Changes in yield and seed quality traits in rapeseed genotypes by sulphur fertilization

Abstract

Sulphur is considered more as a soil amendment to remedy alkaline soils rather than a fertilizer in crop production. However, as one of the macronutrients, just as N–P–K, it is able to have a direct and significant effect on yield and quality in some crops. There might be a sound potential of increasing seed yield and quality of rapeseed, the second important oil crop around the world, with the use of sulphur as a fertilizer in cultural practices. Our objective in this study is to determine the effects of sulphur fertilization on seed yield and several seed and oil quality traits in rapeseed. Five rapeseed genotypes were grown for two consecutive growing seasons in Canakkale, in a RCB design with three replications. The experimental plots were given 0, 100 or 200 kg ha−1 sulphur along with a fixed amount of 240 kg ha−1 N. Results indicated that sulphur fertilization had positive effects on seed yield and some of the seed and oil quality components. On the other hand, excessive sulphur fertilization, or naturally occurring high levels in the soil, may have adverse effects in elevating some undesired compounds, such as glucosinolates.