Don’t Let Sulfur Deficiency Derail Your Success

Growers face a wide variety of challenges that stress their crops, yield and profitability. Perhaps the most critical is declining soil fertility and the need for diligent nutrient management. The primary nutrients for plant growth are nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, known collectively as NPK. In addition to these primary nutrients, secondary nutrients including sulfur, calcium and magnesium, are necessary as well. Despite its secondary status, sulfur has become a top priority and challenge to growers due to its heightened deficiency.

Growers are experiencing recent sulfur deficits from two significant variables:

• Less sulfur emissions due to strict clean-air pollution standards
• Slowed microbial conversion of available sulfur to plant growth from cooler temperatures and rain saturated soil

As a result, farmers face compromised yields affecting quantity, bushel quality and density (test weight) that will continue to decline over time if sulfur problems are left unrecognized and uncorrected. Conversely, addressing and managing sulfur deficiency will not only control loss, but improve recovery of crop production yields.

Sulfur is essential for plant function. It serves as a structural component of protein, peptides and various enzymes, acts as a catalyst in chlorophyll production, is active in the conversion of inorganic nitrogen into protein and promotes nodule formation in legumes. The classic symptom of sulfur deficiency is paleness of younger foliage. However, many times the difference in paleness between older and younger foliage is not readily noticed and can be easily misdiagnosed. The only bona fide way to understand and regulate this deficiency is with a soil test or crop tissue sample.

Studies by the Sulfur Institute, an international, non-profit organization established in 1960 as a global advocate for sulfur, have demonstrated a need for sulfur in fertility programs in most states. To accurately identify nutrient imbalance, crops require both a soil and plant analysis to verify need and treatment protocol. If visible symptoms are evident, serious yield reductions may have already occurred, and as growers strive for exceptional production, the need for sulfur will increase proportionally.

Knowing when and how to use added sulfur can make or break a good harvest. To prevent crop loss and promote yield improvement, Monty’s Plant Food is a trusted resource with proprietary, proven solutions to nutrient deficiency. Monty’s offers:

            Sulfur 15

• Foliar fertilizer with 15% sulfur
• Activates enzyme and hormone systems for plant growth
• Can be applied with herbicides and insecticides through spray rigs

            Dri-Sulfur 42

• A 42% granular sulfur designed to enhance plant development that disperses with moisture
• Blends with conventional fertilizers
• Complements AMS applications

Based on the severity of sulfur insufficiency, several nutrient enhancement applications during the growing season may be required.

Declining soil fertility and mismanagement of plant nutrients are a serious threat. Repair problems and prevent recurrences with accurate information and exceptional solutions. For questions about sulfur deficiency or other soil nutrient challenges, visit montysplantfood.com or contact one of Monty’s experts at 1.800.978.6342.