Sulfur deficiency in soils is one of the most important problems of contemporary agriculture. Balanced fertilization (which means fertilization adjusted to plant requirements, soil properties, and weather conditions) is essential for maximizing yield, while simultaneously maintaining its high quality. The aim of a two-year field experiment was to determine the effect of sulfur fertilization on the yield quantity and quality. Two plants differing in sulfur requirements were cultivated: spring oilseed rape (first year of the research) and winter wheat (second year). During each year, sulfur was added at two levels of intensity (single dose and double dose), in the form of two mineral fertilizers containing sulfate sulfur (A: ammonium sulfate; B: a mixture of ammonium nitrate and ammonium sulfate) and one fertilizer containing elemental sulfur (C). A single dose of sulfur for spring oilseed rape and winter wheat amounted to 25 kg ha-1 and 12.5 kg ha-1, respectively, and a double dose equalled 50 kg ha-1 and 25 kg ha-1, respectively. Sulfur doses were adjusted to the requirements of the plants. The plants were harvested at full maturity. Dry matter yield of rape seeds and wheat grains was determined, and quality analyses were conducted. Fertilizer C had the lowest and fertilized B showed the highest yield-forming effect. Sulfur fertilization did not considerably affect the fatty acid content in spring rape seeds but increased the glucosinolate content. The highest content of compounds that form vitamin E was shown in seeds after fertilization with a double dose of sulfur. The starch content in winter wheat grains decreased after sulfur fertilization, but the gluten content increased. The lowest activity of amylolytic enzymes was found in grains of plants fertilized with a double dose of elemental sulfur.  

24.4.2019