The effectiveness of sulfidic materials as a source of sulfur fertilizer for the production of rice in two sulfur deficient soils

The effectiveness of sulfidic materials (SM) and gypsum (G) application at the rates of 0, 40, 80, 120, and 160 kg S ha-1 on the growth, yield, and mineral nutrition of rice (Oryza sativa L.; BR 16: Shahi balam) cultivated in two sulfur deficient soils of Sirajgonj (Typic Haplaquept) and Gazipur (Typic Paleustult) were evaluated in a greenhouse study. The best growth, yield performance, and nutrition of rice were recorded by the SM160 treatment in both the Sirajgonj (e.g. grain: 9.8 g/plant) and Gazipur (8.6) soils, followed by the SM120 (8.5, 7.5) > SM80 (7.3, 7.3) > G160 (7.1, 6.9) treatments. The application of SM increased the average grain yield by 82% (increased over control: IOC) for Sirajgonj soil and 78% for Gazipur soil, irrespective of application rates. In the case of gypsum, these increments were 40 and 37% for Sirajgonj and Gazipur soils, respectively. The application of gypsum at the highest rate of G160 was not as effective as even the dose of SM80 in both of the soils. However, almost similar and significant (p<0.05) effects were observed for the grain weight, percent filled grains, and harvest index of rice grown in both the soils. The applied SM increased the average organic matter and available sulfur contents in the soilsby 20 to 46%, and 140 to 228% IOC, respectively, while these increments were 6 to 20% and 88 to 187% for gypsum treatments, indicating that the SM was potential and effective than gypsum not only as a source of sulfur fertilizer but also to enrich the fertility and productivity status of the soils. Moreover, the SM treatment was found to be maintained the high nutrient status in both the soils till the final harvest at maturity of rice, reflecting a good indication for its long term use. The use of SM did not show any adverse effect on the plant and soil.