Success StoryAvoiding Excessive Sulfur Use
Avoiding Excessive Sulfur Use
Author: John Grove
Planning Unit: Plant and Soil Sciences
Major Program: Soil testing
Outcome: Long-Term Outcome
I was invited by Philip Konopka to give a Zoom presentation on "Everything but N, P and K - plus CEC" to a large audience in northeastern Kentucky. One of the topics was sulfur (S) fertilization, which is controversial both as to the actual need for S and S soil testing. Several audience producers were applying S prophylactically, without regard to soil test or plant tissue analysis results. After the Zoom presentation I stayed on to answer questions and concerns. One individual in particular was insistent that his soils needed at least 25 lb S per acre per year. When asked about his soil test results, it was clear that his soil test S levels had been increased to the point that he could go several years without additional S fertilizer. I explained all this, and also noted that northeastern KY is still receiving some S via atmospheric deposition. Wasn't at all sure that he was persuaded, but Philip called me about two weeks later to say that the grower was going to reduce his S application by 50% for the next few years and would also follow up with some plant tissue analysis. Though only half a loaf, the 50% initial cut represents a significant good faith decision by this grower. His actions also persuaded several other growers to look more closely at their S fertilization rates and use plant tissue analysis along with soil testing. As plant tissue analysis is not often used by Kentucky growers, this is a win-win for all. I expect they will find other economies in their nutrient management plans as the new data come in.
Stories by John Grove
Understanding and Choosing the Right Nitrogen Loss Inhibitor for Corn Production
Answered a March phone call from a corn grower who was pre-purchasing nitrogen fertilizer. Also want... Read More
Avoiding Excessive Sulfur Use
I was invited by Philip Konopka to give a Zoom presentation on Everything but N, P and K - plus CEC ... Read More
Stories by Plant and Soil Sciences
2022 Kentucky Backgrounding Short Course Creates over $50,000 in Additional Profits
2022 Kentucky Backgrounding Short CourseJeff Lehmkuhler, Katie VanValin, Michelle Arnold, Jimmy Henn... Read More
Improving Hay quality for the producer and consumer in Eastern Kentucky
UK Specialist/Agent/Industry Partnership Results in successful hay day at the Robinson Center for Ap... Read More
Stories by Soil testing
Fertilizer Academy Benefits Farmers & Agriculture Agencies
The post COVID-19 pandemic environment revealed a continuum of inflation on many goods and services.... Read More
Determining Soil Texture By Feel
This short publication was developed to supplement the 4-H Land Judging publication in 2015. The pub... Read More
© 2024 University of Kentucky, Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment