Sulphur Requirement of Rapeseed-Mustard, Groundnut and Wheat: A Comparative Assessment

Two oilseed species, rapeseed-mustard and groundnut, and wheat, a cereal, were compared for their sulphur requirement. Sulphur accumulation pattern in different plant parts at various growth stages indicated a several fold higher requirement of S in rapeseed-mustard as compared to the other two species. A low N: S ratio found in rapeseed-mustard was also an indicative of its higher S requirement. The S requirement of groundnut was found to be similar to that of wheat. The additional S required by rapeseed-mustard may be attributed to the presence of glucosinolates, a characteristic of cruciferous plants. Sulphur fertilization enhanced yield of the oilseed species but not the per cent oil. The role of sulphur in oil biosynthesis is discussed.