Sulphur for wheat protein

Abstract

The effectiveness of supplementing Sulphur (S) to Canada west red spring (CWRS) and Durum wheat to increased grain protein levels was assessed in a three-year 10 trial experiment. Five rates of N (0, 36, 54, 72 and 90 lb/acre) and two rates of S (0 and 22 lb S/acre) were arranged in a complete randomized block design with either four or six replicates. Soils at the sites varied from S deficient to S sufficient, based on criteria utilized in western Canada. Application of 22 lb S/acre resulted in no yield increases; a protein content increase was obtained in a soil that contained extremely low S levels in the 0-12 inch depth. Protein content in the grain was directly related to N fertilization and growing season (May, June, July) precipitation. Hence, deliberate and indiscriminate application of S to increase protein in CWRS and Durum wheat grain is not a recommended practice, unless S deficiency is corrected in which case an indirect benefit of increased grain protein might ensue.