Sulfur deficiency can be confused with nitrogen deficiency, but it affects young leaves rather than older ones.

Typical symptoms:
• Yellowing (chlorosis) in young leaves and new shoots.
• Delayed overall plant growth.
• Thin, brittle stems.
• Delayed flowering and ripening.
• Lower protein and oil content in grains and seeds.

Sulfur deficiency develops progressively and, if not corrected, limits crop quality and yield, especially in legumes, cruciferous crops, and cereals.

Developmental stages:
• Early: Young leaves with a uniform pale green color.
• Intermediate stage: More intense chlorosis in shoots, slow growth.
• Advanced: Thin stems, small, deformed leaves.
• Final: Marked reduction in flowering, protein-poor seeds, and lower total yield.