Effect of sulphur and zinc on yield, quality and nutrient uptake by safflower in Vertisol.

The individual and interactive effects of sulphur (0, 30, 45, 60 kg S ha−1) and zinc (0, 15, 30, 45 kg Zn ha−1) along with 50 kg each of N and P2O5 ha−1 were studied on safflower for yield, quality and nutrient uptake in a swell-shrink soil. Application of 45 kg S ha−1 recorded significantly high drymatter and seed yield (2.6 lt ha−1) and seed nutrient content. Application of zinc recorded significant response up to 15 kg Zn ha−1 for seed yield (2.37 t ha−1). However, significantly high straw yield (7.62 t ha−1) and nutrient content in seed and dry matter were recorded with the application of 30 kg Zn ha−1. Increase in levels of S and Zn increased significantly the oil and protein content in seed. The interaction of sulphur and zinc was significant and the highest seed (29.34 q ha−1) and straw yield (94.23 q ha−1) were obtained with the combined application of 45 kg Sand 15 kg Zn ha−1.