The sulphate-S/total S ratio in plants as an index of their sulphur status |
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Authors: | A Scaife I G Burns |
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Institution: | (1) National Vegetable Research Station, Wellesbourne, CV35 9EF Warwick, UK |
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Abstract: | Summary Several authors are advocating the use of the SO4–S/total S ratio in the plant as the best index of S status. We have traced the arguments put forward in support of this index, and we show that they are based either on unfair comparisons with other indices, such as SO4–S or total S alone, or inappropriate statistical treatment.The SO4–S/total S index has two fundamental disadvantages compared with SO4–S or total S alone: (1) the numerator (SO4–S) is the major variable in the denominator, so the ratio is likely to be less sensitive than either of the measurements alone; (2) its determination involves twice as much analytical work as either measurement alone.Examination of some of the source references indicates that SO4–S by itself is the most satisfactory S index. Whenever whole plants are analysed, any index which includes organic S is subject to variation due to tissue age. |
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Keywords: | Critical concentration Plant analysis Sulphate sulphur Sulphate/total sulphur ratio |
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