Explore key facts about sulphur's role, deficiency symptoms, fertilizer management, and soil interactions in cumin cultivation. Improve your understanding of optimizing sulphur use in agricultural practices.
Which essential function does sulphur primarily serve in cumin plants?
Explanation: Sulphur is crucial for the synthesis of certain amino acids and proteins in cumin, directly affecting growth and yield. Magnesium plays a role in photosynthesis, not sulphur. Activation of phosphorus and potassium transport are not primary functions of sulphur.
What is an early visible symptom of sulphur deficiency in cumin fields?
Explanation: Sulphur deficiency causes general yellowing (chlorosis) that begins in younger leaves since sulphur is less mobile in plants. Purpling is linked to phosphorus deficiency, tip necrosis relates to potassium, and interveinal yellowing of older leaves points to magnesium.
When managing sulphur in cumin, which fertilizer is commonly recommended due to its high sulphur content?
Explanation: Gypsum contains significant sulphur and is frequently used for sulphur supplementation. Urea supplies nitrogen, single superphosphate provides both phosphorus and some sulphur but less than gypsum, and muriate of potash supplies potassium, not sulphur.
How does high soil pH typically affect sulphur availability for cumin plants?
Explanation: High pH soils can reduce sulphur availability because microbial activity and organic matter mineralization are slowed down. Increased microbial activity generally boosts sulphur supply, but high pH usually limits it. Sulphur is not toxic at normal fertilizer rates, and its availability can vary with soil conditions.
For optimal cumin growth, at what crop stage is sulphur application most effective?
Explanation: Applying sulphur at sowing ensures availability during early growth when demand is high. Application before harvest or after flowering is too late for effective uptake. Late irrigation is not an ideal time as nutrient needs are mostly met earlier.