Fall-Applied Polysulphate on Corn
5.4
Waseca, MN
5.4
Key Conclusions
- Compared to conventional methods and sources of sulfur used for both spring and fall applications, notable increases in corn yield were achieved with Polysulphate.
- Polysulphate was shown to be an excellent fall-applied sulfur source for corn.
- Fall-applied Polysulphate can enhance the uptake of sulfur and ultimately crop yield in light textured soils.
- Polysulphate® enhanced nutrient absorption and utilization in plant tissue and grain, demonstrating its reliability across different application timings.
Objective
Evaluate the effects of Polysulphate® as a fall-applied sulfur source on corn yield and tissue and grain sulfur levels, compared to fall and applied grower standard practice sulfur and spring applied Polysulphate.
Trial Details
Trial station
Waseca, MN
Crop
Corn
Product
Polysulphate®
Assessments
Grain Yield (bu/A)
Treatments
This trial consisted of eight treatments:
1. Grower Standard Practice (GSP): Fall 5lb S/A
2. Grower Standard Practice (GSP): Fall 15lb S/A
3. Grower Standard Pratice (GSP): Spring 5lb S/A
4. Grower Standard Pratice (GSP): Spring 15lb S/A
5. Polysulphate: Fall 5lb S/A
6. Polysulphate: Fall 15lb S/A
7. Polysulphate: Spring 5lb S/A
8. Polysulphate: Spring 15lb S/A
Soil: Lightly textured soil
Researcher: Researcher Dr. Daniel Kaiser, University of Minnesota’s Waseca research site
Application Timing: Crop was grown and yield collected in 2018. Fall applications occurred in fall 2017, followed by spring applications in spring 2018.
Treatments
This trial consisted of eight treatments:
1. Grower Standard Practice (GSP): Fall 5lb S/A
2. Grower Standard Practice (GSP): Fall 15lb S/A
3. Grower Standard Pratice (GSP): Spring 5lb S/A
4. Grower Standard Pratice (GSP): Spring 15lb S/A
5. Polysulphate: Fall 5lb S/A
6. Polysulphate: Fall 15lb S/A
7. Polysulphate: Spring 5lb S/A
8. Polysulphate: Spring 15lb S/A
Soil: Lightly textured soil
Researcher: Researcher Dr. Daniel Kaiser, University of Minnesota’s Waseca research site
Application Timing: Crop was grown and yield collected in 2018. Fall applications occurred in fall 2017, followed by spring applications in spring 2018.
Results
- Fall applied Polysulphate increased yields compared to fall and spring applied GSP
- Fall applied Polysulphate generated comparable yields to spring applied Polysulphate
- Fall applied Polysulphate increased sulfur levels in both grain and tissue
- Fall applied Polysulphate (15 lb/A) increased grain yield by 5.4% compared to 15 lbs/A fall-applied GSP
Fall Applied Polysulphate
Polysulphate releases its nutrients more gradually than other forms of sulfur. Sulfate is an anion and, like nitrate, can leach deep into the soil profile where roots cannot reach. Polysulphate has prolonged release of sulfate from its crystal, thus is less prone to leaching, ensuring availability in early spring when crops need it most.