Influence of sulphur fertilizer on growth and productivity of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.)

Field experiments with seven levels of sulphur (0, 20, 40, 60, 80, 100 and 120 kg ha(-1)) were carried out in silty clay loam of Grey Terrace soil (Albaquept) at the Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI), Joydebpur, Gazipur during the three consecutive years (1995-96, 1996-97 and 1997-98) to evaluate sulphur fertilizer effects on growth and productivity of sunflower (cv. Kironi). Dry matter production (DMP), crop growth rate (CGR), yield components, yield and harvest index significantly responded to the application of sulphur. Total dry matter (TDM) production increased gradually and reached it maximum at 75-90 days after emergence (DAE). Towards maturity, contribution of the leaf to total dry matter decreased faster than that of stem while the contribution of a head increased to a greater extent. CGR was higher during 75-90 DAE irrespective of sulphur levels. Relative growth rate (RGR) showed an ontogenetic downward drift with crop age. Increasing the levels of sulphur up to 80 kg ha(-1) increased TDM including CGR, RGR, yield components and yield of sunflower which was statistically identical with 60 kg S ha(-1). Results of three year's study revealed that sunflower be grown with 60 kg S ha(-1) for obtaining better growth and seed yield.