A weekly report prepared by the staff of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA). If you require further information, regarding this report, call the Elora Resource Centre at 519-846-0941. Office hours: 8:30am to 4:30pm. For technical information, call the Agricultural Information Contact Centre at 1-877-424-1300 or visit the OMAFRA website: www.ontario.ca/omafra.
SULPHUR DEFICIENCY IN WINTER WHEAT
Sulphur (S) deficiency was very prevalent in winter wheat last spring, including fields with a history of manure applications.
The deficiency seen in many fields may have resulted from a cooler than normal April reducing S mineralization.
S applications may not be required every year due to the year to year variation in response which might have you asking the question, why bother with S applications?
Historically S deficiency in winter wheat was not an issue; however, since sulphur oxide emissions have decreased significantly, there is a need to ensure the crop has an adequate supply of S.
Ontario research has shown there is a variation in yield responses to S applications depending on the year.
Years with cool, damp spring conditions showed more of a yield response.
Interestingly, when the data was analyzed further and separated into responsive and non-responsive sites, yield gains were even more significant on responsive fields.
So, as we start thinking about fertility management this spring, don’t forget about sulphur.
Pay close attention to the temperature and if the weather continues cool into the spring as wheat advances an application of S may be needed.
Get out and walk your fields and if you are seeing deficiency symptoms consider a tissue analysis to confirm.
Ontario research suggests yield responses for S applications when tissue-S concentrations are below 0.25, while tissue-S concentrations above 0.30 rarely show a response.
For the entire article and related tables and photos: field visit cropNews.com/author/joan na-follings.
Written by Joanna Follings, cereals specialist, OMAFRA
COMING EVENTS
May 9 – St. Marys, Day 1 – Canada-Ontario Environmental Farm Plan (EFP) workshops and webinars for Growing Forward 2 (GF2). Visit www.ontari osoilcrop.org or call 519-955-3139 for location of workshop or more information.
May 16 – St. Marys, Day 2 – Canada-Ontario Environmental Farm Plan (EFP) workshops and webinars for Growing Forward 2 (GF2). Visit www.ontari osoilcrop.org or call 519-955-3139 for location of workshop or more information.
