Estimation of sulfate and amino acid sulfur in plant material by X‐ray spectrometry

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Abstract
The SK.alpha. shift between the valences of sulfur has been used to determine by X-ray spectrometry the two main forms of sulfur present in plant material, viz: oxidised S (S6+) and covalently bonded sulfur (Sc). S6+ and Sc were shown to correlate closely with sulfate, as determined by reduction with hydriodic acid, and cysteine+methionine S, respectively. The method is rapid and reliable provided the X-ray spectrometer is stable and has high reproducibility in goniometer setting. The use of S6+ and Sc is recommended as an alternative to chemical methods for assessing the sulfur status of crops and the sulfur amino acid content of diets.