SOYBEAN RESPONSE TO IN-SEASON APPLIED SULFUR
Douridas, N.1; Griffith, M.21Farm Manager, Molly Caren Farm, Farm Science Review, London, OH, 43140
2Extension Educator, ANR, OSU Extension, Madison County, London, OH, 43140
Abstract:
A field trial looking at soybean response to in-season applied sulfur (S) was conducted to evaluate yield and economic outcomes. A trend in reduced atmospheric sulfur deposition suggests there may be a need to make applications for crop production. This study conducted in Madison County, Ohio at the Molly Caren Ag Center in 2019 evaluated 30” soybeans and Thio-Sul as a sulfur source. The trial was planted on 5/29/19 at 140,000 seeds population. At growth stage V3, 10 gallons per acre (GPA) of Thio-sul was applied using a Y-DropTM sidedress drawn applicator. The rate of Thio-sul is equivalent to 29 lbs. of S. The Thio-sul was diluted with 10 GPA of water for a total application of 20 GPA to reduce any plant injury potential. The growing season from planting date to maturity resulted in 12.69” of rain which is well below normal. At harvest, no statistical difference in yield was observed between the in-season applied sulfur (51 bushels/acre) and the zero check (48 bushels/acre). A $10.00 per acre economic advantage was reported with the in-season sulfur treatments, however; there would be no statistical economic difference between treatments since yield is part of the economic calculation. Future evaluation should be continued in different growing seasons and field environments. Rainfall catchment of sulfur deposition along with soil and plant tissue analysis could be conducted to validate the needs of a soybean sulfur program.