Spices and Condiments (1+1)

Soil and climate

Climate and soil

• Mustard is a cool season crop. To get a better yield of mustard, sowing should be done when the maximum temperature is around 30°C with a relative humidity of 40%. If the temperature is high, sowing should be delayed. However, delayed sowing reduces the seed yield drastically. The best time for sowing is mid-October to mid-November; October sowing gives an increased yield. Sowing beyond November not only favours the incidence of aphids and other sucking pests but also causes reduction in the total phytomass production and ultimately results in lower yields.
• Mustard is found growin§ on a wide variety of soils from heavy clay to silt barns. However, it grows well in medium to heavy soils, which have good drainage. Saline–alkaline soils are not suitable for its cultivation. Soils with a neutral pH (6.5-7.5) are ideal for its cultivation, but it can be grown on saline soils as well.