Agronomic role and physiological functions
- Amino acid and protein synthesis: Fundamental building block of essential amino acids (methionine, cysteine, and cystine) required for plant proteins.
- Oil synthesis: Dramatically increases oil content and seed yield in mustard, soybean, groundnut, and sunflower.
- Chlorophyll and nodulation: Promotes chlorophyll formation and enhances nitrogen-fixing nodule activity in legume roots.
- Flavour and pungency: Enhances aromatic allyl propyl disulphide compounds in onions and garlic.
Common agricultural sulphur fertilizer sources
- Bentonite sulphur (90% S pastilles): Elemental sulphur combined with swelling clay; disperses in soil and oxidizes via Thiobacillus bacteria into plant-available sulphate (SO4 2-).
- Single Super Phosphate (SSP): Contains 11% to 12% available sulphur alongside 16% phosphate.
- Gypsum (Calcium Sulphate): Provides readily available sulphate sulphur (13% to 18% S) and calcium, widely used for reclaiming sodic soils.
- Ammonium Sulphate: Fast-acting nitrogen (20.5% N) and sulphate (24% S) fertilizer for top dressing.
Application timing and soil testing
Apply sulphur fertilizers as a basal application during final land preparation based on Soil Health Card recommendations. In alkaline and calcareous soils, elemental sulphur application also provides localized soil acidification, improving micronutrient availability.
Official source
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Department of Fertilizers, Government of India ↗Related on KisanPe
Common questions
Why is sulphur essential for mustard and soybean crops?
Sulphur is critical for oil synthesis, enzyme activity, and protein formation, directly increasing seed oil percentage.
What is the difference between elemental sulphur and sulphate fertilizer?
Sulphate forms are immediately available to plant roots, while elemental sulphur must first be biologically oxidized by soil microbes.
Can gypsum be used as a sulphur fertilizer?
Yes, agricultural gypsum is an economical source of readily available sulphate sulphur and calcium.
General guidance, not personal advice. For your farm, ask your local Krishi Vigyan Kendra or agriculture officer.
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