Role of Sulphur in Plants:

Sulphur is one of the 17 essential plant nutrients. it is essential for the grouth and development of all crops. without exception most of a plants requirement of S is absorbed through the roots in the sulphate (SO4) form. like any essential nutrient, sulphur also has certain specific functions to perform in the plant. thus, S deficiencies can only be corrected by the application of S fertilizer.

Some key functions of S in plants are:

(1) Formation of chlorophyll, the green substance in leaves that permits photosynthesis. plants produce starch, sugars, oils, fats, vitamins and other vital compounds through photosynthesis.

(2) Protein production, primarily because S is a constituent of three s-containing amino acids (cysteine, cystine and methionine), which are the building blocks of protein. About 90% of plant S is present in these amino acids.

(3) Synthesis of oils. this is why adequate sulphur is so crucial for oilseeds.

(4) Activation of enzymes, which aid in biochemical reactions within the plant.

(5) Increases crop yield and improves produce quality, both of which determine the market price a farmer would get for his produce.

(6) Specifically with reference to crop quality, S improves protein and oil percentage in seeds, cereal quality for milling and baking, marketability of dry coconut kernel (copra), quality of tobacco, nutritive value of forages etc.