Foliar Sulfur Application and Its Effects on Sulfur Distribution, Seed Yield, and Soil Fertility in Onion Seed Crop

This study examined the effects of different doses of foliar sulfur application on sulfur distribution in various plant parts, soil dynamics, and seed yield in onion seed crops. The research was conducted at the ICAR–Directorate of Onion and Garlic Research, Rajgurunagar, using a randomized complete block design with six treatment levels, including a control, where sulfur applications ranged from 0.2% to 1% across two growing seasons (2020–21 and 2021–22). This study showed that the increase in the levels of sulfur application led to higher concentration of sulfur in the leaf, stem, and bulb tissues with a maximum of 1.33% S in the leaf at 60 days after planting (DAP) in the 1% treatment. Chemical tests showed that there was an increase in the level of sulfur in the applied plots, with the available sulfur standing at 12.40 mg/kg at harvest. There was a positive trend between the levels of sulfur and seed yield where the highest seed yield of 920.00 g/plot was realized at 0.8% S during the 2021/2022 season. This calls for proper management of sulfur in onion seed production and the use of foliar application of sulfur in increasing the yield of the crop and improving the health of the soil. The outcomes are useful to the security of onion seed production.