Effect of Sulphur Application on Growth Indices and Yield of Peanut(Arachis hypogaea L.)

In order to evaluate the effects of sulphur fertilizer sources and amounts on growth indices and yield of peanut (Arachis hypogaea L. CV. NC2), a field experiment was conducted in Bandar Kiaashahr, Guilan province, Iran in 2004. The experiment was laid out in a factorial arrangement with two factors including sulphur sources (gypsum and single super phosphate) and sulphur rates (0, 30, 60 and 90 kg.h-1) in a completely randomized block design with three replications. Results showed that sulphur application greatly enhanced peanut growth and yield. The application of 90 kg.h-1 sulphur (in both forms) performed significantly better than the rest. The highest pod yield and grain yield were obtained in 90 kg.h-1 sulphur in gypsum form (6400 and 5200 kg.h-1, respectively). The highest LAI (6.6), CGR (20.2 g.m-2.12GDD-1) and PGR (16 g.m-2.12GDD-1) were obtained in 90 kg sulphur in the form of gypsum after 1142, 1142 and 1289 of accumulation, respectively. According to the results of the present experiment, it could be concluded that sulphur may considerably increase peanut grain yield and yield components. Thus, it could be expected that the application of 90 kg sulphur per hectare in the form of gypsum may result in better growth indices and higher grain yield of peanut.