Sulfur Fertilization

Dr. John Sawyer of Iowa State University presented their data on sulfur fertilization at the CCA meeting yesterday.  He said their best response to sulfur fertilization came on sandy soils.  He was disappointed with soil test sulfur being used to determine response.  His experience was that the test level was not a good predictor, but I am wondering if other factors could be involved.  It did seem that about 20 pounds per acre was the break point for economic payoff.  His did briefly discuss Illinois research as well.  I have seen the research plots during the growing season and there is a much bigger visual difference than the yield data would indicate, but still it is something we should be considering.  Common sources of sulfur are gypsum, ammonium sulfate, and elemental sulfur.  Check out my previous post   as well.