Nutrient Composition and Bacterial Oxidation Process
Elemental Sulphur 90 WDG contains ninety percent pure elemental sulfur co-formulated with specialized swelling bentonite clay.
Unlike sulphate-based fertilizers that are prone to rapid leaching in high-rainfall conditions, elemental sulfur granules swell and disintegrate into micro-particles upon soil moisture contact.
Indigenous soil bacteria (Thiobacillus) steadily oxidize the elemental sulfur into plant-available sulphate (SO4 2-), providing sustained seasonal nutrition.
- Active content: 90 percent elemental sulfur (S) in water-dispersible granules
- Sustained release: Bacterial oxidation provides continuous sulphate availability throughout the cropping cycle
- Leaching resistance: Elemental sulfur does not leach out of root zones during heavy monsoon rains
Crop Benefits in Oilseeds, Pulses, and Alkaline Soils
Sulfur is a critical constituent of essential amino acids (methionine, cysteine, and cystine) required for plant protein building.
In oilseeds like mustard, groundnut, and soybean, sulfur application dramatically increases seed oil synthesis and protein content.
In sodic and alkaline soils, sulfur oxidation produces mild sulphuric acid, neutralizing soil alkalinity and freeing locked calcium and phosphorus.
- Oil synthesis: Significantly increases seed oil percentage and test weight in mustard and groundnut
- Soil reclamation: Lowers pH in alkaline soils, improving soil structure and root nutrient foraging
- Disease suppression: Soil sulfur oxidation delivers mild protective suppression against soil-borne root pathogens
Application Guidelines, Soil Timing, and Storage
Apply as a basal soil dressing during final land preparation, broadcasting granules evenly across the field before sowing.
Ensure adequate soil moisture is maintained to facilitate bacterial oxidation into plant-available sulphate.
Store bags in cool, dry godowns away from open flames and strong oxidizers.
- Basal application: Broadcast and incorporate into moist soil at sowing or transplanting
- Moisture requirement: Maintain adequate soil moisture for active bacterial oxidation
- Quality verification: Ensure FCO compliance marks on commercial bags purchased from authorized dealers
Official source
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Department of Fertilizers - IFMS Portal ↗Related on KisanPe
Common questions
What is the primary role of 90% elemental sulfur in oilseed crops?
Sulfur is essential for synthesizing sulfur-containing amino acids, which drives oil synthesis and increases seed oil percentage in mustard and soybean.
How does elemental sulfur convert into plant-absorbable form in soil?
Soil Thiobacillus bacteria oxidize elemental sulfur into soluble sulphate (SO4 2-) ions that plant roots can readily absorb.
Can elemental sulfur 90 WDG help reclaim alkaline soils?
Yes, the oxidation of elemental sulfur produces mild acidity that lowers soil pH and helps reclaim sodic and calcareous soils.
General guidance, not personal advice. For your farm, ask your local Krishi Vigyan Kendra or agriculture officer.
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