ATP
S
Sulphur
Sulphur
Knowledge
Sulfur has the power to impact many important processes including stomatal activity, photo assimilate movement, disease resistance and insect infestation, and overall plant growth and yield.
Quick Facts About Sulphur
- Sulphur is essential for synthesis of Sulphur-containing amino acids and is therefore vital for protein synthesis.
- Sulphur aids in seed production and producing the chlorophyll necessary for plants to carry out photosynthesis.
- Sulphur aids in increased Nitrogen use efficiency.
- Sulphur is a component of vitamin B1 (particularly for cereals and legumes).
- Important for production of innate plant defence substances (phytoalexines, glutathione).
- Sulphur fertilization is increasingly common because higher yielding crops are taking up and removing more Sulphur from soil as harvested products.
- Form used by plants: SO4-2 (Sulphate)
- Both solution and adsorbed Sulphate are the forms available for plant use.
Role of Sulphur in Plants
- Improves root growth and seed production.
- Promotes nodule formation on legumes.
- Required for synthesis of amino acids and proteins.
- When used with Nitrogen, Sulfur leads to improved protein & milling quality.
- Sulphur helps with vigorous plant growth and resistance to cold.
- Involved in regulating stomatal opening and closing.
Sulphur Deficiencies:
Deficiency Symptoms
- Yellow-green color, very similar in appearance to Nitrogen deficiency, but is present on the younger leaves.
- Uniform chlorosis and yellowing on the younger leaves.
- In canola, a cupping and/or reddish or purple coloration on the underside of the leaves.
- Typical symptoms in canola are stunted growth, spoon- like arched leaves, pale yellow or white petals and pods can appear bladder-like and bloated.
Factors Affecting Deficiencies
- Factors that will reduce Sulphur availability to the plant:
- Leaching of Sulphate
- Amount and type of soil colloids (higher clay = less availability)
- Higher pH
- Lower organic matter in soils
- It is possible for Sulphur to be temporarily fixed by microbial activity when they incorporate Sulphur into fulvic acid and humic substances.
- Under anaerobic conditions, the sulphate-ion can be reduced by bacteria to hydrogen sulphide which is unavailable for plants.
- The risk of Sulphur deficiency is high on lighter soils, especially after heavy rain, on soils with a poor structure and under any conditions which result in a restricted root system.
- Excess Sulphate reduces Molybdenum uptake.
Sulphur Recommended Products
| Product | Type | Details |
|---|---|---|
|
Ruffin-Tuff |
Micronutrient Soil |
|
|
Supercal S04 |
Secondary Nutrient Soil |
Product Details > |
|
Kinetic |
Micronutrient Foliar |
|
|
NRG KS |
Micronutrient Foliar |
|
|
NRG Mn |
Micronutrient Foliar |
|
|
Epsotop |
Micronutrient Foliar |
Nutrient Knowledge Guide
Download ATP’s Nutrient Knowledge Guide – Your All Inclusive Guide to Plant Nutrition, aimed to help you achieve optimum yield.
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