EFFECT OF DIFFERENT SOURCES OF SULPHUR ON YIELD, QUALITY OF CAULIFLOWER AND SULPHUR FRACTIONS IN AN ACID ALFISOL
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Date
2016-07
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CSKHPKV Palampur
Abstract
A field experiment was conducted during rabi 2014-15 on cauliflower (Brassica oleracea
L. var. Palam Uphar) at the experimental farm of Department of Soil Science, College of
Agriculture, CSK Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya, Palampur. The experiment consisted
of three levels (12.5, 25, 37.5 kg S ha-1) and four sources (Sartaj natural gypsum, locally available
gypsum, elemental sulphur and single super phosphate) of sulphur along with one control in a
randomized block design. The application of sulphur @ 37.5 kg S ha-1 influenced growth
parameters, yield attributes, quality, harvest index and per cent marketable curds significantly over
12.5 kg S ha-1. Likewise, highest net curd yield (113 q ha-1) was recorded with the application of
37.5 kg S ha-1, which was however, statistically at par with that obtained with the application of 25
kg S ha-1 (105.2 q ha-1) but significantly superior to that obtained with the application of 12.5 kg S
ha-1 (89.5 q ha-1). Control recorded the lowest net curd yield (77.8 q ha-1). Among sources, Sartaj
gypsum recorded maximum value of all these parameters followed by single super phosphate,
locally available gypsum and elemental sulphur. Likewise, Sartaj gypsum recorded highest net
curd yield (114.2 q ha-1) which was however, statistically at par with single super phosphate
(102.9 q ha-1). The uptake of N, P, K, S, Fe, Mn, Cu and Zn by cauliflower increased with
increased level of sulphur and followed the yield trend. Among sources, Sartaj gypsum recorded
maximum nutrient uptake by cauliflower followed by single super phosphate. The different levels
and sources of sulphur did not show any significant effect on soil pH, organic carbon, available K,
Fe, Mn, Cu and Zn but had a significant effect on soil available N and P content. In case of
fractions, available, water soluble, organic and total sulphur increased significantly with increased
levels of sulphur. Sartaj gypsum recorded maximum value of available sulphur (12.4) and water
soluble (9.8) followed by single super phosphate, locally available gypsum and elemental sulphur.
Different sources of sulphur did not show any significant effect on heat soluble sulphur, organic
sulphur and total sulphur. All sulphur fractions were significantly and positively correlated with
yield, quality of cauliflower and sulphur fractions. However, higher correlation values were
observed with water soluble and available sulphur and least with heat soluble sulphur. Maximum
gross returns, net returns per hectare and gross returns per rupee invested were found when
sulphur was applied @ 37.5 kg S ha-1 (Rs. 113083, 62286, 2.23, respectively) which was
significantly superior to 12.5 kg S ha-1 (Rs. 89417, 40921, 1.84, respectively) but at par with 25 kg
S ha-1(Rs. 105333, 55688, 2.13, respectively).