Nutrients to Watch in 2011: Sulfur and Potassium
Carrie Laboski, Extension Soil Fertility Specialist, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Jerry Clark, Crop & Soils Agent, University of Wisconsin-Extension, Chippewa and Eau Claire Counties
Sulfur (S) and potassium (K) are two nutrients that Wisconsin alfalfa growers should watch based on an alfalfa plant analysis survey conducted in 2010 by the University of Wisconsin. Samples were collected from the top six inches of new growth when the crop was in the bud to first flower stage. Thirty-nine samples were collected from 17 counties in Wisconsin (Figure 1), with 37 samples collected prior to first cutting (May 19 to June 10) and the other two samples collected prior to second cutting (June 28 to July 13). Eight of the samples submitted came from fields, or portions of fields that were poor in appearance and noted a being lighter green and shorter/stunted. Tissue S concentrations were considered low (less than 0.25% S) in 88% of these samples and K concentrations were found to be low (less than 2.25% K) in 75% of the samples. A vast majority of samples (31 of 39) came from fields that appeared normal. In normal appearing fields, tissue S levels were low in 58% of the samples and K levels were low in 45% of the samples. For all samples submitted, 64% were low in S, 51% were low in K, and 31% were low in S and K. The range in tissue S concentrations was 0.11 to 0.34% S, while for tissue K it was 1.50 to 3.16%. Other tissue nutrient concentrations did not suggest widespread deficiencies, though boron (B) was low in 10% of all samples.
Figure 1. Location of alfalfa plant tissue samples collected in 2010.
The results of this plant analysis survey are not entirely surprising. Potassium applications were generally less than University of Wisconsin-Extension recommendations based on soil test K levels in each field. As potash fertilizer prices have remained elevated for several years, growers in Wisconsin, and likely many other regions in the USA, have applied less potash. Potassium deficit results from a greater amount of K being removed in the harvested crop compared to what has been applied in manure or fertilizer. As a rule of thumb, approximately 60 pounds of K2O is removed for every ton of dry matter harvested. Potassium deficit will result in soil test K levels declining over time. If soil test K levels are very high, then declining soil test K levels are not as big of a problem for crop production, provided the grower recognizes that at some point in time they will need to resume K applications as fertilizer or manure. However, if soil test K levels are optimum or lower, then reducing soil test K levels further may result in production problems such as reduced yield and/or poor winter survival. Soil testing every three to four years and following Land Grant University recommendations for K applications is the best way to ensure that K does not limit alfalfa production.
In a plant analysis survey conducted in 2000 and 2001, S was low in 38% of the alfalfa fields sampled in Wisconsin (Kelling et al., 2002). Sixty-four percent of all the alfalfa fields sampled in 2010 were considered low in S. The large increase in potential S deficiency is likely attributable to reduced atmospheric deposition of sulfate-S since enactment of the Clean Air Act. Atmospheric deposition has been a historically significant source of S for Wisconsin. The maps in Figure 2 show how much atmospheric S deposition has been reduced from 1985 through 2009. Recently S deficiency was diagnosed in some alfalfa fields in Iowa (Lang et al., 2006). Thus, finding alfalfa fields in Wisconsin with low tissue S concentrations is not surprising. However, the large percentage of samples with tissue S concentrations below 0.25%, and which otherwise appeared normal, is surprising.
Figure 2. Sulfate ion wet deposition in the continental USA in 1985 (left) and 2009 (right). Inits conversion: 1.0 kg/ha is 0.89 lb/a. Maps obtained from the National Atmospheric Deposition Program website: http://nadp.sws.uiuc.edu
Manure and soil organic matter are other significant sources of S for crop production. Manure was last applied more than five years ago on 31% of all fields sampled, while 26% of fields had manure applied within the last crop year. There was no significant difference in tissue S concentration based on years since the last manure application. There was also no significant relationship between soil organic matter content and tissue sulfur content. Tissue S concentration was not related to estimated available S in 2010 (based on manure and fertilizer S). At this time, prediction of S deficiency continues to be best done with plant sampling.
Lighter green, stunted, and spindlier plants with delayed maturity and thin stands characterize sulfur deficiency in alfalfa. If S deficiency is suspected, then tissue samples can be collected to determine the crops S status. Tissue samples should be collected from the top six inches of 30 to 40 plants that are at the bud to first flower growth stage and composited into one sample. Samples can be taken prior to any cutting. However if S deficiency is found earlier in the growing season, then fertilizer applications can be made earlier and yield increased. Tissues samples should be placed in paper envelopes after any soil or dust is brushed off and submitted to a soil testing laboratory. It is best to contact the laboratory prior to sample submission to verify sample handling procedures and confirm that the laboratory analyzes plant samples. Soil samples, collected at the same times as plant samples, can be useful in interpreting plant analysis results for phosphorus and K.
Plant samples that test less than 0.23% S will likely benefit from an application of 25 pounds of S per acre in a sulfate form. Samples that test 0.23% to 0.24% may also respond to fertilizer applications. A profitable response to S fertilizer is not expected if tissue S is 0.25% or greater. Fertilizer should be applied immediately after cutting before there is substantial regrowth to prevent injuring the regrowth with wheel traffic. If the grower would like to confirm a yield response to S, then fertilizer may be applied to field length strips or even small 10 foot by 10 foot areas (Lang et al., 2006). Visual responses to fertilizer, such as greenness and crop height, can be compared to untreated areas. It may take four weeks before visual responses can be seen and will be dependent upon soil moisture and temperature. If a grower would like to test for S response in a 10 foot by 10 foot area, then one-third pound of calcium sulfate (18% S) or one-quarter pound of ammonium sulfate (24% S) can be applied to the 100 square foot area.
In summary, S and K are two key nutrients that alfalfa growers should pay attention to improve yield. Neglecting K applications on soils testing low or optimum may decrease soil test K levels further and lead to production problems in alfalfa and rotational crops. Atmospheric deposition of S is decreasing and high demand crops such as alfalfa may require additional fertilizer or manure S to ensure high yields.
The experience in this survey was specific to Wisconsin, however low S and/or K can be problems in other regions as well. The alfalfa plant analysis survey will continue in 2011. If Wisconsin growers are interested in participating by having a field sampled and providing detailed field history, then they should contact their County Extension office. This survey was funded by the Midwest Forage Association and was made possible by the work of many University of Wisconsin-Extension faculty and staff.
References
Kelling, K.A., P.E. Speth, and S. van Wychen. 2002. Proceedings of the North Central Extension-Industry Soil Fertility Conference 18:53-59. http://extension.agron.iastate.edu/NCE/ verified 03/22/11.
Lang, B., J. Sawyer, and S. Barnhart. 2006. Dealing with sulfur deficiency in northeast Iowa alfalfa production. p. 225-235. In Proc. 18th Annual Integrated Crop Management Conf., Ames, IA 29-30 Nov. 2006. Iowa State Univ., Ames, IA. http://www.agronext.iastate.edu/soilfertility/info/2006LangICMConfProcBL_11-16-06.pdf verified 03/22/11.
NADP. 2009. National Atmospheric Deposition Program. http://nadp.sws.uiuc.edu/ verified 03/22/11.