Response of Sunflower to Sulphur - Tapa blanda

Sulphur is required by the plants in amounts similar to phosphorus (P) and is important in protein formation and other plant functions. It significantly influences yield and quality of crops, improves odor and flavors, and imparts resistance to cold, and hence it is generally considered as a 'quality nutrient'. Sulphur-deficient soils are widely distributed around the world. In the event of inadequate level of sulphur in soil, response of crops to other nutrients also declines. In addition, the imbalanced use of nitrogen and phosphorus in comparison to S, has widened, the N: S and P: S ratios in soil. Resultantly, the yield of oilseed crops, especially sunflower, is severely affected. Considering this aspect, a comprehensive case study was conducted to evaluate the response of sunflower to different sources and levels of sulphur in semi- arid Alfisol soils. The experiences documented in this book will be highly useful to Agricultural Scientists, Students, Land managers, NGOs, State Agricultural Departments, Agricultural Extension and Transfer of Technology Agencies, not only in India but also in other countries of the world with similar climatic and edaphic environments.

K. Usha Rani, Ph.D (Env. Science), Research Scientist, K.L. Sharma Ph.D (Soil Science and Agril. Chemistry) is Principal Scientist and National Fellow, ICAR and K. Nagasree, Ph.D (Agril. Extension), Senior Scientist, all working at Central Research Institute for Dryland Agriculture, Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh, India