Effect of Elemental Sulfur on Phosphorus Availability and Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Grown on a High Terrace Soil in Northern Sudan

Abstract

The effect of elemental sulfur on some chemical soil properties and wheat grown was studied by two performing experiments, under high terrace soils of northern region of the Sudan. First experiment (incubation experiment) was executed to quantify the rates and application time of elemental sulfur to be applied in the field experiment. It consisted of five rates of elemental sulfur (0, 165, 330, 495 and 660 kg sulfur feddan-1) and five application times (2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 weeks). In the second experiment (field experiment), two wheat varieties (Wadi Elneel and Debeira), three sulfur rates (0 kg S feddan-1, 495 kg S feddan-1 and 660 kg S feddan-1) and three application times (0, 5 and 7 weeks) were arranged in split plot design with four replications. Wheat varieties were assigned to the main plots and the combination of the rates and time application to the sub plots. Results obtained from the incubation experiment indicated differences in soil pH among treatments. Application of elemental sulfur decreased soil pH in each of the two experiments. The effect of elemental sulfur on wheat grain yield and the other studied yield components was not limited the plant height and the 1000 seeds weight. The nitrogen content of the plant tissue was affected by the applied elemental sulfur. Application of 495 kg sulfur feddan-1, 6 weeks before sowing gave the lowest soil pH (7.8) and the least available phosphorus compared to other treatments.