Sulphur Deficiency in Grapes

How Sulphur affects grapevines

Sulphur is a building block of proteins and aroma compounds and supports nitrogen use.

Symptoms of sulphur deficiency in grapes

Early: Uniform pale-green to yellow on the YOUNGEST leaves (unlike N, which hits old leaves first), with thin upright shoots.

Advanced: General chlorosis, stunting and reduced vigour across new growth.

Why it happens

Sandy low-organic soils and use of S-free fertilisers; less common where sulphate fertilisers or S dusting are used.

How to confirm (petiole at full bloom)

Test	Sufficient range
Sulphur in grapevine tissue	Blade S 0.15–0.40%.

Correction & timing in the vine cycle

Supply via sulphate-form fertilisers (Magnesium Sulphate, Potassium Sulphate, Ammonium Sulphate) through the season.

Ranges are general guidance for Indian vineyards; always confirm with petiole analysis at full bloom and a soil test, and tailor doses to variety, stage and soil. Our agronomists can build a vine-specific programme free of charge.

Correction Products

Product	Method	Rate
Sulphur 80% WDG	Soil + Foliar	2g/L foliar / 3–5 kg/acre soil
Ammonium Sulphate	Soil	20–30 kg/acre

Treatment Steps

1. Confirm with soil test + leaf analysis. Check soil pH.
2. Apply Sulphur 80% WDG at 2g as emergency foliar spray. Repeat after 7–10 days.
3. Apply drip or soil for lasting correction.
4. Include in regular nutrition program to prevent recurrence.

Related