2021
Evaluating Sulfur Products and Timing in Soybeans by Management Zones
Contributor/Checkoff:
Category:
Sustainable Production
Keywords:
Data analysisData Management
Parent Project:
This is the first year of this project.
Lead Principal Investigator:
Missy Bauer, B&M Crop Consulting
Co-Principal Investigators:
Project Code:
Contributing Organization (Checkoff):
Institution Funded:
Brief Project Summary:
The overall objective of this project is to determine if sulfur applications should be part of the fertility management recommendation for Michigan growers. Project components include: determining if sulfur should be applied to soybeans to increase yields and profitability; determining whether the type or timing of sulfur changes the yield or economic response; studying whether sulfur tissue levels in the plant can be improved with sulfur applications. Researchers will compare responses by management zones to find if sulfur variable rate application improves economics and to see if certain soil types are more responsive to the sulfur applications.
Key Beneficiaries:
#agronomists, #applicators, #extension specialists, #farmers
Unique Keywords:
#analytical standards & measurements, #farm management, #soil fertility, #soybean yield, #sulfer, #sulfur
Information And Results
Project Summary

In recent years atmospheric sulfur deposition has been dramatically reduced due to reductions in power plant sulfur emissions. In 2000 it was estimated that Michigan received 8 to 11 lb of sulfur per acre from the atmosphere. By 2010 it was reduced to estimates of only 4 to 5 lb and in 2016 estimates were less than 1 lb of sulfur per acre from atmospheric deposition. The lack of atmospheric deposition has also reduced soil test levels of sulfur. Based on soil test data from B&M Crop Consulting most soil test levels are half the ppm they were in 2005. Many soils now have less than 10 ppm of sulfur. Despite the reductions in deposition and soil test levels, the need for sulfur in a soybean plant has increased as yields have increased. Soybeans remove about 0.20 lb of sulfur per bushel produced. Therefore 60 bushels soybeans remove about 12 lb per acre of sulfur. Removal has far exceeded deposition, which has also led to reduced soil test levels and a potential deficiency in the plant. Sulfur fertilizer may now be needed for soybeans to make up the difference and increase soybean yields. Some plots in Indiana by Purdue University have shown some positive response on average; but no trials have looked at the response across management zones in a field.

Project Objectives

The objective is to determine if sulfur fertilizer should be applied to the soybean crop in Michigan to increase yields and profitability. It will be determined if the type or timing of sulfur fertilizer changes the yield or economic response. Further it will be determined whether sulfur tissue levels in the plant can be improved with the sulfur applications. It will also compare the response by management zones to determine if variable rate application (VRA) of sulfur may improve economics. Analyzing the yield data by management zone will help determine if certain soil types are more responsive to the sulfur applications. The overall objective will be to determine if sulfur applications should be part of the fertility management recommendation for the state of Michigan.

Project Deliverables

Progress Of Work

Final Project Results

Benefit To Soybean Farmers

The reduction of atmospheric sulfur deposition has affected all Michigan soybean farmers. This study will help soybean farmers to determine if they should apply sulfur fertilizer to soybeans. This study may show if the VRA application of sulfur can improve the economics of sulfur applications. In addition to the Michigan Soybean Promotion Committee publishing the data results from this would be shared with Michigan
soybean growers through B&M Crop Consulting meetings, Farm Journal Magazine, and other various speaking events.

The United Soybean Research Retention policy will display final reports with the project once completed but working files will be purged after three years. And financial information after seven years. All pertinent information is in the final report or if you want more information, please contact the project lead at your state soybean organization or principal investigator listed on the project.