Effects of Sulfur Fertilization on Soybean Root and Leaf Traits,and Soil Microbial Activity

ABSTRACT

A pot experiment was implemented to study effects of sulfur (S) fertilization on soybean root and leaf traits and soil microbial activity in 2004 and 2005. In this experiment, three different treatments were established: 0 mg· kg^{? 1}(CK), 30 mg· kg^{? 1}(A), and 60 mg· kg^{? 1}(B). The results showed that an application of elemental sulfur significantly increased the number of soybean side roots by 8.6% to 33.2% and dry weight by 6.6% to 34.3%, increased the root nodules number by 2.7% to 35.9%, and dry weight by 13.0% to 75.7%, increased chlorophyll content in leaves by 0.4 to 3.9 unit, and increased soybean yield per plant by 7.3% to 12.8%, compared with the control. The application of elemental sulfur also increased the amount of soil microorganism (bacterium, fungi and actinomycete), activity of catalase, urease, neutral phosphatase, and polyphenoloxidase in the same growth stage significantly. The above results showed sulfur supply could promote the growth of soybean, increase the yield, and enhance soil microbial activity. Thirty mg· kg^{? 1} was the suitable rate of sulfur for achieving the highest yield.