Sulfur Deficiency in Corn

Written by Tom Hemesath

Sulfur is a critical nutrient in crop production that is often overlooked and mismanaged.  We first identified sulfur deficiency in corn, alfalfa and soybeans in 2009.  Prior to that we mistakenly assumed we were looking at nitrogen deficiency.  We began taking plant tissue samples and conducting small in field sulfur experiments and have done so every year since 2009.  We hand apply spray grade ammonium sulfate (AMS) to a small area and observe the response.  Our observations include visual plant color improvement, tissue test changes and yield improvement.  Almost every time we've done this experiment we have noticed a positive response to sulfur application.  The plants below are from the same 2 rows of corn and they are less that 5 feet apart.

This area received AMS on 6/24/21.  Notice the deep green color on all leaves.

This area received no application.  Notice the amount of firing of lower leaves.