Interaction between nitrogen and sulfur by foliar application and its effects on flour bread‐making quality

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Optimization of nitrogen (N) and sulfur (S) nutrition of wheat influences the bread‐making quality of grain. This study was conducted to determine whether the application of N and S in winter wheat at anthesis stage during two field trials could influence the absorption and distribution of N and S in grain and flour bread‐making qualityRESULTS: The incorporation of 15N and 34S tracers in various plant parts (leaves, stems, spikes) was determined by isotopic ratio mass spectrometry coupled with an elemental analyser (EA‐IRMS). The effects of foliar fertilization on percentage of 15N and 34S recovery in various plant parts, grain yield, flour protein content, and dough properties were investigated after a combination of treatments: N (urea), S (micronized elemental S) and NS (both urea and micronized elemental S). Nitrogen (70–80%) and S (35–55%) were quickly assimilated during the days following application. Sixty days after application, 42–68% N and 6–12% S were recovered in the grain. When N and S fertilizers were applied simultaneously, N and S recoveries (68% and 12%), N/S ratios (11–14), flour protein content (115 g kg−1) and dough strength (310 × 10−4 J), swelling (21.8 mmH2O) and extensibility (96.4 mm) were increased.CONCLUSION: A synergistic effect between the foliar applied N and S fertilizers appears to increase N and S assimilation in grain and may improve bread‐making qualities. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry