THE FARM.

Pelorus Guardian and Miners' Advocate., Volume 29, Issue 48, 22 June 1917, Page 7

THE FARM.

THE EFFECTS OF SULPHUR 0* PLANT GROWTH. , Sulphur is commonly used to pro* tect vines' from oidium, and it has long been noticed that, when tfapa used, it has a stimulating effect oh the growth of the vines. The experiments of several French investigators have now, according to the “Scientific American,” made clear how this effect is. brought about. Sulphur docs not act directly as a plant food, but breaks down complex nitrogenous substances in the soil to the ammonia form. Hence its action is dependent upon the presence and amount of organic matter in the soil. Thus Vermbrel and Dantony treated wheat and beans, grown in pots, with sulphur.

When nitrogen was also applied to the form of nitrates the addition of sulphur led to no increase in yield, but wlien the same quantity of nitrogen was supplied in an organic form (dried blood) an increase of 30 per cent, was noted for wheat and 60 per cent, for beans.

The most recent and conclusive experiments on the subject are those of Professor Chamzit, at VilTefranche-sur-Saone, where half-acre plots of vines were. treated. The effects of the suiphdr were markedly less in proportion to the time that had elapsed since the vines had been manured, and were increased by mixing the sulphui* with the manure. .