Abstract
Determination of S status is very important to detect S deficiency and prevent losses of yield and seed quality. The aim of this study was to investigate the possibility of using the ([Cl−]+[NO3−]+[PO43−]):[SO42−] ratio as an indicator of S nutrition under field conditions in Brassica napus and whether this could be applied to other species. Different S and nitrogen (N) fertilizations were applied on a S deficient field of oilseed rape to harvest mature leaves and analyze their anion and element contents in order to evaluate a new S nutrition indicator and useful threshold values. Large sets of commercial varieties were then used to test S deficiency scenarios. As main results, this study shown that, under field conditions, leaf ([Cl−]+[NO3−]+[PO43−]):[SO42−] ratio was increased by lowering S fertilization, indicating S deficiency. The usefulness of this ratio was also found for other species grown under controlled conditions and it could be simplified by using the elemental ([Cl]+[P]):[S] ratio. Threshold values were determined and used for the clustering of commercial varieties within three groups: S deficient, at risk of S deficiency and S sufficient. The ([Cl]+[P]):[S] ratio quantified under field conditions, can be used as an early and accurate diagnostic tool to manage S fertilization.
Highlights
Sulfur deficiency in crops has been a major concern at the global scale for a number of years, and especially in crops that require higher levels of sulfur (S) than other cultivated species, such as oilseed rape
Seed yield from oilseed rape is usually improved by S fertilization, with doses depending on the multiple environment factors under which the crop is being grown [9]
Under Field Conditions, a Decrease in the SO4 2− Content Was Compensated by an Increase in the (Cl− +NO3 − +PO4 3− ) Contents in Oilseed Rape Leaves Leading to an Increase in the
Summary
Sulfur deficiency in crops has been a major concern at the global scale for a number of years, and especially in crops that require higher levels of sulfur (S) than other cultivated species, such as oilseed rape. Sulfur limitation in oilseed rape crops provokes multiple changes in plant physiology leading to losses of yield and seed quality through modified lipid and protein compositions [1–5]. Sulfur deficiency in crops has increasingly been observed over the last 50 years [3,6–8]. S availability in soil can be explained by several factors: significant reductions in S emission from industrial sources, use of mineral fertilizers without S, decreases in use of organic fertilizers, and changes in cropping systems including the use of high yielding commercial coupled with intensive management practices [3,9]. Seed yield from oilseed rape is usually improved by S fertilization, with doses depending on the multiple environment factors under which the crop is being grown [9].
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