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


Kentucky Agriculture Training School (KATS) – Coffee KATS Videos

about 4 years ago by Edwin Ritchey

We started a new video series to address specific topics related to crop production. These videos ar... Read More


Kentucky Agriculture Training School (KATS) – Half and Full Day Winter Meetings

about 4 years ago by Edwin Ritchey

KATS was developed with the intention of being a very hands-on training series where specialists wor... Read More


Stories by Plant and Soil Sciences


Small Horse Farm Improves Forage from UK Equine Pasture Evaluation Program

Small Horse Farm Improves Forage from UK Equine Pasture Evaluation Program

about 4 years ago by Jimmy Henning

In 2016, Paul and Melita Knapper were the first farm to be enrolled in the RCPP Overgrazing and Soil... Read More


Fescue eradication and improved management increases profits for Central Kentucky Thoroughbred Farm

Fescue eradication and improved management increases profits for Central Kentucky Thoroughbred Farm

about 4 years ago by Jimmy Henning

A central Kentucky thoroughbred horse farm experienced a high incidence of fescue toxicosis symptoms... Read More