Role of Sulphur in Rye Production

It is involved in electron transport, metabolism, and activities of many enzymes. Sulphur is a component of proteins and very essential in small grain production. Plants cannot use nitrogen efficiently if adequate sulphur is not available.

Sulphur in the form of sulphate may leach readily, and deficiencies can occur in sandy soils. Thus, topsoils frequently test low in sulphate sulphur. However, sulphate sulphur accumulates in the subsoil. If the roots can reach this layer (as rye often do), a deficiency may not occur. A deficiency can be corrected by applying 23 to 33 kg of sulphur per hectar.

Some foliar fungicides and micronutrient materials also contain small amounts of sulfur. The best time to apply sulphur is before planting. A response to sulphur will most likely occur when sandy soil surfaces are more than 45 to 60 cm deep.

Deficiencies: Sulphur deficiency may lead to stunted growth and small spindly plants with a light green to yellow colour (chlorosis) in the younger leaves. The symptoms are very similar to nitrogen deficiency, except that the younger leaves show yellowing first.