Sulphur and Micronutrient Impact on Sunflower (Helianthus annuus) Yield and Nutrient Uptake

Abstract

Soil composition, fertilizer quality, and fertilizer type are all important factors in the growth and yield of sunflowers. Fertilizers are generally used to replenish the soil with essential nutrients that are necessary for optimal sunflower growth and yield. To assess the impact of elemental Sulphur (S) supplementation on the yield of sunflower crops, a field experiment was conducted in December 2021 in Maharashtra soil. The trial was arranged in a Randomized Block Design with five treatments, each replicated five times.T1 (Control), T2 (100% RDF i.e. Recommended NPK 80:60:40 only), T3 (Recommended NPK with 40kg/ha Elemental S), T4 (Recommended NPK with 40kg/ha along with foliar spray of micronutrients (Cu 1.0%,Zn 3.0%,Mn 1.0%,Fe 2.5%,B 0.5%,Mo 0.1%)],T5 (Recommended NPK with foliar spray of micronutrients(Cu 1.0%,Zn 3.0%,Mn 1.0%,Fe 2.5%,B 0.5%,Mo 0.1%). The application of a recommended dose of fertilizer and 40 kg/ha of elemental sulphur along with a foliar spray of micronutrients (T4) combined had a significant effect on the sunflower seed yield and quality. The utilization of a prescribed dosage of fertilizer and 40 kg/ha of elemental sulphur together had a noteworthy result on the sunflower seed yield and quality. The integration of sulphur amplified the all-inclusive nutrient concentration and their absorption by the sunflower.