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How can sulfur application help your corn crop?

Sierra Day, Field editor

July 8, 2021

2 Min Read
tractor pulling tank applying sidedress in cornfield
SIDEDRESSING: Applying sulfur during sidedressing could reduce sulfur deficiencies while maximizing yields and grain quality. Holly Spangler

Sulfur is an important factor in terms of corn yield and grain quality. When sulfur is low, AgriGold agronomists Kevin Gale and Joe Stephan recommend turning to management practices to maximize the end product.

Gale and Stephan say farmers have been reporting sulfur deficiencies in 2021, primarily in no-till or heavy residue situations.

Related: Sulfur: The key to crop nutrition 

Sulfur deficiency occurs because of slow mineralization, especially during the cool, wet weather of May, says Gale, who covers northern Illinois. Soil type matters, too.

“The lighter the soil, the less mineralization, or lower organic matter,” he says. “The higher organic matter soils typically release more sulfur as temperatures warm up and roots expand.”

Tissue sample tests are another way to realize the need for sulfur application. Stephan, who covers northern Indiana, shares what to look for in the results. If you just read the nitrogen and sulfur levels from a test, both may say they are adequate, he says. But if the ratio of nitrogen to sulfur is out of balance, then there is still a deficiency problem.

Sulfur interacts with nitrogen and affects yield and grain quality.

“Nitrogen and sulfur typically work hand in hand,” Gale says. “Sulfur helps nitrogen get into the plant and be more efficient with the plant.”

This means farmers can apply the two nutrients simultaneously.

“From an agronomic standpoint, we talk about applying sulfur when you are putting nitrogen out,” Gale says. “Whether it be on the planter, a two-by-two situation or sidedressing, putting sulfur in that program is typically beneficial.”

Stephan agrees that the key at this point in the season is that growers can apply sulfur later with sidedressing or consider sulfur application for next year.

Agronomists recommend applying 10 to 20 pounds of sulfur annually to grow a good corn crop.

“We have seen benefits from growers implementing sulfur when front-loading corn or sidedressing especially under the stressful conditions of this year,” Stephan says.

Want a successful crop? Recognize and take action on sulfur deficiency.

“It is all about building a factory,” Gale says. “Plants that have a quick start with good roots and good nutrient availability early is important for maximizing yields and grain quality.”

About the Author(s)

Sierra Day

Field editor, Farm Progress

A 10th-generation agriculturist, Sierra Day grew up alongside the Angus cattle, corn and soybeans on her family’s operation in Cerro Gordo, Ill. Although she spent an equal amount in farm machinery as she did in the cattle barn as a child, Day developed a bigger passion for the cattle side of the things.

An active member of organizations such as 4-H, FFA and the National Junior Angus Association, she was able to show Angus cattle on the local, state and national levels while participating in contests and leadership opportunities that were presented through these programs.

As Day got older, she began to understand the importance of transitioning from a member to a mentor for other youth in the industry. Thus, her professional and career focus is centered around educating agriculture producers and youth to aid in prospering the agriculture industry.

In 2018, she received her associate degree from Lake Land College, where her time was spent as an active member in clubs such as Ag Transfer club and PAS. A December 2020 graduate of Kansas State University in Animal Sciences & Industry and Agricultural Communications & Journalism, Day was active in Block & Bridle and Agriculture Communicators of Tomorrow, while also serving as a communications student worker in the animal science department.

Day currently resides back home where she owns and operates Day Cattle Farm with her younger brother, Chayton. The duo strives to raise functional cattle that are show ring quality and a solid foundation for building anyone’s herd.

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