By KAREN BINDER
Illinois Correspondent

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Sulfur is an essential nutrient for corn and can help boost yields, which is why University of Illinois researchers are looking for volunteer farmers to help better understand its role in fields.

Fabian Fernandez is an extension soil fertility specialist leading this on-farm research, looking for farmers participate in sulfur trials statewide. “If you think you have sulfur deficiency occurring on your farm, please call us,” he said.
“In one out of six locations we do see significant increase in sulfur presence. This can be from a number of sources, including those we have not have not considered in past studies, such the impact from coal-fired power plants which still emit a fair amount of sulfur deposits.”

While the emphasis will be conducting the studies on light-colored, coarse-textured soils with less than 2 percent organic matter, “heavier,” darker-colored soils will be considered. Fields that have received manure or sulfur application within the last five years will not be considered.

According to Fernandez, farmers conducting the trials will need to follow a simple design applying 0 and 30 pounds sulfur per acre as a broadcast application in a uniform portion of the field. A minimum of three to as many as eight replications are needed for each field. These strips can be anywhere from eight to 16 rows wide by 300-1,000 feet long.

Sulfur sources will be limited to ammonium sulfate, MicroEssentials sulfur or elemental sulfur. Spring broadcast application is preferred. The host farmer will need to provide the yield for each strip based on a weigh wagon or combine yield monitor. Fernandez and his research team will visit the site two to three times during the growing season to take soil and plant samples.

Fernandez started this study in 2009. He discovered while some locations showed no response to sulfur, others did. Locations that were more responsive showed yield increases ranging from a few to more than 50 bushels per acre compared to the untreated check.

While 2010 yield data is not complete yet, Fernandez did see visual evidence that sulfur applications were achieving a response.

“Sulfur is a very important nutrient for corn production,” he said. “Historically, routine sulfur application for corn has not been recommended in Illinois because earlier research showed no response to sulfur and because soil supply, manure applications and/or atmospheric deposition were sufficient to supply sulfur needs for this crop.”

But times are changing. Soil sulfur levels or supply may be diminishing because of several factors. “Strict air pollution standards have cleaned the air of gaseous sulfur compounds, resulting in less sulfur atmospheric deposition,” he said. “In general, many agronomic inputs such as fertilizers, insecticides and fungicides are ‘cleaner,’ having less incidental sulfur in them.

“Also, fewer livestock operations across the state are leading to decreased manure applications, which further reduce the amount of sulfur being applied with this fertilizer source.”

At the same time less incidental sulfur is being applied or deposited, there is greater removal of sulfur by increasing crop yields, he added. Fernandez believes there is a need to further investigate sulfur fertilization for corn in Illinois. This study will produce valuable information regarding the frequency of sulfur deficiency that Illinois can expect, and more importantly, identifying the most likely regions or conditions under which sulfur deficiencies can occur in the state.

To increase the usefulness of this project to Illinois corn growers, Fernandez needs volunteers throughout the state who would like to participate in an on-farm research study. For more, contact him by e-mail at fernande@illinois.edu or call 217-333-4426.