Sulphur fertilization and food quality-A review

About 42% of Indian soils are deficient in sulphur(s) and good yield responses to S fertilization are reported in cereals, pulses and oilseeds. However, little information is available in the country on the effect of S fertilization on quality of grain, seed or oil. Soil or fertilizer S is the main source of S for the plants, which in part being the main source of S-containing essential amino acid methionine and essential vitamin thiamine for the humans. In addition, plants also synthesize a number of metabolites, such as alliin/allicin, glucosinolates (GSLs) and methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), which have great medicinal value. Studies on the effect of S fertilization on the content of essential amino acids and vitamins and some of the discussed metabolites in grain or seed of food crops will go a long way in enhancing their commercial value and in improving human health. Effects of S fertilization on the composition of fatty acids are also suggested. Development of such analytical facilities at agricultural institutes/universities will also help in developing varieties with higher contents of desired S compounds.