Role of sulphur in pulse crops: A review

Abstract

Sulphur is essential nutrient for every living cell; it is component of 21 amino acids which form protein. It is fourth key plant nutrient after nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. Pulses are particularly sensitive to sulphur deficiency which gives low quality and less yields. sulphur plays a key role In chlorophyll and oil synthesis. Plants uptake sulphur only in sulphate form (so42-) and it reduces to form sulphur containing amino acids and other compounds. Application of sulphur increases the nitrogen use. Efficiency of N, P, K is seriously affected under sulphur deficiency. Field experiments in many agro climatic conditions shown that application of 30 and 40 kg S/ha-1 along with recommended dose given the highest yields and protein content in pulses. Moreover, this review highlights the availability of sulphur for profitable crop production, effects of different sources and levels of sulphur in pulse crops, effect of sulphur on various parameters and it also includes the sulphur absorption and translocation in plants. Moreover this review provides new sights to revisit the sulphur significance in pulse crops.