellow mustard commonly referred to as Sinapis alba, the
brown mustard referred as Brassica juncea and black mustard commonly
referred as Brassica nigra. Both have their uses in food preparation and the
economy so the right type in the right climate and soil conditions determine
success in mustard production.
Step 2 :- Choosing the Best Mustard Seeds
Depending on the type, quality and variety of the mustard seeds you use,
you are likely to get a good yield and crop at the same time. Each of the
varieties has its own climatic requirements and disease tolerance levels,
hence the need to find one that is appropriate for the climatic conditions in
the region is required. White type is mainly cultivated for its relatively mild
seeds while the brown and black seeds are valued for their pungency.
As a rule, seeds can be bought from the experienced agricultural producers
or nurseries who offer disease-free and certified seeds. So far, seed quality is
very important since poor quality seeds lead to low yields and diseases. You
should use seeds that germinate well, are suitable to your climatic conditions
and the seedlings have qualities of dealing with pests and diseases.
Step 3 :- Preparing the Soil for Mustard Cultivation
It is important to prepare the soil for the good production of mustard. It
grows well in a rich, friable loam soil with good drainage and has a close to
neutral pH range of 6-7. Start by tilling and making a flat aerated bed and
preparing the seed ground. Remove all the stony and weedy areas that will
interfere with the growth of roots. You should apply approximately 20-30
tonnes per hectare of the organic manure including compost or farmyard
manure. It enhances the nutrient level in the soil besides supporting healthy
plant body.
Soil oxygen requirement and soil drainage are as well important factors that
need to be met. Soil water logging or compaction is another hazard to
mustard plants and yields. Mustard is also sensitive to salinity hence some
improvement of drainage and management of proper soil condition helps to
boost health and yields.
Step 4:- Sowing Mustard Seeds
The timing of sowing of the seeds and the technique used in plant sowing
greatly affect the overall growth of the mustard crops. Best time to do
sowings is during spring or in the later part of fall as mustard thrives well on
cooler climate. Plant seeds at a depth of between 1.5 – 2cm and about 30 cm
apart in rows. Thinning should be done once the seedlings have emerged to
around 10-15 cm. It prevents plants from competing for space, nutrients,
light and water.
The germination process of most mustard seeds lasts between 5 and 10 days
provided the soil temperature is good. Seed treatments through imbibition
for 12–24 h followed by seeds being dried before planting. This technique
accelerates germination enhancing uniformity and rate of emergence of
crops thereby fast tracking establishment.
Step 5:- Irrigation Requirements for Mustard Growth
Mustard is slightly drought resistant. However, for proper germination as well
as flowering, mustard requires moisture. After sowing, do not forget to water
the field with considerable force. Subsequently, water at 10- 12 days interval
during a dry spell. It is highly advisable not to over water your plants so as to
avoid hull rot and the growth of fungus.
Especially during the flowering and seed-setting so as not to exert some
stress on the plants. It requires about 300 – 400 mm of water over the whole
growing season, therefore remember to water depending on the rainfall and
soil condition that the mustard is growing in. It should at all times have good
drainage to avoid water logging on the field.
Step 6: Fertilization and Nutrient Management
This heading seek to establish the nutrient management that is required in
the growth of mustard. Mustard is a high nutrient demanding especially
nitrogen and potassium. Use 60 kg/ha of N, 30 kg/ha of P₂O₅ and 30 kg/ha of
K₂O at planting time. Supply half the nitrogen prior to planting as an initial
application for initial crop growth and the rest when initial leaves emerge to
encourage shoots.
However, it important to note that nitrogen is important, but excess of it
leads to overgrowth of leaves and reduced flower and seeds which are
economical part of plant. When using mustard for organic soil enhancement,
it is recommended that you interchange it with legumes or other fertility-
increasing crops. This rotation also means a replenishment of nutrients at the
surface of the soil as well as controlling the disease that accumulates at the
field, all of which play a role in the improved and enhanced yield of the
mustard crop.
Step-7 :- Harvest, Yield and market
Mustard is ready for harvest when seed pods turn brown and dry, 90-120
days after planting. If the seeds are allowed to mature, they can shatter and
be lost. Therefore, it is harvested by cutting plants close to the ground and
then hung to dry in a well-ventilated area. Finally, dry them to split the plants
and collect seeds, wash it to remove unwanted particle and packaged it in
appropriate manner for better shelf life to meet both domestic and export
quality. Yields from 1.5 to 2 tons per hectare can be obtained, depending on
the variety and environmental conditions, and there is market interest in
seeds and oil for food, pharmaceutical, and other markets.
Conclusion
When growing mustard, this can be very fulfilling once the right information
and methods are employed. Everything from the selection of seeds to
planting, irrigation and finally controlling pests in mustard growing play a
central role in determining the success of the crop. According to the above
recommendations, farmers will be able to produce optimal amounts of high
quality mustard that will comprise the market as well as the personal farming
objectives.
FAQ
1) How long does mustard takes to grow?
Under favourable conditions Mustard is fast growing and takes
between 90 to 120 days for the plant to mature depending on the type.
2) Where do mustard plants grow the best?
Mustard grows well in a rich, friable loam soil with good drainage and
has a close to neutral pH range of 6-7.
3) How many seeds come from a pod of mustard plant?
About 6- 15 seeds will be present in a pod of mustard plant .
4) What kind of weather is suitable for growing mustard?
Mustard belongs to the category of cool season vegetation and grows
well in well drained soils and moderate temperature.
5) What is the fertilizer requirements of mustard crop?
Apply approximately 20-30 tonnes per hectare of the organic manure
including compost or farmyard manure during land preparation. Also,
Use 60 kg/ha of N, 30 kg/ha of P₂O₅ and 30 kg/ha of K₂O at planting
time.
6) How do you prepare land for mustard?
Land can be prepared by tilling and making a flat aerated bed and
preparing the seed ground. Remove all the stony and weedy areas that
will interfere with the growth of roots. You should apply approximately
20-30 tonnes per hectare of the organic manure including compost or
farmyard manure.
7) Which are the best suitable intercrop with mustard?
The best suitable intercrop pattern of mustard depends on factors like
land, region etc.
The following cropping systems have been identified for the NEH
region –
(a) Mid and low altitude (a) Dry upland terraces
• Maize-mustard,
• Maize + French bean-mustard
• Rice – mustard, French bean – mustard
• Groundnut – mustard
(b)Marshy/lowland/wetland conditions (raised beds)
• Maize-mustard,
• Rice-mustard
• Rice-mustard-tomato,
• Rice-mustard-potato
• Groundnut- mustard
© Intercropping on raised beds
• Cabbage + mustard,
• Broccoli + mustard
• Coriander + mustard
8) What is the plant to plant spacing in mustard crop?
The plants are maintained at a distance of 30 cm between the plants
for optimal use of inputs to provide maximum growth.
9) What is the yield of mustard crop per hectare?
Yields from 1.5 to 2 tons per hectare can be obtained, which depends
on the variety and environmental conditions.
10) How much irrigation is required for mustard?
After sowing, do not forget to water the field with considerable force.
Subsequently, water at 10- 12 days interval during a dry spell. It
requires about 300 – 400 mm of water over the whole growing season.
11) How do mustard plants reproduce?
Mustard plants are propagated through seeds. Their flowers are
hermaphrodite in nature i.e., having both male and female
reproductive parts in the same flower, hence they are self pollinated to
produce seeds.
12) What are the benefits of Mustard seeds?
Mustard seeds contains antioxidants and anti inflammatory properties
which helps in pain reliving.
13) What is the economic use of mustard?
Mustard is used to extract oil. It is also used greatly in Indian kitchen in
cooking.
14) What are the useful parts of mustard plants?
Seeds and leaves are the parts of mustard which are used for
consumption. Seeds are used as spice and in oil extraction. Leaves are
used as greens.
15) Which kind of mustard seed is better?
The yellow colour mustard are milder and are used in condiments. The
black coloured mustard seeds are pungent and are mainly used as
spice in Indian foods