Effect of Potassium and Sulphur on Popcorn Crop in Calcareous Soils

Popcorn is one of the most important crops, also referred as popping corn. It possesses exceptional popping qualities. Size of kernels is small but the endosperm is hard. Among the different types of maize, popcorn is popular and nutritious snack food in many parts of World. Potassium (K) and sulphur (S) play a vital role in the nutrition of plants. Indian soils have indicated that the soils are deficient in sulphur and medium to low in the potash. K is the element in plant system and induces the resistance in various forms of pests, diseases, cold, water and nutritional stress. K interacts with almost all of the essential macronutrients, the secondary nutrients and the micronutrients. It increases silking in corn and delayed maturity. The crop response to application of potassium is becoming more frequent and more pronounced. S plays an important role in nitrogen metabolism. S in soils also regulates pH increases availability of the other nutrients. S fertilizers influences in the height of maize plant and a number of leaves per plant, dry matter production at all growth stages and protein synthesis. The S application increases the grain and straw yield of popcorn plant.