Sulphur Fertilization Improves the Sesame Productivity and Economic Returns under Rainfed Conditions

Sulphur (S) plays an important role particularly in the nutrition of oilseed crops as it is a key element of S containing amino acids. Therefore, this study was conducted to evaluate the effect of S application on the productivity and oil quality of sesame at Research Farm of PMAS, Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi, during Kharif 2008 under rainfed conditions. Elemental S was applied as basal dose @ 0, 30, 45 and 60 kg ha(-1) to three sesame cultivars viz. SG-18, SG-27 and TS-3. Sulphur application at all levels significantly improved the yield and related traits of sesame like number of capsules per plant, 1000-seed weight, and biological and seed yields; however S application @ 45 kg ha(-1) was the best. Sesame cultivars behaved differently under different levels of S application and TS-3 proved more productive. According to economic and marginal analysis, S application @ 45 kg ha(-1) seemed highly practical due to higher net returns, benefit-cost ratio (BCR) and marginal rate of return. In conclusion, to attain maximum sesame productivity along with higher net returns, BCR and marginal rate of return under rainfed conditions, cultivar TS-3 should be grown with S application @ 45 kg ha(-1). (C) 2013 Friends Science Publishers