Sulfur
Sulfur prices have surged more than fivefold, threatening phosphate fertilizer production. With global supply tightening, farmers could face higher prices, or even fertilizer shortages, heading into the months ahead.
Weather extremes are creating challenges, but growers can still make agronomic decisions between R4 and R6 to help protect yield potential.
Illinois Soybean Association on-farm research found that sulfur can boost yields under certain soil and management conditions—but it’s far from a blanket recommendation.
From sulfur and nitrogen deficiencies to silk-clipping beetles, Ken Ferrie breaks down what farmers need to address now in ponded, replanted and unevenly developing fields.
Reopening of the global fertilizer supply pinch point gives optimism but many questions remain.
As the crop enters rapid growth stages, Agronomist Missy Bauer tells farmers to confirm nitrogen and sulfur availability or risk leaving bushels in the field.
Purdue’s Dan Quinn explains how using strategies like moisture-seeking planting and the critical N:S ratio are keys to higher yields.
As planting dates shift earlier, the nutrient is delivering significant yield responses and surprising protection against sudden death syndrome.
New studies highlight how thiosulfates not only supply sulfur but also significantly reduce nitrogen loss by slowing the conversion of ammonium to nitrate in the soil.
In some cases, the sulfur deficiency can be traced back to last fall when ammonium sulfate and DAP were taken out of fertilizer programs to reduce costs. In other scenarios, the corn just isn’t getting adequate sulfur — but the problem can be corrected.
In addition to planting soybeans early and applying fungicide, Dan Vogel puts on the appropriate amount of nutrients for the given year, instead of trying to bank nutrients or apply a two-year spread.
Here’s an overview of some developments that have changed products to be not your father’s fertilizer.