Historically, Sulphur has been of great importance for plants. Its use became an agricultural practice between 1845 and 1847 in England and France in order to control powdery mildew in vineyards. In 1974, in the USA, the application of elemental sulphur was successfully used to control fungi in sugar beet crops. This leading role in agriculture continues to this day, both for the protection of plantations and for agronutrition. It is a macronutrient that enhances the characteristics of crops and optimises the performance we want to achieve from them.
Elemental sulphur (or fourth element as it is known in agronomic jargon) must be taken into account in the new European regulations, as it will be placed as a macronutrient, matching the regulations of other continents that are much more sensitive and aware of its benefits and its requirement by crops.
The plant’s need for sulphur is the same as for phosphorus. In fact, the plant needs the same percentage 0.3 – 0.5 %;. However, Sulphur is considered secondary because until now there has been a large reserve in the soil, while Phosphorus is primary due to its low availability.
USE AND BENEFITS OF SULPHUR FOR AGRICULTURE.
The main function of Sulphur as a fertiliser is to serve the plant as a defence and detoxification system. It protects the cells from dehydration due to heat and drought, and protects the cells from damage due to heat stress.
- Amino acid synthesis
- Cysteine
- Cysteine
- Methionine
- It plays a role in chlorophyll formation and vitamin synthesis (mainly vitamin B1).
- It is involved in the formation of glycosides, ferredoxins and in the activity of ATP sulphorylase.
- It benefits soil properties, increasing the fertility of its essential nutrients.
- It facilitates fruiting and ear formation in cereals.
- It produces high quality seeds, increasing oil production in rapeseed.
- It is necessary for the transformation of organic matter into humus.
- It is highly recommended for humid environments.
- It acts as a soil conditioner.
- Soil conditioner.
- Soil conditioner.
- It improves the microbial activity of the soil.
- It improves the microbial activity of the soil.
- NUTRIENTATION function.
- Biological function.
- Biological function.
- BIOSTIMULATING function.
- BIOSTIMULATING function.
- ANTIOIDIUM function.
- ANTIOIDIUM function.
- ANTIOIDIUM function.
- ACARICIDE function.
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WAYS TO APPLY SULPHUR.
Foliar fertilizer, granular, liquid, mineral… One of the main advantages of sulphur is its adaptability to be applied in different ways, depending on the stage of the crop.
The application of sulphur to plants through fertilizer, can be through elemental sulphur or in the form of sulphate. Sulphur is incorporated by plants from the soil solution as sulphate anion (SO42-), the most oxidised form of sulphur. Although this form of sulphur is directly assimilated by the plant, sulphates are highly soluble, so they disappear from the soil when washed away by irrigation water or rain, with the risk of leaving the crops deficient when it comes to covering their needs.
On the other hand, elemental sulphur is insoluble in water, which keeps it available in the soil, while it oxidises progressively, until it is converted into sulphates that can be assimilated by the action of the soil microbiota.
As a source of slow-release sulphates, the oxidation of elemental sulphur in the soil reduces its pH and washes out the sodium (Na). This reduction in pH causes macronutrients, such as phosphorus and micronutrients (e.g., iron and copper) to be mobilised from the soil. For its part, the elimination of sodium balances the electrical conductivity of the soil solution and reduces the general water stress of the plant.
OPTIMISATION OF SULPHUR.
To ensure that the effects of the sulphur fertiliser are adequate, we must choose the most effective way of applying it to the crops, and also ensure that they have the quantity they require at all times for their correct development and growth. As a necessary indicator, the MEDIUM SOIL ANALYSIS annual monitoring is the only real and truthful means. There is the traditional method, which is the usual one, which consists of waiting to see the PROBLEM (signs of powdery mildew, signs of MITES, which are the most common to see at the beginning), but then there are major nutritional problems, and at that point it is no longer possible to turn back.
Sulphur fertilisation is optimal and is at its most effective when it is used together with Nitrogen, Phosphorous, Potassium, and other nutrients. Only then is it able to provide all these benefits and advantages:
- It regulates the availability of Nitrogen and improves its efficiency. A Nitrogen:Sulphur ratio of 10:1 in plant tissue is required for crops to achieve normal development.
- It mobilises Phosphorus and Potassium.
- Mobilises Phosphorus and Potassium.
- It acidifies and slows down nitrification so it can be considered as a progressive release.
- It enhances the availability of calcium, magnesium and other micronutrients.
- Simultaneous fertilisation with Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium, Calcium, Sulphur, Magnesium and micronutrients improves the assimilation of all of these by crops.
DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS.
Sulphur is bound with proteins and in organic structures, and is found in plant tissues. For this reason, plants cannot transport sulphur from aged tissues to new tissues when there is a deficiency.
- The primary consequence is chlorosis, which results in a light green discolouration of the youngest leaves. The first impression gives the appearance of nitrogen deficiency: light green discolouration on young and old leaves.
- Strong purple colouration on leaf petioles due to the production of a pigment (anthocyan).
- Colour change. The light green colour changes in some areas to intense yellow.
- Symptoms of extreme deficiency: the plant has many bright yellow leaves with purple petioles and stems.
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Sulphur, like nitrogen, is an essential constituent of proteins, and is necessary for many of the growth functions of plants. There is, therefore, a close link between the amount of nitrogen and sulphur in crops, the reference ratio being 1 kg of sulphur (2.5 kg SO3) for every 12 kg of nitrogen.
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