Efficiency of Sulphur Source on Sesame (Sesamum Indicum L.) in Red and Lateritic Soil of West Bengal

A field experiment was conducted to study the efficiency of sulphur source on Sesame (sesamum indicum L.) in red and lateritic soil of West Bengal with increasing levels of sulphur (0, 20, 40, 60 and 80 kg ha-1) from three sources, namely, gypsum, magnesium sulphate and single super phosphate. Soil samples were analyzed for available-N, P, K, S and pH. Leaf chlorophyll content was estimated before and after flowering stage. Plant samples were analyzed for dry matter yield, grain yield, oil content and contents and uptake of nutrients viz., N, P, K and S. The stover yield of sesame was found to increase significantly with application of sulphur up to 20 kg ha-1. Maximum seed yield was obtained with the application of sulphur @ 40 kg ha-1 as magnesium sulphate. Sulphur application increased oil content significantly irrespective of its sources up to 40 kg ha-1. Oil yield was also increased with sulphur application up to 40 kg ha-1. Chlorophyll content of leaves before flowering was increased due to application of magnesium sulphate only. After flowering, sulphur application in increased rates resulted in increased leaf chlorophyll content. Sulphur application from all the sources reduced nitrogen concentration in stover. Sulphur application increased p, K and S content in stover. Nitrogen content in seeds was increased with sulphur application @ 20 kg ha-1. Sulphur application resulted in increased phosphorus content in grains and gypsum was found to be most efficient in increasing phosphorus content in grains. Potassium content in seed was also increased with increasing sulphur application irrespective of the sources. Sulphur content in seeds was decreased with sulphur application. The uptake values of nutrients were in accordance with seed and stover yields and their contents at different levels of those nutrients. There was an increase in crude protein content with application of sulphur @ 20 kg ha-1.