Effect of nitrogen, sulphur and foliar spray of nitrate salts on performance of spring sunflower (Helianthus annuus)

A field experiment was conducted at Baruipur Farm, Calcutta University during spring seasons of 2004 and 2005 oil Entisol, to study the effect of nitrogen, sulphur and foliar spray of nitrate salts on sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.). Nitrogen application up to 120 kg/ha improved the physiological growth parameters, yield attributes and seed yield by 20% over 60 kg N/ha. A significant increase in the growth parameters was observed with 60 kg S/ha over 30 kg S/ha. Application of 60 kg S/ha resulted in significantly higher seed yield of 2.27 tonnes/ha which was 33% higher over no sulphur. Foliar spray of 0.406% Ca(NO3)(2) at 50% flowering improved the yield attributes and seed yield over 0.50% KNO3. Application of 120 kg N along with 60 kg S/ha and foliar nutrition of 0.406% Ca(NO3)(2) was found most effective in increasing sunflower production in spring season on Entisol.