application of about 20 lbs sulfur per acre is generally adequate to ensure that sulfur is not limiting for vegetable production
soil conditions related to deficiency of sulfur:
sandy or mineral soils low in organic matter
soils after years of cropping
acid soils subjected to high rainfall
soils formed from low-sulfur parent material
no substantial deposition of sulfur by acid rain
use of low-sulfur N-P-K fertilizers (like triple superphosphate)
sulfur moves through the soil primarily via diffusion
soil factors that affect uptake of sulfur by plants:
soil levels
temperature
the level of decomposition of organic matter
plant factors that affect uptake:
hybrid or variety of plant
stage of growth
interaction with other elements
functions of sulfur in plant:
this nutrient forms organic compounds in the plant that gives flavor to vegetables
reduces the incidence of disease in many plants
combines with carbohydrates to form amino acids & proteins used in enzymatic processes
involved in protein synthesis
part of amino acids cystine and thiamine
present in peptide glutathione, coenzyme A, vitamin B1, glucosides (such as mustard oil and thiols that contribute to the characteristic odor and taste of plants in the Cruciferae and Liliaceae families)
Sources for Sulfur:
organic debris, plant residues, and microorganisms are the major sources of sulfur
compost
gypsum
potassium sulfate
potassium magnesium sulfate
Sulfur Deficiency Symptoms:
pale yellow-green leaves (can be confused with nitrogen deficiency)
