Sulfur deficiency may pop up in Indiana fields

GALVA, Ill. — Farmers may notice sulfur deficiencies in cornfields this year.

“We’ve seen quite a bit of sulfur deficiency this year, especially in no-till or heavy residue situations,” said Kevin Gale, AgriGold agronomist in northern Illinois. “A lot of that can be contributed to slow mineralization, especially during cool, wet conditions in May.”

Sulfur and nitrogen typically work hand in hand, Gale said. Sulfur helps nitrogen get in the plant and be more efficient.

Sulfur deficiency shows up as pale yellow foliage or yellow striping in corn.

“We typically talk about applying sulfur when you’re applying nitrogen,” Gale said. “Every time you put nitrogen out, putting sulfur out with that program is typically beneficial, especially when you’re looking for higher yields.

“Pulling tissue tests is a good indication of whether you’re going to be short of sulfur or if we need to add an application. Anywhere from 10 to 20 pounds of sulfur is typically recommended annually to grow a good corn crop.”

Joe Stephan, an AgriGold agronomist in northern Indiana, said that sulfur problems are common in sandy or clay soils. This year it’s popping up in other soil types, too.

To combat the deficiencies, farmers can apply sulfur with nitrogen this summer, or plan to apply it next spring. Especially in lighter soils with less organic matter, sulfur deficiency can impact yields.

“The more productive acres, the higher organic matter fields, typically release sulfur as temperatures warm up and roots expand out,” Stephan said. “So, we can mask some of those situations.

“But I think it’s all about building a factory. Those plants get off to a quick start with good roots and good nutrient availability early. The right concentrations are very important to maximize yield and grain quality.”

Agronomists are also keeping an eye on subsoil moisture in parts of the state.

“I don’t think our subsoil moisture is as good as we would like,” Stephan said. “We’ll catch an inch of rain and then three days later, it’s kind of dry on top again.

“It doesn’t take long to get rid of moisture. Hopefully that’s not an issue as we move into what’s typically the driest part of summer.”