Sulfur (S) deficiency

Sulfur (S) deficiency affects chlorophyll production, protein synthesis, and plant function and structure.

It can lead to delayed plant development and maturity. If deficiency occurs at vegetative stage, it can affect yield.

S deficiency is not particularly common in irrigated rice. It occurs in soils with low organic matter status, highly weathered soils containing large amounts of Iron (Fe) oxides, and sandy soils.

How to identify ( symptoms)

S deficiency has the same foliar symptoms as nitrogen deficiency.

• yellowing or pale green color of the whole plant
• young leaves are chlorotic or light green colored with the tips becoming necrotic
• lower leaves does not show necrosis
• leaves are paler yellow
• reduced plant height and stunted growth
• reduced number of tillers, fewer and shorter panicles, reduced number of spikelets per panicle

 

 

reduced spiklet per panicle at maturity

How to manage/ control measures

There is currently no practical field management option for S deficiency. Where possible,

 

• Apply S to the seedbed (rice nursery) by using S-containing fertilizers.
• Incorporate straw instead of completely removing or burning it. 
• Improve soil management to enhance S uptake by maintaining sufficient percolation (~5mm per day) or by carrying out dry tillage after harvesting.