The switch to low Sulphur coals and natural gas in power generation and a dramatic reduction in domestic coal use, has led to a marked decline in this ‘free’ source of Sulphur.
As a result, applications of Sulphur to crops have become an essential part of nutrient management planning for farmers and agronomists.
Soils at risk of Sulphur deficiency are typically:
- Loamy and coarse silty soils in areas with >200 mm rainfall between November and February.
- Clay, fine silty or peat soils in areas with >400 mm rainfall between November and February.
*RB209 Sec 2, page 12.
Diagnosis of Sulphur deficiency includes paling of young leaves and stunted growth, in OSR pale petals and interveinal yellowing are a signal of Sulphur deficiency.
Tissue analysis is useful in cereals, OSR and grass however the results may arrive too late for remedial action.
Grain Quality
Sulphur supports Nitrogen in the production of proteins, important for high crop yields.
In breadmaking wheat, protein production and protein quality are important for loaf volume.
In brassicas, Sulphur is in glucosinolate compounds, giving them their characteristic peppery taste and reduces the potential of immature rapeseed which attracts a market penalty.
Maize Silage Quality
Sulphur in conjunction with Nitrogen is important in improving protein production in the plant, this is necessary to produce sugars and maximise both dry matter yield and starch content.
Grass Quality
In grass, Sulphur is probably more important for improving the protein quality of grazing and silage than increasing yields, this is important in getting as much production from grass and silage as possible and reducing bought in feed costs.
