Usefulness of Foliar Nitrogen-Sulfur Ratio in Spring Red Wheat

NAHUEL IGNACIO REUSSI CALVO, HERNÁN EDUARDO ECHEVERRÍA, AND HERNÁN SAINZ ROZAS

JOURNAL OF PLANT NUTRITION

Taylor and Francis

Lugar: London; Año: 2008 vol. 31 p. 1612 - 1623

0190-4167

Sulfur (S) availability indicators are necessary for a rational use of fertilizers. Experiments were carried out to evaluate the sensitivity and stability of nitrogen (N):S ratio in spring red wheat. Yield responses were determined in three replications over five experimental sites. Sulfur application did not increase N concentration in plant, whereas the effect on total S concentration was varied. Results showed 25, 35, 80, and 85% correctly diagnosed samples at stages Z22, Z24, Z31, and Z39, respectively. In treatments without S limitations, a decrease in N:S ratio was observed as the crop cycle advanced. Nitrogen: S ratio differed according to the site; however, these variations tend to decrease as the crop cycle advance. In summary, for spring red wheat, N:S ratio in plant is a useful method for S deficiencies diagnostic from the end of tillering to flag leaf.