sulphur nutrition

Background: The study titled "Evaluation of Phosphorus and Sulphur Nutrition on Phosphorus Fractionation in Groundnut Cultivation on Inceptisols of Raigarh, Chhattisgarh, India" investigated the effects of phosphorus and sulphur fertilization on soil phosphorus distribution in groundnut farming. Conducted over two Rabi seasons (2020-21 and 2021-22), the research focused on acidic (pH-6.2) Inceptisols because of phosphorus fixation predominate in acidic soil, resulting in its low efficiency with low organic carbon content in Raigarh, Chhattisgarh. Methods: The experiment was laid with a factorial randomized block design with four phosphorus levels (P0, P30, P60, P90 kg ha-1) and three sulphur levels (S0, S20, S40 kg ha-1), creating twelve treatment combinations replicated thrice.

Sulfur-doped mesoporous TiO 2 aerogels were synthesized by the sol-gel method. The synthesized composite aerogels were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction, Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy, and UV-Visible Spectroscopy. Their photovoltaic performances were evaluated as photoanode material in quasi-solid dye-sensitized solar cells (QSDSC) using photocurrent density-photovoltage (J-V) curve, electrochemical impedance spectra analysis (EIS) such as Nyquist plot and Bode plot, and transient measurements of photocurrent/photovoltage. The obtained photovoltaic results revealed that all synthesized sulfur-doped TiO 2 aerogel-based QSDSC devices show enhanced performance than the device based on pure TiO 2 aerogel. Maximum power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 3.42% was achieved with 20% of the sulfur-doped TiO 2 aerogel-based device which is higher than that of the device based on pure TiO 2 aerogel (2.46%). The efficiency enhancement is due to reduced bandgap, increased photocurrent density, low charge-transfer resistance (R ct), and suppressed recombination reactions. Further, the photostability and reproducibility of the fabricated devices were studied by transient measurements of photocurrent response and photovoltage decay curves.

The problem of low soil fertility and poor plant nutrition does not only affect crop yields but also crop quality. A review of many refereed published journal articles and books sourced from internet and libraries was conducted with the aim of highlighting the effects of plant nutrition on crop quality. Emphasis was put on elucidating the functions through which various nutrient elements influence biochemical processes and eventually affect the overall quality of various crops and their products. Nutrients reviewed in this paper included elements such as nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), sulphur (S), magnesium (Mg), calcium (Ca), zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), and cobalt (Co). The crop quality characteristics mostly reported t o be affected by plant nutrition include: proteins, carbohydrate, sucrose and fructose content in grains, root crops, tuber crops and fruits; vitamins like beta-carotene content in fruits and tubers; moisture content at storage in cereal grains, potato tuber...

Potassium and sulphur are macronutrient and important for improving the growth, yield as well as quality of legume species but unfortunately are being fully ignored in the farmer’s field for lentil cultivation. Due to their deficiency, yield of lentil crop has decreased up to the marked levels. The performance of five lentil genotypes namely GS-6, GS-10, P-14216, P-14223 and NVUT-E3 was evaluated against different potassium and sulphur levels i.e. K-S = 00-00, K-S = 30-15, K-S = 60-30 kg ha-1 at the experimental fields of Pulse Research Sub-Station, Tandojam. The results indicated a significant (P≤0.05) impact of potassium and sulphur on lentil genotypes for all measured traits. The growth and yield traits of all genotypes were enhanced as the potassium and sulphur levels were increased. The highest growth and yield traits were recorded when the plants were treated with K-S = 60-30 kg ha-1. The control plots showed lower performance. Among the genotypes, GS-10 responded well as compared to other genotypes. While the performance of genotype NVUT-E3 was observed lower. It was concluded that potassium and sulphur at the rate of 60-30 kg ha-1 proved best for producing higher yields, while genotype GS-10 exhibited maximum results in all growth and yield traits.

This study investigates the synergistic effects of nitrogen (N) and sulfur (S) levels on the agronomic
performance and quality characteristics of Indian mustard (Brassica juncea L.), using data from a two-year
trial (2022-23 and 2023-24) at A.N.D.U.A.T. Kumarganj, Ayodhya. A 4 × 4 factorial design was
employed, with four levels of nitrogen (0, 40, 80, 120 kg ha⁻¹) and four levels of sulfur (0, 15, 30, 45 kg
ha⁻¹). The results revealed significant improvements in growth parameters, seed yield, and straw yield
when the highest levels of nitrogen and sulfur (120 kg ha⁻¹ N and 45 kg ha⁻¹ S) were applied, with
maximum seed yield and straw yield reaching 23.26 kg ha⁻¹ and 79.68 kg ha⁻¹, respectively. Additionally,
quality traits such as oil content (41.20%) and iodine value showed positive enhancement. Yield
components, including the number of siliqua per plant, siliqua length, and seeds per siliqua, were also
highest under this treatment. These findings highlight the importance of optimizing nitrogen and sulfur
inputs to enhance both the yield and quality of Indian mustard, providing valuable insights for sustainable
agricultural practices in mustard cultivation across diverse agro-climatic conditions.

Sulfur (S) availability and release are important parameters in managing soil S status for optimum crop performance. Experiments were conducted to investigate the effects of cattle manure (CM), CM and wood ash (CM + WA), poultry manure (PM), PM + WA, and WA on S release and uptake in maize. The incubation and greenhouse experiments were arranged in a completely randomized design. The field experiment was in a randomized complete block design. Soils were collected from different agro-ecological zones. Animal manure and WA were applied at 45 kg S ha −1 and 5 t ha −1 , respectively. Samples were analyzed for S release at 4-week interval, and S uptake and dry matter weights were determined after harvest. Data were subjected to regression (R 2) analysis and ANOVA at p ≤ 0.05. Results revealed amendments significantly increased soil S over the control in order of PM > CM > PM + WA > CM + WA > WA and S release was maximum at 4th week by 27.8, 20.7, and 91.1% in incubation, greenhouse, and under field conditions, respectively. PM recorded the most consistent S release in incubation and greenhouse, and the magnitude of S release on the field was higher in CM + WA by 108%. The R 2 between S release and time among treatments ranged from 0.5576 to 0.9999. S uptake in shoot and grain was 60 and 90% higher in PM-and PM + WA-amended plots, respectively, than the control. The study concluded that the application of manure at 45 kg S ha −1 with or without wood ash improved the release rate of S above the critical limit for optimum maize performance.

Antitranspirants are applied to plant foliage to curtail water loss. Antitranspirants, in general, reduce the transpiration loss of water occurring mainly through closing stomatal pores present on the leaf surface. Keeping these points in view, a pot experiment was conducted to find out the effect of application of leaf reflectance type antitranspirants, viz., kaolinite (kaolin) and long-chain fatty alcohol (Green Miracle) on yield and nutrient uptake of rice under both submerged and water stress condition grown in inceptisol in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. The present investigation was carried out in a greenhouse and rice (HUR-105) was grown under both submerged and water stress conditions. The kaolin (0%, 4%, 6% and 8%) and Green Miracle (0.00%, 0.15%, 0.30% and 0.60%) water suspension / solution respectively, were sprayed twice viz. in during vegetative-stage (50 days after transplanting) and panicle initiation stage (70 days after transplanting). The N, P and K content in straw and grain were analyzed for nutrient uptake pattern by rice crop. Results indicated that antitranspirants treatments affected dry matter production significantly. Plants treated with Green Miracle and kaolin produced more dry matter than untreated check (control). The nutrient uptakes by rice crops were also significantly improved by the application of both Green Miracle and Kaolin.

A field experiment was carried out in the Kharif season of 2021, at soil science research farm of Lovely professional university (Punjab), to assess the effects of various sulphur sources and levels on the nutrient content, uptake, Nutrient use efficiency and the sulphur availability in post-harvest soil of green gram (Vigna radiata L.Wilczek) crop. The experiment was laid out in a factorial randomized block design, comprising of three sulphur sources (Gypsum, Single Super Phosphate and Bentonite sulphur), four levels (0, 10, 20 and 30 kg/ha) and replicated thrice. The results of the study revealed that the higher sulphur content and its uptake in leaf, shoot, grain, and straw yield were obtained with gypsum application at 20 kg S/ha. Moreover, statistically significant increase in Sulphur use efficiency and Agronomic use efficiency of green gram were recorded with the application of gypsum @ 20 kg S/ha respectively over control. However, the sulphur availability in soil after harvest, was maximum with the sulphur application of 30 kg/ha through bentonite sulphur. Therefore, gypsum application at the dosage of 20 kg/ha along with the Recommended dose of NPK, gave productive results with respect to green gram crop.

One of the major constraints related to maize (Zea mays L.) productivity is low soil fertility related mainly to continuous cropping without replenishment of depleted nutrients. In view of this, this study sought to assess the effect of different combinations of primary and secondary nutrients on the yield of maize in the Wenchi Municipality in the Brong-Ahafo Region. Five treatments - Control (T1), NPK (T2), NPK + S + Mg + Ca+ B + Cu + Mo+ Zn (T3), Manure (T4) and T3 + Manure (T5) - were tested in a field experiment in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with four replicates. The test crop was Lake 601 maize variety. Data for the research was collected on total number of plants, stalk weight, hurst weight, cob weight, grain weight Nutrient Use Efficiency and Economic Viability. The data was analysed with analysis of variance (ANOVA) on all measured parameters and the results were presented in graphs. From the results gathered, it was realized that the application of NPK + Sec...

Different forms of sulphur (S) in both surface and profile soil samples under cereal, vegetable, and oilseed cropping systems were determined to assess their sulfur status. Results emanating from this study revealed that available, water-soluble, heat-soluble, organic, and total sulfur contents were greatest in cereal followed by vegetable-and oilseed-based cropping systems. Sulfur fractions decreased with increasing soil depth. High magnitude of sulfur deficiency observed in oilseed followed by cereal and vegetable cropping systems showed that oilseeds are sulfur-exhaustive crops leading to sulfur mining and there is urgent need to include this element in fertilitymanagement programs. Correlation studies revealed the equilibrium among the fractions in both profile and surface soil samples.

Deficiency of S in soils has become a soil fertility issue worldwide because of a decrease in S deposition from air to soil due to legislation and increased crop removal. Continuous use of high‐analysis nitrogen/phosphorus (NP) fertilizers lacking in S further exacerbates the S deficiency for crop production. Several newly developed granular NP fertilizers such as monoammonium phosphate (MAP), diammonium phosphate (DAP), and triple superphosphate (TSP) containing micronized elemental sulfur (ES) with/without ammonium sulfate (AS) have been marketed to farmers. It is claimed that these products can provide available SO4–S through AS and ES oxidation during the growing season. The objective of this review was to carefully examine the literature that addresses the agronomic effectiveness of the granular NP–ES or NP– (ES+AS) fertilizer products. The review shows that oxidation of ES particles in granular NP fertilizers is generally nil or inadequate to provide available S to seasonal (o...

A field study was conducted to assess the effect of different sulfur (S) fertilizers on rapeseed crop and plant available S (SO 4-S) status of two S-deficient soils. These soils were located in Pothwar, rainfed areas of Pakistan. Three S fertilizers were applied at five different levels (0, 10, 20, 30 and 40 kg S ha-1). The three S fertilizers increased the rapeseed yield and yield parameters in order of ammonium sulphate (AS) > single super phosphate (SSP) >gypsum, though their effect was at par with each another. The 40 kg S ha-1 produced highest biomass (9058 kg ha-1), seed yield (1656 kg ha-1) and plant S content (0.158 g 100 g-1), but these increases were statistically at par with that of 30 kg S ha-1. The highest mean S uptake of 17.0 kg ha-1 was recorded in soil fertilized with AS at 30 kg ha-1. The different S fertilizers increased S (SO 4-S) contents of soil in order of SSP< gypsum<AS. The highest SO 4-S (6.8 µg g-1) was recorded in the plots where SSP was applied followed by gypsum application. Whereas the application of AS resulted in the least increase in SO 4-S (6.0 µg g-1). Application of S fertilizer also resulted in significantly higher SO 4-S content in the 15-30 cm depth soil than in the superficial soils (0-15 cm) at the end of each harvesting season. The relationship between S in soil and rapeseed plants was stronger (r = 0.66 **) at Chakwal than at Rawalpindi (r = 0.36). The successive application of S fertilizers helped increase plant available S despite growing high S-requiring crop in soils prone to high leaching losses. A regular S fertilization is therefore, required for higher production of higher S requiring crops in this area.

Field research was conducted at the Department of Agriculture research farm, Maharishi Markandeshwar (Deemed to be University), Mullana, Ambala while the Rabi season of 2022. with eight treatments, In order to set up the experiment, a randomised block design was used: T1: (Recommended dose of urea + SSP (S 15), T2: (Recommended dose of urea + double dose of SSP (S 30), T3: (Single dose of DAP remaining N through urea + Bentonite (S 15), T4: (Single dose of DAP remaining N through urea + Bentonite (S 30), T5: (Single dose of DAP remaining N through urea + Bentonite (S 45), T6: (Double dose of DAP remaining N through urea + Bentonite (S 15), T7: (Double dose of DAP remaining N through urea + Bentonite (S 30) and T8: (Double dose of DAP remaining N through urea + Bentonite (S 45). In this research the hybrid variety of Rapeseed (Brassica campestris L.) (sagar-86) was taken. The results from the data under this research revealed that by the application of (Double dose of DAP + Bentonite (S 45) the recorded highest in all parameters like growth attributes, yield and its attributes and economics. Highest grain yield, stover yield and biological yield was (1.60, 2.88 and 4.48 t ha-1) respectively. Among all the treatments, the application of (Double dose of DAP remaining N through urea + Bentonite (S 45) recorded highest in all plant height at harvest, at 30, 60, and 90 DAS, as well as when dry matter builds up occasionally, are examples of growth parameters. Yield and its attributes like test weight, grain yield and stover yield and biological yield was also observed under T8 (Double dose of DAP remaining N through urea + Bentonite (S 45).

A field experiment was carried out at an experimental research farm of Lovely Professional University (Punjab) during kharif season 2021, with definite objectives to examine the effect of various sources and levels of sulfur on growth, yield, quality attributes and worked out the economics of green gram crop (Vigna radiata L. wilczek) grown on alluvial derived soils. The experiment was set up in a Factorial Randomized Block Design with three sulfur sources (Gypsum, Bentonite and SSP) and four levels (0, 10, 20 and 30 kg S/ha) each replicated thrice. The study found that, maximum growth attributes (Plant height, Branches per plant, Nodules per plant, Leaf area per cm 2 and Chlorophyl content) at 30, 60 DAS and harvest, were recorded with the application of gypsum carrier at 20 kg S/ha followed by 30 kg of sulfur per hectare. A similar trend was noticed with respect to yield (seeds per pod, pods per plant, grain, straw and biological yield) and harvest index of green gram. However, use of sulfur dose at 20 kg/ ha gave statistically significant result over control in growth and yield of the crop. Furthermore, a higher amount of protein content in seeds of green gram was observed with gypsum application at 30 kg of sulfur/ hectare. Hence, to increase the growth, yield, quality of green gram and maximize the farmers' income, it is needed to be fertilized with sulfur at the rate of 20 kg/ha through gypsum along with the RDF.

during Rabi season of 2016-17. The experiment was consisted of 24 treatments viz., 2 types of soil (Alfisol and Inceptisol), 2 sources of P (single super phosphate and Mussoorie rock phosphate) and 6 levels of P (0, 30, 60, 90, 120 and 150 mg P kg-1 of soil). Rapeseed (cv. M-27) was raised as test crop. The experiment was conducted in completely randomized design and replicated thrice. The highest mean dry matter yield of rapeseed (16.1 g pot-1) was recorded with 120 mg P kg-1 of soil (P5). Further increase in the levels of P by 150 mg P kg-1 (P6) of soil significantly decreased the dry matter yield by 4.6% over P5. The dry matter yield produced with RP was of lower order as compared to SSP at each levels of P irrespective of soil type. The concentration of P in plant dry matter of rapeseed increased with each successive levels of P in both soils and with both of P sources. The highest soil available P (64 kg ha-1) was recorded in Inceptisol with P6 under SSP, whereas the least soil available P (8.2 kg ha-1) was recorded in Alfisol with control under RP. The critical limits of available P was established by using LRP model as 38.5 and 31.0 kg ha-1 through RP and SSP in Alfisol, whereas in Inceptisol, the critical limits values were recorded as 37.0 and 29.5 kg ha-1 under RP and SSP, respectively.

The present investigation entitled “Effect of different levels of boron on growth and yield of mungbean (Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek) under guava (Psidium guvajava L.) Based agri-horti system in Vindhyayan region” was conducted during the Kharif season of 2017-2018 at Agricultural Research Farm, R.G.S.C. (BHU), Barakachha, Mirzapur (U. P.). The experiment was conducted in 10 years old guava orchard. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design having seven level of boron (B) with recommended dose of fertilizer (20 N, 40 P and 20 K ) kg /ha i.e. control, N20 + P40 + K20 + 1.0 kg B /ha, N20 + P40 + K20 + 2.0 kg B /ha, N20 + P40 + K20 + 3.0 kg B /ha, N20 + P40 + K20 + 4.0 kg B /ha, N20 + P40 + K20 + 5.0 kg B /ha and N20 + P40 + K20 + 6.0 kg B /hatreatments were replicated thrice. Results revealed that application of N20 + P40 + K20 + 6.0 kg B /ha recorded significantly higher value of the growth parameters viz. plant height (cm), dry matter accumulation (g plant-1) trifoliate ...

Sulphur is one of the emerging plant nutrients, required for pulse crops. After nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium, it is forth key nutrient for plant nutrition.   It is taken up by the plants in the form of sulphates form from the soil. The factors that are responsible for the wide spread deficiency of sulphur are excess use of high analysis fertilizers, inadequate use of crop residue, high yielding varieties of crops and its removal of sulphur by the crops. Sulphur plays a pivotal role in overall pulse production, by synthesis of sulphur containing amino acids, enhancing protein content, nodule formation and plant biomass. However, the requirement of sulphur for effective crop production is not showing promising trend. Comparing the sources of sulphur fertilizers,   gypsum showed its superiority by producing high grain and straw yield in pulses. In some of the field experiments on pulses, addition of sulphur @30kg and 40kgof S/ha along with the recommended dose, increased the gro...

A field experiment was conducted at Agriculture Research Farm, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Banaras Hindu University during rabi season of 2016-17 to evaluate the effect of improved sulphur (S) formulations on the status of available macronutrients in soil at various growth stages of mustard. Results revealed that the nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) content of soil decreased with increasing the dose of Gromor Rapid Blue® from 5 to 7.5 kg acre-1. Residual N and K status of the soil were found highest when Micronized S was applied @3kg acre-1 , whereas application of Gromor Sulphamax @10kg acre-1 gave better results in increasing the P content of soil. At vegetative stage, maximum increase in NPK level over control was recorded, i.e. 34.4, 49.0, and 11.6% with application of Micronized S @3kg acre-1 , Gromor Sulphamax @10kg acre-1 , and Gromor Rapid Blue® 7.5 kg acre-1 , respectively. During this study, the available nutrient content of soil was in decreasing trend as the crop progressed and maximum available nutrient content was observed at vegetative stage.

Sulphur is one of the emerging plant nutrients, required for pulse crops. After nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium, it is forth key nutrient for plant nutrition. It is taken up by the plants in the form of sulphates form from the soil. The factors that are responsible for the wide spread deficiency of sulphur are excess use of high analysis fertilizers, inadequate use of crop residue, high yielding varieties of crops and its removal of sulphur by the crops. Sulphur plays a pivotal role in overall pulse production, by synthesis of sulphur containing amino acids, enhancing protein content, nodule formation and plant biomass. However, the requirement of sulphur for effective crop production is not showing promising trend. Comparing the sources of sulphur fertilizers, gypsum showed its superiority by producing high grain and straw yield in pulses. In some of the field experiments on pulses, addition of sulphur @30kg and 40kgof S/ha along with the recommended dose, increased the growth (plant height and number of branches) and yield and quality parameters (grain yield and protein content). This review highlights the different response of crops to Sulphur application, sources, uptake and its interactions with other nutrients for profitable crop production. Moreover, it provides new insights to revisit the significance of sulphur in higher pulse production.

Field experiment was conducted during the two consecutive kharif season of 2009-10 and 2010-11 on sandy loam soil of Varanasi to assess the production potential and nutrient uptake of quality protein maize hybrid with the application of different levels of nitrogen and sulphur in dryland condition of Eastern Uttar Pradesh. The experiment was laid out in split-plot design and replicated thrice, in which main plot were allotted four nitrogen levels (0, 50, 100 and 150 kg N/ha) and two quality protein maize hybrid (Shaktiman 2 and Shaktiman 4) and three levels of sulphur (15, 30 and 45 kg S/ha) in sub-plots. Results revealed that growth, yield attributes, yield, and economics of quality protein maize hybrid was significantly increased with application of increasing levels of nitrogen and sulphur up to 150 kg N/ha. Application of 45 kg S/ha obtained highest grain yield during 1st and 2nd years, respectively over 15 kg S/ha. The highest gross return was also recorded under the same treat...

This study investigates the effect of nitrogen and moisture superabsorbent on yield, yield components, seed nitrogen and biological traits in the field of pumpkin during two cropping years (2018-2019) in Kermanshah, Iran. The experiment was carried out as a split-plot based on Randomized Complete Block Design (RBCD) with three replications. The main plot factor was the application of moisture superabsorbent at various levels of 0 (control), 40, 80, 120 kg ha-1, respectively, and nitrogen fertilization at the levels of 0, 50, 100 and 150 kg ha-1 were considered as sub-factor. Results show that treatments significantly affected fruit fresh weight, fruit dry weight, leaf dry weight, stem dry weight, fruit number per plant, grain weight, grain number per fruit, grain nitrogen percentage, except for fruit number per plant. In the most traits, there was an increasing trend when nitrogen levels increased, although N2 levels of 100 and 150 kg ha-1 were not significantly different. In additi...

An investigation was performed during Rainy (Kharif) season of 2018-19 at agricultural research farm of R.G.S.C., Banaras Hindu University, India in order to explore the effect of nitrogen and sulphur on sesame under bael based agri-horti system. The texture of the soil of experimental field is sandy loam and comes under rainfed with invariably poor fertility status. The experiment was performed in factorial RBD with 12 treatments consisting of 4 nitrogen levels (0, 25, 50 and 75 kg ha-1) and 3 levels of sulphur (0, 25 and 45 kg ha-1) which is replicated 3 times. The Sesame variety 'RT 364' was sown between alleys of bael @ 5 kg ha-1 with spacing of 30 × 15 cm. The findings showed the highest plant height, Primary branches plant-1 , secondary branches plant-1 , Dry matter accumulation plant-1 , number of capsule plant-1 , number of grain capsule-1 , test weight, Seed yield and stover yield was obtained with the application of 45 kg sulphur ha-1 and 75 kg nitrogen ha-1. Similarly maximum nutrient content (i.e. N, P, K& S), oil content and protein content was also obtained when applied with 45 kg sulphur ha-1 and 75 kg nitrogen ha-1. It is concluded that sulphur @ 45 kg ha-1 and nitrogen @ 75 kg ha-1 can be applied for the higher yield and oil content of sesame under agri-horti system.

Sulphur is a vital element for plants next to nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K). It is an important constituent of proteins, enzymes, vitamins, lipids, carbohydrates, and other biomolecules. Sulphur is required for growth and development of plants especially in the crop production. Sulphur undergoes a number of biological alterations in nature carried out exclusively by microbes through sulphur cycle. Oxidation of sulphur is the most important step of S cycle which improves soil fertility. It results in the production of sulphate, which can be easily used by the plants, while the acidity produced by oxidation step helps to solubilize plant nutrients and thus improves soil health. Sulphur deficiencies in soils of tropical and subtropical regions have been recognized for many years and have been reported from over 70 countries, including India. Use of sulphur oxidising bacteria has been reported to enhance mustard growth, which is an important protein supplement in anima...

7 Abbreviations and notes: N = nitrogen, P = phosphorus; K = potassium; S = sulfur; ES = elemental sulfur. Sulfur (S) is one of the 18 elements essential for plant growth and the fourth after N, P and K in terms of amounts required by crops. It plays a key role in plant nutrition through its activity in photosynthesis and in the synthesis of amino acids and proteins. Sulfur shares a similar behavior to N in soils and plants—it is sensitive to leaching, can be immobilized into organic matter, and is present in different oxidation states. Reduced forms of S include elemental S (ES), iron sulfi de minerals present in waterlogged (e.g., paddy rice) soils, and S bound to carbon present in soil organic matter (SOM). Oxidized forms of S include sulfate minerals (e.g., gypsum), sulfate-esters in SOM and sulfate-S present in the soil solution. Plants take up S from soils predominantly as sulfate via the soil solution. Hence, like N, the availability of S in soils is also affected by minerali...

To meet the requirement of ever population the judicious use of available natural resources with respect to its potential supply of nutrients and elements from soil as vital natural resource is very important. In the current scenario the study of soil fertility status with physico chemical properties has increased markedly because deficiency of major and micronutrient occurs frequently which might be happened due to continuous and intensive multiple cropping with the use of high yielding cultivars which may have higher demand for nutrient also use of fertilizer that have high analysis fertilizer with small amount of macro and micronutrient contamination fertilizers. Less use of animal manures ,crop residues ,compost also use of soils that are inherently low in nutrient reserves and induced natural and anthropogenic factors which are limited to supply the adequate plant nutrient and turns nutrient imbalance. Hence, studies on evaluation of Soil Fertility Status in Hot Semi-Arid Eco-Region of Beed District, Maharastra (India was undertaken to know the need for assessment of fertility status of Beed area. An investigation was carried out for 440 representative soil samples selected from 11 tehsils of Beed district of Maharashtra state in 2019-2020 by using standard methodology for collection of soil sample. Soil samples were tested for physico chemical properties i.e.pH, EC.O.C, ,CaCO3, ,macro nutrients N,P,K,, S,and micro nutrients Zn,Fe,Cu,Mn and B. The analysed values showed pH range up to 7.66 with average values 6.95-8.78 i.e slightly neutral to slightly alkaline ,conductivity with range 0.35 in average of 0.09-0.99 in suitable ranges of germination, organic carbon ranges up to 5.25 having average of 1.0-12.4, calcium carbonate ranges 118.87 while average values 83.2-163.6 indicate existence of calcarious to non calcareous soils. The soils from Beed district were found very low to moderate in zinc and iron with 0.12-2.88 mg kg-1 and 0.05-17.54 mg kg-1 range , respectively. However available DTPA-Extractable copper , manganese and available boron content observed moderate to sufficient in range of 0.26-13.82,0.92-17.25 and 0.08-26.73 mg kg-1 , respectively. Hence it is observed that zinc availability is very low which depend on parent material, organic matter, and the availability of zinc decreased with increase in pH, organic carbon and CaCO3 content From this investigation it is deduced that low medium to high nutrient status was found in different sitess of the Beed district., To maintain fertility of soil, farmers have to tested their soils to obtain good crop yield.

A field experiment was conducted at Agronomy farm, S.K.N. College of Agriculture, Jobner, Jaipur (Rajasthan) during kharif season of 2018 to study the effect of sulphur and zinc fertilization on productivity and economics of sesame. The experiment comprising of four levels each of sulphur (0, 15, 30 and 45 kg/ha) and zinc (0, 10, 20 and 30 kg zinc sulphate/ha), thereby making 16 treatment combinations was laid out in factorial randomized block design and replicated thrice. Results showed that progressive increase in level of sulphur up to 30 kg/ha significantly increased the most of the yield attributing characters of sesame viz., number of capsules/plant, number of seeds/capsule and test weight over preceding levels. It also recorded significantly higher seed yield (712 kg/ha) of sesame over control and 15 kg/ha and found at par with 45 kg/ha. Result further showed that every increase in level of zinc sulphate up to 20 kg/ha by and large significantly improved most of the yield determining characters of sesame over lower levels. It also recorded significantly higher seed yield (725 kg/ha) over control and 10 kg/ha and found at par with 30 kg/ha. The results further showed that according to economic and marginal analysis, progressive increase in level of sulphur upto 30 kg S ha-1 and zinc 20 kg Zn ha-1 seemed highly practical due to higher net returns, benefit cost ratio (BCR) and optimum dose of sulphur and zinc for sesame crop were computed as 39.24 kg S ha-1 and 26.30 kg Zn ha-1 , respectively.

Canola (Brassica napus L.) is an important edible oilseed crop in the World and in Turkey. It has a healthy vegetable oil because of its balance with omega 3-6-9 essential fatty acids, making canola oil a healthy vegetable oil throughout the World for cooking and processed food industry. Canola production of high yield and good quality usually depends on well-balanced plant nutrition and growing conditions. A well-balanced soil condition also affects canola plants responses to stress factors such as disease and bad weather conditions. Nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (NPK) are some of the major nutrients required to significantly increase canola yield. Fertilizer application dosages in canola production vary because of the variable occurrence of NPK in the soil. A high yielding canola production needs a well-balanced fertilization program.

The pot experiment was conducted during Rabi season of the year 2016-17 followed by laboratory analysis of soil and plant samples in the Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi (UP), India. To accomplish the objective four different levels of nitrogen (0, 50, 100, 150 kg ha-1) and three different levels of sulphur (0, 25, 50 kg ha-1) fertilization experiment was laid out in factorial complete randomized design with three replication. Observations concerning growth and yield parameters of mustard recorded using standard methods. The results divulge that highest seed (18.89 q ha-1) and stover yield (60.25 q ha-1) obtained with treatment T8 (100 kg N ha-1 and 25 kg S ha-1). Oil content of seeds increases with increasing levels S and N but maximum oil content is procured with treatment T8 (37.62%) when both nutrient interacted synergistically with each other. Nutrient content of both seed and stover al...

The experiment was conducted at the Instructional Farm of N. D. University of Agriculture & Technology, Kumarganj, Faizabad (U.P.) during Kharif season of 2015-2016. The experiment comprises ten treatments viz. 100% NPK (150:60: 40: kg ha-1), 100% NPK+ 75% S through SSP, 100% NPK+ 100% S through SSP, 100% NPK + 125% S through SSP,100% NPK + 75% S through Phospho Gypsum, 100% NPK + 100% S through Phospho Gypsum, 100% NPK + 125% S through Phospho Gypsum, 100% NPK + 75% S through Sulphur Bentonite, 100% NPK + 100% S through Sulphur Bentonite and 100% NPK + 125% S through Sulphur Bentonite replicated thrice in Randomized Block Design. Rice variety Sarjoo-52 was taken for experimentation. The data revealed that growth parameters viz. plant height, no. of tillers per running meter and leaf area index were found significantly superior over other treatments with the application of 100% NPK + 125% S through SSP. The maximum benefit: cost ratio was obtained in plot treated with 100% NPK + 100...

In this study, the influence of four different sulfur products applied to the soil on the organically grown greenhouse tomato was investigated. The sulfur treatments were: (1) micronized-sulfur with bentonite (MSB) alone (90% sulfur + 10% bentonite); (2) MSB + Fe (87% sulfur + 10% bentonite + 3% Fe); (3) MSB + Zn (87% sulfur + 10% bentonite + 3% Zn); (4) MSB + Fe + Zn (86% sulfur + 10% bentonite + 2% Fe + 2% Zn) and (5) control without sulfur treatment. The effects of sulfur products on plant growth, total crop yield, some fruit quality parameters, Fe and Zn content of the leaves and soil, pH and electrical conductivity (EC) of soil, were investigated. Results showed that the effects of treatments on plant growth parameters and fruit quality properties were not significant. However, total fruit yield increased by about 14%, 21%, 15% and 27% in MSB, MSB + Fe, MSB + Zn and MSB + Fe + Zn, respectively, as compared with control. Leaves Fe and Zn content were increased in some sampling times in related treatments. Soil Fe content was not changed by the treatments, however Zn content was significantly increased by the MSB + Zn and MSB + Fe + Zn applications. Soil pH was decreased by the all sulfur treatments in comparison to control; however the most important pH decrease was recorded as 0.28 units in MSB + Fe + Zn treatment. Soil EC values of the all sulfur treatments were higher than the control.

An experiment was conducted at Agronomy Farm, S.K.N. College of Agriculture, Jobner, during kharif season 2017. The experimental field was loamy sand in texture. The treatments comprised of three sources (gypsum, elemental sulphur and iron pyrite) and four levels of sulphur (15, 30, 45 and 60 kg ha) along with an absolute control (no sulphur), making 13 treatment combinations. These 13 combinations were replicated three times in randomized block design. Sesame variety RT-346 was used as a test crop. The highest concentration of N, P, K and S in seed and stalk and protein, carbohydrate and oil content and their uptake were obtained highest with 45 kg S/ha, however it was remained at par with 60 kg S/ha. The content of N, P, K and S in seed and stalk and their uptake and protein, carbohydrate and oil content significantly increased with gypsum application than iron pyrite and elemental sulphur.

An experiment was conducted at Agronomy Farm, S.K.N. College of Agriculture, Jobner, during kharif season 2017. The experimental field was loamy sand in texture. The treatments comprised of three sources (gypsum, elemental sulphur and iron pyrite) and four levels of sulphur (15, 30, 45 and 60 kg ha) along with an absolute control (no sulphur), making 13 treatment combinations. These 13 combinations were replicated three times in randomized block design. Sesame variety RT-346 was used as a test crop. The highest concentration of N, P, K and S in seed and stalk and protein, carbohydrate and oil content and their uptake were obtained highest with 45 kg S/ha, however it was remained at par with 60 kg S/ha. The content of N, P, K and S in seed and stalk and their uptake and protein, carbohydrate and oil content significantly increased with gypsum application than iron pyrite and elemental sulphur.

Potato is one of the most important food crops after rice and wheat. The climatic condition of terrain agro ecological region favours the cultivation of potato along with this good yield. But due to deficiency of macro nutrient and micronutrient in the soil of terai region the growth of the potato crop hampers, which ultimately result in poor yield. The mentioned problem keep in mind the present experiment conducted through enrichment of soil by external use off macro and micronutrients. The experiment focused only the growth parameters of the potato. In case of sole application the calcium (Ca) play important role in case of plant height at 50DAP (23.08 cm) and 70 DAP (29.06 cm), no of leaves at 50DAP (60.50) and 70 DAP (78.05), fresh weight (242.50 g) and dry weight (42.33 g). In case of combined application calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), sulphur (S), zinc (Zn) and boron (B) combined shows highest plant height at 50 DAP (28.66 cm) and 70 DAP (32..15 cm), number of leaves at 50DAP (80.72) and 70 Dap (90.67), fresh weight (277.17 g) and dry weight (45.83 g). Thus the results revealed that the soil is deficient in most of the macro and micro nutrients particularly those are unavailable in acidic soil of the terai zone. Therefore its application solely or in combination with others always showed some beneficial effects.

Sulphur (S) is an essential nutrient for all organisms. Sulphur is being categorized along with Nitrogen (N), phosphorous (P), and potassium (K) as the fourth macro nutrient. It is an important component for the production of proteins, and plays a part in chlorophyll synthesis. 41% of the Indian soils are known to be deficient in sulphur. Sulphur deficient soils are becoming common around the globe. Use of sulphur-free fertilizers is one of the main reasons behind sulphur shortage in soil. Higher crop yields may not be obtained when sulphur deficiency prevails as it affects the usage of applied N, P, and K by the crop. Many field experiments were conducted on different cereal crops from which it can be stated that 20-40 kg Sulphur/ha application significantly affected the growth, yield, nutrient uptake and economics. The goal of this review is to provide an update on recent findings related to these subjects, which may lead to a better understanding of S-fertilization and the role o...

Mineral fertilizer is an environmental hazard and economic discouraging factor for rice farmers in Cameroon. The objective was to assess the effect of groundnut stover as a substitute to mineral fertilizer on agronomic performance of rainfed upland rice in bimodal HFZ. The experiment was Original Research Article

Although zinc is considered as micronutrient it has a vital role in plant growth. Among all metals, the largest number of proteins required zinc for their catalytic function. Zinc-binding proteins make up nearly 10% of all protein in biological systems. Zinc plays a vital role in biological systems like structural integrity of membrane and contribution to protein synthesis also gene expression. According to FAO that zinc is considered as most commonly deficient in agriculture soils about 50%. Sometimes add more phosphorus may lead to the deficient of zinc in the soil for some reason. In plants zinc deficient can be noticed by the leaf chlorosis, necrotic spots on leaves, bronzing of leaves, resetting of leaves, stunting of plants, dwarf leaves, malformed leaves. Zinc deficient soil can as treat well in many ways and the most used method is the application of zinc-containing fertilizers. Zinc sulphate is a widely used fertilizer. If soils are untreated it may cause up to 40% yield lo...

Background: Phosphorus is the crucial element to enhance yields as well bio-chemical properties namely protein and oil content in groundnut. Buildup of insoluble phosphates and chemical fixation in soil reduces phosphorus consumption ability in plants. Phosphorus use efficiency (PUE) can be increased with higher levels of phosphorus rate. The study was framed to investigate the effect of phosphorus fertilization on yield, nutrient acquisition, use efficiency and bio-chemical compositions of groundnut. Methods: The experiment was conducted in summer seasons of 2016 and 2017, using split plot design with three varieties (‘JL-24’, ‘Gangapuri’, ‘TAG-24’) in main plot and four fertilization levels (0, 40, 60, 80kg P2O5 ha-1) in sub plots. Result: The study revealed that pod yield enhanced significantly by 15.4%, 27.3% and 39.9% with increase in fertilization rates from 40kg to 80kg ha-1 compare to unfertilized plots. Protein and oil content showed a positive response with phosphorus appl...

The evaluation of the fertility status of an agricultural field is an essential parameter in terms of sustainable productivity of crops. Macro and micro nutrient elements govern the fertility of soils and control the growth, development and yield of crops. This study was aim at determining the fertility status of soil in the study area. Sixty (60) surface soil samples (0 – 15 cm) were tested for their status /level of pH, E.C, Organic carbon, available N, P, K, S and available Zn, Fe, Cu and Mn using standard laboratory procedure. The level of soil pH, E.C and organic carbon ranged from 4.7 – 5.1 (strongly acidic), 0.35 – 0.95 dsm and 0.86% 1.14% respectively. The status of organic carbon in the soils was rated medium while the available N status is low (82 %) only few (18 %) of the soils in JT and GB were in medium of N content. Both available P and K were medium in status with the range of 6.17 kg/ha – 23.85 kg/ha and mean values of 333 kg/ha while S was within the critical range ...

Nutrient omission experiments determined the cause of ‘waves’ of good and bad growth in wheat and barley crops after swathed canola crops on acidified sandy soils in south-western Australia. Potassium deficiency, and molybdenum deficiency and aluminium toxicity induced by soil acidification, were identified as major problems. Burning canola swaths increased bicarbonate-extractable soil potassium by 20–100 mg/kg, and as measured in 0.01 M CaCl2, increased soil pH by 0.3–0.8 of a pH unit and decreased aluminium extracted from soil by 1–6 mg/kg. Root lesion nematodes were not identified as a problem.

Although zinc is considered as micronutrient it has a vital role in plant growth. Among all metals, the largest number of proteins required zinc for their catalytic function. Zinc-binding proteins make up nearly 10% of all protein in biological systems. Zinc plays a vital role in biological systems like structural integrity of membrane and contribution to protein synthesis also gene expression. According to FAO that zinc is considered as most commonly deficient in agriculture soils about 50%. Sometimes add more phosphorus may lead to the deficient of zinc in the soil for some reason. In plants zinc deficient can be noticed by the leaf chlorosis, necrotic spots on leaves, bronzing of leaves, resetting of leaves, stunting of plants, dwarf leaves, malformed leaves. Zinc deficient soil can as treat well in many ways and the most used method is the application of zinc-containing fertilizers. Zinc sulphate is a widely used fertilizer. If soils are untreated it may cause up to 40% yield lo...

An experiment was conducted at Agronomy Farm, S.K.N. College of Agriculture, Jobner, during kharif season 2017. The experimental field was loamy sand in texture. The treatments comprised of three sources (gypsum, elemental sulphur and iron pyrite) and four levels of sulphur (15, 30, 45 and 60 kg ha) along with an absolute control (no sulphur), making 13 treatment combinations. These 13 combinations were replicated three times in randomized block design. Sesame variety RT-346 was used as a test crop. The highest concentration of N, P, K and S in seed and stalk and protein, carbohydrate and oil content and their uptake were obtained highest with 45 kg S/ha, however it was remained at par with 60 kg S/ha. The content of N, P, K and S in seed and stalk and their uptake and protein, carbohydrate and oil content significantly increased with gypsum application than iron pyrite and elemental sulphur.

A field experiment was conducted on sandy clay loam soil at agricultural farm, Bapatla during rabi 2002. The study revealed that the availability of nutrients N, P, K and S in soil after harvest were significantly influenced by increased levels of N and S.

This study investigates the effect of nitrogen and moisture superabsorbent on yield, yield components, seed nitrogen and biological traits in the field of pumpkin during two cropping years (2018-2019) in Kermanshah, Iran. The experiment was carried out as a split-plot based on Randomized Complete Block Design (RBCD) with three replications. The main plot factor was the application of moisture superabsorbent at various levels of 0 (control), 40, 80, 120 kg ha-1, respectively, and nitrogen fertilization at the levels of 0, 50, 100 and 150 kg ha-1 were considered as sub-factor. Results show that treatments significantly affected fruit fresh weight, fruit dry weight, leaf dry weight, stem dry weight, fruit number per plant, grain weight, grain number per fruit, grain nitrogen percentage, except for fruit number per plant. In the most traits, there was an increasing trend when nitrogen levels increased, although N2 levels of 100 and 150 kg ha-1 were not significantly different. In additi...

The present investigation entitled “Effect of different levels of boron on growth and yield of mungbean (Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek) under guava (Psidium guvajava L.) Based agri-horti system in Vindhyayan region” was conducted during the Kharif season of 2017-2018 at Agricultural Research Farm, R.G.S.C. (BHU), Barakachha, Mirzapur (U. P.). The experiment was conducted in 10 years old guava orchard. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design having seven level of boron (B) with recommended dose of fertilizer (20 N, 40 P and 20 K ) kg /ha i.e. control, N20 + P40 + K20 + 1.0 kg B /ha, N20 + P40 + K20 + 2.0 kg B /ha, N20 + P40 + K20 + 3.0 kg B /ha, N20 + P40 + K20 + 4.0 kg B /ha, N20 + P40 + K20 + 5.0 kg B /ha and N20 + P40 + K20 + 6.0 kg B /hatreatments were replicated thrice. Results revealed that application of N20 + P40 + K20 + 6.0 kg B /ha recorded significantly higher value of the growth parameters viz. plant height (cm), dry matter accumulation (g plant-1) trifoliate ...

Potato is one of the most important food crops after rice and wheat. The climatic condition of terrain agro ecological region favours the cultivation of potato along with this good yield. But due to deficiency of macro nutrient and micronutrient in the soil of terai region the growth of the potato crop hampers, which ultimately result in poor yield. The mentioned problem keep in mind the present experiment conducted through enrichment of soil by external use off macro and micronutrients. The experiment focused only the growth parameters of the potato. In case of sole application the calcium (Ca) play important role in case of plant height at 50DAP (23.08 cm) and 70 DAP (29.06 cm), no of leaves at 50DAP (60.50) and 70 DAP (78.05), fresh weight (242.50 g) and dry weight (42.33 g). In case of combined application calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), sulphur (S), zinc (Zn) and boron (B) combined shows highest plant height at 50 DAP (28.66 cm) and 70 DAP (32..15 cm), number of leaves at 50DAP (...

This study investigates the effect of nitrogen and moisture superabsorbent on yield, yield components, seed nitrogen and biological traits in the field of pumpkin during two cropping years (2018-2019) in Kermanshah, Iran. The experiment was carried out as a split-plot based on Randomized Complete Block Design (RBCD) with three replications. The main plot factor was the application of moisture superabsorbent at various levels of 0 (control), 40, 80, 120 kg ha-1, respectively, and nitrogen fertilization at the levels of 0, 50, 100 and 150 kg ha-1 were considered as sub-factor. Results show that treatments significantly affected fruit fresh weight, fruit dry weight, leaf dry weight, stem dry weight, fruit number per plant, grain weight, grain number per fruit, grain nitrogen percentage, except for fruit number per plant. In the most traits, there was an increasing trend when nitrogen levels increased, although N2 levels of 100 and 150 kg ha-1 were not significantly different. In additi...

Rain-fed agriculture productivity is crucial for food security and economy of the state. To characterize the fertility status of soils under dry-land agriculture in the semi-arid regions, 110 soil samples were collected from Nagulapally-Konapur Model Watershed area in Medak district of Telangana to diagnose the deficiencies of macronutrients like Potassium, Sodium and Sulphur and micronutrients like Boron and Zinc. A summary of the chemical analysis of soil samples covering the watershed area showed that the farmer's fields sampled had a wide range in pH and EC and they were low-to-moderate in organic carbon, generally adequate in exchangeable potassium and sodium. However, the most revealing results on soil chemical analysis were the widespread deficiencies of levels of extractable phosphorous (P), sulphur (S), boron (B) and zinc (Zn) in the samples. GIS mapping of the estimated fertility parameters was carried out using Arc GIS software to understand the occurrence of deficiencies of micronutrients over the watershed area under study. On-farm participatory trials were conducted for selected rainfed crops to study the impact of balanced nutrition (BN) on crop productivity over farmers practise (FP).

A field experiment was conducted at Instructional Farm, College of Agriculture, Junagadh Agricultural University, Junagadh during summer season of 2020 to evaluate effect of soil application of potassium and zinc on growth and yield components of biofortified pearl millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.] under south Saurashtra region of Gujarat. The experiment comprising of four levels of potassium viz., 0, 40, 60 and 80 kg K2O ha-1 and three levels of zinc viz., 0, 10 and 20 kg Zn ha-1 and experiment was laid out in Factorial Randomized Block Design and replicated thrice. The results revealed that the growth, yield attributes and yields were significantly influenced by the various levels of potassium and zinc. The application of potassium 80 kg K2O ha-1 and zinc 20 kg Zn ha-1 significantly increased the plant height, total tillers per plant, effective tillers per plant, earhead length, earhead girth, test weight, grain yield and stover yield.

One means of enriching plants with microelements is agronomic biofortification, whereby the mineral composition of plants is stimulated through appropriate fertilization. A fertilizer component which has received much attention in recent years is sulphur. Due to the significant reduction in SO2 emissions from industrial sources to the atmosphere, a progressive deficiency of this nutrient has been observed in soils in Poland and other parts of the world. Therefore, a study was undertaken to assess the effect of different application rates (20 and 40 kg·ha−1) and forms (elemental and ionic) of sulphur on the content of selected micronutrients (Mn, Fe, Zn, and Cu) and their proportions (Fe : Mn) in the grain of the Antek variety of spring barley. In a three-year single-factor field experiment setup on luvisols with low content of sulphur, the following fertilizers were tested: ammonium sulphate, potassium sulphate, and Wigor S (80% elemental sulphur and 20% bentonite). It was demonstra...

Widespread incidences of sulphur (S) deficiency in agricultural crops and soils have been reported globally. To meet this gap, various new forms of S fertilizers are available in the market, and they are in the process of testing for their validations in varied type of crop species and soils. A current global trend of using these advanced S formulations for plant production has emerged to overcome the challenges of S nutrition in crops. This paper highlights the potential benefits of improved S