Effect of sulfur fertilization on the physical and chemical properties of crambe (Crambe abyssinica Hochst ex R.E. Fries) seeds

Abstract

Crambe seeds have numerous industrial applications. Crambe seed oil contains mostly monounsaturated fatty acids. Seeds contain crude protein, amino acid, glucosinolates. They are used in human and animal nutrition. The aim of this study was to determine the physical and chemical properties of crambe seeds subjected to fertilization at 0, 15, 30 kg S ha−1. Thousand seed weight ranged from 6.93 g (0S) to 8.04 g (30S). All results were statistically significantly different. Length (L) of seeds ranged from 2.20 mm (0S, 15S) to 2.24 mm (30S), width (S) ranged from 1.90 mm (0S) to 1.95 mm (30S), surface area (F) ranged from 3.53 mm2 (0S) to 3.67 mm2 (30S). All samples (0S, 15S, 30S) formed one homogenous group for the values of L, S, F. Crude fat content was 349.8 g kg−1 DM (0S) to 377.9 g kg−1 DM (30S) and crude protein content was 241.0 g kg−1 DM (0S) to 250.3 g kg−1 DM (30S). The results for each sample were statistically significantly different. The results can be used in practice to determine the dose of sulfur fertilizer. Fertilization caused changes in 1000 seed weight of crambe. Additionally, selected linear dimensions and shape factors of crambe seeds were affected by fertilizer. Sulfur fertilization caused changes in the crude fat and crude protein content of crambe seeds.