Sulphur Application Research Articles

Sulfur fertilization and inoculation of soybean with Azospirillum brasilense and Bradyrhizobium spp. can improve grain yield and quality.

The success of biological nitrogen fixation (BNF) in soybean depends on two crucial factors, viz., seed inoculation and soil nutritional balance. The macronutrient sulfur (S) is vital to the formation of ferredoxin, a common source of electrons that controls the proper functioning of the subunits of the enzyme nitrogenase, responsible for the conversion of atmospheric nitrogen (N2) to ammonia (NH3+). However, as the S dynamics is a complex process in soil, it may cause to the plants to be sulfur limited. This study aims at assessing the relationship between S fertilization through the use of elemental-S, and bacterial inoculation (Bradyrhizobium spp.) and co-inoculation (Bradyrhizobium spp. and Azospirillum brasilense) on nodulation, production and quality of soybean. The study was performed on the 2017/2018 and 2018/2019 crop seasons, involving four experiments where two were carried out in Santa Maria and two in Augusto Pestana, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Adopting the randomized experimental block design, the treatments included a 3 × 4 factorial design, with three inoculations (Non-inoculated control, Inoculation and Co-inoculation) together with four doses of S (0, 20, 40 and 60kg ha- 1). Evaluations were done of the plant nodulation, accumulation of shoot dry matter, yield constituents, and quality of the soybean grain. S fertilization and co-inoculation promote an increase in plant nodulation, proving to be an important strategy to support nitrogen supply to soybean crops. The application of elemental sulfur in doses between 20 and 40kg ha- 1 promotes nodulation, the accumulation of dry mass of plants, the productivity and quality of soybeans, in addition to benefiting nodulation when combined with co-inoculation of Bradyrhizobium ssp. and Azospirillum brasilense.

Evaluation of the Effects of Foliar Sulfur Applications on Yield, Evapotranspiration and Water Use Efficiency of Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) Under Different Irrigation Regimes

In this study, it was aimed to determine the effects of foliar sulphur applications on cotton plants exposed to water stress. It was carried out on ‘Carisma’ variety cotton plant with 3 irrigation level, 3 sulfur doses and 3 replicates, except for control treatments, in split plots experimental design in randomized blocks. Sulfur in elemental form was applied at doses of 150 ml da-1 (S1), 250 ml da-1 (S2) and 350 ml da-1 (S3), except for the control (S0) and at I100, I66, I33 irrigation levels of the available capacity and in the non-irrigated treatment (I0). Irrigation water amounts varied between 332-1006 mm and 306-928 mm in the 2015 and 2016, and evapotranspiration ranged between 299-1096 mm and 247- 995 mm, respectively. Evapotranspiration decreased slightly in the first year and increased in the second year as the sulphur doses increased. The highest yields were 5871 kg ha-1 (I100S0) and 6148.7 kg ha-1 (I100S1) in 2015 and 2016, respectively. In comparison to I100, yield decreased by 70%, 39% and 14% in 2015, 67%, 33% and 8% in 2016 in I0, I33 and I66, respectively. Sulphur doses caused yield to decrease in 2015 and increase in 2016. Compared to S0 treatment, yield increased by 14%, 1.9% and 8.6% at S1, S2 and S3 in 2016. With the decrease in ET, yield (relative to I100) decreased by 73%-70% at I0, 52%-39% at I33 and 26%-15% at I66 in the first year, by 75%-67% at I0, 44%-33% at I33 and 20%-8% at I66 in the second year, and by 74%-68% at I0, 48%-36% at I33 and 23%-11% at I66. Water use efficiency (WUE) was approximately the same in sulfur doses, while the lowest was determined at I100 and the highest was determined at I0 and I33. WUE increased as the amount of irrigation water increased in the second year, but did not show a stable change in the first year. The highest WUE was calculated in the first year on I33 (6.3 kg ha-1mm-1) and in the second year on I0 (7.5 kg ha-1mm-1). Sulphur doses did not cause a significant difference in WUE and the highest WUE was determined at S0 (6.0 kg ha-1mm-1) in the first year and in the second year at S1 (6.5 kg ha-1mm-1). Sulphur doses did not affect leaf sulphur concentration in the first year, but statistically in the second year. Mean of two years, the highest leaf sulphur concentration was measured in S3.

Combined Transcriptomic and Metabolomic Analyses Reveal the Mechanisms by Which the Interaction Between Sulfur and Nitrogen Affects Garlic Yield and Quality

Nitrogen and sulfur are essential macronutrients in plant growth and development, and their interaction profoundly influences gene expression, metabolic activities, and adaptability in plants, directly affecting plant growth and yield. Garlic (Allium sativum L.) is a crop of significant economic and medicinal value. However, despite the critical role of the nitrogen–sulfur interaction in garlic’s adaptability, yield, and quality, the specific mechanisms underlying these effects remain unclear. In this study, transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses were employed to investigate the effects of combined sulfur and nitrogen application on garlic bulb tissues. The results show that the combined application of sulfur and nitrogen significantly increased the diameter and weight of garlic bulbs by 14.96% and 35.47%, respectively. The content of alliin increased by 28.48%, while the levels of abscisic acid (ABA), jasmonic acid (JA), salicylic acid (SA), and gibberellin (GA) increased by 15.82%, 12.94%, 32.34%, and 48.13%, respectively. Additionally, the activities of alliinase, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) were enhanced by 7.93%, 4.48%, and 19.74%, respectively. Moreover, the application of sulfur and nitrogen significantly reduced the malondialdehyde (MDA) content and peroxidase (POD) activity in garlic bulbs by 29.66% and 9.42%, respectively, thereby improving garlic’s adaptability and growth potential. Transcriptomic analysis revealed differentially expressed genes in several key pathways, including plant hormone signal transduction, RNA degradation, glutathione metabolism, amino acid biosynthesis, and glycerophospholipid metabolism. Metabolomic analysis identified 80 differentially abundant metabolites primarily consisting of amino acids, indole carboxylic acids, and fatty acids. The integrated transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses highlighted the pivotal roles of glutathione metabolism, glycerophospholipid metabolism, and amino acid biosynthesis pathways in the synergistic effects of sulfur and nitrogen. This study not only provides critical scientific evidence for understanding the mechanisms underlying the nitrogen–sulfur interaction’s impact on the yield and quality of garlic but also offers a scientific basis for optimizing nutrient management strategies to enhance garlic yield and quality.

Effect of Level of Sulphur and Phosphorus on Yield and Quality of Soybean Grown in Inceptisol

The field experiment was conducted during Kharif 2017 at Post Graduate Research Farm, Rajarshee Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj, College of Agriculture Kolhapur, with the view to study the effect of levels of sulphur and phosphorus on yield and quality of soybean grown in inceptisol. The soil of the experimental site was slightly alkaline in reaction, very low in available nitrogen, medium in available phosphorus and medium in available potassium and deficient in available sulphur. The field experiment was carried out in Factorial Randomized Block Design with three replications and sixteen treatments comprising four levels of sulphur (0, 20, 40, and 60 kg ha-1) through elemental sulphur and four levels of phosphorus (0, 75, 100, and 125 kg ha-1) through DAP. The result indicated that the significantly highest grain yield (27.20 q ha-1, 25.04 q ha-1 respectively) was recorded by application of sulphur and phosphorus at 60 kg ha-1 (S4) and 100 kg ha-1 (P3) than rest of the sulphur and the phosphorus levels. The application of (S4, P3) at 60 kg ha-1 and 100 kg P ha-1 showed significantly highest straw yield (38.85 q ha-1, 35.50 q ha-1 respectively) than rest of the combination of sulphur and Phosphorus levels. The quality parameter records highest percent of 1000 grain weight, oil content and oil yield were found in 60 kg S along with 100 kg P ha-1 while the lowest seed yield, 1000 grain weight and oil content were found in control. Therefore, application of 60 kg S with 100 kg P appeared as the promising practice for obtaining higher seed yield and better quality of Soybean.

Effect of sulfur and potassium foliar applications on wheat grain protein quality

ContextThe effects of sulfur and potassium fertilizers on wheat yield and quality have been well studied, but most of them are used as basal fertilizers. However, the root system is senescent at the later stages of wheat growth and cannot absorb sufficient sulfur and potassium fertilizers plant needed. It is still unclear whether sulfur and potassium foliar applications at the later stages can affect wheat yield and quality. ObjectiveThis experiment was conducted to investigate the changes of sulfur and potassium accumulation and transport, protein synthesis and flour processing quality after foliar application of sulfur and potassium fertilizers, transport and the relating physiological mechanisms. MethodsIn 2020–2021 and 2021–2022, a three-factor split plot experiment was carried out in the middle and lower reaches of Yangtze River, with wheat variety, concentration of sulfur fertilizer and potassium fertilizer served as main factor, subfactor and sub-subfactor respectively. ResultsIn the study from 2020 to 2022, the albumin protein content of both varieties decreased in the nutrient spraying treatment, particularly in the high potassium level. However, there was no significant effect on the globulin content. Moreover, the gliadin protein content decreased in the sulfur spraying treatment alone, but significantly increased the wheat gluten content, and thereby the total protein content. We also found significant genotypic differences in the composition and content of high molecular weight wheat glutenin subunits (HMW-GS) between the two varieties. The foliar spraying of sulfur and potassium fertilizers significantly increased the content of subunits 1 and 8 in Yangmai (YM15) and subunits 7 and 12 in Yangmai (YM16), and the effect of mixed spraying was better than single-nutrient spraying, especially the amount of 0.2 % sulfur and 0.3 % potassium fertilizer treatment. ConclusionsThe superimposed effect of sulfur and potassium effectively increased the total protein content by promoting the accumulation of sulfur in transit to the seeds, increasing the substrate supply level, and enhancing enzyme activity. Although sulfur and potassium combination can improve the grain protein quality and flour processing quality, too high spraying concentrations can decrease the flour processing quality. ImplicationsSpraying the appropriate amount of 0.2 % sulfur and 0.3 % potassium fertilizer can serve as an optimization measure for high-quality and efficient production of different types of wheat varieties.

Combined Application of Nitrogen and Sulfur Improves Growth, Oil, and Bio-Diesel Production from Soybean

Combined Application of Nitrogen and Sulfur Improves Growth, Oil, and Bio-Diesel Production from Soybean

The Application of Sulfur–Metal Mass Ratios in Metal Sulfides in Assessing Prospects for Deep Metallogeny: A Case Study of the Tongshan Copper Deposit in Heilongjiang Province, Northeast China

Sulfur–metal mass ratios (SMMRs) between sulfur and metal elements (Cu, Pb, Zn, Ag, Fe, etc.) in metal sulfides are fixed in idealized compositions, so they should have a relatively fixed proportion in terms of mass without considering the presence of structural defects such as vacancies or substitution elements. Rock bodies with an SMMR of S far greater than the common metal sulfides may contain additional sulfides of other metals. We studied the Tongshan copper deposit in NE China and calculated the mass transfer of various elements in drill hole ZK611 samples. The data show a S influx of 7160 g/t, a Cu influx of 5469 g/t, and an Fe influx of 8796 g/t in the Cu ore body. Below the Cu ores, the average influx is 18,600 g/t of S, 650 g/t of Cu, and 5360 g/t of Fe, which provides an SMMR far above common mineral sulfide values. Further studies indicated that this rock unit contains fine-grained sphalerite and galenite, and when Zn and Pb are included in the rock SMMR calculations, values closer to the mineral sulfides emerge. These results imply that the coordinating balance relationship of S content with Fe and other ore-forming metals could provide direct information for assessing metallogenic prospects.

Effect of Sulphur Application in Oilseed Crops: A Review

Oilseeds play a pivotal role in India’s agricultural economy, with oil derived from these crops serving as a fundamental raw material for various industries. Sulphur (S) plays a crucial role in augmenting both the yield and quality of oilseed crops. Achieving a balanced fertilization strategy that incorporates S is imperative for fostering the high-quality growth of oilseed crops. Several researches indicate that S application in the range of 20-60 kg ha-1 substantially influences crop growth, yield, nutrient uptake and the economic aspects of oilseed cultivation. This review offers valuable insights into the latest research endeavors conducted in the realm of oilseed crops, specifically concerning sulphur application.

Effect of foliar application of water soluble fertilizer, sulphur, zinc and boron on growth, yield and economics of garlic (Allium sativum L.) in a vertisol

Effect of foliar application of water soluble fertilizer, sulphur, zinc and boron on growth, yield and economics of garlic (Allium sativum L.) in a vertisol

Investigating the Synergistic Effects of Using Nitrogen and Sulfur Fertilizers on the Growth of Safflower (<i>Carthamus tinctorius</i> L.)

Nutrient imbalance is one of the prevalent problems in the semi-arid region. The study aimed to investigate the effects of sole and simultaneous application of nitrogen and sulfur on safflower yield in a semi-arid region. A field trial was designed to explore the combined use of sulfur (S0: control, S1 and S2: 25 and 50 kg ha-1 S via sulfur phosphate composites, S3 and S4=: 25 and 50 kg ha-1 of S via elemental sulfur, S5 and S6: 25 and 50 kg ha-1 of S via zinc sulfate) and nitrogen (0, 40 and 80 kg ha-1) on the growth and seed production of safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) in a west of Iran with mesic active calcixerepts soil that had medium to low fertility. The utilization of large amounts of nitrogen greatly increased the height of the first pod from the ground surface (P ≤ 0.05), and the highest amount was recorded in S 6+ N80 conditions (65%). Leaf chlorophyll content was significantly affected by nitrogen consumption (P ≤ 0.01) and the highest chlorophyll was recorded in S4, S5, and S6 treatments having high levels of nitrogen. A similar trend was observed for the canopy width and the application of nitrogen, zinc sulfate, and elemental sulfur could increase this component by 33%. The highest number of heads was achieved with the use of S5 + N80 and S2 + N80, which was 15% more compared to the control. The application S2 + N80 increased seed number in capitulum by 25% over the control. The application of S along with high levels of nitrogen improved the seed yield by 45% (1334 ± 78.35 kg ha-1). However, only the application of sulfur could improve the harvest index (P ≤ 0.05). The results indicated that applying moderate to high amounts of zinc sulfate and elemental sulfur, in combination with N80, enhanced safflower growth characteristics and improved seed yield components, likely due to synergistic interactions between the elements. Altogether the use of zinc sulfate or elemental sulfur as a logical and effective management solution can increase the efficiency of nitrogen fertilizer and improve nutritional balance.

Effects of Sulfur Application on the Quality of Fresh Waxy Maize.

Balanced fertilizer application is crucial for achieving high-yield, high-quality, and efficient maize cultivation. Sulfur (S), considered a secondary nutrient, ranks as the fourth most essential plant nutrient after nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K). S deficiency could significantly influence maize growth and development. Field experiments were conducted in Jiangsu, Yangzhou, China, from April 1 to July 20 in 2023. Jingkenuo2000 (JKN2000) and Suyunuo5 (SYN5) were used as experiment materials, and four treatments were set: no fertilizer application (F0), S fertilizer application (F1), conventional fertilization method (F2), and conventional fertilization method with additional S application (F3). The objective was to investigate the impact of S application on grain weight and the quality of fresh waxy maize flour and starch. The results indicated that all fertilization treatments significantly increased grain weight and the starch and protein contents in grains compared to no fertilization. Among these, F3 exhibited the most significant increases. Specifically, in JKN2000, the grain weight, starch content (SC), and protein content (PC) increased by 27.7%, 4.8%, and 14.8%, respectively, while in SYN5, these parameters increased by 26.3%, 6.2%, and 7.4%, respectively, followed by F2 and F1. Compared to F0, F3 increased starch and protein contents by 4.8% and 14.8% in JKN2000, and by 6.2% and 7.4% in SYN5. Compared to F0, F2 and F3 significantly increased the iodine binding capacity (IBC) of SYN5, with F3 being more effective than F2, while they had no significant effect on the IBC of JKN2000. The peak viscosity (PV) and breakdown viscosity (BD) of waxy maize flour and starch for both varieties showed a consistent response (increasing trend) to S application, and F3 had the largest increase. Regarding the thermal properties of waxy maize flour, F3 significantly enhanced the retrogradation enthalpy (ΔHgel) of both varieties compared to F0, while achieving the lowest retrogradation percentage (%R). In starch, the highest ΔHgel and the lowest %R were observed under the F2 treatment. In summary, under the conditions of this experiment, adding S fertilizer to conventional fertilization not only increased the grain weight of waxy maize but also effectively optimized the pasting and thermal properties of waxy maize flour and starch.

The Influence of the Comonomer Ratio and Reaction Temperature on the Mechanical, Thermal, and Morphological Properties of Lignin Oil-Sulfur Composites.

Although lignin is a plentiful biomass resource, it continually exists as an underutilized component of biomass material. Elemental sulfur is another abundant yet underutilized commodity produced as a by-product resulting from the refining of fossil fuels. The current study presents a strategy for preparing five durable composites via a simple one-pot synthesis involving the reaction of lignin oil and elemental sulfur. These lignin oil-sulfur composites LOSx@T (where x = wt. % sulfur, ranging from 80 to 90, and T represents the reaction temperature in °C) were prepared via the reaction of elemental sulfur and lignin oil (LO) with elemental sulfur. The resulting composites could be remelted and reshaped several times without the loss of mechanical strength. Mechanical, thermal, and morphological studies showed that LOSx@T possesses properties competitive with some mechanical properties of commercial building materials, exhibiting favorable compressive strengths (22.1-35.9 MPa) and flexural strengths (5.7-6.5 MPa) exceeding the values required for many construction applications of ordinary Portland cement (OPC) and brick formulations. While varying the amount of organic material did not result in a notable difference in mechanical strength, increasing the reaction temperature from 230 to 300 °C resulted in a significant increase in compressive strength. The results reported herein reveal potential applications of both lignin and waste sulfur during the ongoing effort toward developing recyclable and sustainable building materials.

Lesson on the Topic “Properties and Application of Sulfur”

Lesson on the Topic “Properties and Application of Sulfur”

Application of sulfur-based products reduces Halyomorpha halys infestation and damage in pome fruit orchards.

The brown marmorated stink bug, Halyomorpha halys (Stål, 1855) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) is an invasive pest that causes economic damage on crops, decreasing fruit yield and quality. Conventional insecticides are frequently used to reduce infestations, but these are often with a limited residual effect, besides being costly and detrimental to nontarget organisms and the environment. In integrated pest management, novel strategies against H. halys are proposed, such as the use of alternative substances with an effect on insect behaviour and mobility. As one of the oldest multi-site fungicides applied against fungal pathogens and as an insecticide and acaricide to control scales and mites, sulfur is proposed here to reduce H. halys infestation in fruit orchards. Field experiments were performed to evaluate the effect of repeated wettable sulfur applications on H. halys in apple and pear orchards. Sulfur-induced plant phytotoxicity effects and quanti-qualitative parameters on apple fruits were also recorded. Halyomorpha halys infestation was significantly reduced in sulfur-treated compared to untreated pears and apples. Furthermore, sulfur sprays reduced fruit damage caused by H. halys. Besides, sulfur-mediated phytotoxicity such as symptoms on leaves and fruit drop were not observed. Fruit quality was not influenced by sulfur treatments. Wettable sulfur seems to be a promising formulation given the low phytotoxicity, considering the technical aspects for an effective use of sulfur-based products to counteract H. halys in pome fruit orchards. © 2024 The Author(s). Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

Effect of Application of Elemental Sulphur Incubated with Different Organic Amendments on Yield and Quality of Groundnut in Sulphur Deficient Inceptisol Soil

Aim: Under intensive farming system, use of high analysis fertilizers with rare use of organic manures, depleted the organic carbon status in the soil leads to decrease in productivity though applying improved technologies. After N, P, K fourth major nutrient now days considered as S (Sulphur) which play important role in oilseed and pulse crop productivity and its application with organics to soil found beneficial. Considering this, the proposed research as “Effect of Application of Elemental Sulphur Incubated with Different Organic Amendments on Yield and Quality of Groundnut in Sulphur Deficient Inceptisol Soil.” was carried out with five organic amendments having different quality and maturity parameters which showed the significant results with yield and quality of Kharif groundnut. Study Design: Randomized Block design with seven treatments and four replications. Place and Duration of the Study: The field research trial was conducted during Kharif 2019 at Post Graduate Farm, College of Agriculture, Kolhapur, Maharashtra, India. Methodology: As per the treatments details, the five organic amendments viz: FYM, Vermicompost, Press mud compost, Poultry manure, and City waste compost were incubated with 40 kg ha-1 elemental Sulphur for 30 days prior to application in field plots. The treatment wise incubated organic amendments and RDF applied to groundnut crop. The initial soil analysis, initial and after incubation, the characteristics and quality and maturity parameters of five organic amendments were analyzed by using standard methods. The growth observations and post-harvest observation of groundnut crop were recorded and data were analyzed statistically. Results: The application of different organic amendments incubated with elemental Sulphur @ 40 kg ha-1 namely FYM, Vermicompost, Press mud compost, Poultry manure, and City waste compost along with RDF to Kharif groundnut in Sulphur Deficient Inceptisol soil, significantly improved yield contributing characters, dry pod, haulm yields, protein and oil content as compared to absolute control and RDF. Amongst the different organic amendments, application of good quality and maturity poultry manure and vermicompost found significantly superior over rest of organic amendments incubated with Sulphur for improving the growth, dry pod, haulm yields, protein and oil content as compared rest of organic amendments.

Influence of Sulphur and Zinc on Yield, Yield Attributes and Economics of Baby Corn (Zea mays L.)

A Field experiment was conducted during Zaid season of 2023 at Crop Research Farm Department of Agronomy. The objective of this study is to asses the influence of sulphur and zinc on yield attritibutes of baby corn and to evaluate the economics of different treatment combinations taken. The treatments consisted of 3 levels of Sulphur viz., (15, 30 and 45 kg/ha) and 3 levels of Zinc viz., (10, 20 and 30 kg/ha) along with recommended doses of nitrogen, phosphorus and potash as control (60- 60-40 kg N-P-K/ha). The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Block Design with 10 treatments and replication thrice. Application of Sulphur 45 kg/ha along with Zinc 30 kg/ha (Treatment 9) recorded maximum cob yield with husk (10.6 t/ha), cob yield without husk (3.91 t/ha), green fodder yield (28.43 t/ha). The aforesaid treatment also recorded maximum gross returns (1,43,144.00 INR/ha), net returns (955,19.00 INR/ha) and Benefit cost ratio (2.01).

Synergic effect of sulfur and nitrogen on morpho-physiological and biochemical traits of sunflower

Macronutrients are essential for plant growth and development because they give plants the building blocks, they need to stay healthy and do important biological processes. A completely randomized designed (CRD) pot experiment was done to find out how nitrogen and sulfur affected the morphology and biochemistry of sunflowers. There were three replicates of each treatment: N1 (0), N2 20 kg ha-1 and N3 40 kg ha-1 and sulfur S1 (0), S2 40 kg ha-1 and S3 60 kg ha-1. Sunflower growth and physiology were improved by exogenously applied sulfur and nitrogen to the plant. Root and shoot length, fresh and dry weight, number of leaves per plant, leaf area, plant height, chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, carotenoids, total soluble protein, and shoot calcium, potassium, and sodium ions contents all went up compared to the control conditions. Furthermore, sulfur and nitrogen have positive impacts on sunflowers' growth, ionic parameters and there was increase for anthocyanin (24.98%. and 36.66%), ascorbic acid (43.17% and 97.88%), and flavonoid (34.56%. and 112.91%) amounts with the highest levels at 60 kg ha-1 of S and 40 kg ha-1 of N, respectively. There was significant increase in photosynthetic pigments on application of Sulphur (Chl a. :19.15%, Chl b. 52.17%) and Nitrogen (chla. 20.53%, Chl b. 57.16%). Thus, applying sulfur and nitrogen externally to the plant is suggested to boost sunflower growth and chlorophyll levels at different nutritional levels.

The Effect of Manganese and Sulfur Applications on the Rocket (Eruca vesicaria subsp. Sativa) Plant Grown in Lime Soils

Due to the high lime and pH in the soil, sulfur and micro element deficiencies are observed in green vegetable plants. Rocket, one of the green vegetables and a member of the Brassicaceae family, is widely produced in our country. It is noteworthy that rocket is grown by producers almost everywhere and that this plant grown in our region also has a deficiency of microelements. For this reason, in this study were investigated that the sulfur and manganese requirement of rocket, which is one of the vegetable plants grown in Konya calcareous soil, and the effect of the interaction between these two elements on plant growth and yield. In our study, sulfur (S) fertilizer was applied in three doses (0- 40- 80 kg S da-1) and manganese (Mn) fertilizer in three doses (0- 1- 2 kg Mn da-1) was applied to the rocket plant. The experiment was carried out in the greenhouse conditions according to the randomized plots factorial design. At the end of the experiment, the average leaf height, chlorophyll SPAD value, plant fresh weight, plant height and plant Mn concentration did not differ with different doses of fertilizer applications in the rocket plant. On the other hand, the sulfur concentration in the plant and soil increased significantly with sulfur fertilization (p

Exogenous sulfur application can effectively alleviate iron deficiency yellowing in peanuts and increase pod yield

Iron deficiency yellowing is a serious and widespread problem that seriously affects plant growth and development, ultimately damaging plant yield. Sulfur is one of the essential elements for plant growth and development, and plays an important role in crop stress resistance. Iron (Fe) and sulfur (S) play a core role in the mineral nutrients required for plant metabolism, as both elements are essential for the activity of several proteins involved in basic cellular processes. This research used peanuts as materials to explore the effect of exogenous sulfur on alleviating iron deficiency and yellowing in peanuts under iron deficiency and iron enrichment levels. A two-year field experiment was conducted on windblown sandy soil to determine peanut yield, photosynthetic rate, photosynthetic pigment content, and the activity of key enzymes such as protective enzymes in leaves and roots. The results showed that the application of exogenous sulfur can increase pod yield by an average of 12.6 %-21.6 %. The application of exogenous sulfur significantly increased the migration of iron from roots to the ground, and increased the accumulation of active iron in young leaves by 42.6–73.2 %. Exogenous sulfur application increased the content of GSH in leaves, reduced the damage of Fe-deficient to leaf tissue structure, and effectively increased or maintained the accumulation of photosynthetic compounds in leaves. In addition, exogenous sulfur application at Fe-sufficient levels promoted dry matter accumulation while increasing N and S nutrient content, thereby increasing the N: S ratio. Therefore, exogenous sulfur application significantly increased the content of Chl a and Chl b in leaves, as well as the net photosynthetic rate. The application of exogenous sulfur increased the activity of SOD, POD, and CAT enzymes in roots and leaves, decreased the content of H2O2 and MDA in leaves, and reduced the rate of O.2- generation, thereby enhancing the plant's resistance to oxidative stress. This confirms that the application of exogenous sulfur and sufficient iron is of great significance in reducing iron deficiency yellowing in peanuts and improving yield.

Appropriate supply of sulfur alleviates lead toxicity and stimulates its accumulation in hyperaccumulator Arabis alpina

Widespread lead (Pb) contamination of agricultural soils is a global issue stemming from human activities. The remediation of Pb-contaminated soils used for agricultural purposes is critically important to safeguard food crop safety. Despite the modulating effects of sulfur (S) on plant responses to toxic heavy metals, the ecological, physiological, and molecular mechanisms driving such modulation in the Pb hyperaccumulator Arabis alpina L. remain unclear. Here, we investigated the effects of five S concentrations (0, 50, 100, 150, and 200 mg kg−1) on A. alpina grown in Pb-contaminated soil from a lead-zinc mining area. Under S50 (i.e., 50 mg kg−1) and S100 treatments, the Pb concentration in both shoots and roots of A. alpina significantly decreased compared to the control (S0). Specifically, the S50 treatment significantly enhanced Pb accumulation, plant biomass, and plant height, indicating that low S applications facilitate Pb accumulation from the soil and alleviate Pb toxicity. Additionally, S50, S100, and S150 treatments significantly improved photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, and intercellular CO2 concentration in A. alpina. Transcriptomic analysis showed that S50 and S100 treatments increased the expression of the LHCA, LHCB, psa, and psb genes, which had a significant impact on photosynthetic efficiency. S50 and S100 boosted glutathione (GSH) levels in A. alpina roots, and the increased expression of GST gene enhanced tolerance to environmental stress. In summary, these results suggest that an appropriate supply of S (S50 and S100) not only alleviates Pb toxicity by enhancing plant biomass, height, photosynthetic features, and sulfur metabolites but also stimulates Pb accumulation in the hyperaccumulator A. alpina. Our study elucidated the specific concentrations of sulfur that optimally enhance both Pb accumulation and stress tolerance in the hyperaccumulator A. alpina, providing novel insights into the practical application of sulfur in phytoremediation strategies and advancing our understanding of the underlying molecular mechanisms.