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.






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