The effect of sulphur on the yield and chemical composition of winter barley

Abstract

The changeover from fertilizers containing calcium or ammonium sulphate to those containing little or no sulphur has led to the occurrence of sulphur deficiency in many areas of the world (McNaught & Christoffels, 1961). In the United Kingdom, it was thought that even in the absence of fertilizer sulphur, atmospheric inputs were sufficient to ensure an adequate supply for crops. Recent work in the north of Scotland has shown that this is not so, that many soils in the area are low in sulphur, and yield responses have been obtained following application of sulphur to grass (Soott et al. 1983; Scott, 1984). The purpose of the present experiments was to extend the work to cereals, in particular to examine the response to added sulphur of the grain yield of winter barley, and to measure the effect of sulphur on the chemical composition of plants.

Phosphorus Solubility from Rock Phosphate Mixed Compost with Sulphur Application and Its Effect on Yield and Phosphorus Uptake of Wheat Crop

“…These results indicated that grain spike −1 was increased with the increasing level of sulphur and compost as shown by [50] who reported that sulphur when applied with HA increased grain per spike and thousand grain weight, because it has the capability of decomposing residues and make nitrogen gradually accessible to soil and plant. [20] and [51] reported that S could increase number of grain per spike. These values resemble to the finding of [52] who investigated that at optimum timings of application of sulphur and nitrogen increased number of grain per spike in wheat.…”

“…Sulphur fertilizers application considerably increased wheat yield [16] [17] [18] and rapeseed [19]. [20] showed that grain yield and grain per spike of barley significantly increased by foliar sulphur application. Sulphur is important for many physiological process in plant such as, synthesis of certain vitamins (Biotin and Thiomine), synthesis of co-enzyme A synthesis of S containing amino acids (Cysteine, Cystine and Methionine), and in the metabolism of, fats, carbohydrates and protein.…”

Oxidation of micronized elemental sulphur in soil

“…microspheres having a particle size of 1-6 microns) which are applied in a foliar spray as a wettable suspension. However, it has been found recently that these formulations are also effective in supplying sulphur as a nutrient where sulphur deficiencies occur (Scott, 1985;Scott et al, 1984). Exactly how, or to what extent, the sulphur enters the leaf tissue, as SO2 via the stomata, by dissolution in the leaf cuticle or by some other mechanism, is unknown (Scott, 1985).…”

Influence of six successive annual applications of sulphur fertilizers on wheat in a wheat–canola rotation on a sulphur deficient soil

“…Yield responses of barley to fertilizer S have been observed on coarse-textured soils in Scotland (Scott et al 1984), Ireland (Conry 1993), Wales and south-west England (Withers et al 1995) and western Canada (Nyborg et al 1974). Other field experiments in England and Wales (Syers et al 1987;Griffiths et al 1995) and eastern United States of America (Reneau et al 1986) showed no effect of S fertilization on cereals.…”