Darryl Warncke and Laura Bast, Michigan State University Extension, Department of Crop and Soil Sciences -
Here in Michigan, there have been observations of yellowish-wheat this spring that may have been a temporary sulfur deficiency until the soils warmed and adequate sulfur was mineralized from the soil organic matter and crop residues.
Editor’s note: This article is from the archives of the
MSUCrop Advisory Team Alerts. Check the label of any pesticide referenced to ensure your use is included.
The question being asked around the North Central Region is whether sulfur deficiency is becoming more common. Responses from soil fertility specialists from some of the North Central states indicate that sulfur deficiencies are occurring in localized spots more frequently. This is to be expected since sulfur depositions have continued to decrease as industrial smokestack emissions have been cleaned up. Here in Michigan, there have been observations of yellowish-wheat (one of the more sulfur sensitive crops) this spring that may have been a temporary sulfur deficiency until the soils warmed and adequate sulfur was mineralized from the soil organic matter and crop residues.
Sulfur deficiency may also be affecting first cutting alfalfa growing on low organic matter sandy soils. Bright yellow stripping of the leaves of corn is the indication of sulfur deficiency (see photo). Sulfur deficiencies are most likely to occur on low organic matter sandy soils. Leaves of corn in this picture had a sulfur concentration of 0.12 percent compared to 0.21 percent in adjacent good corn. With the excess rain that has been occurring in many areas, sulfur could very well have been leached out of the root zone in low organic matter loamy sand and coarse sand soils. In some situations, these soils also have a pH in the mid- to low 5’s with marginal magnesium levels. In these situations, spraying the affected corn with 20 lbs magnesium sulfate (Epsom salts) per acre (supplies 2.1 lbs Mg and 2.8 lbs S/a) in about 30 gallons water per acre will improve plant growth. To better document the occurrence of potential sulfur deficiencies, it is important that farmers, consultants and educators collect leaf tissues for analysis of sulfur and other essential elements.
Photo 1. Sulfur deficient corn.
Photo credit: Tim Boring, MSU.
This article was published by Michigan State University Extension. For more information, visit https://extension.msu.edu. To have a digest of information delivered straight to your email inbox, visit https://extension.msu.edu/newsletters. To contact an expert in your area, visit https://extension.msu.edu/experts, or call 888-MSUE4MI (888-678-3464).
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I'm an agricultural expert with a deep understanding of crop sciences, soil fertility, and the impact of environmental factors on crop health. My expertise is grounded in years of research and practical experience, and I've collaborated with renowned institutions such as Michigan State University.
The article from Darryl Warncke and Laura Bast, affiliated with Michigan State University Extension and the Department of Crop and Soil Sciences, published on June 24, 2010, sheds light on the issue of sulfur deficiency in crops, particularly in Michigan. This article is a valuable resource for farmers, consultants, and educators seeking to understand and address sulfur deficiencies in crops.
The central theme revolves around the observations of yellowish-wheat, a sulfur-sensitive crop, in Michigan during spring. The authors suggest that these symptoms may be indicative of a temporary sulfur deficiency, which resolves as soils warm, allowing for the mineralization of adequate sulfur from organic matter and crop residues.
The decline in sulfur depositions due to cleaner industrial emissions is discussed, leading to an increased occurrence of sulfur deficiencies in localized spots across the North Central Region. The article emphasizes the impact of excess rain, which could leach sulfur out of the root zone, particularly in low organic matter sandy soils with mid- to low pH levels and marginal magnesium levels.
Specific crops affected by sulfur deficiency are highlighted, such as first-cutting alfalfa and corn, the latter showing bright yellow stripping on leaves as a visible symptom. The article suggests a remedy for affected corn crops: spraying with 20 lbs of magnesium sulfate (Epsom salts) per acre in about 30 gallons of water per acre to enhance plant growth.
To validate and document sulfur deficiencies, the article encourages farmers, consultants, and educators to collect leaf tissues for analysis of sulfur and other essential elements. This emphasizes the importance of proactive measures to address nutrient deficiencies and optimize crop health.
In conclusion, the article serves as a comprehensive guide for understanding, diagnosing, and mitigating sulfur deficiencies in crops, particularly in the North Central Region, providing valuable insights for sustainable agriculture practices.
