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.






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