Sulfur Nutrition Research Articles

Evaluation of Phosphorus and Sulphur Nutrition on Phosphorus Fractionation in Groundnut Cultivation on Inceptisols of Raigarh, Chhattisgarh, India

Evaluation of Phosphorus and Sulphur Nutrition on Phosphorus Fractionation in Groundnut Cultivation on Inceptisols of Raigarh, Chhattisgarh, India

The Role of Sulfur in Meeting 4R Nutrient Stewardship Goals

AbstractSulfur plays several roles in 4R plant nutrition. First, as an essential plant nutrient, it may need to be applied to optimize yields and quality of crops. Second, there may be a need to replenish the sulfur removed from the soil by crop harvests. Third, some forms of sulfur may have additional benefits through their effects on soil pH and on soil nitrogen processes. The three roles combine to support enhanced productivity with lower impacts on the environment. This article reviews basic sulfur nutrition, recent trends affecting the need for fertilizers, and the contribution of sulfur to improving productivity sustainably. Earn 1 CEU in Nutrient Management by reading this article and taking the quiz at https://web.sciencesocieties.org/Learning‐Center/Courses.

Role of Sulphur Nutrition in Oilseed Crops: A Review

India is a significant importer of edible oils and an important producer of oilseed. India stands as fourth leading oilseeds producing countries after USA, China and Brazil. Oilseed has become one of the most valuable agricultural commodities. Sulphur (S) plays an important role in determining the quality of oil seed from these crops. It is referred to as the fourth major nutrient after N, P and K because crops need sulphur slightly less than they require P. It is required for the formation of proteins, vitamins and chlorophyll. It is an integral part of amino acid such as cystine, cysteine and methionine which are essential components of protein. Plant can absorb sulphur in the form of sulphate (SO4 2-) which is decomposes into sulphur. It is a factor for the determination of higher yield seed and quality of seed that content oil in oilseed crops. Since, sulphur is immobile in plants, it must be continuously supplied from crop emergence till maturity. So, reduced yield can come sulphur shortage at any stage of growth. It can be overcome by supplying sulphur containing fertilizers to plant by soil application and foliar application. Among the source of sulphur, elemental sulphur and gypsum are widely utilized in sulphur deficiency.

Assessment of Nitrogen and Sulphur Nutrition to Optimize the Yield and Quality of Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.)

A field experiment was conducted during February 2023 to June 2023 at Kerala Agricultural University, College of Agriculture, Padannakkad, Kasargod with the objective of formulating a nutrient schedule for groundnut, consisting different sources of nutrients (especially nitrogen and sulphur), time and method of application. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with 9 treatment combinations of 2 factors, viz., Nutrient Schedule (S) and Foliar Nutrition (F), with 3 treatments each, viz., S1: nitrogen (10 kg ha-1) and sulphur (20 kg ha-1) as per package of practices as basal, S2: nitrogen and sulphur each @ 10 kg ha-1 in 2 equal splits (one as basal and the other at 20 days after sowing), S3: control (without nitrogen and sulphur), F1: foliar application of urea and potassium sulphate @ 1% each at 10 and 30 days after sowing, F2: foliar application of nano urea @ 3 ml 1-1 and nano sulphur @ 1 ml 1-1 each at 10 and 30 days after sowing, F3: control (without foliar application). The main effects of the treatments were significant with S1 recording taller plants at 20 (8.16 cm), 40 (18.05 cm) and 60 (30.34 cm) days after sowing and S2 at 80 days after sowing (37.61 cm). Foliar nutrition was found effective with application of nano fertilisers (F2), recording 11.17%, 27.02% and 18.75% taller plants than control at 40, 60 and 80 days respectively after sowing. The treatment combination S1F2 recorded the tallest plants at different growth stages with heights 18.61 cm, 34.50 cm and 41.50 cm respectively at 40, 60 and 80 days after sowing. The leaf area of groundnut varied significantly with treatments and their combinations. Application of nitrogen and sulphur @ 10 kg ha-1 each in 2 splits (S2) was superior to other treatments in recording higher leaf areas at 40, 60 and 80 days after sowing with respective values of 747.16 cm2, 1435.60 cm2 and 1216.20 cm2. Foliar nutrition with conventional urea and potassium sulphate (F1) recorded significantly higher leaf area at 40 (734.87 cm2) and 60 (1382.70 cm2) days after sowing and it was at par with foliar application of nano fertilisers (F2) at 40 days after sowing (716.70 cm2). Application of nitrogen and sulphur in 2 splits and foliar spray of nano urea and nano sulphur (S2F2) recorded maximum leaf area at 60 (1543.83 cm2) and 80 (1341.51 cm2) days after sowing. The plants which received nitrogen and sulphur in two equal splits (S2) and foliar application of nano urea and nano sulphur (F2) or their combination (S2F2) were superior in terms of kernel yield of groundnut with values 1925.87 kg ha-1, 1801.70 kg ha-1 and 2109.80 kg ha-1 respectively. The highest oil content was obtained with the treatment S2 (48.01 %) and it was on par with S1 (47.73 %). The effect of foliar nutrition was also significant and the treatments F2 and F1 were on par and they recorded 48.04 % and 47.81 %, respectively. Integrated application of nitrogen and sulphur each @10 kg ha-1as basal and foliar spray of nano fertilisers (S1F2) recorded the highest (49.30 %) oil content and it was on par with S2F1 (49.10 %) and S2F2 (48.4 %).

Effect of Nitrogen and Sulphur Levels on Growth Attributes and Yield of Indian Mustard [Brassica juncea (L.) Czern & Coss] in Vindhya Plateau Region of Madhya Pradesh, India

In the Rabi season of 2022, a field experiment was conducted in the Vindhya plateau region of Madhya Pradesh at the agricultural field of SAGE University Bhopal. The objective was to investigate the impact of nitrogen and sulfur nutrition on the growth and yield of Indian mustard (Brassica juncea L.). The experimental soil, characterized as sandy loam with a slightly alkaline pH, exhibited good drainage. Despite having a moderate amount of available phosphorus and potassium, the soil had low levels of organic carbon and nitrogen, with a low electrical conductivity of 1.65 dS/m (1:2, soil: water).
 The experiment comprised 27 nitrogen and sulfur treatment combinations in a split-plot design with three replications. The treatments included three nitrogen levels (100, 120, and 140 kg ha-1) and three sulfur levels (20, 40, and 60 kg ha-1). The mustard variety Giriraj was cultivated, and the study focused on evaluating the effects of these treatments on growth, yield, and nutrient uptake.
 Results indicated that various mustard crop attributes, such as plant height, number of green leaves-1, branches plant-1, siliqua plant-1, seeds siliqua-1, and 1000 seed weight, as well as yields (biological, seed, and oil yield), exhibited significant increases with rising nitrogen levels from 100 kg N ha-1 to 140 kg N ha-1. Similarly, applying 60 kg S ha-1 resulted in maximum plant height, number of green leaves, dry matter production, oil yield, and the highest net returns among sulfur levels.
 The combination of 140 kg N ha-1 and 60 kg S ha-1 proved to be cost-effective, leading to increased yields, net returns, and a higher B:C ratio compared to other nitrogen and sulfur levels. Therefore, this study recommends the application of 60 kg S ha-1 and 140 kg N ha-1 for enhancing mustard crop yields, net returns, and the benefit-cost ratio.

The effect of sulphur supplementation on cadmium phytotoxicity in wheat and lettuce: changes in physiochemical properties of roots and accumulation of phytochelatins.

Intensive sulphur fertilisation has been reported to improve the nutrient balance and growth of Cd-exposed plants, but the reasons of this phenomenon and the role of sulphur compounds in the resistance to cadmium are unclear. We investigated sulphur supplementation-induced changes in the surface properties of roots and the level of thiol peptides (PCs) in Cd-stressed Triticum aestivum L. (monocots clade) and Lactuca sativa L. (dicots clade) grown in nutrient solution. The combination of three sulphur (2mM S-basic level, 6 or 9mM S-elevated levels) and four cadmium (0, 0.0002, 0.02 or 0.04mM Cd) concentrations was used. The physicochemical parameters of the roots were determined based on the apparent surface area (Sr), total variable surface charge (Q), cation exchange capacity (CEC) and surface charge density (SCD). In Cd-exposed plants supplied with sulphur, a different character and trend in the physicochemical changes (adsorption and ion exchange) of roots were noted. At the increased sulphur levels, as a rule, the Sr, CEC, Q and SCD values clearly increased in the lettuce but decreased in the wheat in the entire range of the Cd concentrations, except the enhanced Sr of wheat supplied with 6mM S together with elevated (0.0002mM) and unchanged (0.02, 0.04mM Cd) value of this parameter at 9mM S. This indicates a clade-specific and/or species-specific plant reaction. The 6mM S appears to be more effective than 9mM S in alleviation of the cadmium's toxic effects on roots. It was found that at 0.02 and 0.04mM Cd, the use of 6mM S limits the Cd accumulation in the roots of both species in comparison with the basic S fertilisation. Moreover, PC accumulation was much more efficient in wheat than in lettuce, and intensive sulphur nutrition generally induced biosynthesis of these chelating compounds. Physicochemical parameters together with quantitative and qualitative assessment of thiol peptides can be important indicators of the efficiency of root system functioning under cadmium stress. The differences between the species and the multidirectional character of the changes are a result of the involvement of a number of multi-level mechanisms engaged in the defence against metal toxicity.

Sulfate transport and metabolism: strategies to improve the seed protein quality.

Sulfur-containing amino acids (SAA), namely methionine, and cysteine are crucial essential amino acids (EAA) considering the dietary requirements of humans and animals. However, a few crop plants, especially legumes, are characterized with suboptimal levels of these EAA thereby limiting their nutritive value. Hence, improved comprehension of the mechanistic perspective of sulfur transport and assimilation into storage reserve, seed storage protein (SSP), is imperative. Efforts to augment the level of SAA in seed storage protein form an integral component of strategies to balance nutritive quality and quantity. In this review, we highlight the emerging trends in the sulfur biofortification approaches namely transgenics, genetic and molecular breeding, and proteomic rebalancing with sulfur nutrition. The transgenic 'push and pull strategy' could enhance sulfur capture and storage by expressing genes that function as efficient transporters, sulfate assimilatory enzymes, sulfur-rich foreign protein sinks, or by suppressing catabolic enzymes. Modern molecular breeding approaches that adopt high throughput screening strategies and machine learning algorithms are invaluable in identifying candidate genes and alleles associated with SAA content and developing improved crop varieties. Sulfur is an essential plant nutrient and its optimal uptake is crucial for seed sulfur metabolism, thereby affecting seed quality and yields through proteomic rebalance between sulfur-rich and sulfur-poor seed storage proteins.

Influence of potassium and sulphur nutrition on quality of garlic (Allium sativum L.)

The field experiment was conducted at the Vegetable Research Farm and Biochemistry laboratory, PAU, Ludhiana during Rabi seasons of 2020-21 and 2021-22 to study the effect of potassium and sulphur on the quality of garlic. The experiment comprised of sixteen treatment combinations with four levels each of potassium (0, 20, 40 and 60 kg K /ha) and sulphur (0, 10, 20 and 30 kg S/ha). It was laid in a randomized complete block design and replicated thrice. Variety ‘PG-18’ was used as plant material. Potassium and sulphur were applied as basal dose at bed preparation. The results depicted that quality parameters were influenced by with these nutrients. Maximum allicin (12.19 and 12.64 mg/g), TSS (41.3 and 41.5%), ascorbic acid (21.64 mg/100 g dry weight and 21.81 mg/100 g dry weight) and total minerals (53.17 mg/100g dry weight and 53.56 mg/100g dry weight), dry matter (42.40 and 42.97%), total protein (120.8 and 112.1 mg/g) were recorded with application of 60 kg/ ha potassium and 30 kg/ ha of sulphur respectively. Maximum phenols (0.54 mg/g) and total sugars (182.2 mg/g) was recorded under the interaction of 60 kg/ ha potassium and 30 kg/ ha of sulphur.

MtESN2 is a subgroup II sulphate transporter required for symbiotic nitrogen fixation and prevention of nodule early senescence in Medicagotruncatula.

Adequate distribution of mineral sulphur (S) nutrition to nodules mediated by sulphate transporters is crucial for nitrogen fixation in symbiosis establishment process. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying this process remain largely unknown. In this study, we characterized the function of Early Senescent Nodule 2 (MtESN2), a gene crucial to nitrogen fixation in Medicago truncatula. Mutations in MtESN2 resulted in severe developmental and functional defects including dwarf shoots, early senescent nodules, and lower nitrogenase activity under symbiotic conditions compared to wild-typeplants. MtESN2 encodes an M. truncatula sulphate transporter that is expressed only in roots and nodules, with the highest expression levels in the transition zone and nitrogen-fixing zone of nodules. MtESN2 exhibited sulphate transport activitywhen expressed in yeast. Immunolocalization analysis showed that MtESN2-yellow fluorescent protein fusion protein was localized to the plasma membranes of both uninfected and infected cells of nodules, where it might transport sulphate into both rhizobia-infected and uninfected cells within the nodules. Our results reveal an unreported sulphate transporter that contributes to effective symbiosis and prevents nodule early senescence in M. truncatula.

Role of sulphur nutrition in oilseed crop production in India

Sulphur is an essential nutrient for the production of oilseeds. It is the 13th most abundant element in the earth’s crust with an average concentration of 0.06 %. It is necessary for the synthesis of proteins, oils, and vitamins. Agricultural soils have a low concentration of inorganic sulphur compared to the organic form. A sulphur deficiency also leads to a 40 % preduction in the quality and quantity of rapeseed or oilseeds. Sulphur deficiency is becoming very common in many states of India. In previous years, various studies on sulphur have been carried out, viz. factors that affect the availability of sulphur to plants, its function in the plant, the response of Sulphur in various crops, etc. The objective of this review is to provide an update on recent discoveries related to these topics, which may contribute to a better understanding of sulphur fertilization and the role of sulphur in oilseeds.

Bioactive compounds in cruciferous sprouts and microgreens and the effects of sulfur nutrition.

Cruciferous sprouts and microgreens are a good source of bioactive compounds for human health since they are rich in glucosinolates, polyphenols, carotenoids, vitamins, etc. Sulfur-containing bioactive phytochemicals called glucosinolates are attractive to humans owing to its cancer chemoprevention. They mainly exist in cruciferous vegetables. Sulfur is one of the essential elements for plant and is also an indispensable component of glucosinolates. In this paper, the nutritional value of cruciferous spouts and microgreens is summarized, along with the effects of sulfur nutrition on bioactive phytochemical compounds of cruciferous sprouts and microgreens, especially glucosinolates. The review aims to provide nutritious information so that people may consume cruciferous sprouts and microgreens wisely, and to offer helpful cues for the research on cruciferous sprouts and microgreens products. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Deciphering the Potential of Sulphur-Oxidizing Bacteria for Sulphate Production Correlating with pH Change.

Sulphur, available in the form of sulphate, is one of the essential nutrients that is required by plants. Bacteria capable of oxidizing reduced forms of sulphur to sulphate play an important role in sulphur nutrition for plants. The present study was conducted to isolate, screen, and characterize sulphur-oxidizing bacteria from different soil samples collected from mustard rhizosphere and fly ash mixed soil. A total of 33 sulphur-oxidizing bacterial isolates (HMSOB1-33) were retrieved from soil and further screened for sulphur-oxidizing ability. Maximum solubilization index (3.76), pH reduction (3.93), and sulphate production (173.61µg/ml) were observed for the isolate HMSOB2 which on the basis of 16S rDNA sequencing was identified as Pantoea dispersa with sequence similarity 98.22%. Four other selected bacterial isolates were identified as Bacillus megaterium, Bacillus tropicus, Bacillus velezensis, and Bacillus cereus. Sulphate solubilization index (SSI) correlated positively (r = 0.91) with sulphate production; however, pH showed negative correlation (r = - 0.82) with SSI as well as sulphate production after 120h of incubation. These promising bacterial isolates could be further explored as bioinoculant after assessing plant growth traits.

Conservation crop establishment and foliar sulphur nutrition improve growth, photosynthetic efficiency and productivity of rainfed pearl millet

The study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of foliar sulphur (S) nutrition through Ammonium Thiosulphate (ATS) under conservation management on the growth, photosynthetic efficiency and productivity of rainfed pearl millet in dryland and rainfed ecologies of New Delhi in 2021 and 2022 crop years. The pearl millet established under conservation management (ZTCRret) achieved significantly higher crop growth rate (CGR) and relative growth rate (RGR) as a result of improved photosynthesis efficiency in terms of net assimilation rate (NAR) and a higher rate of productive tiller production (RPTP). The productivity of rainfed pearl millet under ZTCRret was improved by 26.6 and 13.5 % during 2021, and by 27.6 and 12.7 % over zero tillage (ZTCRrem) and conventional tillage (ConTil), respectively. The application of a recommended dose of S at 30 kg ha-1 resulted in a dramatic improvement in growth indices and photosynthetic efficiency over control and ATS doses upto 0.5% twice. Foliar application of ATS at 0.5% once and successively higher doses were found to improve the growth and productivity of pearl millet over S control, however, the dose of ATS at 1.0% twice could only achieve statistically similar levels of CGR and RGR to RDS that led to the higher RPTP with higher photosynthetic efficiency which resulted in non-significant yield difference. Therefore, the pearl millet established under zero tilled and crop residue retained plots supplemented with foliar feeding of ATS at 1.0% at 20 DAS (4-6 leaves stage) and 50 DAS (flowering stage) can be practiced under rainfed ecologies without significant yield loss.

Influence of Long-Term Organic Fertilization on Changes in the Content of Various Forms of Sulfur in the Soil under Maize Monoculture

Sulfur nutrition is a crucial part of proper crop growth. In this study, we investigated the influence of organic fertilizers in a long-term field experiment (23 years) with continuous maize monoculture. We focused on: (a) changes in the soil sulfur fraction pools, (b) the balance of total sulfur inputs and outputs, and (c) sulfur uptake by maize. The following treatments were selected: unfertilized control (Control), urea and ammonium nitrate (UAN), UAN and wheat straw (UAN + St), sewage sludge (SS), farmyard manure (FYM), and slurry (Slurry). Using sequential extraction, we determined water-soluble (SW—in water), adsorbed (Sads—in 0.032 mol L−1 NaH2PO4), and available (Sav = SW + Sads) sulfur content. Microwave-assisted digestion in an Aqua regia solution was used to measure the pseudo-total sulfur content (Spt). Organic-bound sulfur (Sorg) was calculated as a difference between Spt and Sav. We found that average biomass yields responded to a uniform 120 kg N ha−1 year−1 dose, rather than the dose of S in fertilizers, with an increase over the Control by 34–49%. The effect of an additional 33.5 kg N ha−1 year−1 on UAN + St treatment was not significant. Average sulfur uptake responded to increased yields (69-121% higher than Control), rather than the sulfur application, with the exception of SS, where the dose of sulfur was high enough to cause an additional uptake. In the topsoil, we discovered a significant decrease over time (from 1997 to 2019) in water-soluble (SW), adsorbed (Sads), available (Sav), and pseudo-total (Spt) fractions on all treatments to 29, 59, 37, and 82% of their initial values, respectively. For all treatments, the proportion of Sorg in Spt increased over time, which was caused by the decrease in mineral fractions (SW, Sads, Sav). The absolute content of Sorg decreased over time for all treatments except SS and FYM to about 85% of the initial value. Using the simple balancing method, we calculated that UAN + St, SS, FYM, and Slurry treatments annually lost 8.04, 66.1, 21.4, and 26.8 kg of S ha−1, respectively. This loss was attributed to the decrease in atmospheric depositions, as well as the release of sulfur from soil organic matter (for UAN + St and Slurry treatments) and a high proportion of easily mineralizable and inorganic sulfur from the SS treatment. Generally, the FYM fertilizer provided the highest potential for maintaining soil Spt status.

Sulfur in determining seed protein composition: present status on its interaction with abiotic stresses and future directions.

Improving and stabilizing the quality of seed proteins are of growing interest in the current food and agroecological transitions. Sulfur is a key determinant of this quality since it is essential for the synthesis of sulfur-rich proteins in seeds. A lack of sulfur provokes drastic changes in seed protein composition, negatively impacting the nutritional and functional properties of proteins, and leading in some cases to diseases or health problems in humans. Sulfur also plays a crucial role in stress tolerance through the synthesis of antioxidant or protective molecules. In the context of climate change, questions arise regarding the trade-off between seed yield and seed quality with respect to sulfur availability and use by crops that represent important sources of proteins for human nutrition. Here, we review recent work obtained in legumes, cereals, as well as in Arabidopsis, that present major advances on: (i) the interaction between sulfur nutrition and environmental or nutritional stresses with regard to seed yield and protein composition; (ii) metabolic pathways that merit to be targeted to mitigate negative impacts of environmental stresses on seed protein quality; (iii) the importance of sulfur homeostasis for the regulation of seed protein composition and its interplay with seed redox homeostasis.

LC-ESI-MS/MS Analysis of Sulfolipids and Galactolipids in Green and Red Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) as Influenced by Sulfur Nutrition.

Sulfur (S) deprivation leads to abiotic stress in plants. This can have a significant impact on membrane lipids, illustrated by a change in either the lipid class and/or the fatty acid distribution. Three different levels of S (deprivation, adequate, and excess) in the form of potassium sulfate were used to identify individual thylakoid membrane lipids, which might act as markers in S nutrition (especially under stress conditions). The thylakoid membrane consists of the three glycolipid classes: monogalactosyl- (MGDG), digalactosyl- (DGDG), and sulfoquinovosyl diacylglycerols (SQDG). All of them have two fatty acids linked, differing in chain length and degree of saturation. LC-ESI-MS/MS served as a powerful method to identify trends in the change in individual lipids and to understand strategies of the plant responding to stress. Being a good model plant, but also one of the most important fresh-cut vegetables in the world, lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) has already been shown to respond significantly to different states of sulfur supply. The results showed a transformation of the glycolipids in lettuce plants and trends towards a higher degree of saturation of the lipids and an increased level of oxidized SQDG under S-limiting conditions. Changes in individual MGDG, DGDG, and oxidized SQDG were associated to S-related stress for the first time. Promisingly, oxidized SQDG might even serve as markers for further abiotic stress factors.

The role of sulfur nutrition in plant response to metal(loid) stress: Facilitating biofortification and phytoremediation.

Metal(loid)s contamination poses a serious threat to ecosystem biosafety and human health. Phytoremediation is a cost-effective and eco-friendly technology with good public acceptance, although the process does require a significant amount of time for success. To enhance the phytoremediation efficiency, numerous approaches have been explored, including soil amendments application with chelators to facilitate remediation. Sulfur (S), a macronutrient for plant growth, plays vital roles in several metabolic pathways that can actively affect metal(loid)s phytoextraction, as well as attenuate metal(loid) toxicity. In this review, different forms of S-amendments (fertilizers) on uptake and translocation in plants upon exposure to various metal(loid) are evaluated. Possible mechanisms for S application alleviating metal(loid) toxicity are documented at the physiological, biochemical and molecular levels. Furthermore, this review highlights the crosstalk between S-assimilation and other biomolecules, such as phytohormones, polyamines and nitric oxide, which are also important for metal(loid) stress tolerance. Given the effectiveness and potential of S amendments on phytoremediation, future studies should focus on optimizing phytoremediation efficiency in long-term field studies and on investigating the appropriate S dose to maximize the food safety and ecosystem health.

Re-visiting of nitrogen and sulphur requirements in Indian mustard (Brassica juncea) under irrigated conditions

Present study was carried out during 2018–19 and 2019–20 at ICAR-Directorate of Rapeseed-Mustard Research, Bharatpur, Rajasthan to evaluate the effect of nitrogen (N) and sulphur (S) nutrition on production efficiency, water productivity, and economics of Indian mustard [Brassica juncea (L.) Czern & Coss.] under irrigated conditions. The experiment was conducted in a split plot design with 5 nitrogen levels (0, 60, 80, 100 and 120 kg/ha) as the main plot treatment and 4 sulphur levels (0, 20, 40, and 60 kg/ha) as subplot treatment with 3 replications. Results revealed that the application of 120 kg N/ha recorded the highest plant height (205 cm), leaf area index (5.4), number of leaves/ plant (47.3), primary branches/plant (6.8), secondary branches/plant (18.9), SCMR (46.5), number of siliquae/plant (382), number of seeds/silique (18), stem girth (6.65 cm), test weight (5.79 g) and seed yield (3.04 t/ha). Among the different S levels, the maximum values of growth and physiological parameters, yield attributes and seed yield were recorded at 60 kg S/ha (2.71 t/ha). Similarly, production efficiency (22.1 kg/ha/day) and water productivity (1.53 kg seed/m3) were found higher than 120 kg N/ha and 60 kg S/ha. The highest net monetary returns and Benefit cost (B: C) ratio were recorded with 120 kg N/ha and 60 kg S/ha.Thus, the application of N and S may be revised to 120 and 60 kg/ha, respectively for Indian mustard in the irrigated semi-arid climates to achieve higher productivity, efficiency and profitability.

Sulfur Nutrition Affects Garlic Bulb Yield and Allicin Concentration.

Improving bulb yield and allicin content of garlic is important in meeting fresh and pharmaceutical market demands. Garlic plants have a high demand for sulfur (S) since allicin contains S atoms. Two experiments were conducted to identify the effect of S application rate on garlic yield and quality. In a field trial assessing six S application rates (0–150 kg S ha−1), cultivar ‘Glenlarge’ produced the greatest bulb weight (~90 g) and allicin content (521 mg bulb−1) with the application of 75 kg S ha−1. In contrast, cultivar ‘Southern Glen’ showed no response in bulb weight or allicin. This was likely due to high soil background S concentrations masking treatment effects. Subsequently, a solution culture experiment with cv. ‘Glenlarge’ evaluated six S application rates (188 to 1504 mg S plant−1, nominally equivalent to 25–200 kg S ha−1). In solution culture, bulb weight and allicin concentration increased with S rate. Highest bulb weight (~53 g bulb−1) and allicin concentration (~11 mg g−1 DW) were recorded at an S application of 1504 mg S plant−1. This is the first report to conclusively demonstrate the effect of S on yield and allicin in garlic grown in solution culture.

Productivity of Irrigated Groundnut as Influenced by Potassium and Sulphur Nutrition in Sandy Clay Loam Soil

Field experiments were conducted during the Kharif and rabi season of 2021 in the farmer’s field of Perampattu Village, Tirupattur Taluk & District, TN, India to study the effect of K and S management in groundnut. The soil of the experiment field belongs to sandy clay loam, available nitrogen (133.4 kg ha-1), phosphorus (16.8 kg ha-1), potassium (113.1 kg ha-1), and sulfur (4.80 mg kg-1), respectively. The experiments were laid out in Randomized Block Design (RBD) with eight treatments viz., T1-Control, T2–RDF (Blanket Recommendation as 25:50:75 kg NPK ha-1), T3- RDF + Add 0.25% of K through MOP (Foliar Application), T4– RDF + Add 0.5% of K through MOP (Foliar Application), T5– RDF + Add 0.25% of K through SOP (Foliar Application), T6– RDF + Add 0.5% of K through SOP (Foliar Application), T7– RDF + Add 0.25% of K through KNO3 (Foliar Application), T8– RDF + Add 0.5% of K through KNO3 (Foliar Application) and replicated thrice. Higher yield of groundnut in Kharif & rabi 3103 Kg ha-1 & 2895 Kg ha-1, respectively, and percent of yield increase in T4 was 3.9 and 5.63 over other treatments and also maximum gross income, net income, and benefit-cost ratio were obtained in RDF + Add 0.5% of K through MOP (T4) applied treatment in both seasons. The lowest gross income, net income, and benefit-cost ratio were achieved in T1.