Soil Fertility and Nutrient management (1+1)

Functions and deficiency symptoms of Sulphur

Sulphur

 
• It is abundant in plant, particularly in the leaves. Plant absorbs as sulphate (SO42-) form. It does not easily translocated in plants.

  Functions:

  1. Required for synthesis of the S-containing amino acids like cystine, cysteine and methionine, which are important for protein synthesis.
  2. Role in photosynthesis by involving in structural formation of chlorophyll in leaves.
  3. It is a constituent of proteins and volatile compounds responsible for the characteristic taste & smell of plants in the mustard and onion families.
  4. It enhances oil synthesis in crops
  5. It is a vital part of Ferrodoxins (Non Heme iron, sulfur protein), S- adenosyl methionine.

  Deficiency :

  1. Pale yellow or light green leaves in younger leaves (Deficiencies resemble those of nitrogen)
  2. Stalks are short & slender, growth is retarded.
  3. Fruits often do not mature fully & remain light green in colour.
  4. In Brassica species, leaves shows cupping & curling.
  5. Cell division is retarded & fruit development is suppressed.
  6. Disrupts N metabolism, reduces protein quality & induces starch (carbohydrate) accumulation.
  S- Toxicity: Sulphide injury, necrosis of the leaves.