Abstract
In the late 80s and the early 90s a number of agricultural crops has suffered from sulphur (S) deficiency. In Denmark as well as in other Western European countries field trials have been conducted with application of sulphur. Significant yield response was achieved in more than 80% of the trials in oilseed rape and cut grass and in 20–60 % of the trials carried out in cereals. Greatest reponse of S application is achieved on sandy soils but the response decreases with an increasing content of clay in the soil.
Irrigation water contributes 2–50 kg/ha S to crops, but with only 5-9 kg/ha S the importance of S in organic manures has been overestimated in the past. S requirements vary widely and should be based on a proper diagnosis of the supply. The recommendations in Denmark and Germany for moderate deficient crops is 30–50 kg/ha to oilseed rape, 20–50 kg/ha S to cut grass, and 10–30 kg/ha S to cereals.. Only a minor correction is recommended for application of organic manure.
Besides the S effect on the yield, S application also has a strong influence on crop quality. If there is lack of S its application increases quality and content of protein. In oilseed rape S application can also increase the content of glucosinolates.
Trials with different types of S sources have shown that the response to water dispersive and finely ground elemental S, sulphate-S and sulphite-S has been equal. Foliar applied elemental S showed physiological advantages compared to sulphate S sources like Epsom salt.
An alternative S source are desulphurisation products derived from coal fired power stations. In Denmark and Germany such products have been tested and are sold commercially today. A suitable way to apply the difficult to handle products is to mix and apply it together with slurry or to incorporate it in compound fertilisers.
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Pedersen, C.A., Knudsen, L., Schnug, E. (1998). Sulphur Fertilisation. In: Schnug, E. (eds) Sulphur in Agroecosystems. Nutrients in Ecosystems, vol 2. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-011-5100-9_4
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-011-5100-9_4
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