Synthesis and Characterization of Nano-Sulfur and Its Impact on Growth, Yield, and Quality of Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.)

ABSTRACTABSTRACTA laboratory study was undertaken to determine the response of sunflower to nano-sulfur application in comparison to conventional sulfatic fertilizer. Nano-sulfur particles were characterized using a particle size analyzer, zeta potential, UV-Spectroscopy, XRD, FT-IR, SEM, and TEM. After the complete characterization, the sulfur release pattern was studied in a percolation reactor system. Thereafter, response studies were carried out using sunflower (var. KBSH 42) crop. The stable and uniform nano-sulfur particles with a medium diameter of 35–45 nm are yielded by the aqueous precipitation method. The results showed that sulfur release from the nano-sulfur has prolonged for 42 days, while the sulfur release from the ordinary sulfur fertilizer (gypsum) ceased to exist within 35 days. Nano-sulfur fertilized plants had registered significantly higher dry matter production (11–12%), seed yield (15%), and oil content (14.7%) than gypsum fertilized plants. The data revealed that nano-sulfur assists in improving the available sulfur in soils.KEYWORDS: Nano-sulfurrelease patternnutrient use efficiencysunflower AcknowledgmentsThe authors thank the DST-SERB for providing financial assistance and sanction the project on Nano-S for enhanced use efficiency in sunflower.Disclosure statementNo potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).Authors’ contributionKSS and RR planned the experiments and involved in drafting the manuscript. DP performed the synthesis and characterization of nano-S. MG conducted a pot culture experiment and laboratory analysis. MY supports manuscript revision and uploading. GY carried out percolation reactor studies to determine the sorption and desorption pattern of nutrient release characteristics. All the authors read the manuscript and approved it.Additional informationFundingThis work was supported by the DST SERB SB/YS/LS-267/2013.