Sulphur & Coriander Boost Quiz Quiz

Explore the critical role of sulphur in crop production, with a special focus on coriander, and learn how this essential nutrient affects plant growth and yield in agricultural systems.

1. Sulphur as an Essential Plant Nutrient

   Which primary function does sulphur serve in crops like coriander?

   1. Component of amino acids and proteins
   2. Root development regulator
   3. Source of plant energy
   4. Main element of photosynthetic pigments

   Explanation: Sulphur is vital for synthesizing certain amino acids and proteins, making it essential for plant growth and development. It does not directly supply energy (that is mainly from carbohydrates), is not the specific regulator for root growth (though it contributes), and while involved in the production of chlorophyll, it is not the main element of photosynthetic pigments.

2. Sulphur Deficiency Symptoms in Coriander

   What is a typical visible symptom of sulphur deficiency in coriander plants?

   1. Excessive stem elongation
   2. Leaf curling and necrosis
   3. Purple spots on older leaves
   4. Uniform yellowing of young leaves

   Explanation: Sulphur deficiency often presents as a pale yellowing in the younger leaves due to its immobility in plants. Purple spots are more typical of phosphorus deficiency, leaf curling and necrosis suggest other nutrient imbalances, and excessive stem elongation is less characteristic of sulphur issues.

3. Sulphur in Soil Management

   Which soil condition is most likely to reduce sulphur availability to coriander crops?

   1. Sandy soils with frequent leaching
   2. Calcareous soils prone to crusting
   3. Neutral pH soils with high organic matter
   4. Heavy clay soils with poor drainage

   Explanation: Sandy soils, especially with high rainfall or irrigation, can cause sulphur to leach away, reducing availability to crops. Heavy clays may retain sulphur, neutral pH and high organic matter can be beneficial, and while calcareous soils might affect other nutrients, they don't specifically increase sulphur leaching.

4. Sulphur Application Method

   How is elemental sulphur most effectively made available to coriander plants?

   1. Foliar spray without any conversion
   2. Applied as a gas around roots
   3. Through microbial oxidation in soil
   4. By direct uptake of elemental form

   Explanation: Elemental sulphur must first be oxidized by soil microbes into sulphate, the plant-available form. Crops cannot directly take up elemental sulphur nor can it be used effectively in gases or foliar sprays without conversion.

5. Sulphur's Role in Crop Quality

   Why does adequate sulphur nutrition improve the flavor and aroma of coriander leaves?

   1. It increases water uptake for turgidity
   2. It prevents magnesium deficiency symptoms
   3. It raises overall leaf chlorophyll content
   4. It helps form essential oils and volatile compounds

   Explanation: Sulphur is involved in the synthesis of certain amino acids and oils, which contribute to the distinctive flavors and aromas in coriander. Water uptake and chlorophyll content may be affected by other nutrients, and magnesium deficiency is unrelated to sulphur levels.