Effect of sulfur additions on the yield and elemental composition of canola and spring wheat1

Abstract

Growth chamber experiments of canola (Brassica napus L.) and spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) were conducted using three soils testing low in extractable sulfate (9–12 mg/kg). Experiments were designed to determine how the three soils compared in plant available sulfur (S) and to test the effects of various rates of potassium sulfate (K₂SO₄) and gypsum on the elemental composition and dry matter yield of the two crops. Based upon plant response, the Queens sandy loam soil appeared to have the least amount of plant available S of the three soils. There was no yield increase associated with S applied to either crop. Canola plants in each soil responded to increased applications of S with greater S uptake and considerably lower nitrogen:sulfur (N:S) ratios. Of the three soils used, only the wheat plants grown in the Queens soil responded to S applications through increased S uptake and a lower N:S ratio. Both sources of S were equally effective in providing available S to the plants.