How to Correct
a Sulfur Deficiency
There are many products on the market
to correct sulfur deficiencies. These
range from elemental sulfur to any other
product ending in “sulfate” or “sulfide,”
including potassium sulfate, potassium
magnesium sulfate, ammonium
thiosulfate, ammonium polysulfide,
ammonium sulfate, potassium
thiosulfate, magnesium sulfate (aka
Epsom salts), and zinc sulfate.
It is important to consider certain
factors when selecting the appropriate
formulation to correct a sulfur deficiency,
however. Elemental sulfur (which is
90-95 per cent sulfur with a clay binder)
is the least expensive and most effec-
tive solution, but only if sulfur is the
only nutrient lacking. Before applying
any other type of sulfur amendment,
however, make sure to perform a soil
analysis so you don’t potentially add
any unneeded nutrients to your soil.
Of course, this can be beneficial. For
example, if it is discovered the soil
is also deficient in calcium, gypsum
(calcium sulfate) can be applied to the
area to address both the sulfur and
calcium deficiencies.
For those that do not wish to apply
a granular or manufactured fertilizer
to their crops, there are other viable
alternatives to treating sulfur
deficiencies. Manure often contains high
quantities of sulfur, as well as other
beneficial nutrients. Make sure that it
has composted or aged before applying,
though, as it will burn crops if applied
fresh. Other forms of organic matter like
composted leaves or food scraps should
also contain sufficient levels of sulfur to
correct a deficiency. Each one per cent of
organic matter in the top few inches of
soil contains up to 100 pounds of sulfur,
which is one of the reasons why soils
low in organic matter often are deficient
in this element.
Sulfer products range from elemental sulfur to any product ending in “sulfate” or “sulfide.”
Unlike many other nutrient deficiencies,
sulfur deficiencies can sometimes
correct themselves. If they occur at
the beginning of the season when soil
temperatures are still relatively low or
if they appear on young plants, there is
the possibility that it can pull enough
mineralized sulfur from the soil to
correct itself as the plant’s root system
reactivates or matures. This is because
mineralization is performed largely by
the microbial activity in the soil, which
is limited during colder months. If,
however, symptoms of sulfur deficiency
appear mid-season or on mature plants,
it will not likely correct itself.
grow cycle
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