The Effect of Sulfur and Sulfate-Fertilizers on Zn and Cu Uptake by the Rice Plant (Oryza sativa L.)

The effect of sulfur and sulfate fertilizer on uptake of zinc and copper by rice plant has been examined in the present research. The experiment was carried out in split-split plot design in randomized complete block with 3 replications under different treatments viz., macronutrients in the main plot, sulfur in the sub plot and micronutrients in the sub-sub plot. Zn and Cu content of rice plant leaves have been measured tillering and panicle initiation stages and in the grain. The analysis of obtained data revealed that the maximum Zn content in the leaf at both stages attained when NPK, S and Zn-sulfate were applied. The maximum Cu content in the leaf attained when NPK, S and Cu-sulfate were applied as compared with the control. But, both Zn and Cu content in the grain increased when NPK, S and Zn, Cu and Mn-sulfate were applied together.