Perennial Ryegrass ( Lolium perenne L.) Response to Different Forms of Sulfur Fertilizers

The aim of the study was to compare sulfate fertilizers and mixtures of elemental sulfur (S 0 ) and sulfate in terms of yield and nitrogen (N) and sulfur (S) status in perennial ryegrass. Mixtures of sulfate and S 0 can reduce the consumption of sulfate alone. The plants were grown in soil cultures. The plants were supplemented with S 0 , K 2 SO 4 , MgSO 4 , and (NH 4 )SO 4 or a mixture of these salts with S o . Two sulfur doses were applied and the ryegrass was harvested three times. Fresh and dry weights of each swath, the N and S content, and their uptake were determined. The total fresh yield of sulfur-fertilized plants was 25 to 94% higher compared to unfertilized plants. The increases in dry matter were even more significant. Fertilizers, being a mixture of S 0 and sulfate, showed the same efficiency as those containing sulfate alone. Sulfur fertilization resulted in a higher S content and its uptake, lowered N concentration in second and third swatch, and a decrease in total N uptake. In conclusion, to achieve high crop yields, soil sulfur deficiency should be corrected and fertilizers that are the mixture of elemental sulfur and sulfate are a beneficial and effective approach.