Soil Sulfur Extraction Methods Optimizing Plant Sulfur Levels.

Recently, sulfur (S) deficiencies have been reported globally in crops and there is evidence that Mid-Atlantic region of the U.S. is not exceptional. To establish sulfur recommendations it is essential that optimal soil sulfur extraction methods be ascertained.  We conducted a laboratory study alongside an on-going field study to determine possible corn response to sulfur application. Five rates (0, 20, 40, 60, and 80 kg ha-1) replicated 4 times were applied using three methods; pre-plant, sidedress, and split between pre-plant and sidedress in a complete randomized block design. Tissue S concentration responses were measured and correlated with common soil S extractions methods to evaluate their ability to predict plant S content and therefore plant S need.