Sulfur Fertilization Research Articles

A Critical Review on Sulphur Application in Rapeseed-mustard to Enhancing Productivity and Oil Quality

Sulfur (S) plays a vital role in determining the seed yield, oil content, quality, and resistance to various stresses in rapeseed-mustard. It is essential for chlorophyll formation, oil synthesis, seed protein, amino acids, enzymes, and glucosinolate in these plants. Sulphur also boosts mustard seed production. However, due to modern agricultural practices, including multiple cropping, the use of sulfur-free fertilizers, and limited organic manure application, soil sulfur levels are depleting rapidly in India. Indian soils typically contain between 10 to 6319 mg kg-1 of sulfur, with most agricultural soils averaging 30 to 300 mg kg-1. Adding sulfur increases mustard oil content by enhancing the activity of an enzyme called acetyl-CoA carboxylase, which is essential for oil synthesis. Sulfur also mitigates the harmful effects of heavy metal toxicity, especially from cadmium. Sulfur interacts with other nutrients in both positive and negative ways. Recommendations for sulfur fertilization in different mustard growing regions have been made based on various research programs. To maximize sulfur use efficiency, it's crucial to apply the correct amount based on soil tests and in balance with other limiting nutrients. Timing of sulfur application is also important; it's best applied at the beginning but can also be top-dressed 20-40 days after planting for optimal yield. Research suggests that mustard responds well to foliar spraying of thiourea during flowering and basal placement before sowing. This paper reviews the strategies to improve sulfur utilization through advancements in application rates, methods, and sulfur sources on rapeseed-mustard.

Annual Ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) Growth Response to Nitrogen in a Sandy Soil Amended with Acidified Manure and Municipal Sludge after “Quick Wash” Treatment

The Quick Wash (QW) treatment extracts phosphorus (P) from manure and municipal sludge (MS), producing an organic acidified by-product with adequate nitrogen (N):P ratio to meet crop N requirements. Yet, data on crop response to N using QW by-products are lacking. We evaluated the response of annual ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) and potential N leaching in sandy soil to N applications using raw wastes, their corresponding QW by-products, and ammonium sulfate (AMS) fertilizer. Treatments included a control (no amendment added), raw and acid-washed chicken litter, dairy and swine manure, MS, and AMS at 100, 200, and 400 kg N ha−1. We found no significant differences in annual ryegrass yield and N uptake between the raw and acidified organic QW by-products. However, ryegrass produced 4–30% more biomass with AMS than organic amendments. The total residual soil inorganic N under AMS treatments ranged between 6.3 and 67.9 mg pot−1 and accounted for 5–17% of the total N applied, but it was <1% for all the organic amendments. We found no differences in soil N leaching between raw and acid-washed forms of each organic soil amendment. Our results indicated that acidified organic QW by-products can improve environmental quality by substantially reducing the amount of applied P with no penalties for crop yield losses compared to raw manure and MS.

Response of Local Garlic to Potassium and Sulfur Fertilization Method

A field experiment was conducted at the Agricultural Research Station of the College of Agriculture, University of Anbar, for the agricultural season 2021- 2022. This experiment aimed to study the effect of potassium and sulfur application on local garlic's growth, yield, and quality. The experiment included four levels of potassium soil fertilization (0, 200, 250, and 300 kg.ha-1 ), three levels of foliar spraying of potassium (0, 5, and 10 g.L-1 ), and three levels of soil fertilization of sulfur (0, 40, and 50 kg.ha-1 ). The study used the randomized complete block design (RCBD) in combinations. The results showed significant differences in the characteristics of vegetative growth, yield characteristics, and qualitative characteristics. The combination (300 kg K2O.ha-1 +10 g.L-1 + 50 kg S.ha-1 ) significantly exceeded by giving the highest leaves number, leaves area and shoot dry weight, which amounted to 11.42 leaf.plant-1 and 795.00 cm2 .plant-1 and 10.87 g.plant-1 , respectively. In comparison, the control treatment gave (8.80 leaves.plant-1 and 571.00 cm2 .plant-1 and 8.17 g.plant-1 ), for the same above traits, respectively. The same combination achieved a significant increase in yield traits (cloves number, clove weight, yield/plant, and total yield) with 37.58 cloves, 2.71 g, 102.03 g, and 51.01 t.ha-1 , respectively, compared to the control treatment, which gave (32.00 cloves, 1.81 g, 58.17 g, and 29.08 t.ha-1 ). The same treatment led to an increase in the percentage of potassium and sulfur in the bulbs, which recorded the highest percentage of 1.67% and 0.60%, respectively, compared to the control treatment, which recorded the lowest percentage of 1.36% and 0.40%, respectively. Keywords: Garlic, Fertilization, Potassium, Sulfur, Growth, Yield.

Effect of adding vermicompost, ammonium sulfate and fertilizer batches on the absorbed amounts of some nutrients and the yield and quality of summer squash

A field experiment was conducted at one of the research stations of the College of Agricultural Engineering Sciences / University of Baghdad in the Al-Jadiriyah region for the autumn season of 2021, located within latitude 33.27 north and longitude 44.39 east in Silty Loam soil with a split -split plot design with three replicates. To study the effect of adding vermicompost and ammonium sulfate fertilizers and batches on the yield and quality of summer squash, nitrogen fertilizer was added at three levels (100%, 0, 50%) from the fertilizer recommendation (0, 80, 160) kg N ha-1 (N0, N1, N2). ), using ammonium sulfate fertilizer containing (21% N) and organic fertilizer (vermicompost) were added at three levels (0, 5, 10) Mg ha-1 (V0, V1, V2) respectively, fertilizers were added in two batches after (10, 20) days of planting and three batches after (10,20 and 40) days of planting. The first batch was added after 10 days of planting. The concentration (N and P) in the fruits were measured, the amount of the total yield, the percentage of protein, the percentage of total soluble solids (TSS) and fruit hardness. The results showed the significant effect of adding vermicompost and ammonium sulfate fertilizers, the number of batches on the amount of nitrogen and phosphorous absorbed in the fruits, the total yield, the percentage of protein in the fruits, the percentage of total soluble solids (TSS) and the hardness of the fruits. The treatment P2V2N1 excelled and gave the highest amount of nitrogen absorbed in the fruits, which was 1995 kg N ha-1. Phosphorous absorbed in the fruits amounted to 172.10 kg P ha-1 and the highest total yield reached 21.53 Mg ha-1 . The percentage of protein in the fruits amounted to 36.63%, the percentage of total soluble solids TSS amounted to 4.90%, and the hardness of the fruits amounted to 10.27 B. From this, we conclude that by adding nitrogen fertilizer at the first level (N1) (80 kg N ha-1 ) and organic fertilizer (V2) (10 Mg ha-1 ) and in two batches (P2) we got the highest yield and the highest qualitative traits of hardness, protein percentage and TSS. Thus, we conclude that the organic fertilizer improved the qualitative traits, gave the highest yield and compensated for a part of the mineral fertilizer. The organic fertilizer has a role in raising the absorption efficiency of (N and P). Keywords: vermicompost fertilizer, ammonium sulfate fertilizer, summer squash.

The Impact of the Individual and Combined Application of Phosphorus and Sulfur Fertilizers on Potato Tuber Flavor.

Sulfur and phosphorus are important plant nutrients required for potato growth, influencing the synthesis of primary metabolites that serve as the material foundation of potato flavor quality. However, little is known about the effects of sulfur and phosphorus application on potato tuber flavor. This study experimentally compared the effects of the individual and combined application of phosphorus and sulfur fertilizers on the flavor of potato tubers. The research examined the sensory characteristics of flavor under various fertilization methods, investigated changes in the types and contents of volatile flavor compounds, and conducted analyses on flavor precursor compounds. The experimental results showed that the application of phosphorus and sulfur fertilizers, either individually or in combination significantly increased the content of linoleic acid and linolenic acid. After the combined application of phosphorus and sulfur fertilizers, the starch and the reducing sugar content also significantly increased. (E,E)-2,4-Nonadienal and Decanal are closely correlated with fatty acid content. Dimethyl sulfide and Trimethyl sulfide contents are significantly related to methionine content. This also significantly enhances the fatty taste characteristics of the tubers but weakens the potato flavor characteristics. Hence, the application of phosphorus and sulfur can affect the accumulation of primary metabolic products in tubers, thereby affecting flavor quality. Compared with the individual application of phosphorus or sulfur fertilizers, when phosphorus fertilizer is applied at 180 kg·ha-1 and sulfur fertilizer at 90 kg·ha-1 in combination, it can further enrich the roasted flavor characteristics of potatoes and maximize the enhancement of potato flavor quality. This provides valuable theoretical support for achieving high-quality agricultural development.

Impact of Sulphur Nanoparticles on Growth and Biological Yield of Groundnut-Mustard Crop Sequence Under Sandy Loam Soils of Central Gujarat

In the present era of farming, the farmers were not using the secondary fertilizers for supplementing the sulphur nutrient and groundnut and mustard crops require the higher amount of sulphur. While, the traditional sulphur fertilizers have very low nutrient use utilization efficiency, moreover nano fertilizers have high nutrient use efficiency. So, the present experiment was conducted with using the different sources of sulphur. The existing experiment was conducted at Anand Agricultural university, Anand, in 2021-22 using completely randomized design with 11 treatments replication 4 times. The results reveal that the significantly higher plant height at 30 DAS was registered with the application of RDF + sulphur nanoparticles @ 4 mg S/kg (T10), than rest of the treatments. The significantly higher plant height, branches/plant and biological yield of groundnut-mustard cropping sequence was obtained with the fertigation of RDF + sulphur nanoparticles @ 3 mg S/kg soil, 50% at basal & 50% at 30 DAS (T9). It can be concluded that application of 3 mg S/kg soil, 50% at basal & 50% at 30 DAS can be an optimum dose of sulphur in pot experiment through fertigation under sulphur deficient soil.

Microbial communities in paddy soils: differences in abundance and functionality between rhizosphere and pore water, influence of different soil organic carbon, sulfate fertilization, and cultivation time, and contribution to arsenic mobility and speciation.

Abiotic factors and rhizosphere microbial populations influence arsenic accumulation in rice grains. Despite mineral and organic surfaces are keystones in element cycling, localization of specific microbial reactions in the root/soil/pore water system is still unclear. Here, we tested if original unplanted soil, rhizosphere soil, and pore water represented distinct ecological microniches for arsenic-, sulfur- and iron-cycling microorganisms and compared the influence of relevant factors such as soil type, sulfate fertilization, and cultivation time. In rice open-air-mesocosms with two paddy soils (2.0% and 4.7% organic carbon), Illumina 16S rRNA gene sequencing demonstrated little significant effects of cultivation time and sulfate fertilization that decreased Archaea-driven microbial networks and incremented sulfate reducing and sulfur oxidizing bacteria. Different compartments, characterized by different bacterial and archaeal compositions, had the strongest effect with higher microbial abundances, bacterial biodiversity and interconnections in the rhizosphere versus pore water. Within each compartment, a significant soil type effect was observed. Higher percentage contributions of rhizosphere dissimilatory arsenate- and iron-reducing, arsenite-oxidizing, and, surprisingly, dissimilatory sulfate-reducing bacteria as well as pore water iron-oxidizing bacteria in the lower organic carbon soil supported previous chemistry-based interpretations of a more active S-cycling, a higher percentage of thioarsenates, and lower arsenic mobility by sorption to mixed Fe(II)Fe(III)-minerals in this soil.

Manipulation of calcareous soil pH for temulawak (Curcuma xanthorrizha Roxb.) cultivation

<em>Temulawak</em> or Javanese turmeric (<em>Curcuma xanthorrizha</em> Roxb.) has great adaptability and is tolerant of low light intensity; therefore, it may be planted on calcareous soil under teak stands. However, <em>temulawak</em> may thrive in soils with a pH of 5.0-6.5 and plenty of organic matter. Calcareous or alkaline soils have problems with high pH and low organic matter. These conditions can be improved with soil amendments. Manure and other soil amendments can remedy soil structure, chemistry, and organisms. Sulfur is generally used to lower soil pH. Sulfur is a structural component of several coenzymes, chloroplasts, and vitamins essential for plant metabolism. This study aimed to elucidate the effect of manure and sulfur fertilizer on <em>temulawak</em> yield and quality grown on calcareous soil beneath teak stands. This study used a completely randomized block design with two factors: manure doses of 10, 15, and 20 t ha<sup>-1</sup> and ZA doses of 0, 40, 80, and 120 kg ha<sup>-1</sup>. According to the findings, the soil pH to increase the rhizome’s fresh weight per clump is between 5.72 and 6.00. In terms of curcuminoid content and antioxidant activity, the soil pH required by <em>temulawak</em> ranges from 5.94 to 6.61.

Effect of Water Hyacinth Compost and Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium, Sulfur Fertilizers on S-Availability, S-Uptake, and Quality and Yield of Onion (Allium ascalonicum L.) on Inceptisols of Jatinangor

Shallots are have a high potential in Indonesian agricultural land. Soil in Indonesia is dominated by Inceptisols, which is low in soil fertility. This can be managed by adding nutrients to soil to increase its fertility, which can have a good effect on quality and crop yields. This experiment's purpose was to find the dosage of water hyacinth compost and N, P, K, S fertilizers that can give the best results for available S, S uptake, quality,and the yield of Batu Ijo variety of shallots in Inceptisols of Jatinangor and were carried out in the Soil Chemistry Laboratory, Plant Nutrition Experimental Garden, Faculty of Agriculture, Padjadjaran University, Jatinangor, Sumedang, West Java, Indonesia from June to September 2020. The experiment used a Randomized Completely Block Design (RCBD) with seven treatments and four replications, namely: control; Recommended N, P, K, S; ¾ Recommendations of N, P, K, S; ½ compost + ¾ dose of N, P, K, S; compost + ¾ dose of N, P, K, S; 1½ compost + ¾ dose of N, P, K, S; and compost + N, P, K, S at dosage of 25 t ha-1 water hyacinth compost, 200 kg urea, 500 kg Ammonium Sulphate, 300 kg SP-36, 200 kg KCl. The results showed that ½ compost + ¾ dose of N, P, K, S gave the best result by increasing S-avallability, S-uptake, aroma, color, number of bulbs, fresh weight, and dry weight of shallots bulbs on Inceptisols of Jatinangor.

The Effect of Sulfur Carriers on Nitrogen Use Efficiency in Potatoes—A Case Study

The use of sulfur is an important factor in potato production. At the beginning of this study, a hypothesis was put forward according to which sulfur carrier affects yield (TY) and nitrogen efficiency (EN). The three-year study was conducted in a two-factor system: (1) sulfur fertilization, SF (control—without S, elemental sulfur—S0, calcium sulfate—CS), and (2) nitrogen fertilization level, NF (0, 30, 60, 90, 120, and 150 kg N·ha−1). In addition to TY, the following EN indicators were analyzed: agronomical efficiency (EA), physiological efficiency (EPh), partial factor productivity (PFP), and recovery (R). For both sources of sulfur, an increase in TY was confirmed. After applying CS, the optimum for the maximum yield was 106 kg N·ha−1, while the application of S0 resulted in 134 kg N·ha−1. The impact of SF on the nitrogen economy decreased in the direction of EA = PFP > EF > R and depended on the sulfur carrier. A positive trend was found, associated with the increase in R under the influence of S0 and the clearly higher EPh after the application of CS. A particularly strong effect of CS on EA was evident in the range of lower nitrogen doses. The EN values depended on the meteorological conditions during the research years. The strongest variability was subject to EPh, which, as a result of SF, was significantly higher in relation to the control (without S) during the growing season, with an unfavorable distribution of precipitation. The application of CS reduced the unit nitrogen uptake (UU-N). Using path analysis, a direct relationship of Ca accumulation (controlled by N and S) with TY was demonstrated. The conducted research indicates a significant impact of sulfur fertilizers, related to TY and EN, especially visible under conditions of limited nitrogen supply.

Agrivoltaic approach in improving soil resistivity in large scale solar farms for energy sustainability

Recently, approaches have been established to improve the grounding system performance, especially with the increasing numbers of large-scale solar (LSS) PV farms. Soil resistivity is one of the contributing factors to the inefficiency of power generation as it induces high impedance on electricity flow from the source to highly sensitive PV equipment and devices such as inverters. Some critical issues on nutrient leaching derived from ammonium sulphate fertilizer direct to ground soil are the focal point of this work with the fact that soil resistivity value is inversely proportional to increasing soil salt content. Therefore, a low grounding system could be obtained with a high Electrical Conductivity (EC) and high soil moisture content. In this work, a conceptual setup for an agrivoltaic condition with 500 units of herbal crops has been cultivated directly underneath 1 PV string in Puchong Solar Farm, Selangor, Malaysia. The amount of salt or nutrient under this condition was measured leaching approximately 40 mL per polybag as means of ground treatment to improve soil resistivity value, thus indirectly reducing the risk of electrical damage. The agrivoltaic approach has shown that it can improve the performance of a grounding system in an LSS PV farm with a significant reduction of 4.45 Ω earth resistance on average.

Improving agronomic effectiveness of elemental sulfur to increase productivity in sulfur‐deficient soils

AbstractElemental sulfur (ES), a byproduct of oil and gas processing, could be an alternate sulfur (S) fertilizer source for crop production if its bioavailability is improved. Increasing the specific surface of ES by reducing its particle size can accelerate ES oxidation to enhance its bioavailability. In field trials at six locations across three countries: two each in the United States, Ghana, and Mali, we determined the agronomic effectiveness of micronized ES (MES). Specific objectives were to quantify (i) corn (Zea mays L.) productivity, (ii) S recovery, and (iii) residual soil S concentration; following MES application, compared to ammonium sulfate (AS), a commercially available sulfate fertilizer, at four application rates—(i) locally recommended sulfur application rate (SR), (ii) 50%_SR, (iii) 75%_SR, and (iv) 125%_SR—and a control where no S was applied. Averaged across all sites and in the three growing seasons, AS at 50%_SR increased corn yield by ≤8% relative to control. Increasing to 75%_SR, SR, and 125%_SR resulted in 12%, 26%, and 28% yield increases, respectively. Applying MES at 50%_SR increased yield by ≤6%, and at 75%_SR, yield increased by ≤26%. Increasing the S application rate to SR and 125%_SR resulted in marginal yield increases. The combined data suggest that MES can be applied at a reduced rate of 75_SR to achieve similar yields as AS applied at SR. We conclude that MES could be an efficient S fertilizer alternative. However, economic analysis is needed to determine the potential profitability of using MES fertilizer products for crop production.

Effect of Sulfur Fertilization on Productivity and Grain Zinc Yield of Rice Grown under Low and Adequate Soil Zinc Applications

Effect of Sulfur Fertilization on Productivity and Grain Zinc Yield of Rice Grown under Low and Adequate Soil Zinc Applications

Synthesis and characterization of Nano sulphur: Exploring its potential as slow release fertilizer

Sulphur is rapidly being recognized as the fourth key nutrient for plants after nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. It functions in several critical metabolic and physiological processes, such as Chlorophyll synthesis, Protein synthesis, Activation of enzymes, Stress tolerance and Seed production. In this background, an attempt was made to synthesize nano sulphur fertilizers for slow release using the reverse microemulsion (water-in-oil microemulsion) technique. Cyclohexane was used as oil phase. Tween-80 and ethanol were used as surfactant and co-surfactant, respectively. Hydrochloric acid and sodium polysulfide solution acted as an aqueous phase. This technique resulted in the successful synthesis of nano sulphur fertilizer. The sulphur nano fertilizer was characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-Transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), Scanning electron microscope (SEM) and Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The XRD pattern revealed the orthorhombic nature of nano sulphur and the lattice face-centred. The FTIR spectra at 1406 cm-1 confirmed the sulphur vibrations. The microemulsion method yielded stable, uniform, spherical nano sulphur particles with dimensions ranging from 25 to 47 nm. The thermal disintegration between 117°C to 122°C in TGA graph was attributed to the sublimation of sulphur in orthorhombic crystalline form, indicating the successful synthesis of nano sulphur. A laboratory study on nano sulphur fertilizer and conventional sulphur fertilizer was studied with a Percolator reaction system to evaluate the slow release of sulphur from both fertilizers at ambient temperature. Percolation reactor experiment indicated that sulphate release from nano sulphur was longer for 42 days than gypsum amended soil which exhausted within 35 days. Hence, synthesized nano sulphur fertilizer maximizes nutrient retention, eliminates environmental nutrient loses and decreases fertilizer requirements.

Key process for reducing grains arsenic by applying sulfate varies with irrigation mode: Dual effects of microbe-mediated arsenic transformation and iron plaque

Sulfate affects the transformation of arsenic (As) in soil and its absorption by plant roots. However, the influence of sulfate and irrigation interactions on the mobility of As in the soil-rice system remains poorly understood. To address this gap, we conducted a pot experiment with varying sulfate levels and irrigation modes to examine their effects on rice As translocation, soil As forms, iron plaque formation, and microorganisms involved in As transformation. The addition of exogenous sulfate significantly reduced grain As levels by a maximum of 60.1%, 46.7%, and 70.5% under flooding (F), flooding-moist alternate (FM), moist (M) conditions, respectively. However, the changes in soil available As did not fully correspond to grains As content. Soil available As was only reduced by sulfate under the FM treatment, which limited grains As accumulation under this condition. The reduction in grains As content under F and M conditions was mainly attributed to sulfate-induced increases in soil pH, which in turn inhibited As translocation and promoted iron plaque formation. Additionally, both irrigation mode and sulfate fertilization independently or interactively influenced the abundance of Sulfuritalea, Koribacter, Geobacter, and Sulfuriferula, thereby affecting the As forms in soil through the Fe/S redox process. Specifically, under F and FM conditions, SO42–-S inhibited Geobacter but stimulated Fe-oxidizing bacteria, possibly resulting in increased As bound to Fe/Mn oxides (As–F3). Under M condition, SO42–-S levels regulated As adsorption and release through the participation of Fe/S cycle bacteria, specifically influencing the adsorbed As fraction (As–F2). Therefore, the addition of SO42–-S hindered As translocation to grains by promoting As sequestration in the iron plaque and facilitating microbe-mediated As immobilization through the Fe/S cycle, which was dependent on soil moisture. These results can be used as a guide for sulfur fertilizer application under different soil moisture with the goal of minimizing rice grain As.

Perennial Ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) Response to Different Forms of Sulfur Fertilizers

The aim of the study was to compare sulfate fertilizers and mixtures of elemental sulfur (S0) and sulfate in terms of yield and nitrogen (N) and sulfur (S) status in perennial ryegrass. Mixtures of sulfate and S0 can reduce the consumption of sulfate alone. The plants were grown in soil cultures. The plants were supplemented with S0, K2SO4, MgSO4, and (NH4)SO4 or a mixture of these salts with So. Two sulfur doses were applied and the ryegrass was harvested three times. Fresh and dry weights of each swath, the N and S content, and their uptake were determined. The total fresh yield of sulfur-fertilized plants was 25 to 94% higher compared to unfertilized plants. The increases in dry matter were even more significant. Fertilizers, being a mixture of S0 and sulfate, showed the same efficiency as those containing sulfate alone. Sulfur fertilization resulted in a higher S content and its uptake, lowered N concentration in second and third swatch, and a decrease in total N uptake. In conclusion, to achieve high crop yields, soil sulfur deficiency should be corrected and fertilizers that are the mixture of elemental sulfur and sulfate are a beneficial and effective approach.

Effect of Potassium Doses on Agricultural Characteristics of Camelina Sown in Winter and Summer Season

This research carried out in Konya ecology, Arslanbey camelina [Camelina sativa (L.) Crantz] genotype which was planted in 2 different times as winter and summer, in the vegetation period of 2020, was determined at 6 different doses (0 kg da-1, 10 kg da-1, 15 kg da-1, 20 kg da-1, 25 kg da-1, 30 kg da-1) potassium sulphate fertilizer was applied to the soil and its effects on some agricultural properties were determined. Field trials of the study were established according to the Random Blocks trial design with 3 replications. As the results of the research in summer plantings, plant height 50.23-54.01 cm, number of branches per plant 5.60-8.80, number of capsules per plant 30.87-58.80, number of seeds per capsule 14.10-17.60, first capsule height 39.55-45.28 cm, seed yield per plant 0.28-1.27 grams, the number of seeds per plant 252.53-1166.13, thousand grain weight 0.78-1.12 grams, grain yield 63.76-77.75 kg da-1, oil rate 22.54%-29.66%, oil yield between 14.05-22.25 kg da-1. Additionally, the values obtained as a result of the winter planting of camelina; plant height 52.04-57.74 cm, number of branches per plant 8.33-11.70, number of capsules per plant 199.80-274.67, number of seeds in capsule 11.50-13.23, height of first capsule 41.01-47.17 cm, grain yield 1.24-1.65 grams per plant, number of seeds per plant 1754.43-2424.00 pieces, thousand grain weight 0.69-0.85 grams, grain yield 80.65-125.93 kg da-1, oil rate 14.47-18.77%, oil yield 11.97-19.74 kg da-1. It can be said that it is essential to carry out long-term different agronomic studies in different locations related to camelina, an important and alternative oil plant.

Effect of sulfur fertilization on the composition, functionality, and protein quality of navy beans (Phaseolus vulgaris)

AbstractBackgroundSoil sulfur deficiency leads to reduced crop yield and quality loss, which is especially critical for pulses as sulfur is a major component of methionine and cysteine. The present research evaluated the influence of sulfur fertilization on two varieties of navy beans grown at soil sulfur levels of 17, 26, 35, and 44 kg/ha by analyzing their composition, functionality, and protein quality.ResultsIncreasing the soil application of sulfur did not affect the protein content of the test navy bean flours. Methionine, cysteine, and tryptophan were limiting, and their concentrations were not enhanced by sulfur fertilization nor was protein digestibility. The oil holding capacity and emulsion stability were different among sulfur treatments; however, no clear trend was observed.ConclusionSulfur fertilization had only a minimal effect on the quality attributes of navy beans, possibly due to a combined effect of environmental factors that limited the plant's response to sulfur supply. Despite the limited change, the findings underlined the possible role of the environment (e.g., location, crop year, and other variables) in determining the sulfur fertilization response of navy beans and provided valuable insight for researchers to further investigate the topic and optimize navy bean production and quality.

Canola variety, nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulfur fertilization affect yield, quality, and fatty acid profile

Canola yield and quality are important for food, feed, and industrial end-uses. There may be trade-offs between the agronomic and quality aspects of canola production depending on varietal traits and management. The objective of this work was to assess the effects of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and sulfur (S) fertilization on agronomic and quality properties of canola varieties with distinct oleic acid contents. Nitrogen fertilization rates were 0, 25, 50, or 100 kg·ha−1, P rates were 0 or 30 kg·ha−1, and S rates were 0 or 20 kg·ha−1. Canola was grown in 2003, 2004, and 2005 at Brandon, a private farm close to Brandon, and at Lacombe, Canada. Canola yields averaged 2.36 t·ha−1 for conventional, 2.53 t·ha−1 for low, and 2.2 t·ha−1 for the high oleic acid varieties at maximum fertilization of N, P, and S. The high oleic acid variety averaged 75% oleic acid content, whereas the low variety averaged 65%, and the conventional variety 62%. Total saturated fatty acids were greatest with the conventional oleic acid variety, and tended to increase with N, decrease with S, and were not influenced by P. The high oleic acid variety yielded slightly less than the other two varieties but tended to have lower glucosinolate and saturated fatty acid contents. This work could have implications for human nutrition or other end-uses. Current canola varieties and fertility management should be studied to produce canola with quality tailored for the end use.

Drip irrigation and sulphur fertilization influenced fodder yield, quality and water use efficiency of groundnut in arid region.

Availability of ample and nutritious fodder for livestock is always a challenge in arid region. Choice of crops such as groundnut that can fulfil the requirement of fodder with its crop residues along with human needs can be a viable option to bridge the gap between availability and requirement of fodder. The fodder yield and quality largely depend on soil moisture and nutrient supply especially sulphur (S), a key nutrient for improving groundnut fodder quality. However, no researchers have given emphasis on coupling effect of drip irrigation (DI) and sulphur on fodder yield, quality, digestibility and water use efficiency (WUE). Therefore, the study was conducted to determine the effects of different regimes of DI and S on productivity and quality of fodder. Results revealed that higher regimes of DI i.e. 0.8 +1.0 PE(pan evaporation) and 1.0 PE level of irrigation along with 40 kg S ha-1 significantly improved the yield, primary quality traits (crude protein, ether extract and ash), digestibility indices and significant reduction in Fibers which indicates improvement in quality of fodder. Fodder productivity was 27.0 and 25.6% higher in 1.0 PE and 0.8+1.0 PE level of irrigation, respectively, as compared to 0.6 PE level (lower water regime) of irrigation, although 0.6 PE level of irrigation recorded higher WUE and was at par with 0.8 PE and 0.6 +1.0 PE level of DI. By changing the levels of DI from 1.0 PE to 0.8+1.0 PE, considerable water can be saved without affecting the yield and quality of fodder. Similarly, crop responded to S up to 60 kg ha-1 but at par with 40 kg S ha-1 indicating that application of extra S after 40 kg did not warrant any extra benefit in terms of fodder yield, WUE and quality of fodder. Thus, adjusting the PE levels of DI for water saving and optimal S application can be a sustainable strategy to improve the productivity and quality of groundnut fodder in arid region.