One of the important nutrients for the proper growth of plants, which is often overlooked, is sulfur in agriculture. In this article, we want to explain the significance and high benefits of sulfur (also known as sulfur) in agriculture and plant growth. So, continue reading with Saadnews to get acquainted with this very useful substance.
Sulfur or Sulfur (S) is the fourth essential nutrient for plants. Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), and Potassium (K) are vital elements for having a good and fruitful crop, but for achieving more nutritious products and food, crops also need sulfur. In the past, farmers overlooked the role of sulfur in plant growth and development. However, today, with the studies conducted, the use of sulfur in agriculture has gained attention. In the following content from Saadnews, we will discuss the importance of sulfur in the growth of crops and its vital role in agriculture.
Plant Growth and Development
Soil Fertility and Soil Improvement
Sulfur is one of the 17 essential nutrients for plants and is necessary for the growth and development of all crops without exception. Like every essential nutrient, sulfur plays key roles in plants, including:
1. Chlorophyll Formation: Sulfur is crucial for chlorophyll formation, which allows photosynthesis in plants. Through photosynthesis, plants can produce starch, sugars, oils, fats, vitamins, and other compounds.
2. Optimal Nitrogen Utilization: Sulfur plays a vital role in the efficient fixation of nitrogen in plants, especially legumes. Adequate sulfur supply is essential not only for sulfur-hungry crops (like legumes—alfalfa, clover, soybean, etc.—and canola) but also for nitrogen-hungry crops (corn, cotton), as without sulfur, plants cannot utilize nitrogen efficiently.
3. Protein Synthesis in Plants: Sulfur is key in activating many enzymes, which is critical for protein synthesis. Protein synthesis requires large amounts of sulfur, especially in the formation of oil in oilseed plants. Sulfur is part of several amino acids and vitamins found in both plants and animals.
4. Increased Yield and Improved Crop Quality: As mentioned, sulfur increases the protein and oil content in plants, making it a key factor in determining the nutritional quality of agricultural products. Yield and quality are also determining factors for the price and profitability of agricultural production. Additionally, sulfur helps increase plant tolerance to cold and drought, as well as moderating the toxicity of some heavy elements in plants.
Sulfur, besides its nutritional role for plants, is used as a soil amendment in alkaline, sodium, saline, and sodium soils to improve certain physical and chemical properties of the soil. The following are the key points of its application:
· Prevention of Soil Salinity: Maintaining and improving crop performance through irrigation depends on soil and water management techniques. Sulfur helps keep sodium and salt levels low, based on the properties of the soil and the quality and quantity of the irrigation water. Sulfur and sulfur-containing compounds are commonly used in agriculture to preserve and improve soil when irrigating with saline water.
· Lowering Soil pH: Soil bacteria convert sulfur into sulfuric acid, reducing soil pH. If the soil pH is greater than 5.5, sulfur is used to lower the pH to around 4.5, which enhances the utilization of fertilizers. This is another role of sulfur in soil fertility.
Sulfur exists in various forms in nature, including SO2, H2S, SO4, S2O2, and S. In the atmosphere, sulfur is found as sulfur dioxide (SO2) and hydrogen sulfide (H2S) in rainwater. It is mostly found in an organic form in plant residues, animal waste, and soil. However, in its most common organic form, it cannot be absorbed by plants. To be absorbed, organic sulfur must be oxidized by soil microorganisms (such as sulfur-oxidizing bacteria like Thiobacillus), which then convert it to sulfate (SO42-), the ionic form that can be absorbed by plants.
The symptoms of sulfur deficiency are similar to those of nitrogen deficiency and are often confused. Unlike nitrogen, which manifests in older leaves, sulfur deficiency shows up as yellowing in younger leaves. In general, sulfur deficiency leads to:
Delayed plant growth
Delayed maturation in cereals
Weak seed production in legumes
Reduced nitrogen fixation
Immature fruits that remain light green
Reduced tillering in cereals
Sulfates, like nitrates (the form of nitrogen plants can absorb), are very sensitive to leaching. In cold weather, when excess water leaches through surface soils (like sandy, clay-lime surface soils or gypsum), a large amount of sulfur is dissolved. Even after winter leaching, if the soil’s mineralization is low, there will be a risk of sulfur deficiency. Sulfur loss is significant when rainfall from mid-autumn to mid-winter exceeds 350 mm. Additionally, sulfur inputs from rainfall have continuously decreased over the past 40 years, meaning today’s soils receive seven times less sulfur than 30 years ago.
While sulfur has many applications in agriculture, excessive use can form salts that can easily damage plants. Applying 9 to 18 kg of sulfur per hectare can correct sulfur deficiencies.
Sulfur fertilizers are available in both organic and industrial forms. One of the richest organic sulfur fertilizers is poultry manure. Ammonium sulfate, potassium sulfate, superphosphates, and nitrogen-sulfur solutions are sulfur fertilizers available in various forms in the market.
The method, quantity, and timing of sulfur fertilizer application in agriculture depend on crop type, soil conditions, climate, and intended use. Sulfur fertilizers come in three forms: liquid sulfur, granular sulfur, and powdered sulfur. Liquid sulfur can be used during the growing season to meet plant nutritional needs or to control pests and diseases. The best time to apply powdered or granular sulfur is before planting, as it is mixed with the soil. For orchards, the best method is the "chulkood" (pit fertilization) method, from late autumn to late winter. Sulfur fertilizers can also be used during pest and disease outbreaks during the growing season.
Final Words
Therefore, in general, for agricultural crops, it is recommended to apply sulfur in the soil before planting, along with other fertilizers. Additionally, for orchard crops and fruit trees, sulfur should be applied in late autumn and winter. As mentioned, using sulfur in the soil improves the absorption of other fertilizers. So, when purchasing sulfur, pay close attention to the sulfur content in the micro and macronutrient fertilizers (NPK) you buy. I hope you have found this content about the uses and benefits of sulfur in agriculture helpful. Feel free to share it with others who are interested in plants and gardening. Also, for more related articles, you can visit the lifestyle section of Saadnews. Thank you very much for your support!
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