Effect of sulphur in conjunction with growth substances on productivity of clusterbean (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba) and their residual effect on barley (Hordeum vulgare)

A field study was carried out during 2000–01 and 2001–02 to assess the effect of levels and sources of sulphur along with growth substances on clusterbean [Cyamopsis tetragonoloba (L.) Taub] as well as their residual effect on succeeding barley (Hordeum vulgare L. s.l.) crop was undertaken at ARS, Fatehpur-Shekhawati. The treatments consisted combinations of 3 levels of S (0, 25 and 50 kg/ha), 2 sources of S (Gypsum and SulFer 95) and 3 growth substances (thiourea, DMSO and brassinolids). Sulphur fertilization up to 50 kg/ha significantly increased pods/plant, grains/plant, test weight and subsequently increased yield of clusterbean. Application of sulphur through SulFer 95 was found superior to gypsum for improvement in yield attributes and yield of clusterbean. Significant variation among foliar-applied growth substances was observed for yield attributes and yield of clusterbean. Thiourea recorded the maximum grain yield followed by brassinolids and DMSO. Residual studies revealed that application of S at 25 kg/ha was optimum for single crop of clusterbean, while for clusterbean-barley crop sequence higher level of S, i.e. 50 kg/ha was found effective. SulFer 95 as a source of S was found superior to gypsum in increasing grain yield of succeeding crop of barley.