Abstract:

Global sulphur (S) deficiency in farming lands is a problem in recent years, especially in the fields with high nitrogen (N) input. Unbalanced application of S and N fertilizers not only leads to low N use efficiency but also degrades the grain quality of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) due to physiological S deficiency. To investigate the effects of sulphur application on grain yield and processing quality, two medium-gluten wheat cultivars (Yunong 949 and Lankao Aizao 8) were used in field experiments with different S and N fertilizer treatments in 2005–2007 growing seasons. Two N levels treatments (240 and 330 kg ha^-1) were combined with two S levels (0 and 60 kg ha^-1). In both cultivars, nitrogen combined sulphur treatments increased grain yield and the yield components. Comparing with no sulphur application, nitrogen combined sulphur application reduced the ratio of amylose/ Amylopectin, and increased farinograph quality parameters of flour. The extensibility parameters of flour such as extended area and extensibility of dough were increased, and the rheological properties of dough and the other main processing quality of wheat flour were improved by sulphur application. In addition, the brightness of flour and the quality identified by senses were improved by sulphur application. On the whole, there is an available measure of fertilizer use not only increasing grain yield and improving quality but also saving cost with applying N 240 kg combined with S 60 kg per hectare in high fertility field. Above results indicate that there is an urgent need to apply S fertilizer in some with high N application in China to achieve high grain yield and maintain high processing quality of wheat.

Key words: Wheat, Sulphur, Grain yield, Grain quality