AgWeb released information on Apr. 16 regarding the importance of sulfur fertilizer in addressing sulfur deficiency in corn and soybean crops. The publication discusses when to apply sulfur, how to diagnose deficiencies, and recommendations for maximizing yield.
Sulfur is essential for crop nutrition because it helps plants use nitrogen efficiently and aids in protein formation, especially in soybeans. In some cases of corn with sulfur deficiency, using sulfur fertilizer has resulted in an average increase of 11 bushels per acre. Experts recommend prioritizing sulfur application for corn since it generally provides a greater production benefit compared to soybeans, though soybeans may still benefit from residual nutrients as part of a rotation system.
The need for sulfur varies by field conditions such as soil type and organic matter content. Corn requires between 0.05 pounds and 0.10 pounds of sulfur per bushel produced, with deficiencies most common in fields that are low in organic matter or have coarse or sandy textures. Symptoms differ between nitrogen and sulfur deficiencies: while nitrogen issues show up on older leaves with yellow “reverse V” marks, sulfur problems appear first on younger leaves as pale yellow striping.
Before applying rescue applications of sulfur fertilizer, AgWeb advises growers to conduct visual scouting and tissue testing before the V6 growth stage of corn rather than relying solely on soil tests. Application methods include banding or broadcasting the fertilizer alone or combined with other nutrients such as nitrogen or phosphate; however, ammonium thiosulfate should not be placed directly into seed furrows due to potential seedling damage.
For best results where deficiency is confirmed, recommended rates are typically 15 pounds per acre for fine-textured soils and up to 25 pounds per acre for coarser soils—applied ahead of corn years if rotating with soybeans.
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