Success StorySulfur Research Trials



Sulfur Research Trials

Author: Edwin Ritchey

Planning Unit: Plant and Soil Sciences

Major Program: Soils

Outcome: Intermediate Outcome

Many privatesoil testing labs routinely recommend the addition of sulfur for cropproduction. However, the soil test used (e.g. Mehlich 3) is not correlated or calibratedfor crop response in Kentucky or surrounding states. One focus of my research programhas been sulfur fertility work in row crops (corn and wheat) and alfalfa. Tissuesurveys were conducted over a four-year period for wheat and alfalfa encompassedthe majority of Kentucky for wheat and alfalfa did not show strong evidencethat sulfur was lacking. Response trials in alfalfa, wheat and corn indicatedthat sulfur fertility was not liming crop yield. I have talked to severalfarmers that were planning to apply sulfur that decided to use that fertilizermoney on other inputs, thus saving them money and potentially allowing forother inputs to be applied that are of greater need. We continue to monitor andresearch sulfur nutrition in Kentucky and are trying to develop a method toprovide sound advice for sulfur application rates when it might be needed.






Stories by Edwin Ritchey


KATS Promotional Video

about 5 years ago by Edwin Ritchey

David Stalion from Ag Communications has developed a nice promotional video to use during extension ... Read More


Amish Field Day

about 5 years ago by Edwin Ritchey

Raul Villanueva and graduate students in his program have worked closely with the Amish community in... Read More


Stories by Plant and Soil Sciences


2018 Kentucky Grazing Conference Profitable for Producers

2018 Kentucky Grazing Conference Profitable for Producers

about 5 years ago by Jimmy Henning

Specialists involved: Jimmy Henning, Ray Smith and Chris TeutschPastures are important to the profit... Read More


Photographs selected as national winners

Photographs selected as national winners

about 5 years ago by Jimmy Henning

Two photographs entered in the 2019 National Photo Contest of the American Forage and Grassland Coun... Read More