Response of broccoli to sulphur application at topdressing in the presence or absence of organic compost at planting

Abstract

The literature has confirmed the efficacy of sulphur (S) when growing Brassicaceae. However, there are no studies with this nutrient on broccoli. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the response of broccoli (hybrid Avenger) to sulphur rates applied at top dressing in the presence or absence of organic compost at planting. The experimental design was a randomized complete block, with ten treatments (5 x 2 factorial design) and four repetitions. Treatments consisted of five S (ammonium sulphate) rates (0, 31, 62, 93 and 124 kg ha-1); with organic compost (100 t ha-1) in planting or without organic compost in planting. After harvesting, head fresh matter, head diameter and number of leaves were evaluated. In general, head diameter, head height and fresh matter increased in all treatments by adding organic compost. A quadratic effect was observed for head fresh matter and head height by applying organic compost (100 tha-1), as the maximum values were 620.6 g and 17.2cm at the rate of 66.9 and 49.2 kg S ha-1, respectively. Key words: Brassica oleracea var. italica, fertilization, sulphate.