EFFICIENCY OF ELEMENTAL SULFUR ON MYCORRHIZAE IN THE YIELD INCREASE OF WHEAT

Abstract

Mycorrhizal infection enhances phosphorus (P) nutritional status of plants under P-deficient soil condition. The yield responses of wheat to sulfur (S) alone, phosphorus (P) alone, and combined application of sulfur and phosphorus in mycorrhizal and non-mycorrhizal treatments in calcareaous non-sterilized Karaburun soil (sub-group Typic Xerorthent) were investigated. The elemental sulfur enhanced the mycorrhizal efficiency that resulted in increased shoot, root, and grain yield dry matter in comparison to mycorrhiza treatment alone. This new finding to increase the efficiency of the mycorrhizae by the addition of 100 mg kg⁻¹ elemental sulfur to the soil suggests that elemental sulfur may play an important role for the ecologic agriculture. It can be specifically important for increasing the efficiency of mycorrhizal infection in well-aerated P deficient soil.

Keywords:

• phosphorus
• mycorrhiza
• sulfur

Acknowledgments

This project was funded by Cukurova Universty Research Foundation. Appreciation is extended to Dr. V. Uygur and Dr. Z. Kaya for helpful comments during the preparation of this manuscript.