We will undertake a dose response trial and apply sulphur at varying rates (0 kg SO3/ha, 60 kg SO3/ha, 120 kg SO3/ha, and 180 kg SO3/ha) to assess its impact on amino acid profile and yield in the harvested crop.
We expect to improve our understanding of how varying sulphur application rates impacts the sulphurous amino acid content (methionine and cysteine) in harvest faba beans, alongside understanding the effect on yield.
It is anticipated that higher sulphur rates will increase amino acid content without compromising yield. The results will help determine the optimum sulphur application rate that maximizes the nutritional quality of the beans, their cost of production and carbon footprint.
The findings will inform decision-making regarding sulphur use in faba bean production, helping farmers optimise nutritional value for animal feed while maintaining or improving overall yield. If successful, the trial could contribute to increasing the use of homegrown pulses as a sustainable alternative to imported soybean meal in livestock feed.
